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| What Phoenix is like for active adults |
The city of Phoenix, Arizona has long been a popular retirement community for active adults 55+. In the last 50 years this warm weather, desert community has leaped beyond its borders to become the 5th largest city in the U.S. Fortunately, although it has developed some large city problems like crime and traffic, its weather and proximity to the beautiful Arizona environment is unchanged. Phoenix, a metroplex of over 1.5 million people, has engulfed communities like rural Glendale, as well as more posh communities like Paradise Valley, Carefree, Mesa, Peoria, Surprise, and Scottsdale. Tempe, home of Arizona State University, lies at the southern edge of the city. Phoenix is in Maricopa County.
Retirees come to Phoenix in droves because of its warm winters, ample housing opportunities, and the Arizona lifestyle. Public facilities, such as golf courses, are widespread and nice. Retirees have the opportunity to live in any type of environment – big city, suburbs, active adult community, assisted living, or in one of the smaller towns in the area. As a large city the choices are wide as are the budget ranges.
Retirees considering the area should come here and visit to get a feel for the many different communities and neighborhoods. There is undoubtedly one that is right for you.
Median sales price of a home in the Phoenix metro was $241,700 in the 4th quarter of 2007, a decline of almost 8% from the previous year. Sales in January and February of 2008 were off almost 20% vs. the previous year - it is one of the hardest hit markets in the U.S.
For a list of profiles of over 250 cities and towns go to retirement community reviews, or for more information on taxes and what it is like to retire in Arizona. |
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| What is special about this community |
| • Beautiful setting – a desert surrounded by hills and mountains
• Arizona State University - College town atmosphere
• Proximity to the natural wonders of Arizona, such as the Superstition Mountains
• Retirement is big business in Phoenix
• Metroplex has everything to offer
• Every type of professional sports team |
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| What is not special about this community |
| • Traffic is intense at times, mass transit is poor
• Summers are really hot
• Overdevelopment is a way of life
• Big City life
• Will there always be enough water |
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| What kinds of people like living here |
| As a large city with a collection of diverse suburbs, every type of person lives here. It helps to love the outdoors. Retirees with the means go somewhere else during the extremely hot summers. |
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| Local economy is driven by |
| Fortune 100 companies, education, medical, real estate, tourism, government |
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| Physical environment |
Phoenix is situated in a flat plain and surrounded by conical hills and mountains on all sides. Winters are temperate but not as warm as southern Florida. Summers are brutally hot with endless days of 100+ degrees
Here is our review of Prescott and Green Valley |
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| Cultural environment |
| Phoenix has all the cultural opportunities of a large city. Phoenix has more than a dozen major hospitals, including the Mayo Clinic and the Arizona State Hospital. Institutions include the Phoenix Symphony Hall (opera and ballet), Orpheum Theatre (home to the Phoenix Metropolitan Opera), US Airways Center, Jobing Arena, and the Dodge theatre. The Heard Museum is world renowned for its collection of Native American art, but it is just one of many museums in Phoenix. |
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| Medical facilities |
Phoenix has more than a dozen major hospitals, including the Mayo Clinic and the Arizona State Hospital |
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| Transportation |
| Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Mass transit is limited to the bus system. although a light rail system is due to be completed in 2008. Phoenix is the largest city in the U.S. without Amtrak service. |
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| Phoenix Active Communities |
| Facts about PHOENIX | | State | : AZ | | Environment | : Urban,Suburban,University town,Mountains,Desert, | | City Population | : 100,001+ | | Median age of Population | : 25-44 | | Avg Jan Temperature | : 41-60 | | Median HH Income | : 41,001-60,000 | | Average Home Price (MLS) | : $200,001-$300,000 | | Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house | : Less than 2000 | | Total Crime Index | : 111-120 (high) | | Cost of Living Index | : 101-110 (slightly above average) | | Culture Index | : 121+ (very high) | | Name of the Guide | : |
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Vote on the Ratings for Phoenix |
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Update Your Ratings |
Overall Retirement Ratings
1. Rating: 3.7/5 ( 3 votes cast)
Expense:
Inexpensive to Luxury
2. Rating: 3.7/5 ( 3 votes cast)
Taxes:
Inexpensive to Expensive
3. Rating: 3.0/5 ( 1 vote cast)
Culture:
None to Cosmopolitan
4. Rating: 3.7/5 ( 3 votes cast)
Recreation:
None to Summer camp
5. Rating: 3.3/5 ( 3 votes cast)
Transportation:
Boondocks to World Hub
6. Rating: 3.3/5 ( 3 votes cast)
Security:
Dangerous to Ft. Knox
7. Rating: 3.0/5 ( 1 vote cast)
Medical Facilities:
None to Excellent
8. Rating: 3.7/5 ( 3 votes cast)
Political Situation:
Conservative to Liberal
9. Rating: 3.0/5 ( 1 vote cast)
Environmental:
Oblivious to Ultra-Green
10. Rating: 2.3/5 ( 3 votes cast)
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