SUN CITY, ARIZONA
Sun City, Arizona, has been a premier destination for retired veterans (and retirees in general) since it was founded in 1960. It was actually the very first master planned active adult community in the United States. There are several reasons why retired veterans are drawn to living in Sun City.
1. A High Concentration of Peers and Shared Culture:
Veterans Understand Veterans: Sun City has a massive population of military veterans. Moving there means living among neighbors who share a similar background, discipline and life experience. The community features very active local chapters of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and various branch specific groups. It is easy for veterans to find camaraderie and mutual support.
2. Affordability and Fixed-Income Friendliness:
Property Taxes: Arizona has relatively low property taxes compared to many other states. That’s crucial for retirees living on pensions, Social Security and VA disability benefits. Arizona doesn’t tax military pensions or VA disability benefits, making the state financially attractive to retired service members.
Housing Options: Sun City offers a wide range of relatively affordable housing, from co-ops and condos to single family homes, allowing veterans to downsize without breaking the bank.
3. World-Class Healthcare Access:
VA Facilities: Sun City is located in the Northwest Phoenix metropolitan area, providing relatively easy access to the Phoenix VA Health Care System, one of the larger VA healthcare networks in the country, which includes the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center. Banner Boswell Medical Center is located right in Sun City and Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center is nearby in Sun City West. For aging veterans, having top-tier hospitals and specialized geriatric care nearby is a major selling point for retired camping veterans.
4. The Active Lifestyle (Mind and Body):
Sun City is famous for its “Recreation Centers of Sun City” (RCSC) system, which is funded by a modest annual property fee. There are numerous golf courses winding through the community, perfect for veterans looking to stay active. The Cloverleaf and Beardsley Recreation Centers feature fitness centers, indoor/outdoor pools, bowling alleys, arts and crafts rooms and woodshops. There are over 100 chartered clubs ranging from photography and woodworking to astronomy and dance, helping retirees stay mentally engaged and socially connected.
5. Climate and Environment:
Warm, Dry Weather: The arid desert climate of the Valley of the Sun is a major draw for retirees looking to escape the cold, damp winters of the Midwest, Northeast and Northwest. Many retired veterans deal with chronic pain, arthritis or service connected injuries that feel significantly better in a warm, dry climate.
6. Safety and Age-Restricted Peace of Mind:
55+ Community: Sun City is an age restricted community (at least one resident must be 55 or older, and no permanent residents under 19 are allowed). The lack of schools and lower traffic creates a quiet, peaceful and generally very safe neighborhood environment that many retirees prefer. In short, Sun City offers retired veterans who enjoy camping, a combination of financial relief, specialized healthcare, veteran camaraderie and an affordable, active lifestyle. Now that’s hard to match in most places in the country.