Arizona attracts a lot of retirees who want sun and dry heat, but the safety picture isn’t the same in every city. The places in this guide stand out for lower violent and property crime rates plus realistic access to hospitals and clinics, so you’re not trading safety for a long drive every time you need care.
This guide looks at the safest places to retire in Arizona so you can line up each city’s crime numbers, weather risks, and healthcare access with the level of security you want in this stage of life.
Our Top Picks for Retirees
• San Luis for an exceptionally secure retirement in Arizona's safest city, featuring minimal crime and a calm desert climate.
• Oro Valley for a peaceful foothills lifestyle where very low violent crime meets elite medical services and scenic hiking.
• Sahuarita for a community-focused environment that pairs a high sense of security with accessible specialized senior care.
• Gilbert for a reliable suburban experience in a fast-growing hub known for its robust safety measures and major hospitals.
• Queen Creek for a quiet and protected retirement in a family-oriented town with a focus on high-quality senior living.
What Are the Safest Places to Retire in Arizona?
San Luis
- Violent Crime Rate: 0.5 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 5.6 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Low, minimal risks from severe storms
San Luis consistently ranks as Arizona's safest city, making it a top choice for retirees seeking a peaceful and secure environment. The city offers excellent healthcare options, with nearby
Yuma Regional Medical Center catering to senior health needs. San Luis enjoys a mild desert climate with few risks from severe weather, contributing to its appeal for retirees looking for minimal disruption from natural disasters.
Oro Valley
- Violent Crime Rate: 0.3 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 11.9 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate, with seasonal monsoon storms
Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Oro Valley boasts a tranquil atmosphere ideal for retirees. With low crime rates and access to medical care through
Northwest Medical Center, residents feel secure and well-supported. The town experiences some risks from monsoon season, including heavy rains, but is generally safe with infrastructure to handle weather challenges. Oro Valley’s outdoor amenities, such as hiking and biking trails, attract active retirees.
Once a few Arizona towns start to feel promising, it can help to zoom out and look at more
senior living communities in Arizona. Seeing how communities are spread across safer pockets, busy suburbs, and quieter outskirts can make it easier to spot the corners of the state that actually match your comfort level and routines.
Sahuarita
- Violent Crime Rate: 1.0 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 9.6 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate, particularly during monsoon season
Sahuarita combines low crime rates with a tight-knit community. The city offers a peaceful environment with various amenities designed for seniors, including parks and recreational facilities. While the area experiences monsoon rains during the summer, local infrastructure helps minimize disruptions. The city is also close to
Green Valley Hospital, offering family practice and family care.
Gilbert
- Violent Crime Rate: 1.2 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 10.3 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate, with seasonal heat and thunderstorms
Gilbert is one of Arizona’s fastest-growing cities and remains a popular retirement destination due to its low crime and robust healthcare infrastructure, including
Banner Health and Dignity Health hospitals. The city has experienced some challenges with summer heat and monsoon thunderstorms, but overall, Gilbert’s strong community services and safety measures make it an appealing option for retirees looking for a safe, suburban lifestyle.
Queen Creek
- Violent Crime Rate: 1.4 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 10.1 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate, with monsoon season rains
Queen Creek is a quiet, family-oriented town with low crime rates and an excellent quality of life for retirees. While the town does experience some seasonal weather risks, particularly during monsoon season, it remains an overall safe environment. Queen Creek also offers proximity to
Banner Ironwood Medical Center.
What Are the Best Healthcare Facilities in Arizona for Seniors?
Arizona provides a variety of healthcare facilities tailored to senior care, including notable hospitals in the safest cities:
- San Luis: Yuma Regional Medical Center offers comprehensive care for seniors.
- Oro Valley: Northwest Medical Center provides specialized geriatric services.
- Sahuarita: Green Valley Hospital delivers excellent healthcare close to town.
- Gilbert: Banner Health and Dignity Health hospitals ensure top-notch care.
- Queen Creek: Banner Ironwood Medical Center offers senior-focused medical services.
Is Arizona Senior-Friendly and Accessible?
Arizona has taken significant steps to become increasingly senior-friendly, with many cities adopting age-friendly certifications and providing senior services such as accessible healthcare and community-based activities.
The state also offers diverse programs promoting active senior living, including wellness programs and social events. Retirees in Arizona benefit from high-quality healthcare facilities, specialized services, and an inclusive community spirit that makes the state an attractive retirement destination.
What City Has the Lowest Crime Rate?
San Luis holds the title for the lowest crime rate among the safest cities to retire in Arizona. In 2024, San Luis reported a violent crime rate of just 0.5 incidents per 1,000 people and a property crime rate of 5.6 incidents per 1,000 people. This makes it an exceptionally safe option for retirees looking for a peaceful place to settle.
Ready to Explore Arizona Senior Living Options?
In Arizona, the same metro area can have pockets that feel very different once you factor in crime patterns, summer heat, and how quickly you can get help in an emergency.
Our
Arizona senior living directory gives you a side‑by‑side look at senior living options in Arizona, so you can see which communities sit in neighborhoods that feel safe enough for you, not just appealing on a quick visit.
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