Arizona

Men’s Basketball to Host No. 5 Arizona on Thursday Night – UCLA

Published

2 years ago

March 5, 2024

Men’s Basketball to Host No. 5 Arizona on Thursday Night – UCLA

LOS ANGELES – The Bruins close the regular-season schedule at home with games against Arizona on Thursday (March 7) and versus Arizona State on Saturday (March 9). UCLA split a two-game trip at the Arizona schools in mid-January, recording a 68-66 win at Arizona State on Wednesday, Jan. 17, before dropping a 77-71 decision at Arizona on Saturday, Jan. 20. Last season, the Bruins went 2-0 against Arizona State and finished 1-2 in three matchups with Arizona. UCLA won each of its home contests during the final week of the regular season against the Sun Devils (79-61) and Arizona (82-73) in March of 2023.

ABOUT THE OPPOSITION
– UCLA has won its last five home matchups against Arizona, a streak that began with a 90-69 win over the Wildcats in Pauley Pavilion on Jan. 30, 2019. Over the past 10 seasons, UCLA has gone 6-2 in eight home contests against Arizona, with those two losses occurring in 2014 and in 2017.

– UCLA has gone 75-24 in the all-time series against ASU, including a 2-0 mark last season. The Bruins have won their last four home games against ASU, including last year’s 79-61 triumph in the second-to-final game of the regular season (March 2, 2023). UCLA has gone 9-5 against ASU since the start of the 2016-17 season.

GAME INFORMATION
Venue: Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom
Capacity: 13,800
Tipoff Time: 6:35 p.m. (PT)
Television: ESPN
TV Talent: Dave Pasch (play-by-play), Bill Walton (analyst)
Radio Broadcast (UCLA Sports Network): AM 1150
Radio Talent: Josh Lewin (play-by-play), Tracy Murray (analyst)
SIRIUS XM: SiriusXM 386 and on the SXM App

LAST WEEK’S ROAD TRIP
The Bruins’ losing streak extended to four games with back-to-back road losses at Washington (94-77) last Thursday and at Washington State (77-65) on Saturday evening. Dylan Andrews scored 21 points in each road game and averaged 6.5 assists per contest, shooting 53.6 percent from the field through both contests (15-for-28). Andrews was 9-for-10 for the Bruins at the free throw line. Lazar Stefanovic averaged 16.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per contest. The 6-foot-7 junior from Belgrade, Serbia, shot 54.5 percent overall and was 7-for-12 from beyond the 3-point arc (58.3%).

MORE ABOUT DYLAN
Dylan Andrews finished with 21 points and a career-best 11 assists (no turnovers) in UCLA’s 94-77 loss on Thursday, Feb. 29, at Washington. Andrews became UCLA’s first player with at least 20 points and 10 assists in one game since Jaylen Hands (21 pts, 10 ast) in the Bruins’ 93-88 overtime win against USC on Feb. 28, 2019.

UCLA’S TRENDS AND NOTES
– UCLA has won eight of its last 13 games, after having opened with a 6-10 record earlier this season.
– Over the past five games, Dylan Andrews has led the Bruins in scoring (14.0 ppg) and assists (21 assists, 4.2 apg)
– UCLA continues to lead all Pac-12 programs in scoring defense, surrendering an average of 65.5 points per game.
– The Bruins rank second in the Pac-12 in field goal percentage defense (42.1%, which ranks No. 74 in the nation).
– The Bruins have averaged a plus-6.7 rebounding margin in their 14 victories (and a negative-2.5 margin in 15 losses).
– UCLA has shot better from 3-point distance on the road (33.3%) compared to 29.8% in 14 home contests.
– In the Bruins’ last 10 games, UCLA has shot 34.8 percent from 3-point range and 76.7 percent at the free throw line.
– Dylan Andrews has recorded 41 assists and 17 turnovers through the Bruins’ last 10 contests (2.4-to-1 ratio).
– The Bruins have shot 44.7 percent (overall) and 37.4 percent from 3-point range in 14 victories this season.
– UCLA has posted a 3-2 record in games decided by three or fewer points this season.

65 OR FEWER POINTS
The Bruins have held their opposition to 65 points or fewer in 16 of 29 contests this season, posting a 12-4 record in those games. UCLA has surrendered a Pac-12-leading 65.5 points per game this season (67.7 ppg, in 18 Pac-12 games). Last season, the Bruins limited the opposition to 65 points or fewer in 27 of their 37 total games, compiling a 25-2 record in those contests. UCLA has allowed 50 points or fewer in four games this season – versus Saint Francis, Lafayette and Chaminade in non-conference games in November, and at crosstown rival USC on Saturday, Jan. 27.

