Quick Reference
Long Island sends a significant stream of retirees to Phoenix — particularly the Sun City corridor — driven by the combination of crushing property taxes, high cost of living, and the appeal of Arizona's dry heat versus Florida's humidity. Many LI retirees who have spent decades on the Island dealing with the Northeast humidity, the brutal winters, and the property tax burden describe the Phoenix move as immediately life-changing.
The Sun City vs Scottsdale question is the key decision for LI retirees. Sun City (original) offers the lowest costs — RCSC annual fee, $175K–$380K homes — and maximum golf course access. Leisure World Scottsdale and Sun City Scottsdale offer the Scottsdale address, closer proximity to the Mayo Clinic and Scottsdale dining, at higher prices. Most LI retirees with $600K+ in equity and a preference for Scottsdale's energy choose the eastern communities. Budget-focused buyers who want maximum value go Sun City.
The Financial Picture
New York State income tax: 4–10.9%. New York City residents add another 3.8–3.9%. Arizona has a 2.5% flat income tax. The move from Long Island to Phoenix cuts income tax by 5–14 percentage points depending on income — annual savings on moderate retirement income of $6,000–$12,000 for many LI retirees.
Long Island property taxes are among the highest in the country — Nassau County effective rates run $2.00–$3.50 per $100 of assessed value. A $600,000 Nassau County home might pay $12,000–$21,000/year in property taxes. A comparable-priced home in Sun City Grand or PebbleCreek pays $3,000–$5,500/year. Annual property tax savings of $8,000–$15,000+ are common.
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Long Island equity — particularly Nassau County (Great Neck, Garden City, Manhasset) and western Suffolk — has accumulated dramatically. Many LI retirees are sitting on $400K–$900K+ in equity from homes they bought in the 1990s or 2000s. That equity funds all-cash Phoenix purchases across most communities except Encanterra premium lots.
Long Island spring market (March–June) is competitive. Phoenix real estate is active year-round with a slight softening in the hottest summer months. Many LI retirees sell in spring and close on Phoenix in fall — a natural sequence that avoids the Phoenix August heat for move-in.