Arizona Military Retirement: Best Cities, Housing Costs & Quality of Life
Where to retire in Arizona as a veteran: best cities ranked by benefits, housing costs, veteran population, and quality of life for 2025.
Arizona Military Retirement: Best Cities, Housing Costs & Quality of Life
Arizona ranks among the top states for military retirees thanks to zero state income tax on military retirement, property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, and a warm, dry climate. With over 455,000 veterans calling Arizona home, the state offers diverse living options from desert cities to mountain towns.
But where should you actually live? Arizona's cities vary significantly in veteran population density, job opportunities, housing costs, and access to VA healthcare.
This guide ranks Arizona's best cities for veterans with real data on home prices, veteran populations, and quality of life factors.
Bottom Line Up Front
Best overall for veterans: Scottsdale (quality of life, ranked #7 nationally) Best for jobs: Phoenix/Tempe/Gilbert (tech and defense contractors) Best for affordability: Sierra Vista, Yuma, Prescott Valley Best for healthcare access: Phoenix and Tucson (VA medical centers) Best for education benefits: Tempe (ASU), Tucson (U of A), Flagstaff (NAU)
Median home price range: $280,000 (Prescott Valley) to $848,000 (Scottsdale) State average: ~$410,000
Top 10 Best Cities for Veterans in Arizona
1. Scottsdale - "The West's Most Western Town"
Overall Grade: A WalletHub 2025 National Ranking: #7
Why it's #1: Scottsdale offers the best combination of quality of life, veteran community, job opportunities, and amenities. It ranked 3rd nationally for quality of life and top-10 for employment.
Veteran Population
- Maricopa County veterans: 223,420 total (Scottsdale is in Maricopa County)
- Concentration: Moderate to high in certain neighborhoods
- Military connection: Close to Luke Air Force Base (30 miles west)
Housing Market
- Median home price: $848,000 (highest in Arizona, but varies widely by neighborhood)
- Affordable neighborhoods: North Scottsdale: $500,000-$700,000; South Scottsdale: $400,000-$550,000
- Luxury market: Paradise Valley border: $1M-$5M+
- Property tax with 100% exemption: Up to $4,748 savings
- Property tax without exemption: ~$5,427/year (0.64% Maricopa rate on $848K)
Cost of Living
- Overall index: 109 (9% above national average)
- Housing: Significantly above state average
- Groceries: Near national average
- Utilities: 7% above national average (air conditioning costs)
Employment Opportunities
Major employers:
- Mayo Clinic Arizona (Scottsdale) - 4,000+ employees
- HonorHealth Scottsdale hospitals
- General Dynamics (IT, cybersecurity)
- GoDaddy (Tempe, adjacent)
- State Farm (Tempe, adjacent)
- Numerous defense contractors in Phoenix metro
- Financial services companies
Average salaries: $70,000-$120,000 depending on industry
Military-friendly employers: Strong presence of defense contractors, healthcare systems that value military medical training
VA Healthcare Access
- Closest VA Medical Center: Phoenix VA (Carl T. Hayden) - 15 miles
- Distance: 20-30 minutes depending on location
- Emergency services: Multiple civilian trauma centers in Scottsdale
Quality of Life
- Climate: Hot summers (110°F+), mild winters (65°F), 300+ days of sunshine
- Outdoor recreation: McDowell Sonoran Preserve (30,000+ acres of trails), Scottsdale Greenbelt, golf (200+ courses in metro)
- Culture: Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Old Town Scottsdale, vibrant arts district
- Entertainment: MLB spring training (15+ teams in metro), dining, nightlife
- Education: Excellent public schools (Scottsdale Unified, Paradise Valley Unified)
- Crime: Low to moderate (varies by neighborhood)
Pros:
- Ranked #3 nationally for quality of life
- Excellent job market for professionals
- Top-tier dining, entertainment, and culture
- Strong healthcare access (Mayo Clinic + VA nearby)
- Low crime in most areas
- Tax-free military retirement income
- Beautiful desert scenery
Cons:
- Highest housing costs in Arizona
- Very hot summers (3+ months above 105°F)
- High cost of living overall
- Water scarcity concerns (long-term)
- Traffic congestion in some areas
Bottom line: If you can afford it, Scottsdale offers the best quality of life in Arizona. Strong salaries offset high costs for employed veterans. Retirees on fixed income may struggle with housing costs.
