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Phoenix : Arizona

What it's Like to Retire in Phoenix

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.

Where to Retire in Phoenix and Home Prices

Phoenix gives retirees the option of living 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 and so 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.
Phoenix iwas one of the 3 hardest hit markets in the U.S. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median sales price of a home in the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale area sunk to about $130,000 in the 1st quarter of 2012, about half what it was in 2007. Prices have rebounded steadily from that, rising each quarter since 2013, to a median of $237,900 by the first quarter of 2017. Prices will differ by community within this huge Metro.

What is special about Phoenix

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

What is not special about Phoenix

Traffic is intense at times, mass transit is poor; Summers are really hot; Over development is a way of life; Big City life; Will there always be enough water

Who will like retirement in Phoenix

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.

Local economy is driven by

Fortune 100 companies, education, medical, real estate, tourism, government

Climate and 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..

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

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.

Crime

The crime rate is slightly above the U.S. average.

Medical facilities

Phoenix has more than a dozen major hospitals, including the Mayo Clinic and the Arizona State Hospital

Transportation

Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is one of the country's top airports. The city is one of the few in the U.S. without an AMTRAK station. The first phase of METRO Light Rail was completed in late 2008. This mass transit system runs from north central Phoenix through the downtown and east through Mesa and Tempe.

Valuable Links

For more information go to Retire in Phoenix.

What people are saying about Phoenix
Re: Phoenix is huge
[quote:4c37ca8ba7="sid"]Back in the day Phoenix was a definable geographic entity. Now it's kind of a blob. I would be curious if anyone knows some interesting neighborhoods to live in where you don't feel captive to your car. Maybe downtown? I went to Thunderbird in Glendale (in the last ice age) and wonder what that's like now - it was a cross between a farm town and a subdivision then. Any info would be helpful, thanks[/quote:4c37ca8ba7] Phoenix has really grown. I would say West Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe areas are a good area. I would check them out, Thunderbird and Glendale is still a "stay in your car" area. I hope this helps you out, and you come back! Weather has been fantastic lately!
Posted by westminstervillage1 on January 21, 2013
Phoenix is huge
Back in the day Phoenix was a definable geographic entity. Now it's kind of a blob. I would be curious if anyone knows some interesting neighborhoods to live in where you don't feel captive to your car. Maybe downtown? I went to Thunderbird in Glendale (in the last ice age) and wonder what that's like now - it was a cross between a farm town and a subdivision then. Any info would be helpful, thanks
Posted by sid on February 19, 2009

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Phoenix Active Communities

Facts about PHOENIX

State: AZ
Environment: Urban,Suburban,College Town,Mountain,Desert,Cultural Center,Golf Community,LGBT,Singles,
City Population: 100,001+
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 41-60
Avg July Temperature: 81+
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: 91-100 (slightly below average)
Culture Index: 121+ (very high)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: Yes
Name of the Guide: jb

Can you add to or correct these Facts? Or do you have a photo of this community we could use? If so, please click on Edit these facts

Vote on the Ratings for Phoenix

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1. Overall Retirement Ratings Discuss

Currently 3.43>/5
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1. Rating: 3.4/5 ( 14 votes cast)

2. Expense:
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2. Rating: 3.2/5 ( 16 votes cast)

3. Taxes:
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3. Rating: 3.1/5 ( 14 votes cast)

4. Culture:
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Currently 3.33>/5
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4. Rating: 3.3/5 ( 12 votes cast)

5.Recreation:
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Currently 3.25>/5
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5. Rating: 3.3/5 ( 12 votes cast)

6. Transportation:
Boondocks to World Hub Discuss

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6. Rating: 2.8/5 ( 13 votes cast)

7. Security:
Dangerous to Ft. Knox Discuss

Currently 1.85>/5
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7. Rating: 1.8/5 ( 13 votes cast)

8. Medical Facilities:
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8. Rating: 3.0/5 ( 15 votes cast)

9. Political Situation:
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9. Rating: 2.1/5 ( 10 votes cast)

10. Environmental:
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10. Rating: 2.0/5 ( 10 votes cast)

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