4 Reasons Seniors are Choosing to Retire in Mesa
Mesa, AZ is an increasingly popular destination that should not be overlooked by seniors looking for the next step toward their retirement. About 17% of Arizona’s overall population is older than age 65, which is higher than the national average for most metropolitan areas. Mesa itself has a population of almost 500,000 people, and according to a study completed by Arizona State, about 300,000 snowbirds (retirees and others from northern states) head to Mesa in the wintertime. This is further evidence that the state and Mesa are attractive options.
Below you’ll find four of the reasons seniors are choosing Mesa for their retirement destination:
1. Mesa is tax-friendly for retirees
Taxes are something every senior should keep in mind as they approach retirement. Just because you stop working doesn’t mean you become exempt from taxes, so understanding those obligations can help you determine whether or not you can feasibly live within your budget in a given community. According to SmartAsset, Arizona is a tax-friendly state – social security is not taxed, so you can count on keeping the entirety of your check in your pocket. Property taxes are also low by national standards (.87% to 1.5% of market value). Your real estate agent can help you calculate the amount you could expect to pay for a given home in a community. Of note, groceries are exempt from the Arizona sales tax, which can produce major annual savings for seniors who choose to retire there.
2. Mesa provides city access with a suburb feel
Many seniors thinking of retirement have relaxation and peace on their minds - which means a large city might not be the best choice for housing. Nevertheless, people often want the conveniences that come with living near a city - namely healthcare, activities, and easy transportation. Mesa is approximately 25 minutes from the city of Phoenix - making it close enough for seniors to benefit from city life when they need it while avoiding the high price tag of owning a home in the city.
3. The weather in Mesa is livable year-round
Although Mesa can become very hot at times, the majority of the year is very comfortable for seniors. This is especially important for retirees with arthritis or any other health conditions that are exacerbated by the cold. Temperature breakdowns are as follows:
Temperatures in Winter: High 67°, Low: 42°
Temperatures in Summer: High 104°, Low: 70°
Mesa is also very dry - getting an average of just 9 inches of rain each year.
4. Mesa is home to many different senior living arrangements
If you are not sure what type of housing arrangement is right for you, you can find solace in knowing that Mesa offers it all. You can buy your own home outright if your only goal is to downsize, or you can choose to live in a community setting that offers different levels of amenities.
There are many active adult living communities in the Mesa area. These real estate communities are “age-restricted” or “age-qualified” - meaning anyone that wants to live there must be at least 55 years old. This is an attractive option for seniors who want to maintain as much independence as possible, but would rather not manage their own property. For instance, most 55-plus communities will mow your lawn and handle exterior maintenance as part of what you get in paying a homeowners association (HOA) fee, which most communities require.
If you feel like you may need more intensive help with your life and home, or if your healthcare needs prevent you from doing things on your own, keep in mind that there are many assisted living facilities in Mesa, coming in at an average monthly cost of $3,250. Assisted living communities and memory care facilities are most appropriate for seniors who currently need or anticipate needing assistance with activities of daily living or those who are in the early stages of Alzheimer's or dementia.
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