Cities Affordable Mountain Towns for Retirement Okay, its kind of unfair to call this place a mountain town since it is neither but Jacob Lake, located en route to the Grand Canyons North Rim, is a wonderful summer destination that cant be missed. Housing costs in Flagstaff average 90% higher than the national average. Of all the affordable mountain towns in Colorado, this might be one of the best for getting out into nature. The cost of living in Arizona is 3.5% lower than the US average. 1. If retirement means getting away from cold weather forever, Arizona is your state. Outdoor explorers can enjoy easy access to Saguaro National Park, which is just 15 minutes away, as well as the Tortolita Mountains, which are only 20 minutes in the other direction. Many large companies have their headquarters in Chandler to access its well-educated population, which in turn has led to higher salaries. Safford is home to the largest copper and gold mining facility in the country. It is part of the Yuma Metropolitan Statistical Area. 10 Cheapest Places To Live In Arizona This small city of just over 40,000 residents sits alone in the desert about 1.5 hours north of Phoenix. Cities The nearby Prescott National Forest puts Prescott toward the top of the list of the Arizona retirement cities. We looked through all the latest data on cost of living and home prices to find the most affordable mountain towns in Colorado in 2023 for your next move. For cost of living, its tough to beat Apache Junction, one of the best cities to retire in Arizona due to its affordability. Of course, Phoenix makes our list of the best places to live in Arizona. You'll also find the Arizona Museum of Natural History and the i.d.e.a Museum here. This tiny town in the White Mountains has a small permanent population but it sees quite a few visitors in the summer and winter seasons. Rent prices are based on a rolling weighted average from Apartment Guide and Rent. Winslow. This analysis considers housing prices, cost of living, and accessibility to great singletrack bike trails. They double the city's population during the first few months of each year. These 12 Mountain Towns In Arizona Make The Perfect Summer Escape. Most Affordable Places To rank these cities and towns, we factored in things like: So, lets take a look at the best cities in Arizona to live in 2022 and find out what makes them so desirable so that you can decide on where to move to next. , which is just 15 minutes away, as well as the Tortolita Mountains, which are only 20 minutes in the other direction. Population: 8,280 Cost of Living Index: 20% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $182,000. 3. There are also breweries to check out, and all in all, this is a very affordable place to live. Buckeye 7. Its less than an hour drive from Pikes Peak and just four minutes from Rainbow Falls. Prescott, Arizona Prescott tops a list compiled by Market Watch of best mountain towns for retirees and offers significant savings from other areas of Arizona like Phoenix and Scottsdale. Winslow can be found in Navajo County, southeast of Flagstaff. Salida also has plenty of cultural significance. Dont miss the Roosevelt Row Arts District, which is filled with boutiques and art galleries. 10 Most Affordable Places to Live in Arizona Population: 5,430 Cost of Living Index: 3% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $545,000. This town usually sees daily summer highs in the high 70s and nights get chilly in the low 50s! Arizona is a highly mountainous state, with 194 named mountain ranges. Love Arizona? Bullhead City. When combined with a higher-than-average sales tax, you may find the states tax-friendliness lacking. Most Affordable Cities in Arizona The day temperatures typically reach into the high 70s, plus the high elevation and dense pine trees will make you feel like youre in the mountains. Most Affordable Places Whatever you want to do, youll find something in Pagosa Springs. Coolidge. Students looking to rent a one-bedroom should expect to pay about $1,033 per month. So much, that 2. This is a wonderful place to be if you value peace and greenery, and most of the activities around the town reflect that. 