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

[BrianBoru]

I`m from NE Pa. and at age 51, a former Marine, and recently retired after a career in law enforcement. I lost my beloved wife to cancer 16 months ago. And my heart is still very heavy! We both had been to Arizona several times, and loved it out there! Now I feel compelled to carry on with our retirement plans. As I feel a change of scenery now, just might be what my heart and soul need now? I plan on selling my home here, and move out there in the fall of this year. I really don`t know many people in Arizona. But I never had any problems making friends anywhere I`ve gone. I plan on doing something part-time to keep busy. And I would get involved with my new local Catholic church, and veterans groups in order to make new friends.
I know in any city there are good and bad places to live. I`m not ready for Sun City yet. But I don`t think that a college town like Tempe would suit me either? I like both Phoenix area, and Tucson seems pretty good too? I hear good things about Gilbert, Glendale, Anthem, Fountain Hills, Surprise. And places like Oro Valley, and Vail near Tucson. I`ve spent too much time in my life dealing with criminal low lifes! I don`t want a meth lab, or gang clubhouse in my area. I just want a nice, quiet area with good scenery, outdoor activities, restaurants, shopping, sports etc. Any and all suggestions and advice are appreciated! Thanks and God bless!

[JAinAZ]

Sorry to hear about your wife, Brian. I have a suggestion that you didn't mention. Sierra Vista is a great little city with lots of current and former LEO's and military. Not too big, not too small, with great outdoor activities all around.

I could even help steer you towards some PT work if you get that serious about the area.

[BrianBoru]

Originally Posted by JAinAZ

Sorry to hear about your wife, Brian. I have a suggestion that you didn't mention. Sierra Vista is a great little city with lots of current and former LEO's and military. Not too big, not too small, with great outdoor activities all around.

I could even help steer you towards some PT work if you get that serious about the area.

Thank very much JAinAZ for your kindness, and condolences! I will look into Sierra Vista.

[Jkgourmet]

My condolences on the loss of your beloved wife, Brian. The 'tone' of your post makes me think she chose herself a very good guy.

My first question would be to ask about what kind of climate do you want. Dry, hot in the summer but perfect winter desert like Phoenix and Tucson? Smaller mountain city's that get snow in the winter with lovely summers?

Then, small town, city, suburb, remote location? Do you need to be close to a military base or VA hospital?

Then, what activities and hobbies do you enjoy?

And, perhaps the most important question is do you have family that you are bringing with you or family you are leaving behind? An answer of yes to either of those questions will have a dramatic impact on your satisfaction with your new home - as well as the happiness of the rest of your family.

I think that will help us narrow the focus a bit.

[BrianBoru]

As far as the heat goes. I can tolerate heat very easily! I spent some time in the Phoenix area in July/August a few years back. And was at the USMC base 29 Palms in the Mohave desert of Ca. years ago. And I have had more than my share of snow and winter! The only place I want to see snow at now, is on TV or on a postcard. I will be coming alone. I have 2 grownup adult children, a son in Philly. And my daughter back here in NE Pa. area. My daughter said she would consider relocating out to Az. If I was there. I would miss my remaining family in Pa.! But its only 4 hours or so from Phoenix to Philly. And I know that they would come out and visit too. And I would go home to Pa. for the holidays, or at least once a year for a few weeks. I don`t have to relocate near a military base either. I served 5 years in the USMC, but I did not make a career out of it. I also spent several years living in London England as a civilian in the mid to late eighties. So I adapt very well to new places thank God! I`m looking for a new beginning or the next chapter in my life. I like to challenge myself with new things I guess? I like sports, fitness, hunting, fishing, camping, hiking too. And I`m a history, and travel guy as well. Thanks again to everyone for their giving me your opinions!

[Bummer]

Interesting, Brian . . . I had similar wants and needs when I relocated from California many years ago.

I chose Tucson primarily because . . . NOT TOO BIG and NOT TOO SMALL plus the BEST WEATHER overall. Back then Phoenix was becoming another Los Angeles and it seems to be even worse now. I have really become very comfortable with the small COWTOWN feeling of Tucson while still offering all of the conveniences and amenities necessary.

Fourteen plus years later I still think I made the right choice.

MY TWO CENTS WORTH.

[BrianBoru]

Originally Posted by Bummer

Interesting, Brian . . . I had similar wants and needs when I relocated from California many years ago.

I chose Tucson primarily because . . . NOT TOO BIG and NOT TOO SMALL plus the BEST WEATHER overall. Back then Phoenix was becoming another Los Angeles and it seems to be even worse now. I have really become very comfortable with the small COWTOWN feeling of Tucson while still offering all of the conveniences and amenities necessary.

Fourteen plus years later I still think I made the right choice.

MY TWO CENTS WORTH.

Thanks Bummer! I need to look into the Tucson area a bit more. I`ve only spent say 3 days there about 10 years ago. I know Phoenix pretty good, certain parts I like a lot. Others of course are not so nice. But that`s most cities I guess? I had friends from Ireland that used to live near Peoria. But they now moved to Prescott. Saying that Phoenix was getting too crazy for them. I must admit the laid back attitude, with less hustle and bustle, I hear about Tucson is a plus! Thanks!

[DogCharlie]

Hey Brian, you sound like a wonderful person, I think you moving to Arizona is very commendeble, your wife would probably be very proud.

Check out Prescott, very beautiful and close to big cities, airports and a lot of outdoor activities.


However, like the first reply, Sierra Vista kind of sounds perfect for you.

[Packersngolf]

Hello Brian. I'm so sorry to hear you have lost your beautiful wife to cancer. I know you will let your heart guide you as you move along in this journey.

As far as AZ goes, we did live there a number of years ago. We visited Cave Creek, which is about an hour from Phoenix. It was very beautiful there and still within range to do things in the city, which is a plus. We lived in Chandler since we needed to be in the area for work/school for the children. I would have loved to have gone up to the Cave Creek area to live.

Sedona has a magic and beauty about it which is difficult to describe unless you've been there.

Never been to Prescott, but it seems as if Cave Creek might be workable for traveling and exploring either way south or north.

I will you well in your journeys and may the comfort of your family and loving memories surround you.

[MarianR]

Sorry for your loss.
I think you should come visit before you sell out and move, maybe consider renting a place before buying to make sure it's a good fit. I speak from experience - we bought a condo in Tempe, thinking we wanted to be able to lock and leave it to travel, but it was too small and there were other problems. Now we are in one of the active living communities in east Mesa and love it. Close to hiking, restaurants, hospitals, lots to do even if you don't play golf (we don't). There is an active widows/widower group in our community.
I am a young retiree, too and I am happy here, much better off than if we had stayed in Ohio. You will love it.