5 Benefits of Retirement in Arizona

There are a lot of things that need to be considered when making the decision on where you should spend your retirement years. You want a place that has activities and meets your needs, one that will not break the bank and that will help you age gracefully. The first thing you should do is make a list of all your wants and needs so you can tailor your search. While you are doing your research, you should look into retirement in Arizona.

Here at Solterra Senior Living, we offer a range of Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Respite Care in different Arizona communities for a reason! We know that retirement in Arizona is a popular choice for many seniors and we know that Arizona is a great state to retire in, especially for seniors.

There are a lot of benefits to retirement in Arizona, so here is a look at a few of them:

1. The Weather

Do you really want to be snowed in or rained out during your retirement years? The answer to that question for many is no. That’s why warmer locations like Arizona are extremely popular places for retirement. 

Even during the winter months in Arizona, the average low is 40 degrees and the average high is in the 70s. Most areas of Arizona stay dry and warm most of the year. The northern reason does differ from this, with crisper nights and cooler temps. Arizona has the climate that you are looking for, no matter what it is! Plus, warmer weather means that you can go outside and do things, rather than being stuck inside because of snow or cold temperatures.

2. The Scenery

In your retirement years, you likely want picturesque scenery that you can enjoy. This kind of beautiful, natural landscape can not just put a smile on your face but can help calm you, too. It just makes people happy! 

Arizona is known as the Grand Canyon State and for the right reason. Some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in all the United States are found here. There’s everything from fields of cacti to snow-capped mountains, with a rainbow of different contours and colors found all throughout the state. The beautiful outdoor vistas will also make you want to get outside and go for a nice walk or hike. This will help keep you staying active in your golden years, which we know is important.

3. The Taxes

You have been working hard your entire life to save for retirement. Retirement’s now here and that nest egg you have been funding now comes into play. You want to make it last as long as possible! Because of this, looking at the taxes of where you want to live is important. 

In Arizona, you are eligible to receive your social security income tax free. Additionally, there is no estate, inheritance, or gift tax found in Arizona either. This means you can get the full amount and that you will have more money in your pocket! If you are eligible for military retirement income, that also is tax free in Arizona. It is important to note that some forms of income are taxed in Arizona, including withdrawals from retirement accounts, such as a 401K.

4. The Recreation

You want to take advantage of no longer working and you want to be out doing things, which means you should retire somewhere that has a lot of different things to do. Arizona is a great place for that! If golf is your game, there are over 300 golf courses found throughout the state. There are also tons of museums, award-winning restaurants, botanical gardens, great shopping, and more for you to enjoy. It does not matter if you want total relaxation or more of a busy social schedule, both are possible in Arizona. If staying active is important to you, there are many outdoor places and parks where you can go for a hike, walk, or a leisurely stroll.

Additionally, if you choose to live in a senior living community like ours here at Solterra, you will have access to high-quality senior living services that are readily available to you whenever you need them. For instance, we offer scenic paths and courtyards, activity programs, media rooms, a billiards room, a full-service beauty salon, and transportation services.

5. The Health Insurance

No matter how healthy you are now, things can change down the line. Almost everyone needs some sort of medical assistance as they get older, which is why having good health insurance in your senior years is important. Here in Arizona, there is the Arizona Long-term Care System, which is more commonly known as ALTCS. This health insurance is meant for Arizona residents 65 years old and older who have a disability or need nursing home level care. Even if you do not need either of these now, it is an important thing to think about when considering where you want to spend your retirement. An additional benefit of ALTCS is that you do not need to be living in a nursing home to qualify for it. You can live at your own home and receive assistance there or you can move into a community based assisted living. The cost of healthcare can be high, so being able to take advantage of something like ALTCS can be a big benefit to seniors.

As you can see, there are so many benefits of retirement in Arizona! If you have not considered Arizona as one of your retirement destinations, you may want to look more into it. It has all of the above perks and more.

Additionally, if you are looking into moving into a community-like setting, we encourage you to look at the different communities at Solterra Senior Living. We have a range of different levels of care meaning that you will be able to find the one best for you. There is plenty to do at our senior living communities here in Arizona, both onsite and offsite. If you are interested in retiring in Arizona and want to learn more please come see us for a tour!