By Moira McGarvey | The Huffington Post
Arizona has been a big retirement destination for many years, and for good reason. In fact, the very first Active Adult Community in the US, Sun City, was developed there over 50 years ago. But the reasons to choose Arizona are more than just the obvious. While AZ has hundreds of days of abundant sunshine and tons of golf courses, it has a lot more going for it than only sun and golf.
One big reason we think you should consider Arizona for retirement is taxes. When living on fixed incomes, it’s important you make sure you are living in a state where your money will last and the taxes are in your favor. Arizona is one of the most tax friendly states and they don’t tax your Social Security check, that matters. (About half of the states in the US do tax Social Security.)
At GangsAway! we compile information to help people figure out where to go when they retire. Below are GangsAway’s Top 20 Reasons why you might want to put Arizona on the top of your list.
1. Arizona is home to the Grand Canyon National Park and Red Rock State Park near Sedona, as well as a number of other magnificent parks. Free and fabulous entertainment.
2. Outdoor Activities Galore: White water rafting, championship golf courses, hang gliding through the desert, fishing along the Colorado River or skiing in Flagstaff.
3. The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show started in Scottsdale in 1955 and now features over 2,000 of the world’s most beautiful Arabian horses. Owners, trainers and breeders from all over the globe compete and the event attracts hundreds of thousands of people. Also, there are 300 vendors and booths, showcasing food, demonstrations and seminars.
4. A City for Every Style: Phoenix – highly livable and affordable city; Sedona, a spiritual haven and visual miracle, Scottsdale for those looking for high-end resort style living and Flagstaff, beautiful and at a higher elevation so doesn’t get the same high heat as other parts, attracts outdoor enthusiasts and a more liberal contingency and is near enough to Phoenix if you need a bigger city fix.
5. Sunshine/Great Weather. Winter temperatures in Phoenix are like summer temperatures in the southeast but without humidity. Rainfall averages for Arizona range from less than three inches in the deserts to more than 30 inches per year in the mountains. Dry and sunny days with cool nights are typical, and the state’s major cities enjoy over 250 days with sun each year. If you like more variety in temperature, towns like Flagstaff are cooler.
