Intro
Retirement can be one of the most stressful but fun times in an individual’s life. For many, it is the time when they can finally be free and make decisions for themselves free of children or employment constraints. One great place for retirement is Arizona.
Some interest in the Grand Canyon State include the lower cost of living and retirement benefits, but the reality is – there are so many more advantages (and disadvantages) to living in the state. We’re breaking them all down for you below.
Benefits of Living in Arizona
1. The Weather
Of all the things that impact the decision to live in Arizona, one of the most important is the weather. For those that have lived in places with harsh winters and extreme climate events such as hurricanes and frequent tornadoes, the weather in Arizona might be paradise.
Of all the things to worry about in old age, one of the ones no one wants to deal with is shoveling snow or bracing flooded roads while driving.
2. Lower Taxes
While Arizona may not be the best state to retire in economically, it certainly falls high on the list. Some of the tax benefits in the state include tax-free inheritance and estate taxes.
On the other hand, the state does place a tax on income and retirement funding, which can be a drawback for many. However, Arizona tax rates are generally considered lower than most.
3. Outdoor Recreation
One of Arizona’s many draws is the natural scenery. From the gorgeous parks, including The Grand Canyon, to Sedona, outdoor enthusiasts won’t find anything like this in any other part of the country.
Not to mention the close proximity to the border and neighboring states like California with Joshua Tree. If the outdoor, adventurist RV lifestyle sounds appealing, few places will be as fitting as Arizona.
4. Golfing
One of the most popular retirement activities – golfing – is available in Arizona. In fact, there is an abundance of beautiful golf courses that are award-winning.
If you’re not looking to move to the east coast and settle in Florida, then Arizona comes next best in both the quality and quantity of courses in the state. Whether you’re picking up a new skill to keep you busy or have been golfing for decades, Arizona will have the public and private course options you need.
Detriments of Living in Arizona
1. Heat Triggers
Heat can affect many things when it comes to one’s well being. From heat strokes to increased allergies, Arizona may trigger health ailments more than the benefits that warmer weather provides.
Additionally, many of Arizona’s most crowded cities are home to major pollution, which can severely impact the well-being of elderly residents. The state does permit medical dispensaries, so if one is looking for a natural remedy to any health ailments, that may be an option.
2. Snow Birds
Depending on whether you’re looking for an intimate, small-town feel or not, you may find it troubling to deal with snowbirds. During the winter months, many retirees and young families alike will swarm to Arizona to ride out the frigid months.
This can mean a constantly changing community with new people from one winter to the next. If you don’t mind meeting new people, then snowbirds may not bother you much. However, if you are the type to prefer things to stay set in stone year-round and indefinitely, consider the community you move to carefully.
3. Mounting Sales Tax
Depending on the location you decide to settle into in Arizona, the sales tax may become burdensome. This is because, in addition to the state sales tax itself, smaller regions can also inflict their own sales tax to cover their locality.
While Arizona’s sales tax is on the lower end at a glance, it can nearly double when factoring in a town’s added taxes. If you’re looking to avoid those pesky additional charges, you’ll need to search for communities that do not add their own town tax.
Conclusion
Arizona is objectively one of the best places to retire in the country. However, you’ll want to consider all aspects before deciding if it’s best for you. Happy retirement!