2. Gilbert - "Hay Capital of the World" (Historically)
Overall Grade: A WalletHub 2025 National Ranking: #15
Why it ranks #2: Gilbert ranked 2nd nationally for employment and 7th for economy, with the lowest veteran unemployment rate (tied with four cities) and 5th lowest percentage of veterans in poverty.
Veteran Population
- Maricopa County: 223,420 total veterans
- Gilbert: Strong veteran presence, family-oriented community
- Military connection: Close to multiple military facilities in Phoenix metro
Housing Market
- Median home price: $540,000
- Range: $400,000-$750,000+ depending on neighborhood
- Property tax with 100% exemption: Up to $4,748 savings
- Property tax without exemption: ~$3,456/year
Cost of Living
- Overall index: 103 (3% above national average)
- Housing: Above state average but more affordable than Scottsdale
- Family-friendly: Excellent schools, safe neighborhoods
Employment Opportunities
Major employers:
- Intel (Chandler, adjacent) - 12,000+ employees
- Boeing (Mesa, nearby)
- Microchip Technology
- Raytheon (Phoenix metro)
- Financial services companies
- Healthcare systems
Why employment is strong: Gilbert's location in the Southeast Valley puts it near major tech employers (Intel, Microchip) and defense contractors.
VA Healthcare Access
- Phoenix VA Medical Center: 25-30 miles northwest
- Distance: 30-45 minutes depending on traffic
Quality of Life
- Climate: Hot summers, mild winters
- Outdoor recreation: Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, hiking trails, golf
- Family focus: Top-rated schools, family events, safe neighborhoods
- Growth: One of fastest-growing cities in America
- Crime: Very low - consistently ranked one of safest cities in America
Pros:
- Best employment opportunities for veterans (ranked #2 nationally)
- Lowest veteran unemployment
- Excellent schools (consistently top-ranked)
- Very safe community
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Strong tech job market
- Tax-free military retirement
Cons:
- High housing costs (though lower than Scottsdale)
- Hot summers
- Longer commute to VA medical center
- Rapid growth causing some infrastructure strain
Bottom line: Gilbert is ideal for working veterans with families. The job market is outstanding, schools are excellent, and the community is safe and family-oriented.
3. Chandler - "City of Innovation"
Overall Grade: A- WalletHub 2025 National Ranking: #16
Why it ranks #3: Chandler offers excellent employment opportunities (Intel headquarters), affordable housing compared to Scottsdale, and strong quality of life.
Veteran Population
- Maricopa County: 223,420 veterans
- Chandler: Growing veteran community
Housing Market
- Median home price: $525,000
- Range: $350,000-$700,000
- Property tax with 100% exemption: Up to $4,748 savings
Cost of Living
- Overall: Near Gilbert, slightly above national average
- More affordable than: Scottsdale, Paradise Valley
Employment Opportunities
Major employers:
- Intel - 12,000+ employees (largest private employer in Arizona)
- Northrop Grumman
- Wells Fargo
- Microchip Technology
- PayPal
Average tech salaries: $85,000-$130,000
VA Healthcare Access
- Phoenix VA: 20-25 miles, 30-40 minutes
Quality of Life
- Climate: Hot, dry summers; mild winters
- Recreation: Desert Breeze Park, Veterans Oasis Park, golf courses
- Tech hub: Strong veteran hiring in tech sector
- Crime: Low
Pros:
- Intel and tech sector actively hire veterans
- More affordable than Scottsdale
- Strong schools
- Good job market
- Safe community
Cons:
- Still expensive by national standards
- Hot summers
- Growing traffic congestion
Bottom line: Chandler is perfect for tech-oriented veterans seeking high-paying jobs with lower housing costs than Scottsdale.
