For the love of all things outdoors, with a nest egg friendly economy, one city has topped the charts as one of the best retirement destinations by Forbes, and AARP. Tucson, Arizona made the honor roll for boomers, and retirees boasting affordability, quality medical care, and exciting outdoor recreation. While most people associate Arizona with arid desert, and record heat, Tucson captivates with its mystical saguaro studded landscape, and spectacular rugged wilderness, to inspire a spirit of adventure.
With roots in the mining industry, and a rich cultural heritage from its Native American traditions to Spanish influences, Tucson brings the Old West to the modern age with historic attractions, and landmarks paired with high-end shopping centers, casinos, and wellness spas. Whether it’s watching the sun rise over the Sonoran Desert while taking an invigorating hike, or mountain biking through one five mountain ranges, active adults will find Tucson an amazing place to explore the outdoors and nurture a healthy lifestyle. Over forty golf courses from the Gallery Golf Club to the elite Omni Tucson National Golf Club are certain to challenge, and delight golf enthusiasts of all levels with beautiful views, and resort-style settings.
Home to the University of Arizona, an eclectic downtown area, and unique attractions like the Pima Air and Space Museum, the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory, and Colossal Cave Mountain Park, Tucson is meant to be explored. Kiplinger named Arizona one of the top tax-friendly states for retirement in 2015, giving the Grand Canyon State kudos for not taxing Social Security income, and not imposing any inheritance, or estate tax. As the birthplace of the first 55+ active adult community, it comes as no surprise that Boomers and snowbirds continue to flock to Arizona’s abundance of the sunshine, and affordable real estate. With views of the Catalina Mountains, Tucson is where the luxury community of The Preserve at SaddleBrooke dazzles homebuyers with its prestigious homes, and the golf pro mecca of El Conquistador Country Club offers a resort at home experience.
Tucson’s 360 days of sun, and dry heat, great news for allergy sufferers, by the way, creates an irresistible backdrop for whatever adventure boomers can conjure up. With 800 miles of bike trails, plentiful shopping, art galleries, and some of the best Mexican food in the country, active adults will be hard-pressed to find a more idyllic place to call home.
