These are the best places to retire in the south and southwest, offering great affordability, weather, health care, and social activities.
Are you not quite ready to retire but looking for suitable locations? While it may be a bit more expensive than the average cost of living in Mexico, consider the Southwest for the activities, culture, mild year-round temperatures, and access to high-quality healthcare. Arizona and New Mexico ranked among the top states with the greatest percentage of residents aged 65+ in 2018. Another alternative is Virginia, which is more Mid-Atlantic than South but also offers great activities, culture, and access to high-quality healthcare. We recommend checking out some of the best retirement communities in Virginia if you prefer to be in the Mid-Atlantic region.
However, if you’re interested in finding the best places to retire in the South and Southwest, continue reading. I’ve chosen a few retirement options: Arizona, New Mexico, Florida, and Texas. Consider your lifestyle, favorite activities, and climate preferences to help narrow down the best places to retire in the South and Southwest.
The White Mountains, Arizona Torreon Golf Community
Natural beauty, terrific amenities, and the cool air of the White Mountains of Arizona might put Torreon Golf Club at the top of your retirement home list. Torreon boasts 36 holes of championship golf.
Torreon Golf Club. Photo courtesy Allan Henry / @allanhenry
Torreon offers a terrific clubhouse pool, arcade room, fishing pond, fitness center, and the Torreon Grille, where you can enjoy tasty dishes and drinks.
Enjoy sitting poolside at Torreon. Photo courtesy Torreon Golf Club
Live amidst tall ponderosa pines and aspens, surrounded by natural beauty, wildlife, and privacy.
Choose a serene location if you prefer seclusion at Torreon. Photo courtesy Torreon Golf Club
Choose a lot overlooking the fairway or perhaps a beautiful lake-view lot. Torreon has everything you need for a fantastic retirement.
You might want to choose a lot overlooking the golf course. Photo courtesy Torreon Golf Club
For real estate inquiries, contact Linda Cedarblade, Designated Broker of Cedar Ridge Real Estate, at 928.532.3030 or email lrc@torreon.com.
Torreon Golf Club is located on the Mogollon Rim in east-central Arizona, about three hours from Phoenix.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
The charming mountain town of Santa Fe, New Mexico, sits 7,000 feet above sea level. With 70,000 residents, it is known for its eclectic art and artists. Santa Fe is a magical, creative, energetic spot year-round.
Santa Fe is a charming town known for its art and creativity. Photo by Sean Pavone via iStock by Getty Images
The restaurants, history, art, and culture have put this on our potential retirement spots list! With countless activities, including performing arts, visual arts, cuisine, Native American culture, and more, you’ll never run out of things to discover.
La Posada de Santa Fe is a romantic hotel in the heart of Santa Fe where you can escape for romantic dinners. Photo courtesy La Posada de Santa Fe
Santa Fe is on the northern side of central New Mexico.
Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Rio Rancho is a thriving city of 90,000, surrounded by the beauty of New Mexico. Mariposa in Rio Rancho is not a traditional retirement community. It offers hundreds of hiking, biking, and running trails for those looking to enjoy the next stage of life.
Nestled in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains and located just north of Albuquerque, Mariposa offers endless entertainment, outdoor activities, shopping and dining, museums, hot-air balloon rides, and parks and monuments.
Mariposa at Rio Rancho. Photo courtesy D.R. Horton
Look at the D.R. Horton neighborhood, a spectacular selection of homes that define ideal New Mexico living.
Check out one of the beautiful D.R. Horton homes in Mariposa at Rio Rancho. Photo courtesy D.R. Horton
Another option is The M Urban Series from Twilight Homes, which is just steps from the community center, park, pool, and fitness center.
Rio Rancho is located 20 miles north of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Sarasota, Florida, is one of the Best Places to Retire in the South
We’d enjoy living on and near the water in historic Sarasota, which has one of Florida’s best downtowns, most interesting neighborhoods, and various cultural facilities.
Sarasota is a fantastic seaside community. Enjoy strolling along the Sarasota Marina in Florida. Photo by Alan Falcony via iStock by Getty Images
Golfing, arts and culture, and beaches await you. Find your ideal beach or explore 50 things to do with only a few hours. You’ll find many ways to relax, recharge, and renew in Sarasota.
Sarasota is located 60 miles south of Tampa.
Retire in Corpus Christi, Texas
Create a lifetime of memories in Corpus Christi, Texas. We’re enticed by sun, surf, sand, and more in this magical place. Stroll along the city’s beautiful bayfront, enjoy various restaurants, and perhaps watch thousands of hawks fly overhead along the Nueces River.
