Are You Retiring Soon? Here’s Why Arizona Guarantees a Fabulous Retirement Experience!
Besides the Grand Canyon, one of the most beautiful destinations in the United States, there are plenty of other reasons you should retire in Arizona and we’ll discover them together. The state comes with endless sunshine since the weather is always good, breathtaking views and natural beauty, and last but not least, a tax-friendly environment.
Are you retiring soon? And currently thinking about relocating? Continue reading to find out why Arizona is considered one of the best places for retirement.
8 Top Reasons You Should Retire in Arizona
1. Beautiful weather
Did you know that Arizona has 300+ days of sunshine in a year? Even though summers can sometimes be extremely hot, the weather over the year is excellent, making the state the best option for retirement. Arizona’s dry climate is perfect for those with respiratory issues and can significantly improve their symptoms.
Arizona is the sunniest state in America and the World Meteorological Organization named Yuma the sunniest city on Earth. So, considering the beautiful weather you can enjoy from November to April if you live in Arizona, hot summer days don’t seem so bad anymore. We can easily handle them thinking about a warm and sunny autumn.
2. High healthcare quality
High-quality healthcare is probably one of the most important reasons to retire in Arizona! As a retiree, all you want is a peaceful and happy life and a functional healthcare system that can help you if needed. Feeling safe in the state you live in is essential and contributes to our overall well-being. According to its rankings, Arizona occupies the 5th position regarding healthcare. One of the most top-rated hospitals in Arizona is Mayo Clinic- Phoenix. The hospital offers world-class healthcare services and it’s known for the safety it ensures.
3. Arizona is tax-friendly for retirees
The state ranks 10th in the lowest real estate property taxes in the U.S. and has an average income tax rate of 2.50%, which is the lowest in the nation. Property is also something you should not worry about in Arizona. All of these benefits make Arizona one of the best states for retirees. It’s important to know that some forms of retirement income are taxed, but Social Security isn’t.
4. Arizona has a strong retirement community
Having a strong retirement community is very important. As you may already know, in Arizona are a lot of seniors. About 36% of the state’s residents are 50+. So, if you plan on relocating, you will definitely make new friends easily. The numbers show the benefits provided by the Grand Canyon State and the plenty of social opportunities.
Arizona has 151 active adult communities. A lot of seniors chose to live in purpose-built communities, with up to 75% of persons over 65, like Sun City, Green Valley, south of Tucson, and Sun City West. However, midsized cities also became popular destinations for retirees. Some of the most common ones are Prescot, Sedona, and Lake Havasu City.
5. Plenty of outdoor activities
The Grand Canyon offers unlimited outdoor activities retirees love. It’s, by far, one of the most beautiful natural parks in the U.S. and also in the world. Mountain biking trails and easy hikes are ideal for seniors who like adventure. A great way to explore Arizona’s stunning desert landscapes is by trying a scenic drive on the Apache Trail. Other outdoor spots Arizona people love are Desert Botanical Garden, Gilbert, and Sedona.
Arizona’s golf scene is impossible to beat! There are more than 30o golf courses available, including municipal courses, daily fee courses, and residential golf communities.
6. Arizona boasts a rich cultural history
If you are thinking about moving to Arizona, consider that the state is home to a lot of breathtaking museums. One of the most visited ones but also a MUST-SEE is the Phoenix Art Museum, which is Southwest’s largest museum. Another great museum, especially for music lovers is the Musical Instrument Museum, which presents an impressive collection of musical instruments from different times and places.
If you are not passionate about music and arts, don’t worry, Arizona offers much more. You can spend time visiting all the history museums. A lot of seniors love doing that. They form small visiting groups and then initiate debates about what they see. Isn’t that fun?
7. Whatever you are looking for, you’ll find in Arizona…
There are a lot of great places to retire in Arizona. So, you should choose which one suits you best, considering your needs. For example, one of the most beautiful towns is, by far, Lake Havasu City, which offers a blend of beauty and affordability. A lot of seniors choose this place because of the wonderful mix of outdoor recreation and history.
Another top choice is Mesa. It offers a high-quality healthcare system, but it is most known for its numerous resort-like communities and its gorgeous desert landscapes.
Tucson is another popular choice among seniors, considering the outdoor activities it offers, including hiking trails and kayaking.
8. The overall quality of life
You should definitely consider the score regarding the quality of life in Arizona. It’s 77, which makes it the 8th most livable state in the country. Arizona can clearly offer any senior an ideal lifestyle.
Phoenix is the city with the highest score and the most popular choice among retirees. The city has the best quality of life, considering its robust economy, warm weather, and, most importantly, reasonable cost of living.
If you can relocate for your retirement, DO IT! A change will make you feel better and new beginnings are needed. After working a full like from 9 to 5, you deserve the best as a retiree. So, you should put yourself first and think about what you wish to accomplish. Retiring can be scary if you lose contact with your social life and tend to isolate yourself, staying away from others. Embrace the new stage of your life and make the best out of it. Do you feel the need for a significant change? Relocating seems like a great idea.
Arizona has to offer you a lot of benefits as a retiree and what could be more important than healthcare, a tax-friendly environment, and strong senior communities? I think nothing beats these. So, choose wisely, and before making a decision, think about all the advantages and disadvantages of a totally new place. First of all, you should ask yourself if you are ready for such a challenge. Then, if the answer is “yes”, don’t worry, things will easily work out as planned.
I recently moved to Arizona and I can’t express my happiness. I am glad that I was courageous enough to listen to my heart. You should do the same!
Are you planning on moving to Arizona? Here’s a T-shirt that will help you instantly feel at home and bond with your neighbors. You can find it on Amazon and it comes in different sizes and colors, such as pink, red, blue, or green. The T-shirt can also be a great present for someone who loves their city, so if you don’t want to wear it yourself, you can surprise your neighbors and make a great impression.
Are you interested in finding out more about this topic? It would be best to read this: 8 Most Tax-Friendly States for Retired Tax Payers.
