Retirement Retired Life

15 Cities in the Southwest That Deserve a Closer Look From Retirees

These sun-soaked paradises are perfect for desert-loving retirees.

By Chris Lewis, CEPF

Updated June 3, 2026

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.

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.

1. 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 $299,450 in October 2025.

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2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix is another big city that has become appealing to retirees, especially those on the West Coast. Redfin says 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 $449,820.

5. 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.

Factor in the area's housing costs. In October, the median sale price for a home in Palm Springs was $577,000.

6. 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.

Almost 45% of the population is 65 or older, giving you plenty of opportunities to be with other retirees.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Sedona, Arizona

Sedona could be another great Arizona option for enjoying warm desert air and outdoor activities while viewing beautiful desert landscapes.

It 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 $1,202,850 in October.

10. 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.

11. 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 to drive in while also being out in the desert if you want to enjoy nature and outdoor activities while saving money on travel.

12. 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.

13. 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 $707,500 in October.

14. 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.

15. Joshua Tree, California

Joshua Tree is located near Joshua Tree National Park, giving you access to gorgeous desert landscapes. Take plenty of water if you plan to hike or enjoy the outdoors during the summer months.

The city is less than one hour from Palm Springs, so you can easily enjoy golfing and other activities in the area.

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. Before you make a move, take time to check up on your retirement readiness and make sure your savings are prepared for a new chapter.

Editor's Note: Portions of this story were drafted with assistance from generative AI tools. All final creative decisions, edits, and fact checking were done by human writers and editors.

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