| If you have heard that Arizona was a popular state | | | | Retirement community living can be found throughout |
| to retire in, you are most certainly correct. Arizona | | | | the state and not just in Phoenix. Many parts of the |
| ranks high when it comes to retirement. In fact, | | | | "valley of the sun," as the Phoenix area is ofte called, |
| Arizona was actually the first state where retirement | | | | offers retired living at its best. It just depends on |
| community living first got its start. | | | | where you would like to live. |
| Did you know that it was Del Webb (now considered | | | | Some people prefer Scottsdale over Phoenix, or |
| Pulte Homes) who started the idea of a retirement | | | | maybe Tucson. Some people prefer Gold Canyon, a |
| community? | | | | city located about 35 minutes east of Phoenix, which |
| According to Del Web, they opened their very first | | | | offers many amenities in a quiet atmosphere including |
| retirement community on New Years Day, 1960, in a | | | | enough wildlife to last a lifetime. Some others prefer |
| suburb of Phoenix, known as Sun City, Arizona. The | | | | Flagstaff or the White Mountains, both of which are |
| positive response was more than overwhelming. The | | | | considerably cooler in the summer months. |
| first retirement community in Arizona paved the way | | | | Most of these retirement communities that you will |
| for retired living in the United States. Ever since that | | | | find in the desert southwest of Arizona provide such |
| day, retirement communities continue to pop up | | | | amenities that most active older adults are seeking, |
| everywhere. | | | | such as tennis courts, golf, clubhouses, recreation and |
| Del Webb is actually now a part of Pulte Homes and | | | | fitness centers, as well as organized and regular |
| are not just known to Arizona, but also in 15 | | | | activities within their specific retired community. |
| additional states. In Arizona, Del Webb/Pulte has | | | | While there may be other reasons not listed here, |
| certainly made a name for themselves and are very | | | | most people will agree that one of the key reasons |
| well known here and are one of the very well known | | | | why people find their way to retired housing |
| and reputable home builders of Arizona retirement | | | | communities in Arizona, is because of the active adult |
| communities. | | | | choices they have to choose from. The choices along |
| Whether you prefer the big cities or quieter | | | | with the enticing climate, make Arizona retirement |
| communities, it really doesn't matter, because you | | | | communities their first selection of 55 plus areas. |
| can certainly find both types of Arizona Retirement | | | | Despite Arizona being a very popular state to retire |
| Communities here. | | | | in, Miami, Florida actually has a higher percentage rate |
| Baby-boomers, or snowbirds, as they are sometimes | | | | of people living there than Arizona. In fact, according |
| referred to, have flocked to the Phoenix | | | | to the Arizona Republic, Phoenix is home to only 12% |
| metropolitan area for many years. It should not come | | | | of the population that is over age 65, compared to |
| as a surprise why this area has been considered a | | | | 17% in Miami, Florida. |
| prime retirement choice. There are so many reasons | | | | Would you like to know what city is considered to |
| why this area is popular among many. First of all, you | | | | be the most recomended city to retire in? Have you |
| have the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert sun | | | | heard of Prescott, Arizona? |
| along with well over 300 days a year of sunshine. | | | | Prescott, Arizona has a small town feel to it, which |
| Known for its gorgeous sunsets and the many | | | | many people prefer. It is located in the cool |
| recreational activities, golf is probably one of the | | | | ponderosa pines in Northern Arizona and is known to |
| most popular reasons that retirees make Arizona | | | | many here in Arizona, as the "Mile High" city. |
| their home. There are literally hundreds of courses | | | | Conveniently located 90 miles Northwest of Phoenix, |
| for the golf fan along with so many other popular | | | | Prescott offers four very mild seasons to both the |
| activities such as tennis, various sightseeing tours, | | | | visitors and residents all-year round. |
| Native American culture and, of course the Grand | | | | Prescott has more than 6 golf courses, which is |
| Canyon to explore. | | | | pleasing to many. Prescott is also home to the |
| Retirees certainly appreciate the fact that they are | | | | Prescott National Forest. If you like hiking, you will |
| conveniently close to so many things in Arizona. If | | | | have well over 450 miles worth of trails to enjoy |
| the outdoors is what you are looking for, Arizona can | | | | these gorgeous (and good smelling) ponderosa pines. |
| certainly provide you an endless list of lakes and | | | | Looking for more reasons to choose Arizona for |
| rivers which attracts so many anglers to the desert | | | | your retirement community? How about healthcare? |
| southwest. In addition, you will find just as many | | | | The healthcare is excellent in Arizona. There are |
| mountains that make up Arizona and make it the | | | | many well known heart hospitals as well as other |
| beautiful state that it is. Even Las Vegas is not that | | | | hospitals, the famous Mayo-Clinic, and a limitless list of |
| far away from Arizona! | | | | clinics, for your healthcare needs. |