's multifamily rental property inventory of one-bedroom apartments. The 10 most affordable mountain bike towns in the United States include cities in the southeast and Rocky Mountains. Roderick Elme/Flickr. Snowflake was named for the early pioneer, Erastus Snow. Located where the Sierra Estrella Mountains and Agua Fria and Gila rivers meet, Avondale continues to develop. There is always live music coming from the bars and venues, theaters that host plays year round, and galleries that showcase some of the best local talents. If youre interested in history, youll also enjoy the range of museums that the town has to offer. In addition, there is a great range of restaurants and dining options, with multiple cafes, ethnic food, and some fantastic eating experiences. Affordable Mountain Towns Florence (tie) 3. Get more stories delivered right to your email. , with cheap groceries but more expensive healthcare. Lower your cost of living and you will find you have more than a few pennies to your name at the end of the month. 1. Heber-Overgaard. Apache Junction takes the seventh spot on our list of the cheapest places to live in Arizona. If youre into history, theres also the Trinidad History Museum that is packed with unique stories and features. But its proximity to Phoenix and plenty of amenities also make it great for retirees. Numerous towns and cities in Arizona are set in or alongside these mountains, with places like Payson, Pine, and Williams being beautiful mountain towns. Were pretty sure everyone has heard of Coolidge, Arizona by now. Lake Havasu City is also a cool place to bring the whole family to get out on the water and enjoy a laid-back atmosphere. Census American Community Survey 2016-2020, Median Home Price / Median Income (lower is better), Median Income / Median Rent (Higher is better). 5. But it's gotten expensive over the past few years as movers have sought its vibe and fresh mountain air. Lets look at some of the best affordable locations in the area. The median income of a Arizona household is $61,529. Guadalupe . , which is amazingly big given the small town that houses it. Winslow. You can download the data here. The nearby 12-acre Superstition Mountain Museum, complete with an Elvis chapel, makes this area popular with tourists. It is. Population: 33,875Rank Last Year: 16 (Up 8)Home Price To Income Ratio: 3.1x (20th most affordable)Income To Rent Ratio: 64.2x (52nd cheapest)More On San Luis: Real Estate|Crime Rate|Cost Of Living. Arizona Mountain Towns Located near Tombstone, Tucson is a robust, highly populated city. When you live in one of the desert states, you will probably find that everything is dry, but hopefully, your bank is not. Bullhead City. Its also only 50 minutes from Mount Elbert, which makes it an ideal spot for anyone who wants to spend time out and about in nature. Population: 5,073Rank Last Year: 1 (Down 3)Home Price To Income Ratio: 2.3x (2nd most affordable)Income To Rent Ratio: 61.8x (18th cheapest)More On Holbrook: Real Estate|Crime Rate|Cost Of Living. 10. This old mining town that is just a few miles away from the southern border with Mexico has developed into a haven for hippies and eclectic personalities in Arizona. For cost of living, its tough to beat Apache Junction, one of the best cities to retire in Arizona due to its affordability. Affordable Mountain Towns Prescott, Arizona Prescott tops a list compiled by Market Watch of best mountain towns for retirees and offers significant savings from other areas of Arizona like Phoenix and Scottsdale. The county in Arizona with the lowest cost of living is Greenlee County. We aim to deliver bite-sized pieces of infotainment about where you live. , but you can also enjoy things like trail riding, Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park, a ski resort, and rafting experiences. Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. Williams sits near the edge of the Kaibab National Forest and has its own mountain - Bill Williams Mountain - about 30 minutes from Flagstaff. It also houses the sports complex that is the spring training home of the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres. Douglas, Arizona, is a border town located in Cochise County, directly along the US-Mexico border. WebA modern and affordable Arizona golf community with a small-town feel, The Victory Club is spread across a high plateau, offering views of the Four Peaks mountains and Phoenix skyline. For example, a one-bedroom apartment will cost you $1,322 on average per month.

