by Robert Borges on March 25, 2024
As active, 55+ baby boomers close in on retirement (if they’re not already there), the quest to find their perfect lifestyle community becomes more focused. If you’re among that demographic and happen to be looking for a warm year-round climate coupled with gorgeous landscapes and plenty of stimulating activities, it’s tough to beat the Grand Canyon State.
There’s certainly no shortage of fantastic Arizona retirement communities, so in an effort to narrow down your search, we’ve compiled this list of what we think are some of the best 55+ communities in Arizona.
Encanterra- Queen Creek, AZ
Homeowners at Encanterra®, a Trilogy® Resort Community gain access to an array of resort amenities that solidify it as one of the best active retirement communities in Arizona. Its award-winning desert golf course designed by PGA Tour legend Tom Lehman is complemented by La Casa— the 60,000-square-foot Mediterranean-style clubhouse and recreation center. It’s there you’ll enjoy private tennis, fitness and spa facilities, three swimming pools, four restaurants, a large outdoor amphitheater and a full suite of resort services. And that’s not all! The Algarve is another impressive clubhouse in the community with more amenities that include a demonstration kitchen, artisan studio, indoor and outdoor concert area, eight pickleball courts, and bocce ball.
Trilogy at Wickenburg Ranch- Wickenburg, AZ
Trilogy® at Wickenburg Ranch is a new Arizona golf and resort community in the high Sonoran Desert about an hour northwest of Phoenix. This active lifestyle resort community in the historic mining and ranching town (once dubbed the “Dude Ranch Capital of the World”) offers select age-restricted neighborhoods, instantly making it one of the best 55+ communities in Arizona. Wickenburg Ranch includes a scenic desert golf course and a resort club with a spacious full-service clubhouse and an active program of outdoor activities and social events throughout the year.
Victory at Verrado- Buckeye, AZ
Tucked away in a mountain setting overlooking The Valley of the Sun, Victory at Verrado is a 55+ active adult community located just 25 miles from Phoenix. Leading experts in food, health, fitness, and education were consulted in designing amenities that coalesce to form one of the best active retirement communities in Arizona. Residents are treated to a restaurant that uses fresh local ingredients from the Chef’s Garden, cooking classes at the teaching kitchen, a cliffside vineyard with tastings and lectures, fitness center with racquet sports pavilion and swimming pools, a spa, extensive trail systems, and two golf courses.
Estrella- Goodyear, AZ
Estrella, located 17 miles west of Phoenix, is a vibrant mixed-use master-planned community spanning 20,000 acres, catering to residents of all ages. Among its seven distinct new home neighborhoods is Cantamia, an exclusive 55+ gated enclave. Residents enjoy three residents’ clubs with resort-style amenities, including fitness centers, swimming pools, and sports courts. Estrella offers a range of recreational options, from a championship golf course to lakes, trails, and parks, making it one of Arizona's top active adult communities. With easy access to the Greater Metro-Phoenix area and stunning mountain views, Estrella provides a diverse selection of new homes, ranging from 1,361 to 3,262 square feet, ensuring there's something for every lifestyle within this dynamic Arizona community.
Las Palmas Grand Active 55+ Resort- Mesa, AZ
Las Palmas Grand in Mesa, Arizona, is a 55+ gated community offering luxury resort living at an affordable price. Designed for active adults, it features a 30,000-square-foot clubhouse with various amenities such as a fitness center, ballroom, billiards, and more. Residents enjoy a vibrant social calendar and recreational activities, including pickleball and a heated pool. Thesman Communities offers pre-owned custom homes designed for energy efficiency and minimum maintenance, with a variety of floor plans available. A courtesy shuttle bus is provided for easy access to nearby shops, restaurants, and attractions.