4. Phoenix - "Valley of the Sun"
Overall Grade: B+ WalletHub 2025 National Ranking: #75
Why it ranks #4: Despite ranking lower nationally (due to size and diversity of neighborhoods), Phoenix offers the best VA healthcare access, most job opportunities, and diverse housing options.
Veteran Population
- Maricopa County: 223,420 veterans
- Phoenix proper: Largest raw number of veterans in state
Housing Market
- Median home price: $450,000 (city average, varies widely by neighborhood)
- Affordable areas: $300,000-$400,000 (South Phoenix, West Phoenix)
- Expensive areas: $600,000-$1M+ (North Phoenix, Arcadia, Biltmore)
- Property tax with exemption: Up to $4,748 savings
Cost of Living
- Overall index: 106.5 (6.5% above national average)
- Housing: 17% above national average
- Varies dramatically: Downtown/Central vs. suburbs
Employment Opportunities
Major employers:
- Intel (12,000+)
- Boeing
- Raytheon Technologies
- Honeywell Aerospace
- Banner Health (23,000+ statewide)
- Mayo Clinic
- USAA (2,000+)
- Amazon fulfillment centers
- State of Arizona government
Industries: Aerospace/defense, healthcare, tech, financial services, government
VA Healthcare Access
- Phoenix VA Health Care System: 650 E Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
- Phone: (602) 277-5551
- Services: Full medical center with emergency department
- This is the best VA access in Arizona
Quality of Life
- Climate: Very hot summers (110°F+, 3-4 months), excellent winters (65-75°F)
- Outdoor recreation: Camelback Mountain, South Mountain Park (16,000+ acres), Papago Park
- Sports: Phoenix Suns (NBA), Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Arizona Coyotes (NHL)
- Culture: Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum, Desert Botanical Garden
- Downtown revitalization: Growing urban core with restaurants, nightlife
- Crime: Higher in some neighborhoods - research specific areas
Pros:
- Best VA healthcare access in state
- Most job opportunities
- Diverse housing options (affordable to luxury)
- Major city amenities (sports, culture, dining)
- Sky Harbor International Airport (excellent flight connections)
- Tax-free military retirement
Cons:
- Extreme summer heat (110°F+ for months)
- Higher cost of living than surrounding areas
- Traffic congestion
- Crime varies widely by neighborhood
- Air quality issues
Bottom line: Phoenix is ideal for veterans prioritizing VA healthcare access and job opportunities. Choose your neighborhood carefully - housing costs and safety vary dramatically.
5. Tucson - "The Old Pueblo"
Overall Grade: B+ WalletHub 2025 National Ranking: #62
Why it ranks #5: VA medical center access, more affordable housing than Phoenix, strong military connection (Davis-Monthan AFB), and University of Arizona.
