20 Worst Towns for Retirees in Arizona

1. Globe, Arizona

Globe is a city steeped in mining history and surrounded by mountains, offering scenic views and a number of historical sites. The population is around 7,100.

Despite its deep-rooted Wild West history, Globe has a reputation for being one of the more eventful towns in Arizona, with a local atmosphere that may not suit everyone.

The town has a busy character that some find more than they bargained for, and the commercial scene is more modest than many would prefer.

Globe also has a quieter economic scene, which gives the area a more low-key feel than some might be looking for.

2. Tolleson, Arizona

Tolleson is a small city located in Maricopa County with a population of approximately 7,000. The town reflects a rich cultural heritage and offers more affordable housing options than many nearby areas.

However, Tolleson has a modest local infrastructure and a limited range of everyday conveniences. The town’s commercial scene is on the smaller side, and local amenities are fewer than some might prefer.

Getting around and accessing a full range of services may require heading to a larger nearby town, which is worth factoring in when considering the area.

The town has a strong sense of community and cultural character, though its more modest local offerings may not suit everyone’s lifestyle preferences.

3. Eloy, Arizona

Eloy is centrally located between Phoenix and Tucson. It’s known for skydiving and outdoor activities which attract a younger crowd. However, it has a population of around 18,000 people.

The town has a lively local character and a modest range of amenities, which may not suit those looking for a quieter, more comfortable day-to-day scene. The extreme summer temperatures are also worth keeping in mind.

Its proximity to larger cities is a plus, but the local atmosphere may feel like more than some are looking for in a place to settle down.

4. Coolidge, Arizona

Coolidge is known for its agricultural roots and the nearby Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, which is located within the city limits. It has a small-town feel with a population of over 18,000 people.

The town has several local facilities and access to Anthem Hospital just outside city limits, though its commercial scene is relatively modest, with fewer part-time work and social opportunities than larger towns. Coolidge also has a limited range of cultural and recreational activities for those seeking a more engaging local scene.

Its rural charm is undeniable, but the more limited recreational options may not appeal to those looking for a busier day-to-day lifestyle.

5. South Tucson, Arizona

South Tucson is encircled by the city of Tucson and covers an area of just over one square mile. It’s known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant food scene.

Despite these attractions, the area has a notably lively local character that may not suit those looking for a quieter pace. Additionally, the range of local amenities is more modest than you might expect given its urban setting.

The cultural vibrancy is appealing, but the local atmosphere and limited conveniences place it on this list.

6. Winslow, Arizona

Winslow is famous for being mentioned in the Eagles’ song “Take It Easy” and its historic Route 66 attractions. The town has a unique charm with a population of about 9,600 people.

Despite its fame, Winslow has a modest local amenity scene and a more eventful character than some might prefer. The local commercial scene is also fairly limited, with fewer opportunities for part-time work or community involvement.

The cultural attractions are a draw, but the practical aspects of day-to-day life in Winslow may take some adjustment.

7. Holbrook, Arizona

Holbrook is the gateway to the Petrified Forest National Park and has a rich history connected to the old west. It has a population of about 5,000.

However, the town has a modest range of local services and fewer opportunities for ongoing learning and community engagement. It also experiences significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, which is worth keeping in mind.

The natural beauty is a plus, but the limited local scene and weather extremes make Holbrook a better fit for some than others.

8. Guadalupe, Arizona

Guadalupe is a small town rich in Native American and Hispanic culture, located between Phoenix and Tempe. The town has a vibrant cultural scene but a population of just over 6,000.

The town has a lively local character and a more modest range of amenities than some might prefer. The proximity to larger cities is helpful, but the local scene may feel like more than some are looking for day to day.

While culturally rich, Guadalupe’s more modest practical offerings may not suit those looking for a quieter and more comfortable local scene.

9. Bisbee, Arizona

Bisbee is a picturesque town known for its Victorian and Art Deco architecture, vibrant arts scene, and relatively mild climate due to its 5,499-foot elevation. Located in the Mule Mountains, it attracts tourists and artists with its historic charm.

The town’s steeply terraced streets and hilly terrain can be a consideration for those who prefer flatter, more accessible surroundings. Bisbee’s residential areas are built on slopes like Chihuahua Hill and Quality Hill, which gives the town its character but also makes getting around on foot more demanding.

Bisbee does have some local facilities including Copper Queen Community Hospital, though more specialized services often require a trip to Tucson, around 90 miles away. The hospital has plans to expand its offerings.

The artistic community and pleasant climate with approximately 285 sunny days per year are genuinely appealing, though the hilly layout and more limited local conveniences are worth factoring in before making any plans.

10. Douglas, Arizona

Douglas is located on the border with Mexico and has a rich history linked to the Old West. The town is known for its historic sites and is home to about 16,000 people.

