Quasi-Retired guy looking to relocate from NJ (Phoenix, Tucson: apartment, to rent)

[relo-jay]

Hi all,
About me [kind of new to this site]:
I'm seeking a friendly, scenic place, affordable to live in. Is that possible in 2017? I've been in NJ way too long. My 17 year bureaucratic IT job burned me out and became a daily grind, like most jobs, I think. Roads are jammed with stressed-out, hostile drivers. So I'm psychologically ready to dump most of my possessions and do a minimal move - a lifestyle make-over, if you will. I'd even like to get rid of my car, if possible. A 'walk-able' neighborhood would be ideal. And I wish to rent a relatively small place or one bedroom apartment, at least to begin with.

I have a major back problem, so I need access to excellent medical care for treating my chronic back pain. I used to be very physically active on the bike, trails, and waters. I miss the many outdoor activities from my earlier years such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, backpacking, kayaking, surfing, you name it. I aspire to rebuild muscle strength lost over the past decade and start over, with less intensity this time.

I'm also working on my diet and trying to reduce processed foods that increase inflammation. But I'm not a vegetarian. Whole Foods is the kind of place I prefer to shop at here in NJ, especially for quality fish and veggies. I enjoy outside grilling more than indoor stove/oven preparation.

An inter-generational place would be great. My present situation didn't have the right vibes right from the beginning. The young ladies downstairs could care less about me. In general, that's how my neighborhood in Central New Jersey feels.
Any suggestions out there would be greatly appreciated. Arizona a good fit?
(I'm also considering New Mexico and Nevada.)

Thanks!
Jay

[observer53]

All those places would work for you, actually. I'm partial to and more familiar with the medical specialists in the Phoenix area, where I'm sure you could find good care. We have Whole Foods stores in Phoenix and in suburbs like Tempe, Chandler and Scottsdale.


Outdoor activities? You bet. if you are in Phx in the summer, just head north a couple of hours if you want a bit cooler for the day or a weekend. You can still go out in Phx in the summer, but it's an early morning thing, and evening.


Getting rid of your car in any of those places? I'd say no. Walkable in the west, generally, and walkable in the east coast are two different things.

[teddyearp]

Two things that really stood out for me. The biggest one is this:

Originally Posted by observer53

Getting rid of your car in any of those places? I'd say no. Walkable in the west, generally, and walkable in the east coast are two different things.

You really, really need a car to see everything outdoors that Arizona has to offer. Or New Mexico and Nevada as well. In fact, even just getting around town is going to be much better with a car. Ditch your car, and as you get to know any of these states better, you will seriously regret it.

The second thing. Surfing. Not going to happen in Arizona, Nevada, nor New Mexico, unless you find a special surf park. Hehe, yeah my sense of humor is that bad.

p.s., Welcome to the site!

[goolsbyjazz]

In answer to your question yes, I believe you can find all of what you seek in Arizona. (the greater Phoenix area to be specific) However, as others have stated, you will want to hang on to your car because things are pretty spread out over here and our public transportation is nowhere near what it is in the east. Having said that, if you live along the light rail in Phoenix, Tempe or Mesa you may be able to get away with driving less. As for walkable areas they are few and far between out here. Downtown Scottsdale comes to mind, but there is a premium on housing in that area. Gilbert, Mesa and Chandler also are trying to build up their down town areas which are walkable.

[Bummer]

Welcome to Tucson, Relo-Jay . . . a big town with a small town feel plus perfect weather and lots of stuff to do.

Not too long ago I was searching for the perfect place to retire and finally settled on Tucson. I live near the Tucson Mall, within walking / biking distance of the Rillito Trail (Biking and Walking year 'round) as well as walking distance to Sprouts and Trader Joe's (Whole Foods is about 5 plus miles away).

The Cost of Living is better than good and except for the Monsoon Season (July and August), the weather is near perfect.

Good Luck on your search.

[agorski]

Since you're used to "Roads are jammed with stressed-out, hostile drivers", Phoenix or Tucson probably wouldn't bother you, but after living in Prescott 10 years the traffic in the cities is shocking to me. ;-)