Places Archives - Arizona for Boomers

Phoenix and Tucson Make US News & World Report Best Places to Retire List

There are so many “best places to retire” lists to consider, but I think that’s a good thing.

While each list is different because they use different data to come to their conclusions, it’s great to check them all out because they can bring different places to your attention.

To come up with their best places to retire list, U.S. News analyzed data for the 100 largest metropolitan areas in the USA to assess how well they meet Americans’ retirement needs and expectations. Top criteria include the happiness of local residents, housing affordability, tax rates and healthcare quality.

Phoenix and Tucson were the only two places in Arizona that made the list. Here’s a brief snippet of what they said about each place:

#34: Phoenix

“Phoenix is the best place to get a sampling of all the state has to offer. Its downtown area may be characterized by sleek, ultramodern office buildings, but the city center is not all about work. Phoenix also contains ample opportunities to play.”

#68: Tucson

“But perhaps the best part of Tucson is its scenery. The metro area is ringed by mountain ranges that emphasize the great desert skies and sunsets that continuously impress even the most seasoned residents.”

You can see the full list here.

An Overview of Arizona’s Diverse Regions

Arizona is big — 113,998 square miles. It is the nation’s sixth largest state and the 15th most populous.

To help you get a general idea of the lay of the land, here’s an overview of the state’s five main regions.

Flagstaff and the North

Meteor Crater in Winslow, Arizona

North of Phoenix are a host of towns dotted around Arizona’s high country.

Flagstaff, a college town of 70,000, about 140 miles up the I-17 from Phoenix, debunks the notion that Arizona is a vast desert. The unofficial gateway to Grand Canyon Country, Flagstaff rests at an elevation of about 7,000 feet, nestled among hills of lush trees and peaceful meadows. Its climate is noticeably cooler than many other regions of Arizona. At the crossroads of Interstates 17 and 40, and the nostalgic Route 66, Flagstaff is a popular destination for vacationers and desert dwellers looking to escape the heat. Home to Northern Arizona University and one of the state’s three ski areas, the town has earned a reputation for its laid-back vibe.

All the beauty and adventures of Grand Canyon National Park await about an hour and a half northwest of Flagstaff.

To the right of the canyon are the town of Page and the famed Lake Powell – known for calm, clear waters and towering canyon walls.

Less than an hour south of “Flag” is Sedona, a town that draws visitors from around the world to hike among its red rock trails and seek spiritual healing.

In the eastern sections of Arizona’s high country are the mountain towns of Payson, high atop the Mogollon Rim and Show Low, not far from the base of the state’s largest ski resort.

Other charming towns that make up this region popular with tourists include Prescott, Cottonwood, Williams, and Winslow.

Tucson and the South

Sunset highlights Mission San Xavier near Tucson Arizona

Tucson is the largest city in the southern third of Arizona, with a population of around a million.

Year after year, people are lured to Tucson for its climate, culture, and lifestyle. Resting at an elevation of 2,389 feet (approximately 1,300 feet higher than and 120 miles south of Phoenix), year-round temperatures are noticeably cooler in Tucson, yet consistent with a desert climate. Mild temperatures, with the rare wintertime freeze, means outdoor activities such as hiking, bicycling, and golf are favorites for people who live here.

The University of Arizona, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base join with the businesses they rely on and tourism suppliers, to form a healthy and diverse economy. Popular nearby attractions include Mt. Lemmon Ski Area, Biosphere 2, Old Tucson Studios and Saguaro National Park. The cities of Oro Valley and Marana are generally considered part of the Tucson metro area.

Tucsonans also enjoy weekend or day trips to historic Tombstone, Patagonia, Sierra Vista and cities in Mexico.

Other towns within a couple hours’ drive of Tucson include Casa Grande, Eloy, Oracle, Catalina, Green Valley, Nogales, Pearce, Bisbee, and Douglas.

Eastern Arizona

In the rugged terrain of Eastern Arizona lies a collection of small towns built on mining and tourism.

Homes in this region tend to be older and less expensive than in some of the faster-growing parts of Arizona.

