The Best Places To Retire In Arizona
More and more seniors are calling the great state of Arizona home these days. Arizona provides endless sunshine and gorgeous landscapes as far as the eye can see. But, which city in this large state is best for you and your specific needs? Here is a list of ten best places to retire in Arizona in 2020.
Tucson Vs Phoenix Activities
Both cities have a lot to offer, although the size of Phoenix means there are more museums and other cultural attractions as well as major sports. Both have an impressive number of golf courses, and while Phoenix may have more restaurants, Tucson is one of only two U.S. cities to be a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. The bottom line is that Tucson offers more by way of easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, while Phoenix provides a wider range of urban activities.
Pros And Cons Of Moving To Tuscon Az
Make sure to read this one closely because this article is FIRE!
I mean that figuratively and literally, considering how hot Tucson Arizona is. But Im getting ahead of myself.
You may not know this, but Arizona has more cities than just Phoenixwhich is the most amazing name for a city if you ask me.
But located roughly 3 hours away from that awesomely named city is the city of Tucson. Tucson is a special place that I feel appeals to a very particular person.
And if you think it might be the place for you, stick around while I go over the pros and cons of Tucson Arizona.
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The Job Market Is Robust Here
The citys economy is booming and youngsters have a wide range of job opportunities here. The University of Arizona is one of the largest job providers in Tucson. This is followed by defense contractor Raytheon, and the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. Apart from that, different sectors that offer a job in Tucson are leisure and hospitality. Some of the big companies with a presence in Tucson are:
- El Presidio Historic District
Dont Forget To Research Moving Companies Before Relocating To Tucson
Moving to a new city can be an exciting but daunting task. In addition to finding a new place to live and adjusting to a new job, you also have to figure out how to move all your belongings to your new home. If youre planning on moving to Tucson, its important to do your research before selecting a moving company. There are a few things you should keep in mind when making your choice.
First, find out how long the company has been in business. This will give you an idea of their experience and level of customer service.
Second, get quotes from several different companies so you can compare prices. And finally, dont forget to read online reviews from past customers to get an idea of what other peoples experiences have been like. By taking the time to do your research, you can help ensure that your move to Tucson goes smoothly.
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In Sum: The State Of Arizona As A Retirement Destination
If you want warmer weather that comes with some really impressive views as well as some state tax benefits, Arizona is a great place to consider. That said, before you decide, we recommend spending at least a few weeks in different locations before you ultimately decide where to spend your golden years.
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DisclosuresThis document is a summary only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or business.
Is Tucson A Good Place To Invest In Property
Tucson is a great place to invest in property as the real estate market is booming. According to experts, the positive trend will continue to go up. The real estate market in Tucson has been slowly growing over the years. The population growth in the area is on a steady growth so the demand for property is on a high. The strong job market attracts young professionals to Tucson.
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Tucson Vs Phoenix Climate
Both cities are in the Sonoran Desert, and although their climates are similar, theyre not identical. In the summer months, both cities will experience many days when the temperature is over 100 degrees, . But Tucson is at an elevation of almost 2,400 feet, while Phoenix is a little over 1,000 feet so its usually a few degrees hotter than Tucson. If you like your sunshine, Phoenix gets more of it than any other major city on the planetover 3,800 hours a year.
Tucson has slightly more rain, and both cities experience the summer monsoons with short but heavy bursts of rain from July to about September. Winter can see temperatures falling below zero at night, and there can be flurries of snow, but these dont usually last long, and the temperature can be back up into the 60s or 70s by the afternoon.
Where To Retire In Tucson And Home Prices
The housing choices for retirees are among the most varied and economical of any place in the U.S. There are over 25 adult retirement communities with more built every year . Mobile home parks are plentiful and offer a low cost housing alternative. There are many condos and private homes in neighborhoods that are perfect for retirees. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median selling price of a home in Tucson was $360,300 during the 1st quarter of 2022, which is a 22.3% increase from a year earlier.
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Tucson Vs Phoenix Airports
If youre a keen traveler, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport not only has flights all over the U.S. but also direct flights to Europe, Canada, and Mexico. The city also has the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport used by Allegiant Air for budget flights to several dozen cities within the U.S. With other airlines flying seasonally to Canada, Arizona is a popular destination for Canadian snowbirds.
Tucson International Airport, despite the name, currently has no international flights but serves many destinations within the U.S. through airlines including American, Delta, Southwest, and United.
Is Tucson Arizona A Good Place To Visit
Tucson Arizonais a great place to visit as there are lots of attractions and majestic landmarks. Kartchner Caverns State Park is one of the citys main attractions. You will enjoy interactive displays, guided cave tours, and an amazing gift shop.