SCORING DEFENSE
Through games played on Sunday, March 3, the Bruins ranked No. 24 in the country and first in the Pac-12 in fewest points allowed per game (65.5 ppg, through 29 games). UCLA’s field goal percentage defense ranked No. 74, nationally, and second in the Pac-12 (42.1%). Under fifth-year head coach Mick Cronin, UCLA’s scoring defense ranked No. 41 in the nation in 2021-22 (at 64.5 ppg) and No. 7 in the country last season (at 60.7 ppg). The Bruins have allowed fewer than 70 points in 49 of their last 63 games, going 41-8 in those 49 contests since the start of the 2022-23 season.

DEFENSIVE PRESENCE
Sophomore Adem Bona, standing at 6-foot-10 and 245 pounds, has averaged 12.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.2 assists per game in all 29 contests. Last month, Bona was the only Pac-12 player named to the 15-man watch list for this year’s Naismith Men’s Defensive Player of the Year award, which was won by Jaylen Clark last season. Bona ranks No. 2 among all Pac-12 players in blocks per game (1.8), No. 3 in field goal percentage (59.2%) and No. 8 in offensive rebounds per game (2.0). He has totaled 37 of his team-high 52 blocked shots through UCLA’s last 18 games.

BLOCKED SHOTS LEADERBOARD
Sophomore Adem Bona (12.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg) has totaled 109 blocks in 62 career games, averaging 1.76 per game in his UCLA career. Bona ranks sixth on the Bruins’ all-time blocks list, eight blocks behind Lorenzo Mata (No. 5, with 117 career blocked shots). Jelani McCoy (1996-98) established the program’s career record with 188 blocks during his three-year collegiate career. Through Sunday’s games, Bona ranked No. 46 in the nation with 52 blocks this season and No. 48, nationally, with an average of 1.8 blocks per game.

PAC-12 TOURNAMENT HISTORY
UCLA has won the conference tournament four times (1987, 2006, 2008 and 2014). The Pac-12 (or Pac-10) has hosted a conference tournament every season since 2002 (and from 1987 through 1990). The Bruins last won the tournament title in 2014 with a 75-71 win over No. 1-seed Arizona. UCLA had advanced to the title contest the year prior (2013) but lost to Oregon in the championship game. The 2013 tournament was the last time UCLA had entered as the No. 1 seed.

BRUINS’ YOUTH MOVEMENT
UCLA’s 15-man roster includes seven true freshmen, one redshirt freshman (Jack Seidler), three true sophomores and one redshirt sophomore (Will McClendon). In all, the Bruins have 12 players in their first or second seasons on the court. In addition, the Bruins have three true freshmen who will not turn 19 years old until later this year (Aday Mara, Ilane Fibleuil and Brandon Williams). The Bruins’ program added eight new faces last summer, including seven true freshmen and one transfer, junior Lazar Stefanovic (from Belgrade, Serbia, who transferred to UCLA from the University of Utah).

3-POINTERS, AS A TEAM
UCLA has shot 31.8 percent from 3-point range. The 2019-20 team shot 32.3 percent, the lowest single-season 3-point percentage by any UCLA team (NCAA adopted the 3-point arc in 1986-87). UCLA is averaging 5.2 made threes per game, the lowest per-game average since 2012-13 (4.9 per game). In addition, the 16.5 attempts per game are the fewest since 2014-15 (16.8 per game). Last season, UCLA averaged 6.1 made threes per game and took 17.6 attempts per game.

NOTES ON PAULEY PAVILION
This marks the 58th season in which UCLA has played in Pauley Pavilion. The arena opened in time for the 1965-66 basketball campaign. The first game in Pauley Pavilion took place on Dec. 3, 1965, as No. 1 UCLA took down Ohio State (92-66). UCLA spent 47 seasons in Pauley before the venue was closed for an 18-month renovation. UCLA hosted 18 home games in 2011-12 at the Los Angeles Sports Arena (14 games) and the Honda Center in Anaheim (four games).

