semi-retire in Phoenix or Tucson (apartments, employment, home)

[Jimrob1]

I am thinking of retiring to Arizona in 2009. I am having difficulty choosing between metro phoenix or Tucson. My criteria for the location though may not be everyones criteria but it is mine and I need some help with it. I am 58 and will want to work part time at some type of employment, though I am definitely not looking for a career again in life. I am leaning towards Phx because of the new light rail that is coming, and Phx would not feel as remote as Tucson may feel to me. The light rail appeals to me because I am so use to transit here in Portland. I do not want to spend my days in a vehicle and I know Arizona is very auto dependent. I would like a location as follows. It must have access to areas to walk such as paved trails not mountain park trails, I don't have the knees for all that climbing. I am a diabetic and exercise is very important in my choice of a location. I want to be in an area that has shopping and restaurants and a gym without having to drive miles. As far as Tucson I like the fact it is a smaller metro area, than Phx and that fact appeals to me. I am concerned though with Tucson that if I want to work part time I will be competing with a zillion students for any work at all. I am also concerned that every retirement publication I read lists very high crime in Tucson, in fact one had a special clause as to just how high it was. I also would be renting an apt, I am not purchasing a home. Any information would be appreciated.

[Jimrob1]

guess not.

[esselcue]

It's just difficult for people to make recommendations because everyone has their own likes and dislikes when it comes to certain areas. Coming from Portland, you will have to adjust to summer temps in Phoenix or Tucson (or much of the southern part of the state) and outdoor exercise during the summer and fall can be tough. There is work in both areas, but it depends on what sort of work you are seeking...and there are lots and lots of apartments, but again, it depends on you.

I always urge people to visit (at length) any area you plan to move into. Not just a week's visit in January, when temps are nice...but spend some time during June, July, August, September...even into October sometimes. Many people love the heat and it is a perfect climate and place for them...but some do not do well in it at all and are miserable after a few weeks of 110+. It just depends on the person and their "take" on their surroundings.

[AzDreamer]

I'll bet there is some org that knows all the paved trails and they could answer some of your questions, maybe a new thread on that subject would turn up some leads.

The last time I was in Phx I hiked North Mountain on a paved trail. There are radio towers on the top so they need a road for service vehicles but no regular traffic uses the road. Here's a link, the trail that's paved is "North Mountain National Trail"

NORTH MOUNTAIN AREA TRAIL GUIDE

Also, the canals aren't paved but they are very flat and lots of folks bike and walk along the banks. There are web sites with maps of the canals and I think only the CAP in the North part of the valley is fenced off.

[Jimrob1]

Thank you both for the information, I appreciate it. Yes I do plan on visiting in the summer.

[AzDreamer]

Here's a link with lots of AZ bicycle and pedestrian trail maps. The MAG link shows bike and walking paths for the Phoenix metropolitan area along with things like libraries and colleges.

ADOT Transportation Planning Division

[Jimrob1]

Thank you for the information.

[eddie gein]

Tucson is not that small nor is it that remote. The area is at 1 million people.

It is sort of a cross between a college town and a monstrous suburb.