With populations of 10,000 or fewer, Eastern Arizona towns are void of most big city hassles and exempt of HOA rules.

In exchange for the lack of modern conveniences found in more populated cities, folks in these parts enjoy a slower pace and tight community bonds.

Arizona’s West Coast

The world famous London Bridge located in Lake Havasu City, AZ

Landlocked deep in the desert southwest, Arizona lays claim to zero oceanfront properties. However, the clean Colorado River and a series of manmade lakes have created what residents refer to as Arizona’s west coast, which offers a plethora of water-based activities.

Stretching some 200+ miles from Lake Mead in northwestern Arizona to the border of Mexico in the south, the Colorado River winds through cities popular with retirees and action seekers alike.

Resort-style communities have sprung up in the past few decades in towns along Arizona’s west border such as Kingman, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu City, and Parker.

Residents in these parts enjoy warm temperatures year round, beautiful scenery and ample recreation on the water, plus hiking, golf and off-road touring.

At the southern tip of the West Coast sits Yuma, a town made legendary by Hollywood Westerns and just as popular with migratory birds as it is with human snowbirds.

Phoenix and the Valley of the Sun

Full Moon Over Phoenix Arizona

Phoenix is Arizona’s largest and most metropolitan city. Located slightly south of the center most point in the state, Phoenix is the capital city and home to approximately 1.5 million people, making it the sixth largest city in the United States.

Known for its warm temperatures year round, the occasional wintertime frost in Phoenix makes the headlines.

Having experienced most of its growth since 1960, Phoenix is a modern, urban metropolis with numerous corporate headquarters, major professional sports teams with world-class stadiums, as well as thriving cultural and recreational scenes.

Phoenix and the surrounding cities make up metro Phoenix.

As a whole, the metro is fondly called “the Valley,” short for Valley of the Sun.

About 4.3 million people live in the Valley, which includes the cities of Tempe, Glendale, Scottsdale, Sun City, Chandler and dozens of others.

Although the metro area sprawls across roughly 16,000 square miles, getting around the Valley is easy thanks to two interstate highways and an elaborate system of freeways or “loops.”

Retirement Spotlight: Goodyear

Located just under 20 miles west of Phoenix, Goodyear is a classic suburb community that offers easy access to all of the big city amenities nearby, without all of the hustle and bustle that turns many boomers off to city life. While the big city might be only a short drive away, life in Goodyear is miles removed from Phoenix.

Goodyear History

Compared to popular retirement destinations in other parts of the country, Goodyear is a relatively new community. The area that would become this popular suburb of Phoenix was purchased by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company back in 1917 with the intention of growing cotton for vehicle tires.

The town of Goodyear didn’t officially become a city until 1985, but since then the community has seen an astounding amount of growth in a relatively short period of time.

Goodyear Demographics

Rapid growth is the name of the game here in Goodyear. During the 1990 census, there were only 6,258 people who made their homes in the city. That number grew to 18,911 in 2000, and then grew even faster to 65,275 in 2010. There were estimated to be 79,003 residents here in 2015.

With a median household income of $57,492 and a median family income of $60,707, Goodyear could definitely be considered a wealthy community relative to other parts of the country. That is likely driven by the fact that a full 25.1% of the population is between the ages of 45 and 64, with another 9.9% in the 65 and over bracket.

Goodyear Lifestyle

Estrella Mountain Regional Park

One of the most appealing aspects of enjoying your retirement in Arizona is that the weather is absolutely beautiful just about every single day of the year. For that reason, most of the lifestyle choices here in Goodyear revolve around spending time embracing the great outdoors.

The nearby Estrella Mountain Range offers two different options that comprise the focal point of the traditional Goodyear lifestyle. Visiting Estrella Mountain Regional Park is a great way to get your regular exercise through hiking the vast number of desert trails you will find here.

For a more sophisticated lifestyle experience, you might prefer to enjoy the mountain view from the course at Estrella Mountain Ranch Golf Club, which was originally designed by Jack Nicklaus.

Goodyear Culture

Since the community of Goodyear is relatively new, there isn’t a deep sense of history or culture to be found here. However, that gives residents an opportunity to create whatever type of culture they want for the city.