Veteran Population
- Pima County veterans: 76,630 (9-12% of population)
- High concentration: Near Davis-Monthan AFB
- Military connection: Davis-Monthan AFB (active Air Force base), Fort Huachuca 70 miles south
Housing Market
- Median home price: $328,000 (much more affordable than Phoenix metro)
- Range: $250,000-$500,000 for most homes
- Luxury: Foothills/Catalina: $600,000-$2M+
- Property tax with exemption: Up to $4,748 savings
- Property tax without exemption: ~$2,755/year (0.84% Pima County rate)
Cost of Living
- Overall index: 96 (4% below national average)
- Housing: Significantly more affordable than Phoenix
- Utilities: Moderate (slightly lower cooling costs than Phoenix)
Employment Opportunities
Major employers:
- Raytheon Missiles & Defense - 12,000+ employees (largest private employer in Tucson)
- Davis-Monthan Air Force Base - 10,000+ military and civilian
- University of Arizona - 15,000+ employees
- Banner University Medical Center
- Tucson Unified School District
- Pima County government
Industries: Aerospace/defense, education, healthcare, government
VA Healthcare Access
- Southern Arizona VA Health Care System: 3601 South Sixth Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85723
- Phone: (520) 792-1450
- Services: Full medical center with comprehensive services
- Excellent access - one of three VA medical centers in Arizona
Quality of Life
- Climate: Hot summers (100-105°F), pleasant winters, slightly cooler than Phoenix
- Outdoor recreation: Saguaro National Park, Santa Catalina Mountains, Mount Lemmon (skiing in winter), hiking
- Culture: University of Arizona sports, Tucson Gem & Mineral Show, Mexican-American heritage
- Food scene: UNESCO City of Gastronomy, outstanding Mexican food
- Education: University of Arizona (Yellow Ribbon program)
- Crime: Moderate - varies by neighborhood
Pros:
- More affordable housing than Phoenix metro
- VA medical center access
- Strong military community (Davis-Monthan AFB)
- Raytheon actively hires veterans (12,000 employees)
- Beautiful mountain scenery
- University of Arizona (GI Bill benefits)
- Slightly cooler than Phoenix
- Rich cultural heritage
Cons:
- Fewer job opportunities than Phoenix (except Raytheon)
- Hot summers (though slightly cooler than Phoenix)
- Limited tech sector compared to Phoenix
- Some high-crime areas
- Smaller metro area
Bottom line: Tucson is excellent for veterans seeking affordability, VA access, and military community. Ideal for Raytheon/defense contractor employees or University of Arizona students.
6. Mesa - "City of Dreams and Sunshine"
Overall Grade: B+ WalletHub 2025 National Ranking: #29
Why it ranks #6: Good balance of affordability, job access (Boeing), and proximity to Phoenix VA.
Veteran Population
- Maricopa County: 223,420 veterans
- Mesa: Large veteran population, mature community
Housing Market
- Median home price: $440,000
- More affordable than: Scottsdale, Gilbert, Chandler
- Range: $300,000-$600,000
Cost of Living
- Overall: Near Phoenix average, more affordable than East Valley cities
Employment Opportunities
Major employers:
- Boeing (Mesa facility - Apache helicopters)
- Banner Health hospitals
- Mesa Public Schools
- City of Mesa
VA Healthcare Access
- Phoenix VA: 10-15 miles, 20-30 minutes
Quality of Life
- Climate: Hot, dry
- Recreation: Usery Mountain Regional Park, Riverview Park, golf
- Culture: Mesa Arts Center, museums
- Large city: Third-largest in Arizona (500,000+ population)
Pros:
- More affordable than Gilbert/Chandler
- Boeing facility (veteran hiring)
- Close to Phoenix VA
- Mature city with established neighborhoods
- Large community college (Mesa Community College)
Cons:
- Fewer high-paying jobs than Gilbert/Chandler
- Some areas have higher crime
- Hot summers
Bottom line: Mesa offers value for veterans seeking affordability in the Phoenix metro with access to jobs and VA healthcare.
7. Tempe - "City of Excitement"
Overall Grade: B+
Why it ranks #7: Home to Arizona State University (best veteran programs in state), central Phoenix metro location, strong job market.
Veteran Population
- Maricopa County: 223,420 total
- ASU students: 5,000+ student veterans
Housing Market
- Median home price: $470,000
- Elevated due to: University demand, desirable location
- Rental market: Competitive due to students
Cost of Living
- Overall: Similar to Phoenix
- Housing: Above average due to ASU demand
Employment Opportunities
Major employers:
- Arizona State University
- State Farm (major regional headquarters)
- GoDaddy
- Wells Fargo
- NXP Semiconductors
- Numerous tech startups
Location advantage: Central to entire Phoenix metro job market
VA Healthcare Access
- Phoenix VA: 5-10 miles, 15-25 minutes (excellent access)
Quality of Life
- Climate: Hot summers, mild winters
- University town: ASU sports, Mill Avenue entertainment district
- Recreation: Tempe Town Lake, Papago Park, trails
- Transit: Light rail access to Phoenix
- Young demographic: Vibrant, college-town energy
Pros:
- Best veteran education benefits in Arizona (ASU Pat Tillman Veterans Center)
- Excellent job market
- Central location
- Great VA access
- Light rail transit
- ASU unlimited Yellow Ribbon (online programs)
Cons:
- Higher housing costs due to university
- College town atmosphere (good or bad depending on preference)
- Traffic congestion near ASU
Bottom line: Tempe is perfect for veterans using GI Bill at ASU or seeking tech/corporate jobs with excellent VA access.
