10 Best Arizona Destinations You Need to Explore After You Retire

Do you know that a lot of people want to visit Arizona after retirement? Don’t get us wrong. This is even the dream “home” of many retirees. If you just want to live a chill life and hang around with your partner, you can take a look at the 10 best spots to retire in Arizona for 2020. But let’s go back to our topic. Don’t let your old age get in the way of exploring or touring this state that is remarkably blessed with awesome spots!

Here are 10 best Arizona destinations you need to visit after retirement:

1. Scottsdale

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The city of Scottsdale is a remarkable retirement destination. You are free to just be laidback about everything. In fact, you might want to try playing in golf clubs or visiting luxury resorts. If you want to embrace your more adventurous side and give justice to the “You Only Live Once” saying, then you can tour the Sonoran Desert to see the majestic landscapes. Chilling while riding a tub in Salt River doesn’t sound so bad, too. And before you go, do yourself a favor and visit the Museum of the West to appreciate the art and culture of Scottsdale. After all, nothing beats a trip to the museum, right?

2. Sun City

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If you’re looking for a place to go without going too far from Phoenix, this may be the one for you! There are several recreational activities for you to enjoy. For instance, you can enjoy a day of sunshine by the Maricopa Lake or play a game of poker or blackjack at the Desert Diamond Casino. Just because you’ve reached your golden years doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a night of fun. Well, this place has a lot of fellow retirees. There are visitors such as you, and even more people living there. You can get to know them and see what the community is like. If you are lucky, you might meet people who will happily give you a tour of Sun City. That would be amazing.

3. Sun City West

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Why should you visit Arizona after retirement? If I were to answer that question, I’d probably say, so I could enjoy many peaceful days. Just like Sun City, this is one of the best places to visit. You’ll get to meet a lot of people or fellow retirees, and enjoy playing golf or swimming. The place prides itself as the nation’s “premier active adult golf community.” It basically offers the lifestyle you’ve been looking for. Active adults 55 and up would surely appreciate everything that is already in this community. There are four recreation centers with different chartered clubs, a state-of-the-art bowling space, and a movie theater. They also have a library if you prefer to engross yourself in good reads.

Sun City West has a low tax rate so if you ever plan to settle down here, we are sure you will enjoy your retirement money to the fullest. It doesn’t matter whether you are a Baby Boomer or part of the Greatest Generation, you will find the Sun City West lifestyle particularly appealing.

4. Paradise Valley

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This humble town in Arizona is truly a winner for those who want to see an overlooking view of the mountains. While it might be a little difficult for you to climb to the top of the Camelback Mountain, at least you can enjoy your stay in a luxury resort. The Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort will give you epic views without the need to conquer a challenging and physically exhausting hike. Paradise Valley is also home to luxury golf clubs. Just take your pick and play a game or two with your buddies. The place also experiences an average of 294 days of sunshine a year. There is no limit to the number of activities you can do each day during your visit.

5. Catalina Foothills

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This relatively average city in Arizona with just a little over 50,000 population is a good pick to visit after retirement. Just a little trivia, this place also has a low crime rate so it is generally safe for seniors to live in. That means you can just breeze walk in the morning and explore the place on foot. Who knows? You might end up standing in front of the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures. If not, then you can always check out the different art galleries in the community, or play in any of the spectacular golf courses. After that, you can just dine and indulge in a day of shopping. Everything is within your reach. You’ve got to love that!

6. Litchfield Park

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This place is truly one of the best places to see in Arizona. If you are planning to visit, we suggest you go during the Annual Wigwam Festival of Fine Art to celebrate history and art together. It is celebrated at Litchfield Park’s historic district, the Wigwam Resort. You will seriously love the awesome pieces of more than 100 of the Southwest’s most accomplished fine artists and craftsmen. Since the event takes place in an outdoor gallery, you will find the refreshing beverages and the alfresco dining top-notch as it compliments the fun festival experience.

7. Prescott

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Prescott’s weather is perfect for retirees who just want some cool breeze from pine trees, mountains, and lakes. For example, Watson Lake is a good place to visit because it offers boating and fishing opportunities. You can just come with the whole family and enjoy a relaxing weekend. Who wouldn’t want that huh? Feel free to check out equally amazing destinations such as the Sharlot Hall Museum where you can see the restored governor’s home or the Goldwater Lake for a picnic date. If for some reason, you get an idea that you want to settle here for good, don’t worry! There are a lot of vacant homes for sale right now. You don’t want to waste this opportunity!

8. Cottonwood

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Don’t get the idea that retirees are no fun. There are many individuals who still seek a destination full of natural wonders. If that’s the case, clear a whole day and check out Cottonwood. It is located at the center of Coconino National Forest. You will find Old West attractions, a dinner theater, mining exhibits, ghost town, parks, and different historical landmarks. Once you’re done exploring the city, you can even opt for a visit to the Grand Canyon because it is just 2 hours from there.

9. Florence

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If you want to visit Arizona after retirement, you might as well consider coming to Florence. There are a lot of interesting places here! Some of the top sights include the McFarland State Historic Park, Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, and the Pinal County Historical Museum. You can also knock yourself out at the Windmill Winery. Although this one is one of the oldest towns in Arizona, you will find the destinations here particularly refreshing. Who knows? Once the global health crisis blows over, maybe you can visit Country Thunder and just be in the moment listening to country music. Country Thunder is actually a promotion company that hosts different music events every year since 1996. If you happen to be in town during their country music event, you will appreciate the multiple headliners playing on numerous stages! Generally, the music events last for three days in the first week of April. No one will stop you from having a splendid time!

10. Golden Valley

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Look what we have here. A place that offers you the promise of living a golden life. The retirees staying at Golden Valley enjoy only a 15.7% tax rate so they can actually spend their tax savings on other important things. There may be not a lot of things to do here, but you can always visit unique places not really known to many Arizona tourists. You can visit the Santa-Claus themed ghost town named Santa Claus in the Mojave Desert, or you can also visit the Fish Bowl Spring with your family. Do you want to party the night away? Don’t worry! Las Vegas is just 2 hours away.

Ever dreamed of visiting Arizona after retirement? We support that idea! There are a lot of cities to explore where you can have fun, play golf, chill, or simply be in awe of nature. What is your favorite place from this list?

If you liked this article, you might also be interested in knowing the happiest cities in Arizona.