Arizona is the Best State for Retirement

Tony Ray Baker
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Arizona is the Best State for Retirement

Tucson has plenty of reasons for you to love it, the amazing Mexican food, the spectacular sunsets, and the low-key winters just to name a few. But did you know that being in Arizona puts us in one of the top 7 tax-friendly states? That’s great news for people looking to relocate and especially good for retirees on a fixed income. Here’s why Arizona is the best state for retirement.

Tucson For the Retired

We’ve assembled a list of tax-free items so you can see, at a glance, the biggest tax reasons Tucson, Arizona is the place to be and the best state for the retired.

Arizona is a Top 7 Tax-Friendly State
Arizona is a Top 7 Tax-Friendly State

Tax-free:

  1. Estate and inheritance 
  2. Groceries
  3. Military retirement income
  4. Prescription drugs
  5. Railroad retirement income
  6. Social-Security benefits

Tax-Breaks:

  1. Up to $2,500 of income from federal government, designated Arizona state government, and Arizona local government retirement plans is exempt.
  2. Senior residents could qualify for a property tax refund of $502.
  3. Seniors of 70 and older can qualify to defer their property taxes if they’ve lived in their home for 6 years and in Arizona for 10.
  4. For AZ state government, and AZ local government up to $2,500 in retirement plans are exempt.

Tax-Basics:

  1. Arizona has a 5.6% state levy
  2. Cities can add up to 5.6% but the states median is 8.4%
  3. Low end income tax is 2.5%, the high is 5.7%
  4. There is a 3.5% surtax on (taxable) income over $250,000 for single filers and $500,00 for joint filers.

Ok so technically all this information applies to the entire state of Arizona as a whole, however… We really believe that once you’ve looked around at what AZ has to offer you will find that Tucson is not only economically feasible but it’s also the warmest and welcoming city you will find on our stretch of the Sonoran Desert. When you’re done with the rest, come back to the best!

Best City for Young Creatives

Tony Ray Baker
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Best City for Young Creatives
Tucson Voted Best City for Young Creatives
Tucson Voted Best City for Young Creatives

Tucson ranked #1 Best City for Young Creatives by CreativeLive.com.

Could the Southwest be the new Silicon Valley?

Organizations like Startup Tucson and the McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship seem to think so.

With collaborative co-working spaces like Connect Co-Working, The RailYard, Spoke6, GangPlankHQ, and Co+Hoots plus entrepreneurial, art and tech meet-ups springing up across the sunny city, Tucson is wooing young entrepreneurs like crazy, and was even named one of the top tech hubs of last year.

Top it off with really cheap rent, one of the lowest housing markets in the country and a happening downtown, Arizona starts to looking like a delicious place for young creatives with an idea and a dream.

The affordable housing market really does set Tucson apart from big cities.

Young creatives thriving in these cities are obviously pulling in a chunky paycheck, but when you factor in how much of that money is going towards housing, the big city appeal starts to dwindle. Not to mention many of these rentals are tiny, and crowded and lack privacy.

Home ownership still is a great way to build wealth and invest in the future. The peace of mind that comes with having this kind of stability and not having to move every year or every few years is also incredible.

Another thing to consider when you’re looking for a place to live and deciding where to buy a house, is would the property and location also make a good rental? Because you never know, with your more settled and thriving life, maybe you’ll be in a place to buy another home and rent out the first, or possibly you’d want to travel and rent out your house to a long term tenant or even AirBnB. There are many options and benefits of home ownership.

With the way things are booming in Tucson, self-starters, smarty-pants and other hard workers could even pull in those fat, big city paychecks. Mix that with a low cost of living and you’re on track to build actual wealth.

Another cool thing about Tucson is we have one the best music scene’s in the country and a huge population of young people… around 30% which is the same as Austin, Seattle, San Francisco, Portland and other young people melting pots.

I’d love to talk to you more about this!

Download the PDF of CreativeLive’s article: What Are the Best Cities for Young Creatives

Tucson: The #1 Mountain Town for Adventure, Culture, and Sunshine

jamesportis
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Tucson: The #1 Mountain Town for Adventure, Culture, and Sunshine

Tucson has earned the prestigious title of the #1 Best Mountain Town according to WeGoDating.com, and it’s no surprise why. This desert gem offers a rare combination of stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and an affordable lifestyle that appeals to families, singles, and retirees alike. Whether you’re drawn to Tucson for its majestic mountain views, year-round sunny skies, or its welcoming sense of community, it’s a place that truly has it all.

Nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Tucson is surrounded by breathtaking mountain ranges, including the Santa Catalina Mountains and Rincon Mountains. These iconic landscapes create the perfect backdrop for hiking, biking, and stargazing, while also providing a sense of serenity that only a mountain town can deliver. From its outdoor adventures to its lively downtown, Tucson offers a lifestyle that seamlessly blends relaxation and excitement.

