When it comes to retirement hotspots, Tucson, Arizona, is at the top of the list—literally.
The charming city in the Sonoran Desert was recently ranked fourth among “America’s 10 best cities for retirement,” according to Bankrate.com. Active adults are hitting the big 6-5, exiting the workforce and flocking to Tucson in droves. And those who aren’t should seriously consider doing so.
Here’s why:
- The weather.
By the time many people reach retirement age, they long for warm weather. And Tucson doesn’t disappoint. The city’s climate is mild—boasting almost 300 days of sunshine a year and average highs in the 60s during December and January. When you buy a new home in Tucson, you can retire your snow shovel, too! - The landscape.
Desert, mountains, mesas, canyons (and so many swimming pools!)… Tucson’s beautiful backdrop offers something for everyone. The city is also home to diverse plant life, including cacti, succulents, sage and even ponderosa pines (and we’d be remiss not to mention wildflower season!), as well as over 250 different species of birds. - The recreation.
Tucson offers miles of hiking and biking trails, championship golf courses, nearby casinos and numerous stables. With five surrounding mountain ranges, risk-taking retirees can take up rock climbing, and those who are less daring can opt to lounge around the pool with the latest bestseller. Tucson also hosts dozens of gem and mineral shows, including the largest one in the country, and the city has been dubbed the “Gem, Mineral & Fossil Capital of the US.” - The culture.
Tucson boasts abundant shops and restaurants (it’s heralded for its authentic Mexican cuisine) and a thriving arts scene, offering several galleries and studios and more than 230 performing arts dates a year, courtesy of the local symphony, professional theater and ballet and opera companies. The city also loves its festivals, which include the Folk Festival, All Souls Procession, Rodeo Parade and Tucson Meet Yourself. - The taxes.
According to the Tax Foundation, Arizona taxes are below the national average. In addition, Tucson doesn’t tax Social Security checks (unlike many states), which is a very big draw for retirees living on a fixed income.
Thinking about retiring in Tucson or relocating to the city? Check out our exceptional Tucson communities, priced from the upper $100,000s, or call 888-500-7060 to speak with a New Home Specialist!