However, Douglas has a more modest range of local amenities and a quieter commercial scene than many might prefer. Community resources and local conveniences are more limited than in larger towns.

The historic allure is significant, but the more modest local scene makes Douglas a better fit for some than others.

11. New Kingman-Butler, Arizona

New Kingman-Butler is a census-designated place near Kingman with a population of about 12,000. It offers more affordable housing than many nearby areas, which attracts budget-conscious residents.

However, the area has a modest local infrastructure and a limited range of everyday services. The commercial scene is quiet, and local amenities are fewer than many would prefer when settling down long term.

While the affordability is a draw, the more limited local scene and modest infrastructure may not suit those looking for a more comfortable and well-resourced community.

12. San Luis, Arizona

San Luis is a lively border town with a vibrant cultural character and a population of about 31,000. The area sees a lot of cross-border activity which gives it a busy, dynamic feel.

The town has a more modest range of local amenities than some might prefer, and the summer temperatures can be extreme, regularly reaching levels that take some getting used to.

Despite its cultural vibrancy, the busy local atmosphere and summer heat make San Luis a better fit for some than others.

13. Snowflake, Arizona

Snowflake is known for its historic homes and the annual Snowflake Pioneer Days celebration, which attracts many visitors. The town’s name reflects its founders, Erastus Snow and William Flake.

However, Snowflake’s remote location means that a fuller range of local services requires a longer drive, and the local commercial scene is mostly built around agriculture and light manufacturing, which offers a fairly quiet day-to-day experience.

The town’s quaint charm is genuine, though the remote character and modest local offerings may not suit those looking for more nearby conveniences.

14. Benson, Arizona

Benson serves as a gateway to the Kartchner Caverns State Park, offering beautiful natural scenery and outdoor activities. The town has a population of around 5,000 people.

Despite its proximity to natural attractions, Benson has a limited range of local amenities and a more modest everyday scene than many might prefer. The local atmosphere is also livelier than some would expect for a town of its size.

The scenic environment is a genuine draw, but the limited local conveniences place Benson on this list.

15. Willcox, Arizona

Willcox is known for its rich cowboy heritage and wine country, which makes it a popular tourist destination. It is located in southeastern Arizona and has a population of about 3,400.

However, the town’s remote location means that accessing a fuller range of everyday services requires planning ahead and a longer drive. The local commercial scene is also fairly limited, with fewer opportunities for part-time work or community involvement.

While it offers cultural and historical attractions, Willcox’s more modest practical scene makes it a better fit for some than others.

16. Quartzsite, Arizona

Quartzsite is widely known for its seasonal RV gatherings and gem shows, attracting thousands of visitors in the winter months. The town’s population swells during these times but remains quite small year-round.

The town’s local scene fluctuates considerably with the seasons, and the range of permanent local amenities is fairly modest for those who live there year-round. The infrastructure can also feel stretched during the busier months.

While popular among RV enthusiasts, Quartzsite’s seasonal character and modest year-round amenities may not suit those looking for a steady and consistent local community.

17. Clifton, Arizona

Clifton is noted for its copper mining history and the Greenlee County Fair. The town, with a population of just over 3,000, lies along the San Francisco River.

The town has a modest range of local services and a livelier local character than some might expect for a town of its size. The commercial scene is also fairly limited, with fewer opportunities for part-time work or community involvement.

While scenic and historical, Clifton’s more modest practical offerings may not suit those looking for a quieter and more comfortable day-to-day scene.

18. Page, Arizona

Page is famous for its stunning natural attractions like Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon. With a population of about 7,500, it thrives on tourism but has a relatively limited local commercial scene.

The town has a modest range of everyday amenities and getting around without a personal vehicle can be tricky given the limited public transport options. The local scene is heavily tied to the tourism calendar, which gives the town a different feel depending on the time of year.

Despite its scenic beauty, Page’s tourism-focused character and modest range of local conveniences may not suit those looking for a more settled and well-resourced community.

19. Youngtown, Arizona

Youngtown is known for being the oldest planned community of its kind in the U.S., established with a specific demographic focus until 1999. The town is relatively small, covering an area of just 1.3 square miles.

Despite its historic charm, Youngtown has a modest range of local facilities and fewer recreational activities than many comparable towns. Those looking for a more active and well-resourced local scene may find the options here on the slim side.

While it offers a quiet lifestyle, the limited range of local amenities and activities makes Youngtown a better fit for some than others.

20. Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Lake Havasu City has drawn attention for its rankings across several lifestyle metrics, landing near the bottom of some national comparisons for long-term livability.

The city scores on the lower end across a number of factors that matter to those settling down long term, including access to fresh food options, community wellbeing, and overall affordability.

The extreme summer heat is also worth keeping in mind, as temperatures regularly reach levels that take considerable adjustment.