One of the interesting museums that Goodyear does have is The Bible Museum, which is located in one of the local hotels. Here you will find an amazing collection of old bibles, and unlike most museums it is perfectly fine to pick up the items here and check them out for yourself.

Luckily, no one in Goodyear has to worry about local culture. That’s because there is more than enough cultural attractions of all kinds located less than 30 minutes down the road in Phoenix.

Goodyear Shopping

Shopping in Goodyear is all about strip malls and big box stores, and there are plenty of those to choose from located all over town. Two of the more unique stores that residents enjoy visiting are Southwest Specialty Food and Brass Armadillo Antique Mall.

Much like we saw with the cultural attractions, Goodyear residents are perfectly happy to have easy access to a plethora of amazing shopping destinations located just a short drive away in Phoenix.

Goodyear Dining

Ada’s Fish Fry

Goodyear is also home to quite a few excellent restaurants, so you definitely won’t have to worry about going hungry here. Sal’s Tuscan Oven is known for their amazing brick oven pizza, but the menu also includes some great Italian pasta dishes and sandwiches.

If fried seafood is popular with your family, then Ada’s Fish Fry is going to be your new favorite restaurant. The specialty here is the fried haddock, but you can also get things like lobster rolls and grilled buffalo shrimp. We recommend starting with one of the combo platters!

Any town located in Arizona has to have a few great Mexican restaurants, and Goodyear surely has its share. One of the most authentic is Ramiro’s Mexican Food, where you will actually catch them mashing the refried beans by hand.

Goodyear Developments

With population booming across the entire state of Arizona, there are more than a few retirement communities to choose from in just about every town in the state. Here in Goodyear, one of our favorite options is CantaMia at Estrella by AV Homes.

CantaMia’s active baby boomer lifestyle is the inspiration for this expansive 55-Plus community. With more than 500 acres of parks and open space, including72 acres of lakes for boating and fishing, over 20 miles of paths and hiking trails, and the Nicklaus Design championship golf course, The Golf Club of Estrella, a CantaMia home offers you the freedom you deserve during the best years of your life.

Request more information about CantaMia here.

The retirement lifestyle in Goodyear is all about being close enough to enjoy the amenities of the big city nearby, but far enough away that you can relax and enjoy the desert mountains. If you like to walk that line between urban culture and rural relaxation, this is the perfect hybrid.

Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Phoenix

Welcome to paradise in the desert.

Phoenix offers residents and visitors the ultimate combination of great weather, amazing restaurants, first-class accommodations, and plenty of things to do. If you are in search of big city amenities with a desert climate, this is exactly where you were meant to be.

The only real negative about exploring Phoenix is that there is so much to do that you might find yourself overwhelmed with options. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular places to eat, stay, and play in the Phoenix area.

Phoenix Restaurants

Tacos from Most Wanted Taco Shop will seriously blow your mind!

With it’s location close to our country’s southern border, one of the most popular types of food in Phoenix is obviously going to be Mexican. One of the best local spots to grab quick tacos, nachos, and burritos is Most Wanted Taco Shop. They have an awesome selection of meats, salsas, and toppings available to custom build your meal from scratch.

Another thing that Phoenix does right is BBQ. And one of the best BBQ joints in town is definitely Little Miss BBQ on East University Drive. Everything here is smoked using Arizona oak and pecan and served on brown butcher paper.

You might not expect to be able to find great seafood in the middle of the desert, but anything is possible in Phoenix. The Angry Crab Shack serves a killer combination of seafood and BBQ. On the seafood side, you choose the type of shellfish you want, add some sauce and some spice, toss in a few sides, and they’ll boil the whole meal for you.

If you are looking for more upscale food choices in a casual environment, Ten Handcrafted American Fare & Spirits should definitely be on your list. Everything on the menu here is absolutely fantastic, and the attention to detail on each dish will blow you away.

Phoenix Hotels

Royal Palms is exactly the desert oasis you have always imagined!

Royal Palms is the type of desert oasis you have always dreamed of!