CSUN snapped UCLA’s 29-home-game winning streak earlier this season (CSUN won 76-72, on Dec. 19, 2023). Prior to that loss, UCLA had not lost at home since Jan. 13, 2022 (an 84-81 overtime loss to Oregon). UCLA’s 29-game home streak had been the longest active streak in the country. Since taking over as UCLA’s head coach prior to the 2019-20 season, Mick Cronin has guided the Bruins to a 63-12 record in 75 home games (84.0% win percentage).

RECENT HISTORY
The Bruins have advanced to the NCAA Tournament in each of the past three seasons. UCLA secured its 19th NCAA Final Four appearance in 2021, earning a No. 11-seed in the 68-team field and advancing from the First Four to the Final Four. Along the way, the Bruins registered victories over Michigan State, BYU, Abilene Christian, Alabama and Michigan. In 2022 and 2023, UCLA won its first and second-round matchups before losing in the Sweet 16. In all, UCLA’s program has advanced to the NCAA Tournament 52 times and has won a nation-leading 11 NCAA championships.

LEADING THE WAY
– Head coach Mick Cronin has guided the program to an overall mark of 113-51 (midway through his fifth year at UCLA).
– Over the past three seasons, Coach Cronin has led UCLA to a 9-3 record in three NCAA Tournament appearances.
– Coach Cronin earned Pac-12 Coach of the Year honors in 2020 (his first year at UCLA) and 2023 (his fourth year).
– Coach Cronin was named as one of 10 semifinalists for last season’s Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year Award.
– Coach Cronin has led his teams to at least 20 wins in 14 of his 20 previous seasons as a college head coach.
– Coach Cronin’s teams have averaged 25.7 victories per season over the last 13 years (2010-11 through 2022-23).
– Coach Cronin has twice led his teams to 31 victories (last season at UCLA, and in 2017-18 at Cincinnati).

HOME CONTESTS
The Bruins have gone 8-6 in 14 home contests this season, shooting 42.0 percent from the field and 29.8 percent from beyond the 3-point arc. Sebastian Mack has averaged 13.6 points and 3.1 rebounds in 14 home contests. Adem Bona has shot 64.4 percent from the field at home, with averages of 12.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. UCLA has limited the opposition to 41.5 percent shooting from the field in 14 home games (and 32.6 percent from beyond the 3-point line). In addition, the Bruins are averaging 66.6 points per game at home, while limiting the opposition to 61.9 points per contest.

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES ON UCLA
– UCLA’s bench has outscored the opposition’s bench in 18 of 29 games this season (UCLA has gone 11-7 in those 18 contests) … the Bruins’ bench combined for 22 points in a 68-66 victory at Arizona State on Wednesday, Jan. 17.
– The Bruins have outrebounded the opposition in 18 of 29 games (10-8 record in those 18 contests) … UCLA recorded a season-high 55 rebounds (including 17 offensive boards) in a win over Chaminade in Honolulu on Tuesday, Nov. 21.
– Since the start of the 2020-21 season, the Bruins have gone 55-22 in Pac-12 play … last season, the Bruins went 18-2 in the Pac-12, earning their first regular-season conference title since 2013 (under then-head coach Ben Howland).
– Lazar Stefanovic, who ranks first in the Pac-12 this season in free throw percentage (88.1%, 74-of-84), has made 41 of 43 free throw attempts in 15 games played on the road or at neutral sites (41-of-43, 95.3%).

STANDING TALL
UCLA’s 15-man roster includes five players who stand at least 6-foot-9-inches tall. Freshman center Aday Mara, from Zaragoza, Spain, stands at 7 feet and 3 inches. During the Bruins’ 2018-19 season, then-freshman Moses Brown measured at 7-foot-1 (Brown now plays for the Portland Trail Blazers). Mara becomes the Bruins’ tallest player since the late Mike Lanier (7-foot-7, 310 pounds) competed as a reserve center for the Bruins in 1991-92 and 1992-93. Adem Bona, Kenneth Nwuba and Devin Williams are all 6-foot-10, while Berke Buyuktuncel is 6-foot-9.

ROAD WARRIORS
Since the start of the 2022-23 season, the Bruins have gone 20-15 in games played away from home (14-6 last season and 6-9 this year). Through 15 road and neutral-site contests this year, Lazar Stefanovic (13.0 ppg, 7.3 rpg), Sebastian Mack (12.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg) and Adem Bona (11.7 ppg, 6.0 rpg) have been UCLA’s leading scorers away from home. Since the start of UCLA’s 2021-22 season, the Bruins have gone 33-22 in 55 total games played away from home.