8. Prescott - "Everybody's Hometown"
Overall Grade: B
Why it ranks #8: Cooler climate, VA medical center, small-town feel, lower cost than Phoenix metro.
Veteran Population
- Yavapai County: High concentration of veterans
- Retirement community: Popular with military retirees
Housing Market
- Median home price: $550,000 (elevated for smaller city due to desirability)
- Range: $350,000-$800,000
Cost of Living
- Overall: Near Phoenix
- Housing: Expensive for a small city
Employment Opportunities
Limited compared to metro areas:
- Bob Stump VA Medical Center (largest employer)
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Healthcare
- Retail/services
- Tourism
Challenge: Few high-paying professional jobs outside VA and university
VA Healthcare Access
- Bob Stump VA Medical Center: 500 Highway 89 North, Prescott, AZ 86313
- Phone: (928) 445-4860
- Services: Medical center with extended care, domiciliary
- Excellent access - one of only three VA medical centers in Arizona
Quality of Life
- Climate: Four seasons, cooler than Phoenix (90°F summers, snow in winter)
- Outdoor recreation: Prescott National Forest, Watson Lake, Granite Dells, hiking
- Historic downtown: Whiskey Row, courthouse square, museums
- Small-town feel: 45,000 population
- Crime: Low
Pros:
- VA medical center on-site
- Cooler climate (huge advantage over desert cities)
- Beautiful scenery (pine forests, mountains)
- Low crime
- Small-town community feel
- Active veteran population
Cons:
- Limited job opportunities (not ideal for working veterans)
- Higher housing costs for small city
- Smaller metro area means fewer amenities
- 100 miles from Phoenix (1.5 hours)
Bottom line: Prescott is ideal for military retirees prioritizing cooler climate, VA access, and small-town living. Not ideal for working veterans due to limited job market.
9. Sierra Vista - "Gateway to Adventure"
Overall Grade: B
Why it ranks #9: Most affordable city with strong military connection, highest veteran concentration in state.
Veteran Population
- Cochise County: 19.4% of adult population are veterans (highest in Arizona)
- Sierra Vista: Strong military community near Fort Huachuca
Housing Market
- Median home price: $320,000 (very affordable)
- Range: $200,000-$450,000
- Best affordability in regions with services
Cost of Living
- Overall: Below national average
- Housing: Most affordable of major veteran destinations
Employment Opportunities
Major employers:
- Fort Huachuca (Army Intelligence Center) - 10,000+ military and civilian
- Border Patrol
- General Dynamics Mission Systems
- Sierra Vista schools and city government
Limited civilian opportunities: Most jobs tied to Fort Huachuca
VA Healthcare Access
- Southern Arizona VA (Tucson): 70 miles, 1 hour drive
- Sierra Vista Vet Center Outstation: 4481 Campus Drive, Suite A
Quality of Life
- Climate: High desert (elevation 4,600 feet), cooler than Phoenix/Tucson
- Outdoor recreation: Coronado National Memorial, San Pedro River, Ramsey Canyon
- Small city: 45,000 population
- Military culture: Strong military community feel
- Crime: Low
Pros:
- Most affordable housing
- Highest veteran concentration (19.4%)
- Strong military community (Fort Huachuca)
- Cooler than low desert
- Low crime
- Beautiful mountain scenery
Cons:
- Limited civilian job opportunities
- 70 miles from VA hospital (Tucson)
- Small city with fewer amenities
- Border proximity concerns for some
Bottom line: Sierra Vista is ideal for veterans on fixed income seeking affordability and strong military community. Best for retirees or those working at Fort Huachuca.