Stroll along the seawall in Corpus Christi, Texas. Photo by Sean Pavone via iStock by Getty Images
Corpus Christi also offers tons of unique shopping destinations and stunning floral gardens.
Corpus Christi is located on the South Texas Gulf Coast.
Consider Retiring in Marble Falls, Texas
Marble Falls is close enough to the excitement of Austin but far enough away from the traffic. Marble Falls is nestled in the hill and lake country just west of the city.
Hill Country is popping with Texas Bluebonnets in the spring. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose
Marble Falls offers excellent restaurants, shopping downtown, and space to enjoy retirement on your terms. There are also charming festivals, plenty of events, and arts to enjoy.
Check out a retirement home from Pulte Homes in the newly launched Gregg Ranch community.
Enjoy life on your terms at Gregg Ranch in Marble Falls, Texas.
Marble Falls is located 50 miles northwest of Austin, Texas.
Tucson, Arizona, is one of the Best Places to Retire in the Southwest
For those with ties to the University of Arizona, this might be the perfect spot for retirement. Tucson, Arizona, has rolling hills, nearby mountains, and plenty of restaurants, shopping, and performing arts opportunities.
There are plenty of outdoor activities available in Tucson, AZ.
Additionally, there’s plenty of hiking, biking, golfing, warm weather, and access to the nearby Tucson International Airport when you want to get away.
Tucson is located 100 miles south of Phoenix, Arizona.
Retire at Cadence at Gateway in Mesa, Arizona
The very popular Cadence at Gateway master-planned community in East Mesa is a great retirement option for those who want the Arizona lifestyle.
You can retire at Cadence at Gateway in Mesa, in the Phoenix East Valley. Photo courtesy Cadence at Gateway
Cadence offers many amenities, including a resort-style pool, parks, fitness center, yoga studio, and more. Additionally, it’s in the heart of Arizona’s Cactus League Spring Training action with the Chicago Cubs and the Oakland A’s.
You’ll find great amenities at Cadence at Gateway in Mesa, located in the Phoenix East Valley. Photo courtesy Cadence at Gateway
You’ll also enjoy being near water recreation activities at the Salt River, Canyon Lake, Saguaro Lake, Roosevelt Lake, and the Apache Trail.
Cadence at Gateway is in Mesa, located in the Phoenix East Valley.
Additionally, if you need a nursing home, Mesa, Arizona, provides access to nearby facilities that can cater to your specific needs, ensuring you receive the care and support you require in your retirement years.
Retire in Chandler, Arizona
Retirees will love Chandler’s active lifestyle, vibrant downtown, and easy access to outdoor recreation.
You can enjoy urban birding at Veteran’s Oasis Park in Chandler, AZ. Photo courtesy Visit Chandler
Plus, there is a terrific variety of shopping, and fabulous restaurants serve every cuisine. The Chandler Center for the Arts offers many arts events and exhibits in a beautiful facility.
Chandler Center for the Arts. Photo courtesy Chandler Center for the Arts
Chandler is located in metropolitan Phoenix, the East Valley.
Retire in San Antonio, Texas
Rich in history and packed with modern activities, San Antonio, Texas, might be a great place to explore as you consider retirement living.
The Alamo in San Antonio beckons visitors, both walking and floating, each night. Photo courtesy Pixabay
You’ll love Six Flags, SeaWorld Aquatica, the Witte Museum, and the San Antonio Zoo. You can stroll along the Riverwalk and enjoy top-notch restaurants galore.
Strolling along the San Antonio Riverwalk or relaxing on a boat ride makes for a romantic outing. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose
San Antonio offers many seasonal events, festivals, and colorful culture and history.
Market Square, San Antonio. Photo by Penny Sadler
San Antonio is located about 75 miles southwest of Austin and 190 miles west of Houston.
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Looking for the Best Places to Retire in the South and Southwest
Of course, tastes, needs, and interests vary, making the search for the best places to retire very personal. Still, I think the South and Southwest are the best regarding affordability, weather, healthcare availability, and social activities. There are also alternatives for retiring outside the US. For example, if you want to retire in Australia, you might look into Botany Gardens nursing home.
As you search for the best places to retire in the South and Southwest, check out Wander With Wonder for some of our favorite places to explore in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Florida. I wish you the best wishes in the next stage of life!
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