FREE THROWS, AS A TEAM
The Bruins have shot 73.3 percent at the free throw line (418-for-570), a percentage that ranks No. 4 in the Pac-12 (through Sunday, March 3). UCLA has made 51 of 59 free throw attempts (86.4%) over the last four games. UCLA made a season-high 25 free throws on 34 attempts in a 69-60 loss at home against Maryland on Friday, Dec. 22. Lazar Stefanovic (74-for-84, 88.1%) and Dylan Andrews (51-for-60, 85.0%) have combined to shoot 86.8 percent at the free throw line.

LIMITING THE TURNOVERS
The Bruins ranked No. 4 in the Pac-12 in turnovers per game (10.9), through Sunday, March 3. UCLA has committed nine or fewer turnovers in 10 contests. Last season, UCLA ranked No. 15 (nationally) in fewest turnovers per game (10.0), committing nine or fewer in 21 of 37 games. In 2021-22, the Bruins ranked No. 2 in fewest turnovers per game (8.9) and had a season-low one turnover in a 75-68 win against USC (March 5, 2022), the fewest turnovers by a Pac-12 team in one game (on record). UCLA has recorded game-by-game assist and turnover statistics since the start of the 1973-74 season.

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Arizona

Ryan Waldschmidt among Diamondbacks sent to minors camp – Arizona Sports

Published

7 hours ago

March 8, 2026

Press Room

Ryan Waldschmidt among Diamondbacks sent to minors camp – Arizona Sports

Several of the Arizona Diamondbacks’ standout young hitters in spring training are heading back to minor league camp, a list that includes outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt and infielders Jose Fernandez and Tommy Troy.

The Diamondbacks announced a series of roster moves on Sunday to shrink the major league camp roster to 47 players with Opening Day less than three weeks away on March 26.

Arizona will have to get down to 26 players by then, and Sunday’s announcement provides more clarity of what the team will look like at Dodger Stadium.

Optioned to Triple-A Reno:

LHP Mitch Bratt
RHP Juan Burgos
LHP Kohl Drake
RHP Grant Holman
INF Jose Fernandez

Reassigned to minor league camp:

RHP Gerardo Carrillo
RHP Hayden Durke
RHP Junior Fernandez
LHP Spencer Giesting
RHP Taylor Rashi
INF LuJames Groover
INF Cristofer Torin
INF Tommy Troy
OF A.J. Vukovich
OF Ryan Waldschmidt

That does not mean these players are done playing in Cactus League games, they will continue getting opportunities to compete ahead of the minor league season. Waldschmidt, Troy and Groover will start Sunday’s game, for instance.

There had been plenty of speculation that Waldschmidt, Arizona’s top prospect could start the year in the major leagues based on his advanced approach at the plate, dominant second half last season in Double-A and big moments he’s had this spring, including a three-hit game and several balls smoked over 100 mph off the bat.

Waldschmidt, 23, has not played in Triple-A, and while it is not unheard of to make the jump from Double-A to the major leagues, that is the less common route than going through all the steps of the minor league ladder. Waldschmidt has three doubles, a home run and nine strikeouts in 25 at-bats this spring.

Jose Fernandez, 22, is another player who has yet to play for Triple-A Reno but turned heads this spring.

He was under the radar entering camp, not ranked highly on many national prospect lists like Waldschmidt, but he has struck the baseball hard consistently this spring and can play multiple infield positions. He leads the D-backs with three home runs this spring.

Troy, 24, has been a hits machine this spring at 12-for-24 after getting his feet wet in Triple-A last season.

That potential Reno Aces lineup, which should include Groover and Vukovich, is primed to be one to watch this spring with players who are knocking at the major league door.

Bratt and Drake have had their ups and downs this spring but will represent Arizona’s starting pitching depth entering the season after they came over at the trade deadline from Texas for Merrill Kelly.

Arizona’s list of non-roster invitees has dwindled with notable remaining names including reliever Jonathan Loaisiga, first baseman Luken Baker and infielder Ildemaro Vargas.

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Arizona

What Tommy Lloyd said after Arizona’s win over Colorado

Published

19 hours ago

March 8, 2026

Press Room

What Tommy Lloyd said after Arizona’s win over Colorado

After clinching the Big 12 Conference regular season title outright with a win over Iowa State on Monday night, Tommy Lloyd gave his team a few days off from practice. The break was well earned, but when the team returned they didn’t look like the group that had just romped through the Big 12.