Other interesting places to visit in Tucson include Main Gate Square District, Sonoran Glass House, and Cave Creek Canyon Recreational Area. The landmarks include Jewish History Museum and The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures.
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Tucson Entertainment & Leisure
Despite its smaller size, Tucson is no slouch in the entertainment and leisure department. It offers easy access to all kinds of outdoor activities, especially beautiful desert hikes, and the city has a thriving independent music scene.
Sports lovers can get their fill here, too. Venues like the Tucson Raceway Park and Tucson Rodeo host various sporting events, such as NASCAR. And foodies delight Tucson is just one of two US cities to earn the distinction of UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
Find Out What’s Happening In Tucsonwith Free Real
Our city ranked 36th overall in best places to retire across the country. Tucson had an overall score of 52.55, and ranked 70 in affordability, 46 in activities, 27 in quality of life, and 121 in health care.
Orlando, Florida, took home the award for the best city to retire to in the nation, with Stockton, California, coming in dead-last overall as a location in which to spend your golden years.
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Tucson Is A Unesco City Of Gastronomy
Theres no question that both Scottsdale and Tucson have thriving dining scenes with virtually endless choices of Mexican, Southwestern, and upscale American restaurants. That said, Tucson has a culinary distinction that is unique not just in Arizona, but in the entire United States.
In 2015, Tucson became the first city in the U.S. to earn the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization designation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. The title sets Tucson apart both for its stellar Mexican cuisine and its Native American influences. Restaurants such as Charro Steak & del Rey and The Cup Café have made the list of certified Tucson City of Gastronomy Restaurants.
Scottsdale also has a wide range of Mexican and Southwestern choices, such as Los Olivos Mexican Patio and Barrio Queen, but the city is perhaps more well-known for its trendy, upscale spots like Olive & Ivy and Nobu Scottsdale.
Harmful Reptiles Can Scare You At Anytime
One of the major cons of living in Tucson is the presence of reptiles. You will find them anywhere anytime. Some of them like black widows are lethal and can even cause death. Tarantulas are also common here but dont touch them as they are venomous. If reptiles scare you, think twice before moving to Tucson.
Tucson is an ideal place to live with your family. There can be certain drawbacks, but the merits of the city overshadow them. With plenty of open trails, clean air, education institutions, and entertainment options, you should seriously think of moving to Tucson
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Home Of The Chimichanga
Photo via @elcharro.cafe
Have you ever wondered who invented the chimichanga? A favorite fun fact about Tucson is that the El Charro Caféone of the oldest continually-operating Mexican restaurantsis cited as the birthplace of the chimichanga. Learn about how Tia Monica Flin accidentally dropped beef tacos into a frying pan and, in an attempt not to curse in front of children, . Visit one of the three standalone locations of El Charro Café in Tucson to sample Reynosa Chicken, Fresh Corn Tamales, and, of course, the famous chimichangas.
A Sun Drenched College Town With A Pretty Mountain Desert Setting Tucson Has A Rich Heritage A Lively Cultural Scene And Interesting Architecture
Home to the sprawling University of Arizona and a military base, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson was founded in 1776 while still a part of Mexico. The city is one of the oldest continually inhabited areas in the country, with Native Americans living here for 4,000 years before Spanish missionaries and soldiers arrived in the late-1600s. Present day Tucson is proud of its frontier, Mexican and Native American roots.
Retirees come for the pretty desert and mountain setting and for the endlessly hot, sunny days and dry air. In fact, 32% of residents are age 45 or better. The city has grown by 3% within the last decade and has a diverse population. Thirty percent of locals hold at least a four year college degree. Politics lean to the left. The cost of living is 15% below the national average. AARP calls Tucson one of the best places to live the simple life.
The city boasts a palpable Southwestern vibe, from the adobe and Mediterranean architecture to the large, iconic tree-like saguaro cacti that pepper the landscape. Neighborhoods range from bedraggled to very nice. The median home price is $298,000, reflecting a 30% increase since last year. La Cholla Hills is a 55+ community with Southwestern-style patio homes and casitas.
World-class spas, casinos, University of Arizona athletics and 30 museums all provide further opportunities to stay active and involved. Residents enjoy more than 100 parks and 35 golf courses.
Arizona:
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Other Things To Consider About Retiring In Arizona
The Federal Trade Commission published recent data that ranked Arizona #11 when it comes to consumer fraud. There were a total of 63,248 reports filed in 2020 which represented 869 reports per 100,000 people. Compare that to Florida, which ranked at #3 with 1,123 reports per 100,000, and Arizona is a safer place, as it is related to consumer fraud.
