Thinking About Moving to Arizona? Here’s What You Need to Know
Arizona is a metro state. It is ranked as one of the best places to live and even one of the best places to retire to. This is based on the quality of life and other amazing characteristics of the state. The state attracts a lot of immigrants both young people and even senior citizens. If you are 71 and thinking about moving to Arizona, it is a lovely place to retire. However, there are a couple of things you should consider when weighing your options. The decision of where to move at this age will be based on your personal preference based on your personal needs. Like every other state, moving to Arizona has its ups and downs. We have put together some things you need to know before moving to Arizona.
- Cost of Living – The state has a strong economy. In addition to this, the cost of living in the state is lower than the national average. This low cost of living makes Arizona very attractive to senior citizens looking to retire. The last thing you want is to move to a state with a high cost of living.
- Housing Costs – The cost of housing in Arizona is just a little above the average cost of housing. It is however still affordable. What is affordable is relative and so ensure you evaluate what you can afford or get a financial advisor to guide you in making the decision.
- Property Taxes – Property taxes in Arizona are levied at the county level and they are quite low. What makes property tax in Arizona even better is the fact that there are exemptions for low-income citizens on a fixed income. As a senior, you can take advantage of this exemption and save some good money.
- Tax Deductions – Arizona provides for a lot of tax exemptions and deductions for residents who meet specified criteria. For example, tax is not levied on social security retirement benefits. For retirement income, the tax rate in Arizona is low when compared to that of many other states.
- HealthCare – The healthcare system in Arizona is excellent. It also helps that Arizona has a lot of senior citizens. They have thus been able to make facilities available to support citizens and their specific needs. Regardless of what health conditions you need to manage, you won’t need to look too far to get top-notch health care if you move to Arizona.
- Culture – Arizona attracts a lot of immigrants, and this makes the state a diverse state. However, as much as the state is diverse, they are still very cultural people. This makes it a good place to raise children. If you are moving with your children and grandchildren, then you can consider moving to Arizona because it is a great place to raise a family.
- Art – If you are artistic, then Arizona is a good state for you to consider moving to. The art scene in Arizona is thriving. They are a lot of museums and galleries in the state. If you are artistic or you are deciding to use this period of your life to explore your artistic side, then Arizona is a good state to move to.
- Weather – Arizona has the most sunshine in all of America. Studies show that the state has over 300 days of sunshine every year. The state doesn’t have seasons. Just mostly sunshine. If you struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder, then you should consider moving to Arizona because the state does not have too many seasonal changes. Another advantage is that heat helps with Arthritis which is a very common sickness, especially amongst seniors. The state has a short spring at the beginning of the year and even the winter period does not last long.
- Senior Community -Arizona attracts a lot of senior citizens. This might be because of the weather and the low cost of living. This makes will make it easy for you to make new friends who will help you settle into your new city easily. Arizona cares for its senior citizens and has a lot of amenities just to cater to the needs of the seniors in the state.
- Arizona is a Dusty State – This might be because the weather is mostly sunny. Dust storms are also common in Arizona, and they usually happen during summer. If you are thinking about moving to Arizona and you have allergies, you will need to keep your medications close to you at all times. If you cannot stand the dustiness of the state, then you need to reconsider moving there.
- Recreational Activities – Arizona has lots of recreational activities for you to take advantage of. They will help you relax and enjoy this period of your life. Arizona has some of the most epic outdoor attractions in America. Some of the fun places you can visit include the Grand Canyon, the Red Rocks of Sedona, Verde Hot Springs, and a lot of waterfalls and swimming holes. You will be sure to have a good time if you decide to move to Arizona.
- Traffic -Just like any other good state, Arizona attracts a lot of tourists yearly. The state also has its fair share of tourists that troop in regularly. All these and more cause traffic to build up on a regular basis. Traffic is usually more in the morning and the evenings. If you do not like sitting in traffic, then you might want to consider other places to move to. However, if you are keen on moving to Arizona, then you can find your way around the traffic. Plan your movement around times when people are a little less on the road. You could also stay in the suburbs where there are fewer people and just schedule occasional visits to the major cities. The state however has a good public transportation system and bus system. This makes it easy for you to move around when you do not want to drive.