“It’s been a long season. Thursday, we came back and practiced, I didn’t even recognize the team,” Lloyd said after Arizona’s 89-79 win over Colorado. “That’s to be expected.”

Arizona showed signs of a conference championship hangover on Saturday night, falling behind by 11 points to the Buffaloes in the first half. The Wildcats closed the half on a run, and eventually put themselves in position for a program-record 29th regular season win.

Whether it was the altitude, the extended break from practice, or the 9 p.m. start time, Arizona didn’t quite like right … until it did.

”You could probably try to find lots of reasons,“ Lloyd said. ”But I know this: human nature is tough to beat. Human nature is almost undefeated, So a lot of these seasons is just figuring out how to endure the ups and downs, and the emotions that go with the season.“

Our recap of the game can be found here. Below is what Lloyd said postgame.

Lloyd on Arizona overcoming a sluggish start: “I knew it was going to be a tough game down here. As you guys know, I have a lot of respect for Tad and their coaching staff and the program. They play spirited. It was a great test for our guys. I had been bouncing around a few plans to change our rotation, play more guys, and then when I saw the way we came out, a little bit flat, not great energy, I thought it was more important that we figured out how to dig back in the game and be able to draw on that rather than then maybe play some other guys. We’ve rode hard with these eight guys. They’re really good players. I think our energy is good right now, once we got to got it figured out in that game, we were pretty good. But I think it’s important for us to understand, as you head into the postseason that, you’re going to have games like that where you’re playing against a team that’s playing their ass off and playing really good, and maybe your energy’s not quite where you want it to be, but you got to be able to dig deep and respond. I was really proud of our guys’ effort. Hopefully this was a lesson learned, you know, because obviously it’d be great if we could continue to play for a long time.”

On the significance of the team’s late first half run: “Well, obviously it’s a massive benefit getting closer. Then basically you get in a neck in neck game right away, and then we can kind of set up our next run, is what you’re hoping. We were down 11, I think we just told our guys, like, ‘Hey, it’s one of these situations. Let’s just climb our way back in this game, possession by possession. See if we cut into this lead a little bit and put ourselves in and position in the second half to make it a ball game.‘ I think that’s a great skill to learn how to do, to kind of figure out how to not let the let the game get away from you too early. And I thought our guys did a great job with a nice little run there towards the end of the first half.”

On what may have contributed to Arizona’s first half play: “I don’t know. You’ll have to ask our guys. I don’t know, altitude. I know we played obviously Monday night against Iowa State. And you know, there’s a lot of emotions in the game, and a lot of pats on the back so to speak. And then we took Tuesday off. We took Wednesday off. It’s been a long season. Thursday, we came back and practiced, I didn’t even recognize the team. That’s to be expected. And then Friday we were a little bit better. I thought we had a good practice. I was hoping we’d come out and play really well from the start today, but we didn’t. And the ability to figure it out, it’s really important. And I thought the guys really showed some resolve, and I’m proud of them.”

On the fan support in Boulder: “Oh for sure. Our fans are a force. Our fans are the backbone of our program. Arizona’s had a long, strong basketball tradition way before I was even born. So we wanted to tap into that, and we love coming on the road and hearing the U of A chants and all of our fans out there. It just reminds us how special it is for us to be representing University of Arizona basketball.”

On facing Colorado’s backcourt: “Two good players. I felt like we weren’t on it defensively for long stretches in the game today. And let’s give Colorado a lot of credit on offense, I mean they’re a good offensive team. Their offensive numbers, they show that. Those two guards are good, and those guys were important parts of the scout, but their bigs also hit a few jump shots that maybe you’re not you’re not counting on. It was kind of a collective effort by them. I thought we made a lot of defensive mistakes, and I don’t want to take any credit away from Colorado, but we got to be a little more disciplined in some situations with our coverages and our recoveries and things of that nature. We’ve been a really, really good defensive team at times this season. We’re at our best defensively when we’re limiting our mistakes.”

On facing Isaiah Johnson: “He’s a really good player. Obviously the most I’ve ever watched him was this week, and obviously on the court today. I mean, everything he did impressed me. He’s got a great handle, he’s a lefty, and he knows how to get right, to get back left, consistently. And then he’s got a knack for getting fouled, which is a great skill to have.”

