Thinking About Retiring in Arizona?
Arizona is home to more than 1.3 million senior citizens, comprising about 18% of the state's population. While the state's year-round seasonal weather is likely one of the top reasons seniors flock to Arizona, there are other things seniors should consider before they choose to retire to Arizona.
The Cost of Living
Whether there's a healthy savings account funding the move to Arizona or a smaller budget funded by government benefit programs, the cost of living is important to think about. In Arizona, the average cost of living is 2.2% above the national median. While housing costs are 7.8% above average, grocery and healthcare costs are as much as 4.8% below average.
Enrichment Activities and Quality of Life
Thanks to the state's year-round warm weather and populous cities that are rich in amenities, seniors spending their retirement years can generally expect a high quality of life. Throughout the state, there are more than 300 golf courses, more than 350 museums, and a multitude of beautiful outdoor spaces that are open to the public. While living in Arizona, people nearly always have something enriching and entertaining to do.
Safety Considerations
While crime rates vary from city to city, the overall property crime rate in Arizona is slightly higher than the national average. Seniors planning to retire to Arizona may want to consider seeking a locale with a lower crime rate or investing in a home alarm. That being said, violent crime rates in the state are well below the national average.
Health and Senior Care
People retiring to Arizona need to ensure reliable healthcare services are nearby. It's also wise to consider whether services such as assisted living or memory care are conveniently available in case they're required in the future. Arizona is home to several renowned hospitals and health centers, including Mayo Clinic Phoenix and Banner-University Medical Center. Furthermore, the state is rife with long-term care options, including home care services, assisted living facilities, and nursing care facilities. In most cases, the cost of long-term care in Arizona is below national averages.