Retire to Tucson and Southern Arizona

I wrote yesterday describing why my family and I moved to Tucson. I would like to expand on that today as to why I think people, and especially baby boomers, should consider retiring to Tucson and Southern Arizona.

As Americans live longer and are generally in better health, people have different ways of living in their retirement years. Some people prefer being outdoors (doing activities like golfing, biking, or swimming), some enjoy the arts and theater, some like social activities (meeting new people, performing social service and volunteer activities, dancing or joining a choir, and going to restaurants with friends).

The following are some factors each of us should consider before choosing a place for retirement.
1).Will I be able to afford living in that region?
2).Will I have access to good and sufficient medical care?
3).Will it be convenient for my friends and relatives to come for a visit to that area?
4).Will I be able to meet people of my peer group and to make friends?
5).Are there things for me to do? Can my current interests be met? Will I be able to develop new interests?

By all accounts and for all these factors, the Tucson area is one of the nation's best places to be. Because of the climate, the housing and living costs, and all the varied activities available, this should be no surprise.

Tucson is a college town. So live theater and dance, concerts of all sorts, sports of all types are all available throughout the year and at reasonable prices. Seniors frequently receive discounts at many events in the Tucson area. Additionally there are cultural events, classes, and many activities to stimulate the brain. Retirees can enjoy a very active lifestyle, and many of them work part-time, do volunteer work, or enroll in classes at the University of Arizona. Pima County Community College also offers many free or low cost classes and workshops.

Tucson's altitude and relatively low humidity make the summer's high daytime temperatures tolerable. The weather in the fall, winter, and spring is fantastic. Those who appreciate the dry air and mountains of the Southwest should enjoy the Tucson area. The high Sonoran Desert, which surrounds the town, is home to a fascinating diversity of plants and wildlife, many not seen elsewhere in the world. The sun shines almost 350 days per year. That certainly is something people coming from the East Coast, the Northern Plains, and the Pacific Northwest appreciate.

I believe there are things for everyone and every age group to do, and you will enjoy something special and “particularly Tucson” in every season of the year. Feel free to contact me if you need more information or would like to visit some retirement communities, cultural centers, or attend some local events, or are wondering what might be the best time of year to visit. I think you will love it here.