10 Places To Retire That Are Just Like Arizona but Way Cheaper


Laura BeckNovember 2, 2023 at 7:00 AMKruck20 / Getty Images/iStockphotoWith its sunny weather and scenic landscapes, Arizona is a go-to retirement destination. However, rising costs have priced some retirees out of the market. Fortunately, experts suggest affordable alternatives across the country that provide Arizona’s perks without the high prices.Here are 10 affordable places to retire that are just like Arizona.Discover: 10 Best Places in Colorado for a Couple To Live on Only a Social Security CheckLearn: The Simple, Effective Way To Fortify Your Retirement MixMariuszBlach / Getty ImagesMesquite, Nevada“Mesquite is a fantastic option for retirees seeking a warm climate and affordability, while still enjoying accessibility to larger cities,” said Pete Evering of Utopia Property Management.Similar to Arizona, Mesquite provides over 300 days of annual sunshine for enjoying outdoor activities like golf, hiking and exploring picturesque desert scenery. Median home prices are around $357,000 — much less than Arizona’s median of $423,436, according to Zillow. This allows retirees to get more for their money.Mesquite’s location near the Arizona border also means it shares a similar arid desert climate, with hot summers and mild winters. This makes it ideal for retirees who want to enjoy Arizona-like weather without the high property taxes and costs.Just an hour from Las Vegas, Mesquite offers easy access to world-class entertainment and healthcare facilities. But retirees can reside in peaceful surroundings away from the Strip’s crowds and noise.Florida’s Retirees Are Fleeing: Here’s Where They’re Going InsteadFind Out: Here Are All the States That Don’t Tax Social Security Benefitsmrcmos / Getty ImagesSpringfield, Missouri“Springfield is a very inexpensive town to retire in with cost of living a whopping 16% below the national average,” said Marty Zankich of Chamberlin Real Estate School. Median home prices are around $227,659, almost $200,000 less than in Arizona.Though landlocked, the Springfield area provides scenic Ozark lakes, rolling hills and bustling small towns at affordable prices. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy recreational boating and water sports at The Lake of the Ozarks, located just 90 minutes away.For entertainment, Branson, renowned for its live music and theater shows, is only 45 minutes from Springfield. This makes it a convenient weekend getaway spot.Springfield has an array of restaurants, retirement communities and senior-oriented clubs and social events. These amenities make Springfield a welcoming town for retirees seeking community connections.The low crime rate, friendly local atmosphere and natural scenery make Springfield an appealing retirement locale for active seniors who want to stretch their dollars.How To Go From Broke in Your 40s to a Millionaire in Your 50s: 8 ‘Late Start’ Retirement TipsRoschetzkyIstockPhoto / Getty ImagesAustin, TexasAustin’s wealth of accessible healthcare options, abundant parks and recreational programs make it well-suited for retirees, according to Alex Coffman of Teifke Real Estate.Major providers like St. David’s Healthcare offer top-notch medical care, while the nearly 500 parks provide ample opportunities to stay active outdoors.Through its Department of Parks and Recreation, Austin offers a range of recreational programming tailored for seniors. This helps retirees stay engaged with their community.While boasting the amenities and warm climate of popular retirement locales like Arizona, Austin’s lower cost of living allows retirees to retain more savings.According to data from Best Places, overall cost of living in Austin is over 5% lower than Phoenix, specifically lower housing and grocery costs. This makes it easier to live comfortably on a fixed income.(c) Salil Bhatt / Getty Images/iStockphotoSt. George, Utah“St. George has a similar climate to Arizona with plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures,” said Emma O’Connor, owner of Home Buyer Network.Surrounded by Zion National Park and Snow Canyon State Park, St. George provides easy access to outdoor recreation like hiking and mountain biking. For water lovers, activities like kayaking and paddle boarding on the Virgin River bring natural scenery right into town.Downtown St. George also offers restaurants, shops and cultural attractions for times retirees want to relax indoors. The city has invested in developing a thriving central district.St. George’s climate provides over 200 sunny days a year, allowing retirees to stay active year-round in the scenic outdoors. The area averages highs of 91 degrees in July and 63 degrees in January.While smaller than Arizona’s largest cities, St. George’s population of approximately 90,000 means amenities are accessible without excessive congestion.felixmizioznikov / Getty Images/iStockphotoPort St. Lucie, FloridaWhile the state of Florida is often considered prohibitively expensive, Port St. Lucie offers affordable …

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