Arizona falls off list of retiree hotspots; Peoria ranks No. 1 for cities. Here's why By Catherine Reagor, Published by Arizona Republic, Monday, July 7, 2025 Arizona is no longer a top state for drawing retirees, likely due to housing costs. But Peoria is the top U.S. city for drawing retirees, according to one recent study. Three other Valley cities rank on that list as well. Home to some of the U.S.’s first large retirement communities, including Sun City in the West Valley, Arizona, has been a top destination for people ready to retire and enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle since the 1960s. Arizona as well as other long-popular retirement states, Florida and Nevada, ranked in the bottom 10 U.S. states where 65- to 74-year-old out-of-staters were moving to, according to BizInsure’s analysis of the U.S. Census’ American Community Survey data between 2010 to 2023. A study cited by AARP, done by moving company HireAHelper, didn’t put Arizona in the top 10 for retirees, but Florida ranked No. 2. Full article HERE
One can only smile at the headline...Hot spot indeed, on a record setting day for Phoenix...118 degrees. If that ain't a hot spot, i don't know what is. Seriously, i would argue our failure to promote and showcase all Sun City offers seniors has helped us fall off the map.
I also think that retiree culture is changing. Some folks want to retire to a smaller city with ( 4 seasons). The excessively long hot summers with nothing to do is not everyone's cup of tea any longer. And the home prices are not what it once was. We do have low taxes going for us though. SC could still be a great place if you want to live here for part of the year, and have another simple home in another location. I personally think lifestyle is changing and that some folks want the four seasons and want to be able to walk around outside during summer, pick apples in fall, and enjoy a less heavily urban way of life. I have family that retired to a small city in north central Minnesota and they love I it. After living here now over 50 years, I liked Phoenix better when we were still just a smaller city. I no longer want to get near freeways unless I have too. I am not feeling the charm that I once felt for Phoenix. I also remember SC from the early days, and the culture was different then. More friendly with simple fun and many wonderful little shops to tool around in. I am sad that all of this is gone and not coming back. We should concentrate on keeping our amenities new and up to date if we want to attract home buyers who can bring some capital to the community. We have to have this place modern, clean and attractive.
