The Reasons Active Seniors Are Retiring to Arizona
Gorgeous weather, breathtaking sunsets, and a climate that’s friendly to allergy sufferers are just some of the reasons retirees rave about Arizona. The Valley of the Sun also boasts a terrific arts and culture scene, plenty of exceptional culinary experiences, and numerous ways to appreciate the outdoors. What’s more, retiring in Arizona puts you within an easy drive to numerous getaway destinations, including San Diego, Sedona, Havasu Falls, the Grand Canyon and even the Mexican coast, just to name a few.
If you’re on the fence about where to retire, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better list of reasons to make the move than these:
An Enviable Climate
In the Phoenix metro — aptly nicknamed the Valley of the Sun — you can expect minimal rain and plenty of sunshine. It’s true that temperatures soar during the summer, and you’ll probably even have months straight of triple-digit high temperatures.
However, the desert climate creates dry heat, which most people find substantially more comfortable than the humid heat found in many other parts of the country. Also, you may not know that Arizona doesn’t observe Daylight Savings Time, which means once the sun sets, you’ll be able to wind down summer days with cool drinks on the patio. Venturing to other parts of the state, such as the higher elevations to the north, also gives you a reprieve from the heat.
Don’t forget that offsetting those hot summers are the glorious conditions during the fall, winter and early spring. You’ll be able to dine al fresco quite comfortably while your friends and family in the Midwest and New England battle against snow and ice.
An Antidote to Allergies
Because of the dry climate, many of the trees, grasses, and other vegetation that contribute to seasonal allergies you experience in other parts of the country don’t grow in Arizona. That can be great news for allergy sufferers and those with respiratory conditions including asthma.
Plenty to Do Outdoors
Many people think of golf courses when they think of Arizona — with good reason! The state has more than 300 courses, where golfers of all ability levels can hit the links and practice perfecting their game. Golf enthusiasts aside, Arizona’s temperate weather inspires all kinds of outdoor activities, from Spring Training in the spring to outdoor events and festivals year-round. Hikers and bikers appreciate discovering new trails that offer incredible views of the rugged mountainous terrains surrounding the Phoenix Valley. Lake Pleasant is just north of the metro, where camping, fishing and watersports are popular pursuits. Other outdoor favorites include the Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden, and more than 180 parks in the Phoenix metro offering a vast selection of amenities.
Never-ending Entertainment
Phoenix is the Southwest region’s retail darling. Numerous brands with a presence on either coast — and international brands, too — tap into this lucrative market when expanding their retail footprint. This is also true of many popular food chains, but you’ll also find countless local restaurants featuring mouthwatering cuisine from around the world.
Casinos located on Native American reservations — 26 in all —offer dining, performances and, of course, gambling as another avenue for fun and excitement. Arizona also boasts several professional sports teams, including the Arizona Cardinals football team, Phoenix Suns basketball team and Diamondbacks baseball team. If fine arts are more your speed, you’ll be able to take your pick from numerous museums in Phoenix and nearby drivable destinations, as well as taking in performances by the Arizona Opera, Ballet Arizona and Phoenix Symphony.
Potential Tax Advantages
While we don’t pretend to be tax experts, we do know retiring in Arizona can be financially beneficial. With no Social Security income tax and no gift tax, estate tax or inheritance tax, there are some obvious advantages. Other taxable income rates are also quite low compared to other states. There are some limitations and certain income sources are fully taxable, either in whole or after certain thresholds, so be sure to consult your financial advisor to understand the implications for your personal circumstances.
Retire to the Grand Canyon State
Making your decision about retiring in Arizona is the easy part. Choosing where you’ll live is a little trickier — but only because you have so many options for senior living in Arizona. Robson Reserve at Sun Lakes is a prime choice for many active seniors. This vibrant master-planned community is conveniently located near Chandler, Gilbert and Mesa, about 22 miles east of downtown Phoenix. Living at Robson Reserve at Sun Lakes means taking advantage of impressive amenities and outstanding services, and starting and ending each day in a well-appointed private residence you’re proud to call home. Contact us to start planning your move and begin your Arizona adventure.
