Desert cities can be great places to retire if you’re looking for a place with dry weather and low humidity. Or maybe you like being outside in a warm desert climate during the winter months.
So, if you're preparing for retirement, check out these desert oases that let you bask in the golden rays all day during your golden years.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!1
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Lake Havasu City in the Sonoran Desert may be a great option if you like both sunshine and water. Retirees will find plenty of opportunities for fishing and boating in this city.
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Las Cruces — located along the Rio Grande River in New Mexico — could be a great oasis for retirees.
The city in the Chihuahuan Desert has some of the best health care in the state and an affordable cost of living. According to Redfin, homes in the area sold for a median home price of $308,685 in October.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Do you want to live it up and enjoy late nights and plenty of activities when you’re retired? Perhaps you should move to a big city with plenty of nightlife.
Las Vegas has much to offer in terms of entertainment and dining out. But the cost of living in the area may be higher, so factor in living expenses and entertainment costs if you want to go out to eat more.
Earn $200 cash rewards bonus with this incredible card
There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card(Rates and fees) has no annual fee and you can earn $200 after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
The Active Cash Card puts cash back into your wallet. Cardholders can earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases — easy! That's one of the best cash rewards options available.
This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable). Which is great for someone who wants a break from high interest rates, while still earning rewards.
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is another big city that has become appealing to retirees, especially those on the West Coast.
Redfin says that many of Phoenix’s new transplants are moving there from Seattle, Los Angeles, or Dallas. Retirees from Midwest cities such as Chicago are also represented.
Just know that Phoenix may not be one of the best places in Arizona to retire on a budget; in October, the median home price was $451,000.
Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs could be a great West Coast destination for those who want to live in the desert.
Like other desert cities, the days can be hot, but there is no humidity. That can make a difference when enjoying outdoor activities such as golf, hiking, or tennis.
However, it’s important to factor in the area's housing costs. In October, the median sale price for a home in Palm Springs was $597,500.
Trending Stories
Mesquite, Nevada
If you’re looking for a small-town feel in the desert, consider a move to Mesquite.
The town, which sits along the Nevada-Arizona border, is home to about 22,000 residents. And almost 45% of the population is 65 or older, giving you plenty of opportunities to be with other retirees.
St. George, Utah
You can enjoy the great outdoors if you retire in St. George.
The city is close to Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and Zion National Park, so there are plenty of outdoor options for enjoying the area's natural beauty. You can also fish and golf there.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe is northeast of Albuquerque in the Sangre de Cristo foothills and is a beautiful spot to retire if you enjoy art.
Museum Hill has plenty of art collections to wander through when you want to get out of the desert heat.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona could be another great Arizona option for enjoying warm desert air and outdoor activities while viewing beautiful desert landscapes.
But it also can be pricey, so you’ll need to factor housing costs into your estimated retirement budget. The median sale price for a home in Sedona was $990,000 in October.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources
Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
You’ll also get insider info on social security, job listings, caregiving, and retirement planning. And you’ll get access to AARP’s Fraud Watch Network to help you protect your money, as well as tools to help you plan for retirement.
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
Grand Junction, Colorado
Grand Junction is located in Colorado’s western Rockies. Here, you'll find warm weather, dry heat in the summer, and snow in the winter.
The area has plenty of hiking and biking trails, making it a great place to retire if you plan to be active and enjoy the outdoors in retirement.
Boulder City, Nevada
If you want to enjoy some of Las Vegas's nightlife without living there, Boulder City may be a good alternative.
The city is about 25 miles south of Las Vegas. That makes it close enough that you can still drive in while also being out in the desert if you want to enjoy nature and outdoor activities while saving money on travel.
Moab, Utah
Eastern Utah is home to Moab, which is near Arches National Park. The park gets visitors from around the world who come to see the unique landscapes and rock formations.
Reservations are required to enter the park during peak season, but living there may allow you to visit during calmer months and give you a better feel for the park without the crowds.
Flagstaff, Arizona
Another popular destination for retirees in Arizona is Flagstaff, which is surrounded by deserts and mountains. Expect warm temperatures in the summer, with the potential for mountain snow for those who enjoy winter activities.
Be aware that housing costs could be a factor, as the median sale price for homes in the city was $748,750 in October.
Marfa, Texas
If you’re looking for a small-town feel in Texas, consider Marfa as a retirement option.
The town is located in the Big Bend region of western Texas, which offers beautiful, open views of the desert.
Joshua Tree, California
Joshua Tree is located near Joshua Tree National Park, giving you access to gorgeous desert landscapes. But remember to take plenty of water with you if you plan to hike or enjoy the outdoors during the summer months of your retirement.
The city is less than one hour from Palm Springs, so you can enjoy golfing and other activities.
Bottom line
Now might be a good time to start thinking about where you want to retire. As you build your wealth and dream of saying goodbye to work, don’t forget to plan where you want to spend your golden years.
If you love a desert climate, the cities on this list provide plenty of places to enjoy a retirement filled with warm summer days and cool nights.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.
Author Details