6 Reasons Why Retirees Love Phoenix

Phoenix has long been considered a destination for retirees dreaming of settling down in the land of sun and warmth. The city’s home state of Arizona is consistently ranked in the top 10 states that attract retirees, and it’s no surprise why. With perfect weather, endless recreational opportunities, and many cost-saving factors, the capital of the Grand Canyon state is the place to be. Here are 6 reasons to move to Phoenix if you’re considering relocating for your retirement.

1. The Affordable Cost of Living

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One of the many reasons why retirees love Phoenix is that their dollar goes a lot further.

Phoenix’s cost of living doesn’t reflect that it’s one of the most populous and vibrant cities in America. HSH.com’s 2017 housing data found that despite its size, Phoenix presented one of the most affordable housing markets in the country. The salary needed to buy a home in Phoenix is $45,913. That’s a significant $6,000 less than the national average — and also less than desirable retirement communities in Florida and California. Property taxes in the state are also lower than national rates. Not to mention, residents of Arizona don’t pay tax on Social Security Income, which will extend the longevity of your savings.

Those searching for a quieter retirement location may look at Phoenix’s population size and hesitate. But the Greater Phoenix Area is home to some superb retirement havens, including Scottsdale. These spots are close enough to Phoenix to benefit from big city amenities, yet far enough away from the main metropolitan core to ensure a smaller town feel.

2. The World-Class Medical Facilities

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Check your list of retirement must-haves. Is access to excellent healthcare on that list? Well, Phoenix has got you covered.

The Phoenix metropolitan area is home to 54 hospitals and medical centers. That includes one of three major campuses for the Mayo Clinic, the nonprofit medical practice which provides patients with highly specialized medical care. Patients from around the country are often sent to the Mayo Clinic, but if you’re living in Phoenix, any health issue can be dealt with close to home. The Arizona Heart Institute is also found in the city, and is an international leader in cardiovascular health. What’s more, retired couples pay up to $374,447 less than the average U.S. healthcare costs, according to a slideshow published by Kiplinger.

3. The Cultural Offerings

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When it comes to cultural institutions, Phoenix is the hub of Arizona. There are a number of performing arts venues to meet your fancy, all found in downtown Phoenix or Scottsdale. The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts is a perfect example of what you can expect from this creative city. And after the curtains close, why not visit the Museum of Contemporary Art or some of the outstanding shopping options just a few blocks away?

4. The Range of Sports

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Sports buffs out there will never be bored. Phoenix is one of the few U.S. cities to have a team in all four major professional sports leagues. So whatever the sports season, there will always be a game to watch. Fans of NASCAR racing will be thrilled by the opportunity to watch a number of events at the Phoenix International Raceway, a stunning race venue nestled next to the Estrella Mountains. The raceway is found in Avondale, a short drive from central Phoenix.

We would be doing Phoenix and its prospective retirees a huge disservice if we didn’t mention the city’s golfing scene. It takes just one glance at a city map to see that the area is dotted with more than a dozen golf courses. The LPGA’s Founder’s Cup is one of many professional golf events hosted in the city, while many private clubs boast spectacular mountain views and upscale amenities.

5. The Unique Outdoor Opportunities

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Phoenix is just a three-and-a-half-hour drive from one of the country’s most recognizable and breathtaking outdoor attractions: the Grand Canyon. The national park offers an attractive long weekend away from Phoenix, and will certainly be a draw for family members to visit the state.

While the Grand Canyon is on most people’s bucket list, the Greater Phoenix Area also showcases a number of other impressive outdoor activities. The city’s mountainous, desert landscape means retirees from across the U.S. will have a completely new environment to explore. A good place to start is at South Mountain Park, the country’s largest municipal park. Found just south of Phoenix, the park maintains natural desert vegetation and 58 miles of trails for cycling, hiking, and horseback riding. Dobbins Lookout, the highest point in the park, is accessible by road and offers stunning twilight views over the entire Phoenix Valley and the city you could call home.

For those looking for something a bit more relaxed, Papago Park is a 10-minute drive from Phoenix, and is home to the Desert Botanical Garden, the Phoenix Zoo, a golf course, and fishing lagoons stocked with catfish and trout.

6. The Incredible Weather

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Phoenix residents rarely have to worry about their plans being rained out. Known as the Valley of the Sun, Phoenix and the surrounding region live up to their reputation. The city is sunny 85% of the time, with many other Arizona cities making the list of some of the country’s sunniest places. The dry climate eases joint pain and causes less sniffles for those who react to outdoor allergens. This means you can be your best self in the city.

Whatever your flavor of retirement living — be it arts, sports, shopping, or outdoor activities — you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in Phoenix, Arizona. And with an affordable cost of living and excellent healthcare around the corner, you can be happy, healthy, and ready to get the most out of your retirement!