Young retiree/widower looking for good place to live in Az.? (Phoenix: crime, cost)

[MotleyCrew]

I think you should also take a look at the Trilogy in Vistancia, located up in the foothills in north Peoria. Has a wonderful golf course, two great restaurants, Safeway shopping center with a great little cheese shop and wine bar where the locals hang out. The homes start in the $190,000 but you can occasionally find one that is a short sale or a foreclosure for a steal of a deal. This is a 55 development but they do allow for younger retirees to move in as well. The setting is spectacular. Taxes there are higher than the Sun Cities as well as the HOA is a bit more. Robson Communities also have nice retirement developments. Good luck in your search.

[nebulous1]

Go North...it is cooler, cleaner air, less congested, low crime.

And the shooting range is nearby.

I work full time and commute down to Mesa from Cave Creek.

I wouldn't want to move down there, too populated for me.

You are way too young for Sun City.

PS, I can't ever retire, so I don't think in those terms, more about quality of life.

[BrianBoru]

I just wanted to thank you all once again! For your opinions, experience, and kindness! Thanks again, and God bless!

[GSXRScott]

Originally Posted by Bummer

Back then Phoenix was becoming another Los Angeles and it seems to be even worse now.

Agreed. Phoenix has a very SoCal feel to it. Traffic, air pollution, crime etc..

Brian you're still about 20 years away from fitting into a retirement community like Sun City unless you see your health rapidly declining in the next few years. It sounds to me like Tucson would suit you the most. It's a big small town, is about 5 degrees cooler than Phoenix and has a true southwest feel to it. Plus if you want to go to a Suns game or a Diamond Backs game Phoenix is only about a 2hr drive.

[DesertRose61]

So sorry for your loss Brian.

I agree with a lot that has already been said. I'd like to add that you should check out Wickenburg, Carefree, Paradise Valley and Prescott Valley. I love the cities of Fountain Hills & Cave Creek that have already been mentioned. Best of luck to you and God bless!

[wldgrdnr]

Sorry to hear of your loss. We have a winter home in San Tan Valley, AZ which is about an hour south of Phoenix, 20 min or so from Chandler, Gilbert. It gets unbelievably hot for 5 months out of the year there (110-115)...we too are looking to relocate and AZ is in our sights. Moderator cut: snip

There is NO way I would move to Chandler, Gilbert etc full time. The averages you see on the net are misleading. They have been in a drought for 5 years, and there is no end in sight to the 115 degrees June-Oct (at least this is what I was told by a full time resident there)

Another BIG drawback to that area is dust...it gets everywhere...even in winter. We have been down there 3 winters now, and the area I live in is very unfriendly...not sure if it is cuz most the houses are rentals, or if that is all over. I have met nice people, but usually people I do business with rather than neighbors.

In San Tan Valley there are tons of rental homes (in Skyline Ranch II rentals can be monthly). I'd suggest going down there for a bit in summer to see if you are going to be able to handle it. 5 months couped up in your house seems almost as bad as where I live in summer (Puget Sound) where it is SO rainy and dismal you cannot do much eitherModerator cut: snip. Good luck looking. I am looking too for that "perfect place" where my arthritis doesn't kill me but I am not looking at sage brush and brown all the time. I am having a really hard time finding the right placeModerator cut: snip.

[magnum0417]

Brian, sorry about your loss and hope you settle in out here. I grew up in Orange County NY so I know NE PA very well. Sounds like you like the sun but don't want ridiculous heat from what I have gathered.

I'd say anywhere from 2500 to 5000 feet elevation would suit you well out here so long as there are enough amenities to meet your needs.

Near PHX: New River, Black Canyon City and Superior.

Near TUC: Oro Valley and Oracle.

Never been to Sierra Vista but it does have a large military presence and seems to be growing.

Kingman is decent with moderate temps at 3500 feet and is close enough for a 4 hour drive to the CA beaches or 90 minutes to Vegas.

[Gandalara]

Originally Posted by magnum0417

Kingman is decent with moderate temps at 3500 feet and is close enough for a 4 hour drive to the CA beaches ...

Eeek. How fast do you drive???

[magnum0417]

Originally Posted by Gandalara

Eeek. How fast do you drive???

I 40 to 15 and veer off at San Bernardino to either go to LA or south towards the SD Beaches. Can cruise at 79 since there is nothing but Barstow for most of the stretch.CA is 70 MPH but everyone pretty much goes 79.

As I say, "nine you are fine, ten you are mine" as far as speeding goes.

[Kimballette]

Originally Posted by wldgrdnr

It gets unbelievably hot for 5 months out of the year there (110-115)...There is NO way I would move to Chandler, Gilbert etc full time. The averages you see on the net are misleading. They have been in a drought for 5 years, and there is no end in sight to the 115 degrees June-Oct (at least this is what I was told by a full time resident there)

It most certainly does not reach 110-115 degrees for five months out of the year in the Phoenix metro area. Just because someone tells you something, that does not make it true. And historical, statistical data proves otherwise. I am not talking about average temperatures, but average high temps. Phoenix Weather by Month - Average Monthly Temperatures in Phoenix AZ - Hottest and Coldest Days in Phoenix

I understand this area may not be right for you, but let's stick to actual facts and avoid wild exaggerations.