10. Flagstaff - "City of Seven Wonders"
Overall Grade: B-
Why it ranks #10: Mountain lifestyle, Northern Arizona University (unlimited Yellow Ribbon), four-season climate.
Veteran Population
- Coconino County: Moderate veteran population
- NAU: 1,200+ student veterans
Housing Market
- Median home price: $668,000 (very expensive for small city)
- Challenge: Limited inventory, high demand, tourism impact
Cost of Living
- Overall: Higher than Phoenix
- Housing: Very expensive relative to city size and job market
Employment Opportunities
Major employers:
- Northern Arizona University (largest employer)
- Flagstaff Medical Center
- W.L. Gore & Associates
- U.S. Forest Service
- Tourism industry
Limited high-paying jobs: Outside NAU and healthcare
VA Healthcare Access
- Flagstaff CBOC: Primary care and mental health
- Bob Stump VA (Prescott): 90 miles, 1.5 hours for complex care
- State Veterans Home: Flagstaff ASVH (opened 2024)
Quality of Life
- Climate: Four seasons, snow in winter, 70-80°F summers (huge advantage)
- Elevation: 7,000 feet
- Outdoor recreation: San Francisco Peaks, Arizona Snowbowl (skiing), hiking, mountain biking
- Natural beauty: Ponderosa pine forests, mountains
- Culture: NAU campus, Route 66 heritage, outdoor culture
- Crime: Low
Pros:
- Best climate in Arizona (cool summers, snowy winters)
- NAU unlimited Yellow Ribbon program (best in state)
- Beautiful mountain scenery
- Excellent outdoor recreation
- Low crime
- Strong environmental consciousness
Cons:
- Very high housing costs
- Limited job opportunities (primarily NAU, healthcare, tourism)
- 2+ hours from VA medical center
- Small city (75,000 population)
- Harsh winters (snow, cold)
Bottom line: Flagstaff is ideal for veterans using GI Bill at NAU who love mountains and snow. Not ideal for retirees on fixed income due to high housing costs, or for those needing regular VA hospital access.
Housing Market Analysis
Median Home Prices by City (2025)
| City | Median Price | Property Tax (no exemption) | Savings with 100% Exemption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scottsdale | $848,000 | $5,427 | Up to $4,748/year |
| Flagstaff | $668,000 | $5,611 | Up to $4,748/year |
| Prescott | $550,000 | $4,620 | Up to $4,748/year |
| Gilbert | $540,000 | $3,456 | Up to $4,748/year |
| Chandler | $525,000 | $3,360 | Up to $4,748/year |
| Tempe | $470,000 | $3,008 | Up to $4,748/year |
| Phoenix | $450,000 | $2,880 | Up to $4,748/year |
| Mesa | $440,000 | $2,816 | Up to $4,748/year |
| Tucson | $328,000 | $2,755 | Up to $4,748/year |
| Sierra Vista | $320,000 | $2,688 | Up to $4,748/year |
Note: Property tax rates vary by county. Maricopa County ~0.64%, Pima County ~0.84%. Maximum exemption is $4,748 regardless of home value.