The Royal Palms Resort and Spa is one of the most luxurious and romantic resorts in all of Arizona. This hotel is the perfect combination of elegance and history with a fantastic pool and relaxing spa services…and the restaurant here is excellent too!

Another great resort option is JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa Phoenix. If you are looking to stay somewhere that features an excellent quality golf course, this is the perfect resort destination for you. The other amenities are equally impressive.

If you aren’t interested in the full resort atmosphere, then the Homewood Suites Phoenix North – Happy Valley might be a good fit for your visit. This hotel is known for excellent front desk service and exceptionally spotless accommodations.

Phoenix Attractions

You can explore the desert the tough way, or just visit Desert Botanical Garden!

So what is there to do once you get out into the Arizona desert? A lot.

If you are an outdoorsy person, exploring the desert is definitely going to be on your to-do list. You can do this through multiple options for horseback riding tours, or their more exciting cousin: off-road ATV tours! You might also want to try hiking Camelback Mountain or South Mountain Park while you are in the area.

For the less adventurous nature lover, a visit to the Desert Botanical Garden can be just as rewarding and a whole lot less work. This is a great way to get to know the local plants…and some of the local lizards as well!

It might not sound exciting at first, but one of the attractions that gets the most attention is the Musical Instrument Museum. Even if you aren’t a musician, the history and presentation here is well worth spending a few hours exploring.

Another popular thing to do while you are in Phoenix is check out a baseball game at Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Whether you are a big baseball nut or not, there is so much to see and do inside the stadium that you might not have time to bother with the game on the field. (Seriously…they have a swimming pool in the outfield!)

Whether you are looking to explore the desert, relax at the spa, take in a baseball game, or just eat some fantastic southwestern food, you can do it all here in Phoenix. And as with any location in the Arizona desert, the weather is always perfect!

Retirement Spotlight: Mesa

Located about 20 miles east of Phoenix, Mesa could be described as a suburb that just keeps growing. But with it’s own lifestyle, culture, shopping, and dining options, Mesa is a whole lot more than a suburb.

If you are looking for a great collection of big city amenities in a small town atmosphere that is really close to even more big city amenities, Mesa is a perfect place to start your search for the perfect retirement community.

Mesa History

The area that became Mesa was originally settled by a group of people known as the Hohokam. By the time Christopher Columbus landed on the East Coast of North America, the Hohokam had already dug many miles of canals through the area that would eventually become Mesa, some of which are still being used today.

The next wave of settlers move into the area during the late 1800s, when three different groups of people moved to Arizona and took up residence in the areas that would eventually fall within the city limits. The city was incorporated in 1883, and shortly after there were schools and utilities up and running.

Like most of Arizona, Mesa became a popular destination for military personnel in the 1940s, and then saw an even larger population influx during the 1950s and 1960s, thanks in large part to the invention of air conditioning.

Mesa Demographics

After logging multiple decades of growth in excess of 100% during the late 1900s, there were a total of 439,041 people who called Mesa home during that 2010 census. That number was estimated to have grown to over 470,000 in 2015.

Of the 146,643 households in Mesa, 33.4% reported having young children and only 9.1% had someone 65 years old or more. The median income for a household in Mesa is $42,817.

Mesa Lifestyle

With it’s location in the middle of the desert, you might not expect there to be much to do outside in and around Mesa, but there are actually dozens of local parks as well as some great sights and adventures you can find if you travel a bit outside of town.

One of the most popular nearby places for hiking is Usery Mountain Regional Park. Here you will find the amazing Wind Cave Trail that features a stunning hanging garden known as Rock Daisy.

Mesa Culture

The Mesa Arts Center

Because there is a rich military history in the area, one of the most popular museums in Mesa is the Commemorative Air Force Museum. The museum maintains an incredible collection of World War II planes and a huge collection of other aviation history.

On the artistic side, the Mesa Arts Center is the hub of the cultural community in Mesa. Here you will find a bright and lively art museum, as well as a first-class theater that hosts everything from Broadway musicals to local comedy shows.

