Arizona Retirement Communities

Arizona retirement communities I’ve often wondered why anyone would choose the desert for their retirement home… until, that is, I did a little research.



Yes, it can be quite hot in some places in Arizona with the highest temperature recorded being 128°, F. set in June, 1994 at Lake Havasu. But in the higher elevations, the temperature is much milder with highs sometimes barely reaching the 90’s. In the mountains you actually get to experience all of the seasons without the extreme weather.

Sun City, just outside of Phoenix, is home to one of the largest retirement communities in the US. With its’ 7 recreation centers, 8 golf courses, 3 country clubs, and 2 bowling centers, along with The Sun Bowl, and Viewpoint Lake, Sun City boasts the largest concentration of year round recreational facilities in the U.S.

Prescott, located in northern Arizona, offers retirees a small town feel. It’s conveniently located just 90 miles Northwest of Phoenix near the Prescott National Forest and offers four very mild seasons. You’ll find over a half dozen great golf courses and over 450 miles of hiking trails.

Mesa, located near Phoenix and Scottsdale, has some of the lowest taxes in the state and a very low crime rate. The cost of living is below the national average and it is quickly becoming a popular retirement spot.

Tempe, with a population of less than 200,000, was recently voted as one of America’s best places to retire by US News & World Report. Home to Arizona State University, Tempe has plenty of activities for Active seniors. Besides great sporting events, there are plenty of festivals, museums, art galleries and some great shopping. There’s something for everyone.

Tucson, just 60 miles north of the Mexican border, is the largest city in southern Arizona. The University of Arizona, with an enrollment approaching 40,000 is located in downtown Tucson. Because of Tucson’s very mild winters (39 degrees F for an average low and 65 for an average high in December) many retirees have found it to be the perfect place for a second home.

Yuma, has a lot to offer retirees. Located right on the border of both Mexico and California, there is plenty to do and see. If you’re an adventurer, the Colorado River and the surrounding mountains offers plenty of fishing, hunting, boating, swimming, and rock climbing. Here you’ll find some of the most affordable retirement homes in the state.

Another one of the great benefits to retiring in Arizona is that they offer a Discount Prescription Plan to all residents.

• Discounts to Arizona seniors and disabled Arizonans who are eligible for Medicare.

• Discounts of 15% – 55% on generic and brand name prescription drugs.

• Income-based eligibility for further discounts available through specific drug manufacturers.

• Will cover gaps in the new Medicare prescription program.

• No formulary – every drug is discounted.

• The CoppeRx Card is free – the $9.95 enrollment fee has been eliminated.

If Arizona holds what you're looking for, I'm sure you can find an Arizona retirement community that's right for you.

For a list of some of the Active Adult Arizona Retirement Communities that we have found, check out our page Active Adult Arizona Retirement Communities.

Median Home Price: $145,741

Personal Income Tax: Yes
For single and married filing separately taxpayers:
-- 2.59 percent on the first $10,000 of taxable income
-- 2.88 percent on taxable income between $10,001 and $25,000
-- 3.36 percent on taxable income between $25,001 and $50,000
-- 4.24 percent on taxable income between $50,001 and $150,000
-- 4.54 percent on all taxable income more than $150,000.

For married persons filing joint returns and heads of households, the rates remain the same but the income brackets are doubled.

Sales Tax: Yes
Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (sales) and Use Tax rates generally are 6.3 percent. The state of Arizona does not levy a state tax on food for home consumption or on drugs prescribed by a licensed physician or dentist. However, some cities in Arizona do levy a tax on food for home consumption.

All 15 Arizona counties levy a tax.

Incorporated municipalities also levy transaction privilege taxes, which, with the exception of their hotel/motel tax, are generally in the range of 1 percent to 3 percent. This interactive Web page allows you to find the current combined state transaction privilege tax rate and your county's excise tax rate.

Property Tax: Yes
Arizona collects income taxes from its residents in five brackets, and in 2006 lowered its tax brackets across the board. The lowest rate is 2.59 percent; the top rate is 4.54 percent.

Inheritance and Estate Tax: No

For More Information: Contact the Arizona Department of Revenue website

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