Rental Market
2-bedroom apartment average rents:
- Scottsdale: $1,800-$2,500
- Phoenix: $1,400-$1,900
- Tempe: $1,500-$2,000
- Gilbert: $1,600-$2,100
- Chandler: $1,500-$2,000
- Mesa: $1,300-$1,700
- Tucson: $1,100-$1,500
- Flagstaff: $1,400-$1,900
- Prescott: $1,200-$1,600
- Sierra Vista: $900-$1,300
Affordability Analysis
Most affordable (low home prices, lower cost of living):
- Sierra Vista
- Tucson
- Mesa
Best value (price vs. job market/quality of life):
- Gilbert
- Chandler
- Tucson
Least affordable (high prices relative to income):
- Flagstaff (small job market, high prices)
- Scottsdale (luxury market)
- Prescott (limited jobs, high prices for retirees)
Cost of Living Breakdown by City
Phoenix Metro Cities
Phoenix:
- Overall: 106.5 (6.5% above national average)
- Housing: 117
- Utilities: 107
- Groceries: 103
Scottsdale:
- Overall: 109
- Housing: 130+
- Otherwise: Near Phoenix
Gilbert/Chandler/Mesa:
- Overall: 103-106
- Housing: 110-120
- Otherwise: Near national average
Tucson
- Overall: 96 (4% below national average)
- Housing: 89 (11% below national average)
- Groceries: 98
- Healthcare: 94
Flagstaff
- Overall: 115+ (15% above national average)
- Housing: 140+
- Higher costs due to elevation, tourism, isolation
Prescott/Sierra Vista
- Overall: 100-105
- Housing: Varies (Prescott higher, Sierra Vista lower)
Climate and Weather Considerations
Low Desert (Phoenix Metro, Tucson, Yuma)
- Summers: Extremely hot (105-115°F, June-September)
- Winters: Mild to warm (60-75°F)
- Rainfall: 7-12 inches annually
- Snow: Never
- Best for: Veterans who love heat and sunshine, those with cold-weather injuries
Challenges: Extreme heat limits outdoor activities 4 months/year, high cooling costs
High Desert (Sierra Vista)
- Elevation: ~4,600 feet
- Summers: Hot but more tolerable (90-95°F)
- Winters: Cool (40-60°F)
- Rainfall: ~15 inches
- Snow: Occasional light snow
Mountain Cities (Prescott, Flagstaff)
- Prescott: Four seasons, 90°F summers, freezing winters, occasional snow
- Flagstaff: True four seasons, 70-80°F summers, snowy winters (100+ inches/year)
- Best for: Veterans who can't tolerate extreme heat, those who love snow and mountains
Challenges: Winter driving conditions, higher heating costs
Veteran Health Considerations
Heat concerns: Phoenix/Tucson summers can be dangerous for veterans with:
- Cardiovascular conditions
- Respiratory issues
- Medications affected by heat
Altitude concerns: Flagstaff (7,000 feet) may challenge veterans with:
- Respiratory conditions
- Heart conditions
- COPD
Ideal climates for arthritis: Low desert cities (dry heat helps many with joint pain)
Veteran Community Strength
Counties with Highest Veteran Concentration
- Cochise County: 19.4% of adults (Sierra Vista/Fort Huachaca)
- Yavapai County: ~15% (Prescott)
- Pima County: 9-12% (Tucson/Davis-Monthan AFB)
- Maricopa County: 6.3% (but largest raw numbers: 223,420 veterans)
VFW and American Legion Posts
Most posts: Maricopa County (Phoenix metro), Pima County (Tucson)
Veterans Day events: Major parades in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, Prescott
Military Installations
- Luke Air Force Base (Phoenix west valley) - F-35 training
- Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (Tucson) - A-10 operations, aircraft boneyard
- Fort Huachuca (Sierra Vista) - Army Intelligence Center
- Marine Corps Air Station Yuma - Marine aviation training
Quality of Life Factors
Recreation
Best outdoor recreation:
- Scottsdale/Phoenix: Desert hiking, golf
- Tucson: Mountain hiking (Santa Catalinas), Saguaro National Park
- Flagstaff: Mountain biking, skiing, hiking
- Prescott: Lakes, granite formations, forests
Best for golf: Scottsdale (200+ courses in metro), Phoenix
Best for skiing: Flagstaff (Arizona Snowbowl)
Culture and Entertainment
Best food scenes: Scottsdale, Phoenix, Tucson (Mexican food) Best arts/culture: Phoenix (museums, symphony), Tucson (University of Arizona) Best nightlife: Scottsdale (Old Town), Tempe (Mill Avenue) Best small-town charm: Prescott
Education (for families)
Best school districts:
- Paradise Valley Unified (Scottsdale)
- Scottsdale Unified
- Gilbert Public Schools
- Chandler Unified
- Catalina Foothills (Tucson)
Best universities: ASU (Tempe), University of Arizona (Tucson), NAU (Flagstaff)
Healthcare Access
Best overall healthcare:
- Phoenix (Mayo Clinic, Banner Health, HonorHealth)
- Scottsdale (Mayo Clinic, HonorHealth Scottsdale)
- Tucson (Banner University Medical Center)
Best VA access:
- Phoenix (VA medical center)
- Tucson (VA medical center)
- Prescott (VA medical center)
Transportation
Airports:
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International (excellent service, 9th busiest in US)
- Tucson International Airport (moderate service)
- Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (limited service)
Public transit:
- Phoenix: Valley Metro light rail (limited coverage)
- Tucson: Sun Link streetcar, bus system (limited)
- Car required in all Arizona cities
Decision Matrix: Which City is Right for You?
