It may come as no surprise that Scottsdale landed in the second spot on WalletHub’sBest Places to Retire in 2018 list. The town scored well on all metrics including healthcare, activities, and affordability, while scoring the highest on quality of life. Scottsdale also ranked fourth place in term of best mild weather, and first place with the highest population of residents over the age of 65. 

With all this and more to take advantage of in Scottsdale, you may be considering a move as you enter retirement or plan to downsize. And while the current retiree is anything but “retired,” there are five neighborhoods that offer the best all-around amenities, activities, and home prices for the active adult crowd.

Terravita

Located in northern Scottsdale and surrounded by picturesque mountains on all sides, Terravitacaters to active adult homebuyers seeking a low-maintenance home and a vibrant social atmosphere. All residents enjoy membership to the Terravita Country Club with multiple on-site dining options ranging from casual fare to fine dining.Also, a fully-equipped fitness center with an aerobics, spin bike, and dance studio allow residents to stay in shape. Outdoors, residents have access to tennis courts, a resort-style pool, and a private 18-hole championship golf course. Social butterflies will get their fill in the various club-sponsored events and activities such as wine tastings, block parties, specialty dinners, holiday parties, golf tournaments, and fashion shows. This 1,380-home community was built by Del Webb between 1993 and 1999, and many of the homes have been remodeled with a modern interior designs and include eco-friendly features. Homebuyers can choose from multiple floorplans ranging in size from 1,384 to just over 3,700 square feet with prices starting in the low $400s. 

Heritage Village IV

Located within the 1,119-acre master-planned community of Scottsdale Ranch, Heritage Village IV offers retirees lakeside living within an age-restricted community. Heritage Village IV offers a variety of private amenities as well as access to the master-planned development’s resort-style amenities. Residents of Heritage Village IV have access to a private clubhouse that offers ample space for club meetings and casual get-togethers. They can also enjoy a heated outdoor pool and three tennis courts. Just outside of the 55+ section, Scottsdale Ranch features Lake Serena, a 42-acre lake where residents can reserve kayaks, canoes, and row boats. The 42-acre Scottsdale Ranch Park and Tennis Center features 18 tennis courts as well as courts for raquetball, basketball, squash, and volleyball. There also plenty of social groups and clubs like chess club, wine club, jazz night, book club, and corks and forks. Heritage Village IV is one of 40 neighborhoods within Scottsdale Ranch, and consists of 162 attached homes. Homes were built by Golden Heritage Homes between 1985 and 1994, and range in price from the mid $300s to the low $400s.

Bellasera

Another Del Webb community in Scottsdale is Bellasera. This 290-acre community consists of 360 single-family homes built between 1998 and 2001. Bellasera offers active adults resort-style living along with low-maintenance homes. Residents have access to a private clubhouse with a gourmet catering kitchen, fitness center, media lounge, and multi-purpose room. Residents can enjoy the community’s outdoor recreational facilities like basketball and tennis courts as well as a resort-style pool and spa. Bellasera also welcomes homebuyers with pets thanks to its 10,800-square-foot pet park. The community features eight miles of trails, perfect for hiking, jogging, or walking. The social environment consists of fitness activities like yoga, water aerobics, Pilates, and hiking as well as fun events like potluck dinners, luncheons, poker nights, and ice cream socials. There are eleven single-family floorplans to choose from ranging in size from 1,394 to 3387 square feet, with prices starting in the mid $300s. 

Golden Keys

Minutes from Old Town Scottsdale, this 55+ gem provides retirees with plenty of amenities and activities that suit an active lifestyle. Near plenty of parks, Golden Keys has all the outdoor appeal, and the community clubhouse is the hub for social events and physical activities. Bocce ball courts are in high use as are the outdoor pool and patio. Many residents walk to the nearby shops and eateries of Old Town Scottsdale, and golfers will love having easy access to golf courses in the area such as Arizona Country Club and Papago Golf Course. This 184-home active adult community features spacious attached homes with charming backyards and covered private patios. Homes are priced starting in the mid $200s and range in size from approximately 1,394 and 2,318 square feet. 

Villa Monterey

A 55-plus and amenity-rich community, Villa Monterey hosts 800 homes but maintains a tight-knit feel thanks to its variety of on-site social events and clubs. A central clubhouse serves as the gathering place for a game of cards or club meetings. Tennis players have access to two tennis courts, and hikers, bikers, and joggers will appreciate a system of multi-use trails that wind through the neighborhood. Offering a combination of condos and townhomes from builders like Butler Homes and Friedman Brothers, homebuyers can choose a home that meets their style and budget.