The cost of living in Arizona is 3.5% lower than the US average. Housing costs in Flagstaff average 90% higher than the national average. Douglas. Gilbert. Food and healthcare costs also average slightly higher than the rest of the country. We start our list of the best places to live in Arizona with Flagstaff, which is the largest city in Northern Arizona. But, it is a great place to live on its own, with a well-developed community, a thriving downtown, and numerous job opportunities as well. In 2019, Bullhead City made several Top 10 lists for being one of the most affordable cities not 3. Cities Start with a FREE Retirable consultation. Arizona Mountain Towns You can find out more about him on LinkedIn or his website. Of course, this flourishing city also offers many other entertainment options for people of all ages. This thriving suburb of Phoenix is located just 30 minutes from downtown Phoenix. Somerton is a city in Yuma County, Arizona, United States. Queen Creek One-bedroom average rent price: $1,189 Average rent price change: -8.18% With an easy commute to Phoenix, Queen Creek gives you the benefits of small-town living without being far from an urban center. Population: 399 Cost of Living Index: 15% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $353,000. Winslow. It is also the highest town in all of North America, at over 10,000 feet above sea level. For a city to be truly hip, it needs to be affordable. The waterfront is filled with beaches and resorts while the city streets are packed with restaurants, bars, and nightclubs that keep the party going all night long. This Phoenix suburb is also the ideal place for baseball lovers, as it is the spring training home to the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians. Coolidge. It is where Northern Arizona University is located, which gives the city an immediate cool vibe with a strong college town ambience. Home to attractions like Lost Dutchman State Park and a ghost town or two, theres plenty to do that wont break your wallet, nevermind the bank. Places Not bad for a community that started as a small suburb one hour from Phoenix. You saw the temperatures that the state is supposed to see this weekend, right? Flagstaff. Please note that some links below are affiliate links, which means that we receive a small commission if you make a purchase through our links, but at no extra cost to you. In terms of living costs, its 4 percent lower than the national average, with cheap groceries but more expensive healthcare. Less than 100 miles from Denver, Fairplay offers agood nightlife and a nice variety of rural and suburban neighborhoods. in Journalism. Giving off a modern vibe and providing a lot of entertainment options, it's no wonder Glendale is one of Phoenix's most popular suburbs to call home. Buckeye 7. Most Affordable Golf Communities in Arizona Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.82 Average Property Tax: $832 Median Household Income: $35,514. Because of its size, the town boasts access to some great amenities, including a wildlife refuge, Splashland, a recreation center, a brewery, a climbing wall, and much more. Located 15 miles north of Payson, these two towns sit a short distance away from each other and often get lumped together. Monica is a Din (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Still much cooler than parts of southern Arizona! The best part is that housing in Buckeye is about. What makes this suburb of Phoenix so desirable is its small town feel that is matched with large city amenities. Everyone dreams about living a quaint and rugged life in the Rocky Mountains, but many of the famous ski towns like. But it's gotten expensive over the past few years as movers have sought its vibe and fresh mountain air. Its less than an hour drive from, ts historic architecture and a great artistic culture. However, its not just for the young. that is packed with unique stories and features. Arizona is a highly mountainous state, with 194 named mountain ranges. Check out some of our favorite places to cool off in the summer! The city is also home to golf clubs and lakes, for those who prefer outdoor recreation. Somerton has an annual Tamale Festival that benefits students from the area who will be attending Arizona State University. Food and healthcare costs also average slightly higher than the rest of the country. Greer. Living in Sierra Vista gives you a perfect balance between an active, engaged lifestyle and affordability. 5. Please see our disclaimers to learn more about our site. 4. Opting for a smaller city can improve your cost of living without sacrificing access to activities and fun. Only a15 minute drive from Turquoise Lake, Leadville is another of the affordable mountain towns in Colorado, and it has a lot going for it. Tucson was even ranked as one of the most popular hipster cities, which was based on how many trendy places like vegan cafes, microbreweries, and thrift stores there are in each city, making it one of the best places to live in Arizona for living an alternative lifestyle. Population: 2,614 Cost of Living Index: 11% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $350,000. This might explain why Safford has one of the highest median household incomes on our list: $56,602/year. Avondale (tie) 2. Consider one of the cheapest places to live in Arizona as your new home. We pulled our data in December 2020, and it goes back for one year. We also made sure to find places that allow you to easily take advantage of Arizonas majestic outdoors. Marana has also earned a reputation for offering some of the best Southwestern food delicacies in the region and even offers, that features places to shop, eat, drink, and have fun. So much, that 2. