Most seniors consider several factors when choosing where to spend their golden years. While affordability is usually crucial, access to medical care, recreation, a strong sense of community, and safety are essential aspects of a comfortable and happy retirement. While Florida continues to be one of the top destinations for America’s seniors, retirees can find all of these conveniences in other parts of the country, like Arizona, for example.

According to Realtor.com, the second best place to retire is in the Grand Canyon State. Recently, the website released its annual listing of the top 10 retirement towns for 2024, and Green Valley, a retirement community 30 miles south of Tucson, took the silver medal. (The first was Sun City Center in Florida.)

The census-designated place in Pima County came in fourth in 2023 but climbed two places this year “due in large part to the natural wonders of the area, which include bird-watching at the world-famous Madera Canyon,” the report stated. The vibrant retirement community dates back to the mid-1960s and is home to about 20,000 full-time residents with a median age of 74. Realtor.com points out that an overwhelming majority of home listings are retiree-friendly — 83 percent and the median list price is $350,000. 

“[The] COVID-19 [pandemic] saw a huge spike in sales since many people could work from home, and that home could be anywhere. It allowed people to live the retirement lifestyle before they actually retired. We are seeing a more balanced market today, where good homes still sell fast, but you will have time to explore the market,” Stacey Bell, a realtor at Long Realty Company/Luxury Portfolio International, told Travel + Leisure.

But there’s more to Green Valley that makes it an excellent retirement destination. Its location, near historical and natural landmarks, allows residents to explore the area from a variety of perspectives.

The neighboring town of Sahuarita traces back its roots centuries ago when it was home to Native Americans. Jesuits settled the region in the 17th century, and residents and visitors can explore one of the most beautiful examples of Spanish Colonial architecture about 20 miles north at the San Xavier Del Bac Mission, the oldest European structure in Arizona. History buffs usually visit the Titan Missile Museum, the last remaining Cold War-era Titan II site, where they can see the underground launch control center.

Green Valley is also near Tubac, known for its vibrant art scene, and many galleries and museums. 

Green Valley’s residents enjoy a very active lifestyle thanks to the top-notch sports facilities they can access within the community, such as over ten swimming pools, racket and paddle courts, and six fitness centers. Additionally, there are dozens of classes, workshops, and activities that residents can sign up for year-round, spanning foreign language learning, dancing, singing, yoga, and jewelry making.

“It’s a summer camp for adults. Our entire community was built for retirees to explore hidden talents, play in their passions, and reinvent themselves. We are close enough to Tucson to enjoy world-class food, culture, and entertainment but far enough away to be quiet,” Bell added.

Lastly, Realtor.com points out that just like most of the top retirement cities, Green Valley is also close to a major urban center, in this case, Tucson, where residents can find even more entertainment options.