Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
It’s probably no surprise to Arizonans that our state was recently named one of the best to retire in, coming in at number six. Our state has been a favorite for senior citizens for decades and a large part of our economy relies on this population; our winter visitors alone contribute about $1.4 billion to Arizona’s economy. Even though we made it to the top ten, we think Arizona deserves to be at the top of that list!
So, let your golden years be the absolute best by choosing to retire right here in Arizona! Let’s take a look at some of the top reasons to choose the Grand Canyon State.
1. First off, Arizona does not tax social security benefits, making this a major plus for anyone 65 and over.
If you think about it, the hot summers in Phoenix and other desert cities only last about four months, or 1/3 of the year. Meanwhile, if you prefer cooler weather without the constant blizzards and arctic winds, you’ll enjoy our mountain towns, like Flagstaff and Payson.
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4. All that beautiful weather means more time to spend in the beautiful outdoors.
For active seniors, the list of outdoor activities throughout the year is endless: hiking, fishing, kayaking, golfing, and horseback riding are just the start of the list. And if you just want to relax under the sun, there are plenty of places to do that as well!
Whether you crave an urban lifestyle with plenty of amenities or the slow living of rural life, you can choose any place that suits your lifestyle and personality. There are towns known for their history, beautiful scenery, and art, so choose what works for you!
6. You don’t need to look far to find other retirees!
If you’re looking to move to Arizona for retirement, you don’t need to look far to find some new friends. Because Arizona has been an established retirement retreat for decades, it’s home to a large number of senior communities that suits every lifestyle. In fact, Sun City is the state’s longest-lasting retirement community (it was first established in 1960).
7. You’ll have plenty of cultural activities to participate in or watch.
We have beautiful weather in different parts of the state throughout the year so you’re sure to find fairs, festivals, and other events that showcase the best Arizona has to offer. You can find events that harken back to our state’s Western origins, celebrate the current melting pot culture, showcase Native American culture, and highlights the best of our foods.
8. Speaking of food, we have some amazing culinary treats that will intrigue your palate and mind.
Arizona is home to a growing number of James Beard award-winning restaurants, plus plenty of regional favorites that serve everything from Sonoran-style Mexican food to homestyle German food to fine dining experiences for the most important occasions. Plus, if you like to live on the wild side, there are plenty of ethnic food restaurants and a growing community of food trucks that serve a ridiculous number of tasty meals.
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9. A lower cost of living compared to many other states.
When you’re on a fixed income, every dollar matters so you’ll be pleased to know that the dollar goes pretty far in Arizona. City living is more expensive but places like Phoenix are still significantly cheaper compared to many other cities.
