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Realtors Claim These 10 Popular Arizona Cities Still Have Affordable Homes

These are the towns where the pros say you can still balance cost, comfort, and community.

By Sarah Barkley

Edited by Lauren Wellbank

Updated March 30, 2025

Retirement is an exciting time in life, but it can be overwhelming if you're unsure of where you can afford to live. Luckily, you can still find plenty of affordable homes in Arizona, which can help you maximize your retirement savings by lowering your cost of living.

Not only does Arizona have reasonably priced housing, but it also has no tax on social security income, adding to its appeal for retirees.

Plus, the weather is nice year-round, and there is plenty of culture and community to participate in and indulge in. Here are some of the towns where you can still snag a deal.

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Yuma

Yuma has both economic and quality of life benefits for retirees, according to Tim Choate, Founder and CEO of RedAwning. He says that this area gives potential homebuyers the ability to find "affordable housing combined with solid local healthcare services and recreation facilities."

A single person living in Yuma can expect to spend around $1,815 for rent and other living expenses each month.

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Prescott

More than 40% of the population in Prescott is over the age of 65. And, according to Christy Walker, a REALTOR® with RE/MAX Signature, that may be due in no small part to all the area has to offer for retirees.

She says folks living here can expect to experience mild temperatures and all four seasons, all "while still having access to amenities that would be found in most major cities."

Mesa

Arizona is known for its favorable tax laws, but Mesa's Maricopa County takes things a step further with its approach to property taxes, which Walker says can be frozen to combat rising prices related to appreciation.

Not only can Mesa residents reap the tax benefits of the area, but the city also has a lot to offer retirees, like hiking, horseback riding, and golfing. Plus, Mesa is close to Phoenix, so if you need to visit a big city for healthcare purposes, you won't have to venture too far.

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Lake Havasu City

Ryan Nelson, a real estate expert and founder of PropertyBuild, explains that Lake Havasu City is a prime location for cultural and recreational opportunities for retirees.

He says this area is known for its outdoor opportunities and mild climate, making it an ideal destination for those seeking quality of life during retirement.

Sierra Vista

Having quality healthcare nearby is essential, especially as you age. "Sierra Vista offers healthcare facilities like the CQCH Douglas Primary Care Clinic and Pima Heart Hospital," according to Nelson.

Healthcare, paired with an affordable cost of living and low housing prices, makes this area a prime location for retirees.

Gilbert

Some towns that may not have been affordable in the past have become prime locations for retirees, like Gilbert. Nelson says population growth has transformed this area from a sleepy agricultural region to a rapidly growing hotspot for homebuyers and seasonal visitors.

The total cost of living with rent in Gilbert can be a little steep if you're living alone, but if you're moving with your partner you may be able to easily swing the average $2,417 price tag.

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Green Valley

Green Valley is ideal for retirees, which is likely why nearly 80% of its residents are over the age of 65. Walker says that this city is known for catering to retirees and active adults. With sunny days, milder temperatures than most other areas in the state, and plenty of recreational facilities, it's no wonder so many people come here for their golden years.

Bisbee

You'll find Bisbee about 90 miles southeast of Tucson. This affordable Arizona city is located alongside picturesque mountainsides, where art and creativity seem to be the focus. Retirees looking for that artsy vibe will be able to get it at an affordable price. That's because the average home is valued at $220,888.

Not only that, but Bisbee has amazing weather, boasting an average of 70 degrees year-round, an ideal temperature for retirees who want to embrace their time outdoors.

Douglas

"Arizona's cities offer a range of affordable housing options, with median home prices often below national averages," according to Nelson, who highlights Douglas as one of the most affordable towns on this list, with homes selling for an average of $130,800.

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Casa Grande

Casa Grande is another Arizona city Nelson regards as affordable for retirees. He says the area offers a blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. "The city boasts a variety of outdoor activities and is within driving distance to larger metropolitan areas, providing a balanced lifestyle," he adds.

"The median rent here is approximately $1,148 per month, making it a cost-effective choice for those on a fixed income."

Bottom line

Retirement doesn't have to mean you have to struggle financially. Learn how to stop living paycheck to paycheck by building passive income, optimizing investment opportunities, or even moving to one of these Arizona cities that will help you stretch your retirement dollars a little bit further.

As you can see, quite a few Arizona cities still have affordable homes, and many of them also have a low cost of living and other perks for retirees. All you need to do is decide which of them best suits your retirement goals.

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