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. We excluded cities with insufficient inventory from this report. 5. Consider one of the cheapest places to live in Arizona as your new home. 3. After looking through all the data and speaking with locals who actually live there, we have found the 18 best places to live in Arizona for 2022. Population: 1,700 Cost of Living Index: 12% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $429,000. Students looking to rent a one-bedroom should expect to pay about $1,033 per month. This analysis considers housing prices, cost of living, and accessibility to great singletrack bike trails. Douglas, Arizona, is a border town located in Cochise County, directly along the US-Mexico border. WebIn these affordable places in the Valley of the Sun, youll get way more bang for your buck: 1. The Victory Coursedesigned by Tom Lehmanwas created for players of all skill levels and is the second course within the Verrado Golf Club. It is also just an hour and a half from Colorado Springs. While that number is up by almost 8 percent over last year, it's still close to the median rent for the entire U.S. You don't have to live in Phoenix to experience what makes Arizona such a great place to live. This small, rural community sits south of Flagstaff and has some darned pretty landscapes. For some extra luxury in your rental, check out the most expensive places in the state to call home. Meanwhile, youll enjoy a lower cost of living than the average for Colorado, which makes this town attractive for families on a budget, although most people rent. Eloy. The summer temperatures are comfortable, averaging in the low 80s for daily highs and chilly enough to wear a jacket at night. 5. With its low crime rate, Gilbert officials are happy to note that the city is considered the safest place to live in Arizona. Located in a secluded part of the desert about an hour north of Phoenix, Arcosanti was created in the 1970s as a planned city for the future. Thank you! 22 Best Places to Live in Colorado Updated with 2023 Data, The 8 Best Places to Live in Southern Colorado in 2023, 7 Best Small Towns in Colorado to Raise a Family 2023 Update, 8 Richest Neighborhoods in Colorado in 2023 | Most Expensive Places to Live in Colorado, Colorado Springs vs Fort Collins Unbiased Guide | 2023 Update, Breckenridge vs Vail 2023 Guide Summer & Winter Adventures. The biggest Arizona city on the list, Tucson encompasses a huge amount of space in the southern part of the state. This nicely-priced town sits alongside the Tonto National Forest, the fifth-largest forest in the United States. Arizona Mountain Towns Affordable Mountain Towns for Retirement From the upscale city of Scottsdale to the college town of Tempe, rents throughout the state sit on the more affordable side. There is also the beautiful Prescott National Forest that is located directly next to the city. Its cost of living is also low, which makes it a great option if youre working on a budget, and its not far from the, Ute Mountain Reserve and the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. Once home to the Pueblo People, this city in Pinal County is now home to Central Arizona College. Gilbert. It has some great outdoor activities, including rafting and some history tours, and if youre a fan of hot springs, youll be pleased to learn that its only about a10 minute drive to the relaxing Poncha Springs. The Cheapest Places to Live in Arizona When we think of the future, some key things probably come to mind: good health, a nice family, and a bit more money. But its proximity to Phoenix and plenty of amenities also make it great for retirees. 2015-2023 Chasing Chains, LLC. These are just a few of the most affordable places to live in Arizona. Please see our disclaimers to learn more about our site. And did we mention the weather? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'homesnacks_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',143,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-homesnacks_com-medrectangle-3-0');If very old mummified wood isnt your kind of fun afternoon out, check out Snowflake, Arizona. Although the summers are sweltering, the winters are mild in most areas, giving you plenty of comfortable days. If youre looking for the best places to retire in Arizona on a budget, its important to know the cost of living in your favorite area of the state. Peoria also offers a historic old town neighborhood that has developed into a thriving hub for arts and entertainment. Here are the top 18 places to live in Arizona: These are definitely the best cities to live in Arizona based on what they have to offer and their overall culture. Douglas, Arizona, is a border town located in Cochise County, directly along the US-Mexico border. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in the entire nation and is now home to over 100,000 residents. However, Snowflake does have some alleged alien activity. Population: 9,671 Cost of Living Index: 19% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $236,000. Jason Shultz/Flickr. When people ask is Arizona a good place to retire, generally Sun City is one of the first places that comes up. The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In Arizona For 2022. Your email address will not be published. Greer.

