Is Scottsdale The Best Place To Retire? (2025 Guide)

Written By Dan Langworthy, CIMA®, CPWA®

Why Scottsdale Tops Retirement Shortlists

If you’re contemplating a retirement move—or a snowbird “test drive”—to Arizona, chances are Scottsdale is on your radar. And for good reason. The city consistently earns recognition for its sunny winters, top-tier healthcare, desert scenery, and active lifestyle.

But Scottsdale isn’t perfect for everyone. Let’s break down the factors most retirees care about—healthcare, cost of living, housing, weather, travel, outdoor life, culture, and convenience—so you can decide if it matches your version of an ideal retirement.

The Short Answer

Scottsdale is one of the best places to retire if you want:

  • Mild, sunny winters and an exceptionally active outdoor lifestyle.
  • Access to Mayo Clinic Arizona (ranked #1 in the state and on the U.S. News Honor Roll).
  • Convenient flights via Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (120+ domestic, 20+ international).
  • A vibrant mix of golf, art, and dining.
  • Retiree-friendly tax policies (no state tax on Social Security; 2.5% flat income tax; no estate or inheritance tax).

But it may not be for you if:

  • You dislike extreme summer heat (100°+ for weeks at a time).
  • You prefer car-free living (Scottsdale is car-dependent).
  • You’re highly sensitive to air quality (the Phoenix metro ranks poorly for ozone).

Pros & Considerations

Pros

  • World-class healthcare (Mayo Clinic & HonorHealth)
  • 30,500-acre McDowell Sonoran Preserve + abundant golf
  • Vibrant arts/dining + spring training baseball
  • Major airport hub nearby
  • Retiree-friendly tax structure
  • No municipal tax on long-term rentals

Considerations

  • Extreme summer heat and higher A/C bills
  • Poor ozone/air quality rankings
  • Car-dependent layout
  • Housing can be expensive, especially in North Scottsdale
  • Higher sales taxes on purchases
  • Dust storms in monsoon season

1. Healthcare: Peace of Mind in Retirement

  • Mayo Clinic Arizona (on the Scottsdale/Phoenix border) is nationally ranked and #1 in Arizona—reassurance for complex care needs.
  • HonorHealth operates multiple full-service hospitals in Scottsdale, including trauma and cardiac centers.

For retirees, access to world-class care is often the deciding factor—and Scottsdale delivers.

2. Outdoor Lifestyle: Trails, Preserves & Golf

  • McDowell Sonoran Preserve: 30,500 acres with 230+ miles of trails, one of the largest urban preserves in North America.
  • Pinnacle Peak Park: A popular 3.5-mile desert hike with iconic Sonoran views.
  • Golf: With 51 courses and over 1,200 holes, Scottsdale is truly a golf capital—home to Troon North, Grayhawk, and the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale.

If hiking, biking, or golf is your idea of a perfect winter morning, Scottsdale makes it easy.

3. Arts, Culture & Entertainment

  • Old Town Scottsdale: Weekly ArtWalks, galleries, dining, and people-watching.
  • Cactus League Spring Training: Watch MLB teams up close at Scottsdale Stadium (Giants) and Salt River Fields (Diamondbacks, Rockies).
  • Dining: From chef-driven restaurants to classic Southwestern cuisine, Scottsdale’s food scene keeps winters lively.

4. Travel Made Easy

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) offers nonstop flights to most major U.S. cities plus dozens of international destinations—ideal for visiting family or checking off bucket-list trips.

5. Taxes & Cost of Living

  • Income tax: Flat 2.5% rate; no state tax on Social Security.
  • Estate/inheritance taxes: None.
  • Sales tax: Combined rates ~8%.
  • Property taxes: Among the lowest in the U.S. (~0.44% effective rate).
  • Housing: Zillow pegs the typical home value around $830k (North Scottsdale is often higher).

Tip: Many retirees rent first to test neighborhoods and budgets. As of 2025, Arizona cities can no longer add municipal tax to long-term rent, making “try before you buy” easier.

6. Weather: Best and Worst of Both Worlds

  • Winters: Mild, clear, and perfect for outdoor life.
  • Summers: Long stretches of 100°–110°+ days; energy bills spike, and outdoor activity is limited to early mornings.
  • Monsoon season: Brings dramatic thunderstorms and dust storms (remember Arizona’s safety motto: “Pull Aside, Stay Alive”).

Snowbirds who leave in summer find Scottsdale nearly perfect; year-round residents simply adapt.

7. Air Quality & Allergies

The Phoenix–Mesa metro ranks among the worst in the U.S. for ozone. Sensitive retirees may feel it, especially during peak summer.

8. Getting Around

  • Walk Score: 32 (car dependent). Old Town pockets are more walkable.
  • Transit: Free Scottsdale Trolley routes connect locally, but there’s no light rail in Scottsdale (Valley Metro runs through Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa).

Scottsdale at a Glance

Winters
Mild & sunny
Healthcare
Mayo AZ #1 in state
Flights
PHX: 120+ U.S. • 20+ intl
Preserve
30,500 acres • 230+ miles
Golf
51 courses • 1,200+ holes
Taxes
2.5% flat • No SS tax • Avg property ~0.44%

Smart Strategy: Try Before You Buy

Many retirees rent October–April for a year or two before purchasing. This lets you compare Old Town, Central Scottsdale (e.g., McCormick Ranch, Gainey Ranch), and North Scottsdale (e.g., DC Ranch, Grayhawk, Troon)—each offering a different flavor of lifestyle and cost.

Closing Thought

Scottsdale may be one of the best places in America to retire—if its mix of sunny winters, healthcare access, outdoor life, and culture align with your vision. But it’s not for everyone. The summers are intense, the city is car-centric, and housing isn’t cheap.

👉 Thinking about a move or snowbird test drive? Schedule a conversation with Fortress Financial Group. We’ll help you plan financially so you can explore Scottsdale—or any retirement destination—with clarity and confidence.

Disclosures

Fortress Financial Group LLC (“FFG") is a registered investment advisor. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where FFG and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure.

The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as investment, legal, or tax advice.

Links to third-party websites or references to third-party data are provided for convenience and informational purposes only. Fortress Financial Group does not endorse, approve, or guarantee the accuracy or completeness of third-party information.

References / Additional Resources

Dan Langworthy, CIMA®, CPWA®

Dan is the founder and senior advisor of Fortress Financial Group in Rochester, MN. Backed by 35 years of experience, he helps pre-retirees and retirees build tax-efficient, planning-first roadmaps that keep more of their wealth working for them. When he’s away from the office, you’ll likely find Dan carving fresh powder, chasing birdies, or exploring new destinations with family and friends.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danlangworthy/
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