Choose Arizona for retirement: stunning mountain landscapes, mild winters, vibrant culture, low humidity, local weekend road trips —read here about the Top 8 reasons to Retire in Arizona .
While there are plenty of underrated beach town in Florida and tons of allure to spending your golden years in the Sunshine State, retiring in Arizona might be a better bet. Arizona has many cost effective & small low density communities with tons of stunning nature to explore, and a top-notch healthcare system. If you're debating between the two states, it's time to consider these factors when it comes to your retirement.
Arizona could be an excellent bet for you if you have a stuffy nose or foggy head when the pollen starts to fly. Phoenix, Arizona, is one of the best places for allergy sufferers to settle down. Enjoy the great outdoors any time of the year without worrying about taking you Claritin. Florida ranks 18th in the Wyndly Summer 2023 Pollen Report, with a pollen PPM of 701.00, whereas Arizona boasts the lowest pollen allergies, ranking 1st with a PPM of 472.00
- Most Allergy-Free City: Phoenix
- Reason this is a Winner for Arizona: You can explore the outdoors with ease and feel better overall.
While you'll find plenty of galleries and exhibits in the Sunshine State of Florida, Arizona is truly special. Not only will you find phenomenal museums like the Shemer Art Center, but Arizona also has spots where you can see ancient rock art and lots of artistic communities where you can tap into your creative side.
- Top Cities for an Artistic Experience: Sedona, Jerome, Phoenix
- Reason this is a Winner for Arizona: Enjoy surrounding yourself with creativity in your golden years
Arizona's population is substantially lower than Florida's, meaning there's much more space to spread out and enjoy yourself. In 2024, there were 7,547,837 people in Arizona, versus 23,078,331 people in Florida. If you're the sort of person who likes calm, peace of mind, and some time alone, Arizona is a good bet.
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Reason this is a Winner for Arizona: If you enjoy peace and quiet, you'll love the sparsely-populated splendor of Arizona
Florida might be gorgeous, but it's also one of the top states for natural disasters. Florida's position on the Atlantic Coast makes it hurricane-central, whereas Arizona has fewer weather events to contend with. In contrast to the unpredictable weather of Florida, Arizona boasts a more arid climate, providing residents with consistent sunshine and a lower risk of weather-related incidents. The state's breathtaking desert landscapes, iconic saguaro cacti, and majestic canyons contribute to a unique and serene environment.
- Top Cities to Enjoy: Scottsdale, Phoenix, Sedona
- Reason this is a Winner for Arizona: You don't need to worry about stocking up on flood and hurricane insurance.
- Best Cities to Find Great Snow Activities: Flagstaff
- Reason this is a Winner for Arizona: You won't find these all-season activities in Florida
It's cheaper to live in Arizona than in Florida. The average cost of living in Phoenix is $3,269, versus Miami, Florida, which is $4,821. This means that your retirement dollars will stretch much further, and you can enjoy the perks of a work-free life, including travel and leisure activities.
- Best Spot to Find Low Cost of Living: San Tan, Sun City, Maricopa
- Reason this is a Winner for Arizona: You'll be able to stretch your retirement funds, travel more, and live more comfortably
Arizona has some genuinely first-rate hospitals, so you don't need to worry about skimping on your healthcare when you retire here. Many of these are in Phoenix, which is also full of amazing things to do. The healthcare infrastructure in Arizona, particularly in Phoenix, not only ensures retirees have access to top-notch medical facilities but also contributes to the overall well-being of the community. Arizona secures a commendable No. 8 spot, signifying its excellence in hospital quality among U.S. states. In contrast, Florida ranks less favorably at No. 13. It is also home to not 1 but 2 locations for the Mayo Clinic!
- Top Places for Exceptional Healthcare: Sun City, Phoenix, Scottsdale
- Reason this is a Winner for Arizona: You can rest easy in that you're getting the best possible health care and hospital access
Regarding median real estate taxes, Arizona boasts a lower effective property tax rate than Florida. The median real estate tax in Arizona is $1,707, saving $631 annually compared to Florida's $2,338. This disparity stems partly from Arizona's Proposition 108, which caps the total property tax rate on owner-occupied homes. Additionally, Florida's higher median home values contribute to the larger tax burden. This cost advantage for Arizona residents can translate to increased housing affordability and potentially influence decisions about where to purchase property. Property Taxes hover around 1/2 of 1% of the average sale price on homes in Arizona.
- Top Places to Purchase Property: Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Gilbert, Goodyear, Surprise
- Reason this is a Winner for Arizona: 37% lower property taxes than Florida, thanks to smart caps and savvy savings