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