How well can one live on Social Security Disability & SSI in Arizona? And where? (Phoenix: RV park, middle-class)

[PA Escapee]

How well can one live these days on Social Security Disability & SSI in Arizona...?

I'd be interested in areas where there is access to doctors, public housing, & other social resources. But even with these, can you still afford to do things like bring your car to the mechanic, or take your pet to the vet, or buy clothes? Or, does your remaining money after the essentials just not go far enough due to cost of living.

Which areas in the state are the most affordable for those on a fixed income without being too isolated or steeped in crime, & which are ones to definitely avoid?

There are many "retirement communities" in AZ, but the more I look into them, I am discovering that places like Sun City are made for people retiring with money...vs. those retiring solely on minimal Social Security.

It would be great to hear from other people on SSD & SSI in Arizona who can share from their own experience on this.

I am considering a move there, & I do not want to get way in over my head.

Many thanks. 🌷

[fluffythewondercat]

It sounds like you might be suited for an RV park. I've met a few people at Pleasant Valley Airport's RV park who do quite well on a fixed income. This is in Peoria, a nice middle-class area, on the northwestern fringe of the vast Phoenix metropolitan swath. It's not far from Lake Pleasant, which has a ton of recreational opportunities.

The RV park is situated right next to a glider operation, so there are always people to talk to and things to see.

You didn't say where you're coming from but we're from California and we've found just about everything is cheaper in Arizona.

[jamies]

California or OR, or the northeast is the place for people on govt aid. AZ has few services for the poor. AZ retirement communities are mostly aimed at retired folks with disposable income. This is a state where it sucks to be poor. Non payment of electric because your car took a dive can be life threatening. Govt aid is minimal. Little sect 8 in most places.

Not to say low income is not welcome, but you will be consigned to less desirable areas. Quartzite, low income city areas (spelled crime). Bullhead, yeah we need more people on govt aid.

Me, if I could get on the govt money I'd go to San Diego and enjoy the beach, health services, public housing and transport and great restaurants. Cause a bad day in SD is better than the best day in the sandbox!

[Deelighted]

It sounds as if you are in a similar situation to mine. Have you looked through the Socialserve and Foundation for Senior Living FSL sites? On FSL look for the Affordable Housing link (it seemed a bit buried away too my way of thinking).

[Sabiya]

Originally Posted by jamies

This is a state where it sucks to be poor.

As someone that has a combined marital income of that reaches the national poverty level, I can attest to your statement. This state is brutal to the poor and working poor.

[PA Escapee]

Hi! Thank you all for your kind replies.

I am coming from NM. Sandbox indeed, but I love the mountains, desert, & warmer temps. Same issues with poverty exist here that you've all described, & existing benefits are low. It's fine, so long as you don't really need anything major re healthcare. After that, beyond Albuquerque & Las Cruces...much as I love it, NM rapidly becomes "The Land Of No Choice".

If my spatial perception were good enough to drive a large vehicle, I would consider trading in my car for an RV to become more portable. But I'd be like one of those people riding handicapped carts taking out end displays in supermarkets. : }

I have actually considered San Diego in SoCal myself, but am concerned cities there are also built around retiring with money, vs. affordable for minimal social security & related benefits. But I am cool with the ocean too. NorCal is too cold for me for health reasons, & driving in snow is out...some of the main reasons I moved south.

I will stop back to check for messages, so please post any new ideas as they arise. Thanks again!! : )

[Packard fan]

I'd take a good look at the Kingman area; it's about 10 degrees cooler than here in Bullhead and the shopping there is becoming pretty decent.

[PA Escapee]

Originally Posted by Packard fan

I'd take a good look at the Kingman area; it's about 10 degrees cooler than here in Bullhead and the shopping there is becoming pretty decent.

Thank you for the suggestion, much appreciated. With 28K people, I would bet the shopping really isn't too bad there.

I'm taking a look at it now, & saw the Snowfall chart. If you've been to Kingman AZ during the colder months, have you seen that much snow fall during your time there?

No one ever associates NM & AZ with snow, but it's amazing how much of it does fall here.

[Packard fan]

Originally Posted by PA Escapee

Thank you for the suggestion, much appreciated. With 28K people, I would bet the shopping really isn't too bad there.

I'm taking a look at it now, & saw the Snowfall chart. If you've been to Kingman AZ during the colder months, have you seen that much snow fall during your time there?

No one ever associates NM & AZ with snow, but it's amazing how much of it does fall here.

To be fair; most of the time, the snow's gone in a day or 2. It ain't like Chicago where a few inches can stay for weeks.

[PA Escapee]

Originally Posted by Packard fan

To be fair; most of the time, the snow's gone in a day or 2. It ain't like Chicago where a few inches can stay for weeks.

I live about level with Phoenix, & I was told I would see rare light dustings that never stuck around. But these last few Winters, when it snows, it really comes down & a few inches have stayed at least 10 days per storm. Evil Snowmen were even constructed in my area...as though to testify to this fact. lol

I think it followed me here...