by Robert Borges on January 30, 2024
As the winter chill gradually gives way to the warmth of spring, the world of baseball comes alive with the much-anticipated arrival of spring training. This annual rite marks the beginning of a new season, a time when players and teams converge in sun-soaked destinations to fine-tune their skills, build camaraderie, and set the stage for the upcoming MLB season. It's a big deal for baseball fans across the country with many flocking to cities in Florida and Arizona each spring to get an up-close look at their favorite teams. But what if you lived near a Major League Baseball spring training facility and had easy access to see all the action every year?
We’ve created a list of some of the best places to retire that offer quick access to spring training games of some of your favorite professional baseball teams. Read on to learn more about spring training cities in Florida and Arizona.
Port St. Lucie, FL
Team: New York Mets
Since 1988, the New York Mets have made Port St. Lucie their home base for spring training. The Mets have a loyal fan base in Port St. Lucie consisting of many snowbirds and retirees. In addition to spring training, Port St. Lucie offers quick access to South Florida beaches, arts and cultural attractions in West Palm Beach, and golf courses at PGA Village. Explore retirement communities near Port St. Lucie.
Sarasota, FL
Team: Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles’ presence in Sarasota goes beyond spring training, with the organization hosting various baseball and non-baseball events throughout the year. This includes arts, philanthropic initiatives, and community events. Sarasota holds its own as a retirement destination, with a rich cultural atmosphere and beautiful beaches. In 2016, TopRetirements named Sarasota the “Most Popular Place to Retire.” Explore retirement communities near Sarasota.
Bradenton, FL
Team: Pittsburgh Pirates
Considered by some to be Florida’s version of Fenway Park, LECOM Park (formerly known as McKechnie Field) has hosted the Pittsburgh Pirates since 1969 and will continue to do so through 2037. The field is the oldest stadium for spring training and the classic baseball setting appeals to many baseball traditionalists and ballpark enthusiasts. Located between Tampa and Sarasota, Bradenton has a lively arts scene, low cost of living, and offers easy access to beaches and boating. Explore retirement communities near Bradenton.
Tampa, FL
Team: New York Yankees
The first spring training site in Florida, Tampa has hosted several Major League Baseball teams for spring training since 1913. The New York Yankees return each year for spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field, the largest spring training ballpark in Florida. Besides its baseball offerings, Tampa is a diverse city with an array of cultural attractions, sports venues, educational opportunities, and healthcare facilities. Explore retirement communities near Tampa.
Scottsdale, AZ
Teams: San Francisco Giants, Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies
Scottsdale residents have a full schedule of spring training games to attend, with the San Francisco Giants, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Colorado Rockies all calling the Arizona city their spring training home. Scottsdale also has the draw of the mountains, golf courses, and favorable financial conditions. Explore retirement communities near Scottsdale.
Phoenix, AZ
Teams: Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox
Arizona’s capital city is the spring training headquarters for several teams. The spacious Maryvale Baseball Stadium is a pleasant place to enjoy a Brewers game and you’re never out of view of the action, and the gorgeous Camelback Ranch provides a sprawling facility for the Dodgers and White Sox. Cities in Arizona are frequently placed on best places to retire lists and Phoenix is no exception as it is a highly livable and affordable city surrounded by beautiful desert scenery. Explore retirement communities near Phoenix.
Surprise, AZ
Teams: Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers
Surprise Stadium is located in beautiful Surprise, Arizona approximately 45 minutes northwest of downtown Phoenix. In addition to MLB spring training, Surprise Stadium and Recreation Campus host a series of nationally ranked baseball tournaments throughout the year in partnership with highly accredited sports organizations. Explore retirement communities near Surprise.
Goodyear, AZ
Teams: Cleveland Guardians, Cincinnati Reds
Conveniently located 20 minutes west of Phoenix, just south of Interstate 10, Goodyear Ballpark is situated in an ideal location. As the town of Goodyear continues to blossom, the area offers plenty of dining, shopping, and golf all nearby, with an abundance of outdoor recreation for residents to enjoy when they're not taking in a baseball game. Explore retirement communities near Goodyear.
Peoria, AZ
Teams: San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners
Located in the heart of the P83 Entertainment District, Peoria Sports Complex is one of the West Valley's premier event venues, with a capacity of 12,000 people. Peoria is a great town for active adults, known for 23,000 acre Lake Pleasant Regional Park which features two marinas and is a popular spot for boating, fishing, water skiing, kayaking, and camping. Explore retirement communities near Peoria.
