Retirement Options (living, best, cost, crime)

[Fikibird]

I am a single female, active 62, looking for my "final" retirement home. I currently live in So Cal, in the Antelope Valley (population approx 300,000.) Although I have family and friends here, and a comfortable life style, I am considering retirement options outside of CA. I have been researching for about a year and have narrowed my options to Tucson & Albuquerque areas. I have followed many of the Tucson vs Albuquerque threads, but found them more confusing than helpful!

I hope to buy a house in one of the new gated, active 55+ retirement communities in Green Valley or Oro Valley (Tucson area) or Los Lunas (ABQ area). I have visited all 3 areas and will be going back again later this month (to spend a week in both cities.) Information on these areas would be much appreciated.

My requirements/questions:

Climate:
I like the So Cal climate, warm weather & sunshine, but not sure about the long, hotter Tucson summers. I think I would prefer the ABQ clime.

Cost of Living:
CA is not a cost-effective retirement option! Looking for a lower cost of living (taxes, gas, utilities, food, entertainment, etc)

Life style:
1. I am an amateur thespian; very involved in community theatre as actor, stage manager, tech manager and (hopefully) future director! This is a MUST HAVE for me.
2. Volunteering: Although I still run a home business, I do a lot of volunteer work in my community: local theatres (usher, concession, etc); tutor for the adult literacy program; run a senior's archaeology club/class.
3. Access to movies and good restaurants
4. Nice libraries and museums (would love to be a docent)
5. Walking/hiking (safe places to go)

Location/Traffic:
I am a CA driver, so freeway driving is not a problem!! Close proximity and easy access (drive time) to the city and places I would frequent, is very important.

Safety:
Do I need to be concerned about crime in the areas mentioned???

Altitude:
The Antelope Valley is about the same as Green Valley (around 2800 ft). Will it be hard to acclimate to the higher elevation in Albuquerque?

Attitude:
I like the "small-city/big-town" atmosphere here and it seems that both Tucson & ABQ are similar, though larger, with more to do. Is it easy to meet people; make new friends (remember I am 62, single & female?)

Bugs:
I have heard horror stories about spiders and termites in Tucson area & the huge black beetles in ABQ. Is this a real concern in either place??

Mountain Views:
Love the mountains!! Not a beach person.

So far, I am really torn. I love the warm winter climate & the Saguaro cactus in Tucson. But the summer climate in ABQ is ideal and proximity to Santa Fe is a plus. Tucson is closer to "home" and also has more developed retirement communities (Robson & others.) Los Lunas is freeway-accessible and I think closer to ABQ than GV or OV are to Tucson.

I think I can be happy in both places, but I REALLY want to make the best...RIGHT...choice. I don't want to move again!! Final note: I plan to keep my house here either as a second home or to lease out; at least for a few years. So moving back here will still be possible, but not something I will want to do.

Sorry for the long post. Your comments (positive & negative) will be appreciated.

Thanks.