Mesa Shopping

If you are looking for a modern shopping experience, you can find more than 150 stores to pick from at the Superstition Springs Center. There is also upscale shopping at Village Square at Dana Park, and outlet shopping at Phoenix Premium Outlets.

For those who prefer a more boutique shopping experience, you can find all kinds of interesting independent shops by strolling the streets of downtown Mesa. And bargain shoppers will love the experience of heading out to explore the 55 acres of booths at the Mesa Marketplace & Swap Meet.

Mesa Dining

Craft sandwiches from Worth Takeaway

You can’t live this close to the border and not have a ton of Mexican restaurants to choose from, and there are definitely some great ones in Mesa. Two of the most popular places to grab an authentic burrito are Adrian’s and Backyard Taco.

Another popular lunch spot is Worth Takeaway, where you will find some of the most amazing craft sandwiches you have ever seen. On your first trip here, you are doing yourself a disservice if you don’t start with either their Reuben or their Crispy Chicken Sandwich.

One final place that you will want to try for a classy lunch option is Bistro a la Mode. The is the perfect American take on a classic French bistro because while it feels kind of fancy, you can still pronounce everything on the menu!

Mesa Developments

Because it is located right in the heart of Arizona, and just a few miles east of Phoenix, the entire Mesa area is surrounded by options when it comes to active adult communities. There are community options for just about every type of personality and budget.

Encore at Eastmark, by AV Homes, offers an active, resort-style community for the 55-Plus crowd. Encore is being planned for approximately 905 single story homes upon completion and has its own clubhouse, The Encore Club which boasts and exciting list of exclusive features: fitness center, pickleball courts, locker rooms, billiards room, arts & crafts center, resort-style outdoor pool, and much more.

Request more information here.

Mesa offers the perfect combination of modern living with classic culture that is sure you keep you feeling young all year round. Between the great lunch options at local restaurants, the modern shopping destinations, and the budding cultural scene, there is nothing that isn’t available here in Mesa!

Spotlight on Phoenix

Did you know that Phoenix, Arizona is the sixth largest city in the United States? Most people are shocked by that, but spend a little time here and you will see exactly why that is!

Located in the heart of the Arizona desert, the warm weather is what attracts many boomers to Phoenix. But the things that keep them here include the amenities of a big city like fantastic restaurants, culture, and shopping that are balanced by a more-than-reasonable cost of living.

Where is Phoenix?

Phoenix is located right in the middle of the southern half of Arizona. It is about a five and a half hour drive directly east of Los Angeles, and just under two hours north of Tucson.

I-10 is the major interstate highway that runs through Phoenix, but you can also take I-17 north to connect with I-40. However, because Phoenix is a major city, you can connect with just about anywhere you want to go flying out of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

History of Phoenix

The Phoenix area was originally home to the Hohokam people, but they were eventually forced to abandon the area following multiple floods and droughts.

Jack Swilling is credited with starting the modern version of the city, and Lord Darrell Duppa is credited with naming it Phoenix as the city would rise from the ashes of the Hohokam community.

Like many parts of the country, the city saw explosive growth following World War II. That growth has continued through today, and Phoenix is now one of the most popular destinations for boomers looking to relocate for their retirement years.

Phoenix Demographics

According to the 2010 census there are 1.45 million people that call Phoenix home. That number is estimated to have grown to well over 1.5 million in recent years. While the population continues to grow very quickly, that growth has slowed a bit in recent years.

The median age in Phoenix is 32.2, and the average household income is just over $47,000.

Phoenix Climate

For most of the people looking to relocate to Phoenix, the Arizona climate is their primary reason. The area is known for long, hot summers, short, mild winters, and very little precipitation. What’s not to like about that, right?

The average highs in the summer months will creep up over 100 degrees, and the average highs in the winter months will stay up in the high 60s. The average lows in the winter months generally sit around 45 degrees.

As for precipitation, Phoenix averages less than an inch of rain in most months and virtually none in some of the springtime months.

Phoenix Resources

Because Phoenix is such a major city, there is A LOT that you are going to want to know about it before trying to explore any specific neighborhoods or communities. Luckily, there are plenty of great online resources to help you get started: