10 Tips for Retiring in Arizona

Dec 26, Alissa Sauer

When it comes to retiring in Arizona, what’s not to love? Desert sunsets. 80 degree winters. Fantastic shopping. The Grand Canyon. World renowned golf courses. The Sonoran Hot Dog. These are just a few reasons why so many seniors flock to our retirement communities in Arizona and why Arizona is often included on the top 10 list of retirement locations. No matter what reason brings you here, we promise you will love an Arizona retirement.

Learn more about the financial costs and unique lifestyle benefits of an Arizona retirement.

10 Reasons for Retiring in Arizona

Arizona is a popular retirement destination, with many seniors from the U.S. and Canada choosing to call it home. Similar to Florida, Arizona’s senior population grows in the winter months with nearly 300,000 retirees temporarily settling in Arizona for the winter months. From the beginning, Arizona has been an expert in retirement luxury. The country’s first active adult retirement community started in Youngtown, Arizona, setting the stage for Arizona as a retirement mecca. Today, over 17% of the state’s population is 65 or older and boasts over 100 age-restricted communities.

From tax breaks and affordable living to award-winning golf courses, we love the Grand Canyon State because of the opportunities it affords our residents. Here are 10 reasons our residents love retiring in Arizona:

1. Major Tax Breaks

Retiring in Arizona brings major tax breaks because Arizona does not tax on social security income. There is also no gift tax, estate tax, or inheritance tax. This can make a huge impact for seniors living off of their savings. On other taxable income, the rates are low, around 2.59% for married filers with $20,690 of taxable income to 4.54% for married filers with more than $310,317 of taxable income. It is important to note that private pensions are fully taxed. For those receiving a federal government or military pension, only the first $2,500 is exempt from Arizona state taxes.

2. Allergy-Friendly Living

Many seniors choose to retire in Arizona for better health and wellness, specifically for seniors suffering from seasonal allergies. Arizona is known for improving the quality of life for people with bad allergies and asthma. Because the state is a desert, the vegetation that most people are allergic to is not present. No allergy meds needed here!

3. Breathtaking Parks

The Grand Canyon. Red Rock State Park. Sedona. Arizona may be known for its desert landscape but the northern part of the state boasts stunning pines, awe-inspiring views, and even snow in the winter months. Explore Kartchner Caverns State Park in a guided tour, pack a picnic lunch for Boyce Thompson Arboretum,  spend the day on a boat at Lake Havasu. However you want to spend your day, there is a state park that will meet your needs. Consider purchasing a National Parks Pass, heavily discounted for seniors, and take the whole family for an affordable getaway!

4. A Background for Adventure

The entire state was meant to be explored – and it’s not all desert. From skiing in Flagstaff to fishing the Colorado River to bouldering in northern Phoenix, Arizona is the place to feed an adventurous soul. Camp or hike at one of the state’s national parks, catch a cheap spring training baseball game, ski, boat, take a Jeep off-roading, or spend the day fishing – Arizona has it all.

5. Perfect Weather

Arizona is a desert climate with winter temperatures similar to summer temperatures throughout the rest of the United States, but with no humidity. Residents of Arizona like to boast about their ‘dry heat’, which makes even 100 degree temperatures bearable. With less than 3 inches of precipitation in the south of the state, retirees in Arizona enjoy over 300 days of sunshine per year. While summers in the southern part of the state can be hot, northern towns like Flagstaff and Prescott are a refuge for those seeking cooler temperatures.

6. World Renowned Golf Courses

One of the biggest reasons seniors love retiring in Arizona is the abundance of state of the art golf courses.Arizona has been ranked number two by Golf.com for “golfiness” – a measure of the quantity and quality of courses, only behind Florida. The state has over 70 ranked public courses, over 421 total courses and is a haven for professional and novice golfers alike.

7. Boutique & Luxury Shopping

From the high-end malls of Scottsdale to the boutiques of Cave Creek, there is shopping for every taste and budget. Retirees in Arizona enjoy easy and convenient access to what they want, when they want it. From Biltmore Fashion Park to Scottsdale’s Fashion Square you can find high fashion at every turn. For good deals check out Arizona Mills, an outlet store, and for a more eclectic experience head to Old Town Scottsdale.

8. Diversity

There are over 20 Native American tribes represented in Arizona and is the state with the largest percentage of land devoted to reservations. Also, nearly 20% of people in Arizona are Spanish speakers. Arizona has the third highest number (and sixth highest percentage) of Native Americans in the country, home to nearly 10% of the total Native American population in the United States. Arizona also has a large Mexican population, comprising 25.8% of the population, and a large German contingent, making up 16.5% of the state population.

9. Great Healthcare

With so many seniors, the healthcare in Arizona has to be top notch – and it is. Mesa, Arizona has been ranked by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance in 2018 as one of the great places to retire for your health. The major city in Arizona gives residents access to top-rated hospitals, a lower cost of living, and opportunities to live an active lifestyle. Arizona is home to the Mayo Clinic, nationally ranked in 8 specialities, and Banner Medical System, a nationally ranked hospital system with locations throughout the state.

10. Strong State Culture

Arizona has an annual state fair that is guaranteed to exceed your expectation, bringing over 1 million people to the city’s capital with rodeos, racing, and traditional Arizona cuisine, like prickly pear margaritas and cactus jelly. The first fair was held in 1884 and then intermittently because of cotton crop failure, the Great Depression, and two World Wars. Since 1946, the Arizona State Fair has been held annually. Because of its diverse population, fair attendees can expect a wide range of food and entertainment as cultures come together to celebrate their love for Arizona.

Experience Leisure Care Assisted Living in Arizona

Oro Valley Assisted Living

Independent Living and Assisted Living in Oro Valley

What You Need to Know about Retiring in Arizona

For these reasons, and many more, it’s not surprising that Arizona draws retirees from all over the country. So, how do you navigate retiring in Arizona? Learn more about senior living in Arizona and how you can make the move.

How Much it Costs to Retire in Arizona

When evaluating the cost of senior living, it’s best to start with your current expenses because so much of senior living is all-inclusive. Think through how much is spent monthly on food, utilities, healthcare, house maintenance, and homeownership costs. Once you have a good understanding of how much it costs to live on your own, you will have a more realistic picture of senior living costs.

You will also want to think through what is included at the community you are considering. Many of our communities offer a wide range of amenities including:

• Regular housekeeping and linen services
• True restaurant dining, with made to order meals
• Engaging activities and social events
• Home maintenance and yard work
• Gym memberships and fitness classes through PrimeFit
• Language lessons
• Travel opportunities
• Assisted living and memory care services, if needed

Exactly how much your monthly rate is will depend on the care being received, amenities being used, and apartment chosen. Our Arizona communities offer a wide range of lifestyle options, sure to fit a wide range of budgets.

The cost of retiring in Arizona is fairly consistent across the state, coming in at $3,418 per month for assisted living care and ranging from $1400 to $7,072 per month.

Retiring in Arizona Within Your Budget

From traveling the world to exploring your own backyard, Leisure Care living is fun and easy. We offer both independent living and assisted living services at retirement communities in Arizona. We will work closely with you and your family to create a lifestyle that meets care and budget needs while making the most of every day of retirement. Five-star fun. Five-star service. That’s our promise.

It’s your time to build your future. Contact us today to get started.