If you’ve been thinking that every region of Arizona is just like the other we can tell you that you’ve got it all wrong. Let us give you a snapshot of the regions and what makes some of them the most popular winter getaway locations for snowbirds.
Arizona’s 5 regions (and what makes each special for Snowbirds):
- Tucson and Southern (wild west SBs, Tombstone, wine country, borders Mexico)
- West Coast (water SBs, lake region, Colorado River, Route 66, London Bridge)
- Phoenix and Central (desert SB central, pro sports, OHV and hiking paradise)
- North Central (pine trees and red rocks, quiet stunning beauty, whiskey)
- Northern (Grand Canyon, mountain skiing, Monument Valley)
Arizona is a beautiful state with so much to offer. With forests, deserts, canyons, and rivers it provides a wide selection of regions for Snowbirds to winter.
Tucson and Southern (wild west Tombstone, wine country, borders Mexico)
Just north of the Mexico border lies a region of desert, wines, mines and old west outlaws! You’ll see some of the oldest and largest Saguaro Cacti across the desert scapes.
TUCSON – Snowbirds love the Tucson 55+ community resorts, luxurious golf courses, and the growing arts scene. Mountain ranges within sight, a restaurant scene that deserves it’s UNESCO World City of Gastronomy designation, and the wild west all mixed in together. Those of you that share our same love of airplanes won’t want to miss the PIMA Air and Space Museum.
THE TUCSON AND SOUTHERN REGION IS ALSO KNOWN FOR: Southeast of Tucson is Sonoita and Elgin where the soil is rich and produces Arizona’s best wines. A favorite town of ours is the old stomping ground of Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday and the Clanton Brothers, the “Town too Tough to Die”, Tombstone in the SE corner of the region. Hikers will love the Chiricahua National Monument hikes east of Tucson.
West Coast (not desert – lake region, Colorado River, Route 66, London Bridge)
The West Coast region is all about rivers and water sports. The Colorado River over time created a beautiful playground of lakes and rivers that serve those that love Arizona for more than just desert warmth.
YUMA – Snowbirds that experience Yuma love the proximity to Mexico and California and for the combination of wet river and the wild west. It’s all about the small town attitude in this 90,000 person town. Yuma has had a long history of attracting winter residents and they know how to serve guests with authentic foods and a down home kinda feel. One hour away is Mexicali and a short 2½ hour drive down I-8 and you’re in the heart of San Diego, CA. There is much to be said for the ability to take the grandchildren on a day trip to SeaWorld San Diego or the San Diego Zoo!
LAKE HAVASU – Lake Havasu City Snowbirds love the Colorado River 60 miles of navigable waterways, water sports events at scale, and 1800 miles of off road trails for exploration on foot, bicycle, or off-road vehicle. Sandy white beaches with red rock mountains and palm trees. And to top it off, London Bridge was purchased and relocated stone by stone to Lake Havasu! The mix of young and old generations in Lake Havasu make this a special place for all Snowbirds and their extended families.
THE WEST COAST REGION IS ALSO KNOWN FOR: The Parker Strip, Gold and Silver mining in Kingman, Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. Each worth a drive no matter where you’re from.
Phoenix and Central (center of it all, pro sports, big city entertainment, OHV and hiking paradise)
MESA – When snowbirds think of Arizona warm weather winter living Mesa usually comes to mind. Mesa is Arizona’s third largest city, offers the benefits of a large city, while embracing most every need for us snowbirds. Cactus League Spring Training, Tonto National Forest to the north, river and lakes, entertainment and shopping… it’s got it all. If you’re new to snowbird living you’ll feel right at home – guaranteed. We love Mesa. It’s a short 20 minute ride to the OHV trails, easy to get around in, and serves our needs well.
