Phoenix Area, AZ 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities - Page 3

The warm weather, variety of activities, and abundant sunshine has attracted retirees from across the country and around the world. As a result, the number of Phoenix active adult communities has grown tremendously in recent decades.

Homes and amenities are certainly popular attractions for many 55 and over residents. However, the real draw to the area's 55+ retirement communities is the lifestyle. Most 55+ communities in the Phoenix area offer an exciting lineup of clubs, activities and events catering to older adults. There are clubs, social activities, and interest groups in everything from sports and fitness to cards and crafts. Regardless of your passions or interests, you will certainly find other like-minded residents at one of the area's retirement communities.

Phoenix Area Climate & Geography

The Phoenix area is in the south-central part of Arizona between Tucson and Flagstaff. The metropolitan area is known as the Valley of Sun and the city itself consists of 15 urban villages. With a subtropical desert climate, the area has hot summers and warm winters and averages over 330 days of sunshine. Typical of the Sonoran Desert, where Phoenix lies, precipitation is light throughout most of the year.

Most of the Phoenix area active adult and retirement communities are actually spread out in the outlying suburbs in places like Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Surprise, Sun City, Goodyear, and Buckeye. Since the original Sun City community started over 50 years ago, there have been several dozen large-scale 55+ communities added in the valley. In addition to the larger active adult communities there are many intimate age-restricted retirement communities in the area.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment Near Phoenix Area

If golf is your game, a Phoenix area active adult golf course community might suit you best. Many active adult communities in the area include a golf course and many of the communities include several courses. In fact, Sun City, the largest active adult retirement community in the Phoenix area, includes 11 golf courses.

There are many opportunities to experience fine arts and culture with many venues throughout the Phoenix area. The Phoenix Symphony Hall is home to the Arizona Opera, Ballet Arizona, and Phoenix Symphony Orchestra. There are dozens of museums throughout the valley including the Phoenix Art Museum, Arizona Capitol Museum, Arizona Military Museum, and the Arizona Science Center.

Phoenix has a large number of parks and recreation areas. The city alone has 189 parks that make up 33,000 acres with facilities for hiking, camping, swimming, and more. The Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix Zoo are also popular outdoor attractions.

Phoenix Area Cost of Living & Taxes

The Phoenix area's cost of living is 1.5% above the national average. The median household income is $52,589 and median home price is $147,800. The homes in Phoenix 55-plus communities are applauded for their affordability, low maintenance and single level living. Whether you prefer a one-bedroom villa or an elegant home with golf course views, you will find a place to call home in the Phoenix area. Buyers will find homes priced from under $100,000 to over $1 million and everywhere in between at Phoenix area 55+ communities.

Kiplinger rates Arizona as one of the most tax-friendly states. Arizona's income tax is a flat rate of 2.5 percent with Social Security and military retirement income being exempt. Arizona does tax other forms of retirement income but does not have inheritance or estate taxes.

Health Care Near Phoenix Area

The Phoenix metropolitan area is ranked as one of the best cities for resident well being. The Phoenix area is serviced by 56 top ranked medical facilities, including:

• The Mayo Clinic
• St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center
• John C. Lincoln North Mountain Hospital
• Arizona Heart Institute
• Banner Health
• Barrow Neurological Institute