The most common categories were identity theft , imposter scams and online shopping and negative reviews . The top identity theft type was government documents or benefits fraud as well as credit card fraud. Median fraud losses were $374, which tied Arizona for the 11th highest. However, across the U.S., the median was much higher for those nearing or in retirement. For example, the median loss was $436 for people between the ages of 60-69, $635 for those between 70 and 79 and $1,300 for those 80 and older.
Arizonas warm temperatures and high humidity also pose a few challenges in terms of insects. For example, Phoenix and Tucson rank among the top 50 cities with the highest number of termite treatments per year, according to the pest control company Terminix. The point here is that, based on where you live, be cognizant of the fact you may need some extra money to budget for pest control services to keep these critters away.
During our research, we came across neighborhoodscout.com and thought it was a good resource to share, as you can review home values, crime rates, demographics and more within Arizona .
Is Tucson A Safe Place To Retire
Tucson does have a lower crime rate than many other cities in the US, and is generally considered a safe place to live. The cost of living in Tucson is also relatively low, which can be a major factor for retirees on a fixed income. In addition, Tucson has a large senior population and many amenities and activities geared towards retirees. Overall, Tucson is a safe and affordable place to retire.
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Is Tucson Arizona A Good Place To Retire
Tucson is a great place to retire. The population is diverse and there are plenty of favorable neighborhoods. Old Fort Lowell is one of the best neighborhoods to retire. You can buy a home here without going in credit. It is close to lots of amenities including cafes, restaurants, and parks. Myers is one of the least pleasant neighborhoods for retirement.
Downtown Tucson AZ is special. If you would like to retire in a city with a unique downtown, it is the right choice. You can enjoy the beautiful architecture, amazing cuisine, and biking options.
The average cost of buying one bedroom property is $65, 000 while that of three-bedroom properties is $120, 000. Five-bedroom properties cost an average of $230, 000.
The cost of renting one-bedroom properties is about $550. Three-bedroom properties in Tucson cost $ 1200 and the price of renting five-bedroom properties is $2200.
Notable Other Places To Live In Arizona
There are some other notable places to live in Arizona: Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Prescott, Sedona, Flagstaff, Green Valley and Casa Grande.
Scottsdale and Fountain Hills Arizona are going to be the most expensive places to live in Arizona with million dollar plus homes everywhere.
If you like the mountains and cooler weather check out Prescott, Arizona, and Flagstaff, Arizona.
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Restaurants & Cultural Scene
There are many festivals throughout the year, such as the Rodeo Parade, Tucson Meet Yourself, Folk Festival, All Souls Procession, etc. The University of Arizona has an art and a photography museum. The Tucson Museum of Art concentrates on the arts of the Americas. The Arizona-Sonoran Museum is non-traditional and focuses on animals and plants of the desert. The Tucson Symphony Orchestra and Opera Company are important culturally, as is the Arizona Theatre Company.
Best Arizona Cities To Retire On $2500 A Month
With warm weather and relatively affordable living costs, Arizona has long been a popular destination for retirees. While the average monthly costs of the necessities total $2,626 across the U.S., there are several cities in Arizona where you can live on even less.
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GOBankingRates has identified the Arizona cities where not only could you live on $2,500 a month in retirement, but where you could also live well. Only cities with livability scores of 65 or higher were considered.
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Total monthly expenditures: $2,397
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Livability score: 65
Although Phoenix is the most expensive city on this ranking, it’s still relatively affordable compared to other places in the U.S. At $341, the average monthly cost of groceries for a person age 65 or older is less than the national average of $350. And healthcare is also more affordable — the average monthly cost for this age group is $512 in Phoenix, while the national average is $556.
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Tucson Has A Stunning Array Of Recreational Opportunities
When it comes to outdoor activities, Tucson shines with its huge variety of opportunities that include the ruggedly beautiful Saguaro National Park, the mountain/desert Catalina State Park, the cactus-covered hills of the Tucson Mountain Park, and the waterfalls of Sabino Canyon area all of which have extensive hiking opportunities.
Tucson is also recognized as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the U.S., and it is just a little over an hours drive from snow skiing at the Mount Lemmon Ski Valley in the beautiful mountain town of Summerhaven.
Although the terrain is less varied in Scottsdale, the Valley of the Sun area also features a number of mountain ranges that offer access to many hiking trails, including the gorgeous Pinnacle Peak Trail, the Camelback Mountain Trails, and the east-Valley Lost Dutchman State Park and the spectacular Superstition Mountains. Scottsdale is also well-known for its numerous golfing opportunities and luxurious golf resorts.
