Two suburbs in the West Valley of the Phoenix metropolitan area are seeing a major increase in their senior populations, making them some of the fastest-growing retirement destinations in the United States. Recent rankings of the nation’s top retirement boomtowns show that Goodyear and Peoria placed near the top for growth in residents aged 65 and older. The analysis measured population changes from 2018 to 2023 and found significant increases in older adults moving to these Arizona cities.
Goodyear ranked second nationwide with a 54.12 percent increase in residents age 65 and older during the five-year period. It narrowly trailed Leesburg, Florida, which ranked first with a 54.77 percent increase. These were the only two cities on the list to surpass a 50 percent growth rate. Peoria ranked fourth nationally, recording a 42.31 percent increase in its senior population, while Edgewater, Florida, placed third with a 48.96 percent increase.
The ranking, titled “America’s 50 Fastest-Growing Retirement Hotspots for 2025,” was created using U.S. Census data and focused on cities with at least 7,500 residents aged 65 and older. To qualify, cities also had to show growth rates above the national average for that age group. Both Goodyear and Peoria met those criteria, helping them earn high placements on the list.
Other Arizona communities also appeared in the broader rankings, further highlighting the state’s appeal to retirees. Sierra Vista ranked 27th after posting a 25.5 percent increase in its senior population, while Kingman placed 44th with a 20.9 percent rise. The presence of multiple Arizona cities reflects a statewide trend of older adults choosing to relocate there.
Experts say the surge in retiree populations aligns with broader migration patterns across the country. Many older Americans are moving to Sun Belt states in search of warmer weather, a relatively lower cost of living, and access to healthcare services. These factors have contributed to the rapid growth seen in Goodyear and Peoria, which are increasingly recognized as attractive retirement communities.
Source: ABC15
