Bullhead City 55+ Retirement Communities

Bullhead City is a fun and exciting place to live, especially for those who enjoy warm weather and outdoor activities. Located in the Mojave Desert, the city offers stunning views of the desert landscape and easy access to the Colorado River. With over 300 days of sunshine each year, residents can enjoy golfing, hiking, boating, and fishing throughout the year. The lower cost of living, tax-friendly environment, and abundant recreational options make Bullhead City an attractive option for 55+ active adults looking to stretch their home buying dollars.

Local resources for visitors and potential residents:

• Visit Arizona - Bullhead City
• Bullhead Area Chamber of Commerce
• Bullhead City Government
• Mohave Valley Daily News

Affordability and Cost of Living 

Bullhead City, AZ offers a lower cost of living compared to many other retirement destinations in the United States. The cost of housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of around $286,300, which is lower than the national average. Groceries and utilities are also affordable, with prices that are on par with or slightly below national averages. Healthcare costs are about 30 percent higher than the U.S. average but that is somewhat offset by transportation prices which are about 22 percent lower than the national average. Recreational activities are abundant in the area and can be enjoyed at reasonable prices.

Property taxes in Arizona tend to average below the national average but vary by county. Property taxes in Mohave County where Bullhead City is located are on average 0.54% of a home's value. Arizona's income tax ranges from 2.55 to 2.98 percent, Social Security and military income is tax free. There are no inheritance or estate taxes. Arizona's sales tax average is 8.37 percent for combined state and local tax. The sales tax for Bullhead City is lower than average at 7.6 percent which is a combination of the 5.6 percent Arizona state sales tax and a 2 percent city sales tax.

Climate and Geography 

Bullhead City, AZ is located in the Mojave Desert, summers are long, hot, and dry, with average temperatures ranging from the high 90s to low 100s Fahrenheit. Humidity levels are low, with an average of around 10% during the summer months. Bullhead City is known for its extreme heat, with the hottest temperature ever recorded in the city being 128 degrees Fahrenheit.Rainfall amounts are minimal, with an average annual rainfall of only 5 inches. Winters are mild, with average temperatures ranging from the low 40s to high 60s Fahrenheit. 

The stunning desert landscape surrounding Bullhead City is perfect for off-roading and exploring, with trails and sand dunes for ATV riding and dirt biking. The city is located along the Colorado River, providing opportunities for water-based activities such as boating, fishing, and kayaking. Bullhead City is also located about 35 miles from the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which offers hiking, camping, and boating. The area is home to the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, where visitors can observe a variety of desert bird species and other wildlife. 

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment 

Bullhead City, AZ, offers a wealth of recreational activities, annual events, and entertainment options for residents and visitors alike. Here are some of the highlights:

Golf and Racquet Sports

• Chaparral Golf & Country Club
• Laughlin Ranch Golf Course
• Rotary Park Tennis Courts
• Mohave Sun Valley Pickleball Club

Hiking, Biking and Boating

• Colorado River Heritage Greenway Park and Trails
• Davis Dam Bike Path
• Katherine Landing Marina and Beach
• Lake Mohave

Museums and Historical Sites

• Colorado River Museum
• Mohave Museum of History and Arts
• Davis Dam Powerplant Museum
• Oatman Ghost Town

Performing Arts

• Bullhead City Area Community Theater
• River Cities Community Orchestra
• Western Arizona Ballet Theatre
• Mohave Community Orchestra

Shopping

• Laughlin Outlet Center
• Bullhead City Farmers Market
• The Shops at Lake Havasu

Parks and Gardens

• Mojave Desert Botanical Garden
• Colorado River Nature Center
• Veterans Memorial Park

Festivals and Fairs

• Colorado River Bluegrass Festival
• River Regatta
• Annual Colorado River Crossing Balloon Festival
• Western Arizona Humane Society Fair

Health and Wellness 

Bullhead City offers a variety of options for health and wellness support for 55+ adults. The area is home to numerous medical centers, including Western Arizona Regional Medical Center and Valley View Medical Center, which provide high-quality healthcare services to residents. 

There are a wide range of options for self-care, including yoga studios, fitness centers, and meditation classes. The city's beautiful surroundings, such as the Colorado River and nearby hiking trails, provide ample opportunities for outdoor exercise and activities. The city also has a variety of grocery stores and restaurants that cater to health-conscious individuals, and the farmers market allows residents to enjoy healthy local produce.

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

Bullhead City is a wonderful place to live for those who love warm weather, outdoor recreation, and a friendly community. If you are considering a 55+ community in this area, it's a good idea to visit first to explore the area and get a feel for what it's like to live here. Here is a sample two-day itinerary to help you make the most of your visit:

Day One

Morning:

• Enjoy a cup of coffee and a delicious breakfast at TASA Coffee & Cafe.
• Take a leisurely stroll along the Colorado River on the Bullhead City Riverwalk Trail.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy lunch at Red Dragon on Highway 95.
• Visit the Colorado River Museum to learn about the history and culture of the region.
• Spend some time exploring the natural beauty of Lake Mohave, just a short drive from Bullhead City.

Evening:

• Have dinner at the highly rated Meoni's Italian Kitchen.

Day Two

Morning:

• Start your day with breakfast and coffee at Black Bear Diner.
• Meet with your local 55places expert retirement community partner agent to discuss your retirement community options and tour the communities that best match your interests and preferences.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy lunch at The Terrace restaurant at El Rio Golf Club and then spend the afternoon on the golf course which is considered to be one of the best courses in the area.

Evening:

• Enjoy a delicious steak dinner at Saltgrass Steak House.

Getting to Bullhead City

Bullhead City can be reached by taking I-40 or I-10 and then connecting to either AZ-95 or AZ-68, which will take you directly into Bullhead City. If you are driving from Las Vegas, you can take US-93 South to the Hoover Dam, then take US-95 South to AZ-68.

For those traveling by air, the nearest major airport is Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, Nevada, which is approximately 90 miles north of Bullhead City. Harry Reid International Airport is served by several major airlines, including Delta, American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and many others. The airport offers daily nonstop flights to and from major cities across the United States, as well as international destinations.

For those who prefer to travel by bus, Greyhound Bus Lines offers daily service to Bullhead City from various cities throughout the United States. Additionally, Amtrak provides train service to Kingman, AZ, which is approximately 45 miles from Bullhead City.