"}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "What is the cost of living in Arizona? Lets look at some of the best affordable locations in the area. Buckeye is located at the frontier of the vast Arizonian deserts and offers. Flagstaff. Most Affordable Cities in Arizona We use data, analytics, and a sense of humor to determine quality of life for places across the nation. The streets of Bisbee are. Increased spending increases the risk of depleting your savings and performance is not guaranteed. Nothing on this website should be considered an offer, solicitation of an offer, or advice to buy or sell securities. Additionally, Prescott features a historic downtown district that gives you the feeling of being in the Old West. , Leadville is another of the affordable mountain towns in Colorado, and it has a lot going for it. When the desert areas are roasting at 115-degrees (or hotter), I wouldnt mind shivering in the chilly night air for awhile. She spent nearly a year as a writer for a credit card processing service and has written about finance for numerous marketing firms and entrepreneurs. In the city itself, you can find over 80 art galleries that offer fine art paintings, contemporary jewelry, beautiful wood carvings, and much more. Download the Rent. . Queen Creek's proximity to the airport also makes it an affordable place to live even if you spend a large amount of time traveling. Best Places to Live in Arizona Apache Junction. The average highs can get a bit warm (usually high 80s to low 90s) but evenings cool down in the 50s and the sight of pine trees can help you forget the summer heat. The activities in Leadville include the scenic Leadville Southern Railroad, which offers a. and incredible alpine scenery that will not fail to impress. El Mirage (tie) 4. Overall, the most affordable mountain towns in Colorado based on cost of living and home prices are: Trinidad Alamosa Westcliffe Leadville Pagosa Springs Mancos Buena Vista Fairplay Salida Manitou Springs They all offer a relatively cheap way of life high in the mountains so that you can experience a quiet and rugged life for an affordable cost of living in Surprise is just 2% higher than the rest of Arizona. More than 20,000 visitors attend the festival each year. Westcliffe is tiny and quaint, and it has the atmosphere to match, with a. . What county in Arizona has the lowest cost of living? They also offer tons of entertainment options and an overall strong sense of community. It shouldnt be difficult to meet your cost of living head on with the median income hanging close to $45,742. Hidden in the gorgeous White Mountains is the cozy town of Greer, Arizona. He originally worked for Movoto Real Estate as the director of marketing before founding HomeSnacks. 2. 10 Most Affordable Places to Live in Arizona Gilbert 10. Tolleson (tie) 5. Here are the top 18 places to live in Arizona: Chandler; Prescott; Tucson; Mesa; Gilbert; Goodyear; Peoria; Marana; Buckeye; Tempe; Phoenix; Bisbee; Scottsdale; Sedona; Arcosanti; Surprise; Lake Havasu City; Flagstaff; These are definitely the best cities to live in Arizona based on what they You'll receive your first newsletter soon! It's also a popular destination for snowbirds, residents who spend only the cold winter months living comfortably in the Arizona sun. This analysis considers housing prices, cost of living, and accessibility to great singletrack bike trails. So much, that It is our most affordable city in Arizona for 2022. From Southern charm, to Southwest beauty, here are five of the best affordable mountain towns for retirees. Arizona is a state full of amazing sights and can be expensive at times; however, there are plenty of cities in Arizona that wont dry up your account like the Arizona sun dries your clothes. So it goes for our second most affordable city in Arizona for 2022: Douglas. The city supports a healthy mix of young professionals and those looking for a slower pace of life. If youre looking for cheap mountain towns in Colorado where you can combine, in the summer seasons, Buena Vista is a great place to live. There are various restaurants that offer a wide range of cuisines, and if you love to get outside, youll enjoy the local hikes and climbs. Gilbert even made it on to Moneys latest list of the best places to live in the nation. The summers here average a deliciously low 80 degrees during the day and about 30 degrees cooler at night.