Millions of people each year retire in Arizona, and for good reason. The state offers a wealth of benefits to retirees, including warm weather, low taxes, and plenty of activities and amenities. In addition, several cities in Arizona are especially well-suited for retirees. Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson are all popular choices for those looking to enjoy their golden years in Arizona.
Each of Arizona's cities has its unique benefits and attractions, but all offer retirees a great place to live. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the benefits of retiring in Arizona, as well as the best cities for retirees in the state.
Why should you choose Arizona for retirement?
There are many reasons to choose Arizona as your retirement destination, let's take some of the main ones:
1. Whether: You'll enjoy sunny weather almost every day of the year in Arizona. The state has an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, so you can count on plenty of warm weather for outdoor activities. Also if you love the snow, Flagstaff is only a few hours away where you can enjoy winter sports.
2. Taxes: Arizona is a tax-friendly state for retirees. Social Security benefits are not taxed, and there are no state taxes on retirement income. In addition, property taxes are relatively low in Arizona. The marginal tax rate in Arizona is 5.90%, which is lower than the national average.
3. Cost of living: The cost of living in Arizona is relatively low, especially when compared to other retirement destinations such as California or Florida. Housing costs are especially affordable, with the median home price in Arizona being just $180,000.
4. Activities: There are plenty of things to do in Arizona, no matter what your interests are. If you enjoy outdoor activities, you can take advantage of the state's many hiking trails, golf courses, and parks. For those who prefer a more urban setting, Phoenix and Tucson offer a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
5. Amenities: Arizona has all the amenities you need to enjoy a comfortable retirement. There are plenty of hospitals and medical facilities in the state, as well as shopping centers, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
6. Safety: Arizona is a safe state to live in, with a low crime rate. In addition, the state has many active adult communities that offer a secure and comfortable environment for retirees.
7. Transportation: Arizona has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, making it easy to get around the state. There are several major airports in Arizona, as well as several Amtrak stations. In addition, the state has a good network of highways and roads.
8. Location: Arizona is centrally located in the southwestern United States, making it easy to visit other parts of the country. The state is also close to Mexico, so you can easily take advantage of the many cultural and culinary offerings there.
Best cities in Arizona for retirees
Let's take a look at some of the best cities in Arizona for retirees:
1. Phoenix
Phoenix is the largest city in Arizona and the perfect place to enjoy all that the state has to offer. The city has a warm climate, plenty of amenities, and a wide variety of activities to enjoy. In addition, Phoenix is home to many active adult communities, making it a great choice for those looking for a safe and secure environment.
2. Douglas
With a population of just over 17,000, Douglas is a small city located in Arizona's Cochise County. The cost of living in Douglas is quite affordable, with the median home price sitting at around $110,000. The city has a quaint and charming downtown area, and its location near the Mexican border means that there are plenty of delicious Mexican restaurants to enjoy. Douglas is a great place to retire if you're looking for affordable housing and a small-town feel.
3. San Luis
San Luis is a lovely village on the banks of the Rio Grande, just outside Yuma, Arizona. Nature enthusiasts may spend their days at Lake Martinez Recreation Area, camping and enjoying leisurely days on the water. The Yuma conservation garden is a great place to get closer to nature at home. It has several boardwalks for an occasional stroll in the woods. With the median home price of $117,400, San Luis is an affordable place to retire.
4. Eloy
Eloy is a charming city near Tucson. The cost of living here is reasonable, with a median home price of $121,700. This city offers its residents many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and there are several golf courses in the area, as well as hiking and biking trails. The city also has several parks, including the popular Picacho Peak State Park.
5. Apache Junction
The number five city on our list is Apache Junction. This is a smaller city, located just outside of Phoenix. The cost of living here is very low, and there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. The climate is perfect for retirees who want to avoid the extreme heat of the desert. There are also many golf courses and country clubs in Apache Junction. You can enjoy all the benefits of city life without the high cost in Apache Junction. The median home cost is $105,600 and the median income for residents is $37,196.
6. Coolidge
With the median home cost of $113,000, the number sixth city on the list is Coolidge, Arizona. The cost of living in Coolidge is 3 percent below the national average and the city offers a very low crime rate. With a calm and relaxed lifestyle, retirees will enjoy living in Coolidge. If you are thinking about moving to Arizona, Coolidge should be high on your list of potential places to live.
Conclusion
These are the top 6 best places to retire in Arizona. We hope this list has helped you narrow down your search for the perfect retirement location. Remember, when choosing a place to retire, it is important to consider your budget, lifestyle, and activity preferences. With a little bit of research, you are sure to find the perfect place to call home during your retirement years.