A Paradise for Outdoor Enthusiasts

With a weather score of 94, Tucson’s climate is one of its greatest assets. Boasting 350 days of sunshine each year, the city is the ultimate playground for outdoor lovers. Imagine spending your weekends hiking through the Saguaro National Park, biking scenic desert trails, or simply soaking in the warm Arizona sun. Winters are mild, with average lows around 40°F, allowing residents to enjoy outdoor activities year-round without the chill of harsh winter conditions.

Tucson also ranks as the sunniest mountain town on the list, offering an unmatched opportunity to live life outdoors. Whether it’s attending local festivals under a clear blue sky or exploring hidden desert gems, the city inspires a sense of adventure in everyone who visits. Plus, with Tucson’s low annual snowfall, residents can enjoy mountain living without the challenges of shoveling snow or icy conditions.

Affordable Living Without Compromise

Tucson offers a lifestyle that combines quality and affordability, making it an appealing option for individuals and families alike. With a family cost of living at $6,120 per month and $2,933 for individuals, Tucson is one of the most affordable destinations among mountain towns. Its affordability score of 67 ensures that residents can enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank.

Beyond the numbers, Tucson delivers incredible value. Residents benefit from low healthcare costs, ranked among the lowest in the nation, as well as an affordable housing market that allows newcomers to find their perfect desert retreat. Whether you’re starting a family, retiring, or seeking a fresh start, Tucson offers the opportunity to live comfortably while enjoying everything this vibrant city has to offer.

Vibrant Culture and Community

Tucson’s charm extends far beyond its natural beauty and affordability. The city boasts a lively downtown filled with unique restaurants, art galleries, and cultural festivals that reflect its diverse and welcoming community. From the world-famous Tucson Gem and Mineral Show to the colorful All Souls Procession, there’s always something exciting happening in this dynamic city.

Food lovers will also feel right at home in Tucson, which was named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy for its unique Southwestern flavors and farm-to-table culinary scene. Whether you’re dining at a trendy downtown café or savoring authentic Sonoran cuisine, Tucson’s food culture is as rich and diverse as its history.

Tucson is a community where people connect, celebrate, and thrive. With its combination of natural beauty, cultural vibrancy, and warm, sunny weather, it’s no wonder Tucson continues to attract newcomers from across the country.

Discover Tucson for Yourself

Tucson isn’t just the #1 mountain town—it’s a city where you can create the life you’ve always dreamed of. Whether you’re seeking adventure in the great outdoors, a welcoming community, or a place to enjoy affordable and sunny living, Tucson has it all.

📦 Secure your free relocation package today to learn more about why Tucson is the perfect place to call home. Or, better yet, reach out to Tony Ray Baker directly at 520-631-8669 to explore everything Tucson has to offer. From finding the perfect neighborhood to answering all your questions about life in Tucson, Tony Ray is ready to help you take the next step toward your dream life in the #1 mountain town.

The Condé Nast Traveler

Tony Ray Baker
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The Condé Nast Traveler
Condé Nast Traveler Logo
The logo of the Condé Nast Traveler Magazine
We all know Tucson is pretty amazing but, it’s always nice to see others recognize it too. In April Tucson received some well-deserved attention from Condé Nast Traveler. If you don’t know what the Condé Nast Traveler is or why we should care let me tell you.

The Condé Nast Traveler

This worldwide magazine is filled with high luxury and lifestyle as well as hard reporting. Originally the magazine was originally bought by Condé Nast in 1987 and has gone on to win over 25 National Magazine Awards. It’s kind of a big deal to be mentioned by them. They published a list of 11 must-see destinations around the world. Taking that into consideration we think that makes this honor even more prestigious.

What They Said

It goes without saying that Tucson is known for its food. We have tons of accolades and it’s no surprise that most of them revolve around our food. There’s a reason we were UNESCO’s first city of gastronomy. So, it is no surprise to us that the very first thing they mentioned was our food.
Image of 2 Sonoran Hotdogs
Condé Nast Traveler mentions sonoran dogs.
Specifically, they mentioned the hotdogs of El Güero Canelo which won the coveted James Beard Award back in 2018. If you are wondering what is so special about a Sonoran Dog? Well, for starters, it’s wrapped in BACON! From there you pile on beans, sour cream, caramelized onions… No words we have will do this hotdog justice. If you ever find yourself in the Old Pueblo you simply must try one.
Image of the Saguaro National Park
Condé Nast Traveler tips its hat to the Saguaro National Park.
Condé Nast Traveler also mentioned the Saguaro National Park, highlighting the majestic cactus and the abundance of beautiful wildflowers we see every spring. You may think you’ve seen flowers in spring before but the blooms of cacti and succulents you will find here are truly spectacular.
Boldly colored Tucson sunset
Condé Nast Traveler mentioned our beautiful sunsets.
And lastly, they rounded out the article mentioning our sunsets. We can’t blame them, it would really be a shame to not mention them. In fact, we’d wager that we have the most dazzling sunsets in the 50 states. Come to Tucson and find out for yourself!
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