On Brayden Burries and Koa Peat’s performances: “I thought Brayden obviously didn’t have a good start to the game. I thought I looked down there. and I don’t know what he was like 1-6 or something like that. We just don’t really have to challenge him. He’s a competitor, and he kind of figured it out on his own and got himself going a little bit. I didn’t realize he had 31 points, but for him to do that was great. And then obviously let’s mention Koa. Koa goes 12 for 15, 25 points. I think he had about 19 in the first half. When your team’s not playing good, it’s great to have a guy like that step up and kind of keep your team in the game. Koa did a great job of that in the first half.”

On what spurred Peat’s 19-point first half: “I think Koa is just a really good basketball player. I think he got to his spots, he made a few shots, he finished with force at the rim. He’s just a really good player. I don’t think it was anything in particular, but he got a good rhythm going and he had a great game.”

On Bangot Dak’s play: “His length impacts the game around the rim, and I think he made those three (field goals), I didn’t realize he was only 3-8, but he made them all in a row, and in the second half, we were trying to kind of pull away a little bit, and he kept them in the game. Just a good player. He’s just a good player and it has been fun to watch him, kind of from afar, develop. He’s obviously gotten better over the course of three years. But I got a lot of respect for him.”

On playing a late Saturday night game and whether that contributed to the slow start: “You could probably try to find lots of reasons. But I know this: human nature is tough to beat. Human nature is almost undefeated, So a lot of these seasons is just figuring out how to endure the ups and downs, and the emotions that go with the season. The fatigue that comes with the season. I can’t give you like one thing in particular. But again, in closing, I want to give a lot of credit to Colorado. I thought they came out with great energy, and they kind of got us on our heels a little bit. And then I want to give our guys credit for being able to respond to an adverse situation and a tough road environment, just a tough situation.”

On the adjustment of playing later in the day: “It is what it is. I love Saturday afternoon games and you know that. We got a Saturday night game, you know? And you know what? I do know this, it’s great to be on national TV a lot. And if you want to be on national TV a lot, you’re going to have, especially on the West Coast, you’re going to get some of these hops, some of these 9 pm games. So no complaints for me. Just want to get on the bus, get on the plane, get home and get rested up.”

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Arizona

Arizona’s 8 Best Retirement Towns Ranked

Published

1 day ago

March 7, 2026

Press Room

Arizona’s 8 Best Retirement Towns Ranked

If your idea of retirement includes near year-round sunshine and easy trips to bucket-list parks like Grand Canyon National Park and Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona has a lot going for it. Green Valley is a peaceful, retiree-friendly community where you can relax at Desert Meadows Park and play a round at San Ignacio Golf Club. For a completely different setting, Sedona turns even routine errands into a scenic drive, with red-rock views and quick access to places like Slide Rock State Park and the trail-filled stretches of Coconino National Forest. Below are eight of the best places to retire in the state.

Green Valley

Green Valley, Arizona

About 30 minutes south of Tucson, Green Valley is a quiet, welcoming community of roughly 21,000 residents. It is known for its laid-back atmosphere, strong sense of safety, and easy access to trails, parks, and classic Arizona mountain views. You can catch a performance at the CPAC Community Performance & Art Center, unwind at Desert Meadows Park, or spend an afternoon on the greens at nearby San Ignacio Golf Club.

Green Valley is also one of the most retirement-friendly communities in Arizona. The median age is in the low 70s, so it is easy to connect with people in the same stage of life. It is also relatively affordable, with a median home sale price around $277,833. For healthcare, residents are close to larger hospitals in Tucson, while Northwest Medical Center Sahuarita can usually handle everyday medical needs.

Fountain Hills

Fountain Hills has a true small-town feel, but it is close enough to the Phoenix metro area that big-city conveniences are never far away. Downtown Scottsdale is only about 25 minutes away, and the town itself has plenty to offer. You can see a show at Fountain Hills Theater, spend a relaxing afternoon at Fountain Park with its lake and walking paths, or bring your dog to Desert Vista Dog Park for a little sunshine and social time.

It is not the cheapest option on this list—median home prices are around $666,325—but many retirees feel the setting and convenience are worth the higher cost. Healthcare is another big plus, with highly regarded facilities nearby in Scottsdale and Phoenix, including HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center and Mayo Clinic Hospital. The median age is around 60, so there are plenty of fellow retirees and empty nesters in the area.

