Florida and Texas tend to top the charts when it comes to the best place to retire, thanks to their low cost of living and warm climate. However, according to the latest rankings from Niche, a popular city in Arizona was just named the best place to retire in 2025: Scottsdale. Just minutes away from Phoenix, retiring in Scottsdale means not just laid-back, sunny days and quick access to the Sonoran Desert but also a chance to indulge in excellent restaurants and other amenities.
Niche considered a variety of factors when determining Scottsdale as the best place to retire, including the overall costs of living, climate, safety, and access to healthcare. It ranked higher than other U.S. cities on many of these metrics. And many of the reasons Scottsdale is a great place to retire also make it a great place to visit. Whether you’re just out of college or getting ready to wrap up your career, the bustling city has a little something for everyone. It’s also less than two hours to a gorgeous national park with iconic desert scenery, giving you a chance for a fun day trip down towards the Mexican border.
Outdoor adventures near Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale might be a relatively large city with a population of over 200,000, but it’s not difficult to get out into nature since the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is perched at the northeastern corner of town. A wealth of hiking trails are available here that take you through the beautiful Sonoran Desert for majestic views of saguaro cacti, rocky terrain, and expansive views of the mountains surrounding town. The Gateway Loop Trail is a popular choice for hikers, as it winds 4.4 miles through the preserve while climbing over 700 feet (making it an ideal spot for dramatic sunsets).
Other outdoor recreation opportunities include rock climbing at Pinnacle Peak Park, sightseeing at the Desert Botanical Garden just down the road in Phoenix, and a chance to explore the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center. The latter rescues and rehabilitates local wildlife — though you’ll need to schedule an appointment if you’d like a tour.
Need to beat the heat? Scottsdale can be quite toasty — it’s also known for being sunny almost year-round — but thankfully, there are a variety of ways to cool off without heading inside. Saguaro Lake is one of the most popular options. Less than an hour east of town, the recreation site is open to boating, kayaking, and swimming at Butcher Jones Beach. Much like another underrated Arizona destination with a dazzling lake, Saguaro Lake is the perfect spot to cool off while still enjoying the unique Sonoran Desert.
Unmatched quality of life in Scottsdale