Choose Scottsdale if:
- You want the best quality of life in Arizona
- You can afford higher housing costs
- You're a working professional with good income
- You prioritize culture, dining, entertainment
- You want excellent healthcare access (Mayo + VA)
Choose Gilbert/Chandler if:
- You want the best job opportunities (tech, defense)
- You have a family and prioritize excellent schools
- You want safety and low crime
- You can afford above-average housing
- You're willing to commute to VA
Choose Phoenix if:
- VA healthcare access is critical
- You want maximum job opportunities
- You want major city amenities
- You want diverse housing price options
- You can tolerate extreme summer heat
Choose Tucson if:
- You want affordability with VA access
- You work for Raytheon or defense contractor
- You're attending University of Arizona
- You want strong military community (Davis-Monthan)
- You prefer slightly cooler temperatures than Phoenix
Choose Tempe if:
- You're using GI Bill at ASU (best veteran programs)
- You want central Phoenix metro location
- You want vibrant college town atmosphere
- You want excellent job market and VA access
Choose Prescott if:
- You're a military retiree (not working)
- You need regular VA medical center access
- You can't tolerate extreme heat
- You want small-town community
- You can afford higher housing costs
Choose Sierra Vista if:
- Affordability is your #1 priority
- You work at Fort Huachuca
- You want the strongest military community
- You're on fixed income
- You can drive to Tucson VA when needed
Choose Flagstaff if:
- You're using GI Bill at NAU (unlimited Yellow Ribbon)
- You love mountains, snow, and four seasons
- You can afford very high housing costs
- You don't need regular VA hospital access
- You prioritize outdoor recreation
Key Takeaways
- Scottsdale and Gilbert lead nationally - Ranked #7 and #15 respectively for veterans
- Phoenix offers best VA access - Critical for veterans with complex medical needs
- Sierra Vista offers best affordability - Ideal for fixed-income retirees
- Tucson balances affordability and services - VA access + lower costs than Phoenix
- All cities benefit from zero state tax on military retirement - Saves $2,000-$3,000+ annually
- Climate is major factor - Choose low desert (hot) vs. high desert vs. mountains based on health and preferences
Arizona offers genuine value for military retirees, especially compared to California or Hawaii. Housing costs have risen but remain manageable outside luxury markets. The combination of tax benefits, warm climate (or mountain alternatives), and strong veteran communities makes Arizona a top-10 state for veteran retirement.
The best city for you depends on your priorities: employment (Gilbert/Chandler), quality of life (Scottsdale), healthcare (Phoenix/Tucson), affordability (Sierra Vista), or education (Tempe/Flagstaff).
Additional Resources
- Arizona Department of Veterans' Services: (602) 255-3373 | dvs.az.gov
- Housing market data: Zillow.com/AZ, Redfin.com/state/Arizona
- Cost of living calculators: BestPlaces.net
- Arizona@Work (Job Search): arizonaatwork.com
- VA facility locator: VA.gov/find-locations
- WalletHub Best Cities for Veterans: wallethub.com/edu/best-and-worst-cities-for-veterans
Information current as of January 2025. Housing prices and market conditions change frequently - verify current prices before making decisions.