Oro Valley

Tucked into the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Oro Valley is a scenic suburb just north of Tucson. If staying active is part of your retirement plan, it is an excellent fit. Catalina State Park offers more than 5,000 acres for hiking and exploring, while Naranja Park has everything from a splash pad and skate park to a dog park and plenty of places to sit and enjoy the scenery. Honey Bee Canyon Park is another local favorite, especially for its rocky desert views and peaceful trails.

Homes here sell for a median price around $472,333, and residents also benefit from access to Oro Valley Hospital, which has earned recognition for outpatient joint replacement care. With a median age in the mid-50s, the town feels social and active without coming across as a retirement-only community.

Fortuna Foothills

If you like the idea of a desert retirement with a Palm Springs feel—but at a lower cost—Fortuna Foothills is worth considering. The community is close to the Colorado River, Cibola National Wildlife Refuge, and places like Fortuna Lake, where fishing is a popular pastime. Home prices in the Yuma area, where Fortuna Foothills is located, hover around a median of $306,333, making it one of the more affordable retirement options in Arizona.

The median age is about 62, so the area already has the feel of a natural retirement community. For healthcare, Yuma Regional Medical Center is nearby and has earned recognition for orthopedic surgery.

Sahuarita

Sahuarita is a strong choice if you want safe neighborhoods, well-maintained walking and biking paths, and an overall slower pace of life without giving up easy access to city conveniences. Tucson is less than 30 minutes to the north, so shopping, dining, and additional healthcare are all close by. In town, Northwest Medical Center Sahuarita is a major asset, and Banner University Medical Center in Tucson is another excellent option.

For fun, residents can visit the Titan Missile Museum for a fascinating look at Cold War history, tee off at San Ignacio Golf Club, or walk the paved trails at Parque Los Arroyos. Median home prices are around $360,800, which is relatively affordable for the region. Because the median age here is lower than in many retirement towns, Sahuarita tends to feel a little more energetic and mixed-age.

Wickenburg

Wickenburg is a great fit if you want a small-town atmosphere, a slower pace, and a strong sense of community without being too far removed from the Phoenix area. Phoenix is about an hour away, so you can still reach major amenities when needed. Locals spend time golfing at Wickenburg Ranch, birdwatching at the Hassayampa River Preserve, and attending events at the Everett Bowman Rodeo Arena.

Wickenburg Community Hospital is right in town and has served local residents for generations. The median age is around 64, making it easy to find a built-in network of people in the same stage of life. Zillow does not list a median sale price for homes here, but the median listing price is around $602,167—higher than some towns on this list, but not unusual for a desirable Arizona destination.

Sedona

If you want to retire surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery, Sedona is hard to beat. This artsy town in northern Arizona’s Verde Valley is famous for its red-rock landscapes, especially at sunrise and sunset, and it is packed with outdoor adventures. Coconino National Forest is right nearby, while Walnut Canyon National Monument offers ancient cliff dwellings and Slide Rock State Park is perfect for a more playful day outdoors.

For healthcare, Verde Valley Medical Center in Cottonwood has served the area since 1971. Sedona’s median age is around 59, so retirees fit in naturally. Just be prepared for the cost: the median home sale price is about $956,125, making Sedona the most expensive town on this list.

Apache Junction

Apache Junction offers a true best-of-both-worlds setup. Downtown Phoenix is about 30 minutes away, and Mesa, Arizona’s third-largest city, is even closer. That gives residents a quieter and more affordable home base while still keeping major shopping, dining, and healthcare within easy reach.

Outdoor recreation is a big part of the appeal here, thanks to Lost Dutchman State Park and its rugged desert trails. Golfers also have excellent options nearby, including Gold Canyon Golf Course and Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club, both known for their dramatic scenery. Banner Goldfield Medical Center is right in town, and Mesa offers even more hospitals and specialists. The median age is around 54, and the median home price is about $369,083, which makes Apache Junction an appealing value for the greater Phoenix area.

Where to Retire in Arizona?

Arizona is one of the best states in the country for an active retirement, especially if you love spending time outdoors. The key is finding a town that gives you both easy access to trails and scenery, along with the practical essentials like hospitals, grocery stores, and shopping.

If you want a retirement-focused community that is still relatively affordable, Green Valley is a strong place to start. If you prefer small-town charm with quick access to Scottsdale and Phoenix, Fountain Hills deserves a look. And if parks, mountain views, and quality healthcare matter most, Oro Valley is tough to beat. Any of the eight towns on this list could be a great fit—it all comes down to the lifestyle and budget that suit you best.

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