Planning To Retire in Arizona? 5 Pros and Cons To Keep In Mind

Arizona has become an attractive destination for people who are looking for a new hometown. In fact, it's now the fourth highest-ranking state in the nation for newcomers. If you're thinking of retiring to Arizona, understanding the pros and cons of making such a move is essential.

Advantages of Retiring in Arizona

Living in Arizona offers an array of benefits. They're the reasons so many people of all ages are moving to the state. Take a look at some of the most noteworthy reasons to look for retirement communities arizona if you're thinking of moving here.

Incredible Climate

One of the most wonderful aspects of Arizona is its warm, dry climate. With more than 300 days of sunshine per year, it's the perfect place for people who want to escape  rainy areas and miserably cold winters. Arizona's air quality also tends to be good, so breathing in the local air isn't quite as detrimental as it is in certain other places.

Community Involvement

Community involvement is a terrific reason to move to Arizona as well. Though there's a strong sense of community in many neighborhoods throughout the state, you'll find plenty of wonderful retirement communities to suit your distinct needs. They'll allow you to meet like-minded people, stay active, and remain involved in social activities.

Outdoor Opportunities

Arizona is renowned for its numerous outdoor activities as well. Its diverse features include the Grand Canyon, the red rocks of Sedona, and the Sonoran Desert to name a few. That means you could spend endless hours simply sightseeing and enjoying the views. Beyond that, you can spend your time hiking, birdwatching, or relaxing by a beautiful lake.Fishing and golfing are popular pastimes as well, and the state certainly offers plenty of amazing sites for either of those activities.

Lower Cost of Living

Another advantage of life in Arizona is a relatively low cost of living. That makes it perfect for retirees whether they're living on a fixed income or simply hoping to make the most of their retirement savings. Housing costs are generally reasonable, and there's no Social Security tax here. Property taxes aren't overly costly, either.

Top-Notch Healthcare

Additionally, Arizona offers access to some of the nation's best healthcare facilities. Along with the state's public healthcare facilities, local retirement communities offer top-notch private medical care for their residents. You'll be able to take advantage of stellar preventative care, treatments for chronic conditions, and virtually any other need you may have.

Disadvantages of Retiring in Arizona

Arizona has numerous strong suits that are particularly suited to retirees. As you're probably well aware, though, no place is absolutely perfect. While Arizona comes close, it does have a few disadvantages to consider.

Extreme Summer Heat

One of the main drawbacks of living in Arizona is its extreme summer heat. Temperatures routinely climb above 100 degrees in the summertime. That can be uncomfortable or evendangerous if you're not careful. Although the state's perpetual warmth can be a benefit, some people find it overbearing during the summer months.  

Droughts

Droughts are common in Arizona. That places a strain on the state's water supply, and it has led to certain conservation efforts and usage restrictions. Most people don't have much trouble adjusting, but it's important to be aware of this situation nonetheless.

Limited Public Transportation

Having a car makes life in Arizona much simpler and more convenient. If you live in a rural or suburban area, access to public transportation may be limited at best. Walking everywhere isn't a viable option in most areas.

Excessive Traffic

Another downside to be aware of is traffic. Congestion can be a problem in urban areas, as can the crowds that come with it. If you're looking for peace and quiet, be sure to choose an area that's not affected by the state's population growth.

Dangerous Wildlife

At the same time, some of Arizona's wildlife can be hazardous. That includes scorpions, coral snakes, rattlesnakes, a few species of spiders, blister beetles, and Gila monsters. That being said, every state has its dangers, and the wildlife in Arizona isn't any more threatening than what you'll find anywhere else.

Retiring in Arizona

Arizona is a wonderful state for retirees. It offers numerous advantages from a beautiful climate and landscape to ample outdoor activities and beyond. It has a few drawbacks as well, but they tend to be overshadowed by the state's strong suits. If you're thinking of retiring in Arizona, weigh the benefits against the disadvantages to determine if that's the option that truly suits your lifestyle and retirement goals.