Arizona frequently tops the list of best places to retire. There are tons of amenities, beautiful natural scenery, and great financial incentives for retirees, like the lack of Social Security income tax. If a hot climate and desert scenery draw in your eye, you may want to consider Arizona among your retirement options. The state is very diverse when it comes to senior amenities and healthcare, but not all cities are created equal. To make the most of an Arizona retirement, it’s best to come in researched and prepared.
Dress for the Weather
Arizona is mostly desert, which offers dry and hot weather most of the year. Southern Arizona sees some of the hottest and driest temperatures in the country. Winters are mild, but can still get quite cold in the desert. If you’re overly sensitive to hot weather, it may not be the best retirement destination for you. You’ll need to dress appropriately; shorts, t-shirts, and breathable fabrics are your friends here. If your medication increases your risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, you’ll want to spend time outside in short doses. Always wear sunscreen when you spend time outside.
Find a Healthcare Team
Arizona rarely draws in retirees for its healthcare system. The pandemic exacerbated some staffing and quality concerns for many major hospitals and care facilities. Still, each physician and clinic should be evaluated on an individual basis. There are tons of excellent physicians in the state that are experienced and specialized in senior care. As a retiree, you’ll want to be frequently checked for health concerns, so you’ll need the right team to do it. You’ll need access to affordable and high quality labs, diagnostic imaging, primary care physicians, and any specialists when the need arises.
Choose the Right City
Arizona cities are diverse and share a wide variety of pros and cons. You’ll need to evaluate what you’d like in a city and neighborhood to choose the best option for you. Some popular desired amenities for retirees include public transportation, diverse healthcare, family-friendly things to do, access to hiking trails and other natural parks, and more. Scottsdale is a popular city for its expansive golf courses and spa resorts. Tucson has a lot of rich culture and history. Prescott offers small-town charm with large-city resources. Sedona is well-known for its beautiful red-rock formations and vast hiking trails. There’s no wrong choice, but you’ll want the option that checks most of your personal need boxes.
Assess Senior Living Options
While you may not plan on needing them, you may want to consider senior living communities in the Arizona area of your choosing. You never know when you may need additional care or supervision as you age, even temporarily. Arizona is a very popular place for retirement, and it has a high percentage of older adults. While an increase in older adults means an increase in senior communities, this can also mean an increase in overcrowding. In Phoenix, 38.5% of nursing homes have inadequate staffing levels. Make sure there are appropriately staffed senior communities in the area, along with rave reviews and ratings. Having the option of moving into a high-quality senior community can enrich your retirement experience and provide a backup plan if you ever need some round-the-clock care as an older adult.
Research the Cost of Living
It can be costly to live in Arizona depending on your location. Like everywhere, larger cities will cost more. Smaller towns can make more economical sense, but you’ll have to sacrifice certain amenities, including diverse public transportation. You’ll need to budget by adding up your income and subtracting your monthly expenses. You can work with a financial advisor to determine what you can afford. Overall, Arizona is considered a generally affordable state in most cities, but it’s ranked at around six percent higher than the national average. If you’re struggling with retirement savings, you may want to choose elsewhere.
Senior-Friendly Things to Do
Arizona has plenty to offer its older populations. Amenities include spa resorts, theme parks, golf courses, natural features, beautiful parks, expansive hiking trails, art museums, and more. There are plenty of amenities for all ages if you want to bring grandkids, including free options for retirees on a strict budget. The heat may be limiting for some retirees, so indoor amenities may be smart during the hottest days of the year.
Conclusion
In general, Arizona is a great place to retire. While other cities may have better healthcare and costs of living, there are unique amenities and natural features that you can’t find anywhere else. There are many senior-friendly healthcare options and living communities that retirees frequently flock to. You will want to weigh your personal pros and cons before choosing Arizona as a retirement destination. An informed decision has the highest potential for success.