APACHE JUNCTION – When in the Phoenix area look east. Just east of Mesa. You’ll see the Superstition Mountains said to be home to undiscovered gold and silver riches. At the foot of them lies Apache Junction. Home to many old and new 55+ resort communities. Winter sees the population grow from a quiet summer town to a vibrant, resort community filled, home to so many Northerners. You’ll feel at home if you love the country, hiking, off-roading, horseback riding, or touring the winding highways through the mountains to the east.
SCOTTSDALE – Another favourite for snowbirds. Scottsdale brings western-style old and new together in Arizona’s premier vacation and living destination. Drive a few minutes north of PHX International Airport and you’re in old Scottsdale. North again is where snowbird condo, home, and 55+ resorts beckon. Everything Phoenix offers is within minutes of driving. Everything the Sonoran Desert offers is too! Everyone loves Scottsdale. Even if you’re living somewhere else in the Phoenix area you’ll be sure to take in entertainment, great food, nightlife and shopping in Scottsdale.
CASA GRANDE – Snowbirds love Casa Grande for the relaxing pace of life, its convenient location halfway between Tucson and Phoenix, and the celebration of native American cultures. It draws golfers, first class entertainment and many local celebrations that keep the days full of things to do. Casa Grande has that small city feel with less than 50,000 on the census and is waiting for you.
SUN CITY – This Snowbird centered city is a real gem. Sun City was developed for Snowbirds. Really! It opened over 50 years ago and was dedicated to develop an entire SouthWest Arizona city in the heart of metro Phoenix for those that want to be active in retirement. Close to all the benefits of the big city it boasts the ability to do it all – self contained. Being a golf cart community and you’ll be sure to see many electric vehicles on the streets. This is one of the region’s most beautiful cities to experience snowbird living in.
THE PHOENIX AND CENTRAL REGION IS ALSO KNOWN FOR: Golfing is huge in this region. Hiking and other many active sports are too. You can hike the Superstitions or Camelback Mountain Park, or discover the uncharted territories of Tonto Forest. And if you love pro sports the region has it all. You also have Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which reaches dozens of countries and hundreds of North American destinations. As a snowbird resident you’ll love the ability to catch a flight to Central America or Europe for a winter getaway.
North Central (pine trees and red rocks, quiet stunning beauty, whiskey)
North Central Arizona is still living on the wild side of life. Many years ago the wild west mining region included a hillside town known as the “wickedest town in the west”. Whiskey ruled the wild side long before the wild nature of adventure hikers, mountain bikers, and explorers of today! The North Central region is full, fun, adventure. Take in nature in Sitgreaves, Tonto or Coconino national forests. Embrace the adventure of the Mogolllon Rim surrounding Payson and the unforgettable views of the rich red sandstone buttes of Sedona. If you winter in the Phoenix and Central region you are sure to day trip the North Central region often and be back home by the end of the day. It’s a can’t miss.
Northern (Grand Canyon, mountain skiing, Monument Valley)
In Arizona’s Northern Playground it’s rare to see a Snowbird home. This winter playground is beautiful year round. Those living in Arizona’s desert escape to the cooler summer air often in the summertime. Those of us that live in traditional desert Snowbird areas it’s a great place to visit and enjoy the mountains, the wilderness and the wild. Hike the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, or the Petrified Forest. Enjoy skiing the powdery snow of Flagstaff. Missing the cooler climate this winter… go a few miles north. The drive is worth it!
CONCLUSION
Each region of Arizona provides a unique experience. While many Snowbird living communities are in: 1) Phoenix and Central; 2) Tucson and Southern; and the 3) West Coast, the rest of Arizona isn’t more than a short day’s drive away. Be sure to enjoy the open road, spend a night in one of Arizona’s beautiful cities or charming frontier towns, and enjoy the experience. Make every winter a memorable one… take a mini-vacation or two each year and see the whole Grand Canyon state. Enjoying all that Arizona offers increases the value of your Snowbird life. Don’t miss out.
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Learn more about ARIZONA The Grand Canyon State at visitArizona.com