Retirees always seem to be chasing the sun, beautiful landscapes, and the promise of lower taxes — and who could blame them? That’s why so many end up looking at Arizona as a destination for a stress-free retirement.
But is “The Grand Canyon State” an ideal place to retire? If you’re looking at the incredible landscape, jaw-dropping views, and the lack of an estate tax, then yes. Here’s what you need to know before you decide to plant your golden-year roots in Arizona.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive travel discounts and trip-planning resources
Over 50 and love traveling? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member, you could be missing out on huge travel perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on hotels and resorts, airfare, cruises, car rentals, and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
An AARP membership not only unlocks discounts that could save you hundreds on your next trip, but you’ll also have access to deals on vacation packages, guided tours, and exclusive content to help plan your next getaway.
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (do not skip this step!). Doing so will allow you to take up to 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
Lots of retirees
It’s nice moving to a place where you’ll have a built-in community. Arizona is the sixth most popular state for retirees, and that means you’ll likely find lots of new friends who are in a similar life stage to you.
Sunshine year-round
Arizona gets only eight inches of rain annually, which means most of your days will be spent basking in the sunshine. While the summer sun can be oppressive, you won’t complain about temperatures from late fall through spring, when you can expect highs to hit between 66 and 85.
Tax-friendly policies for retirees
Taxes are a big consideration for those living on a fixed income, and Arizona has its retirees in mind. First, Arizona’s income tax is only 2.5%, which is the lowest in the country. Second, your Social Security benefits won’t be taxed in Arizona and there are exemptions on retirement income.
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There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has no annual fee and you can earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
You can earn additional points just by using this card for your everyday purchases — unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. The 25,000 bonus points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel or dining purchases.
If you want to travel and dine out more, the Travel Rewards card can help you get where you want to go.
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Good health care
Arizona has the Mayo Clinic and Banner Medical System, both of which are nationally ranked health care systems. There are also top-ranked hospitals across the major cities in the state. Wherever you go, there is bound to be excellent health care within a short drive.
Outdoor recreation
Staying active is a top priority for many in their golden years, and Arizona is brimming with activities for adventurous retirees. Whether you’re hiking desert trails, mountain biking, bird watching, or even camping, you’ll never run out of terrain to explore.
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Great golf
Want to work on your golf game now that you have free weekdays ahead of you? Arizona, particularly Scottsdale, is home to fantastic golf courses. You can work on your swing while looking out at incredible desert views. Plus, many of the courses are affordable to play, which is a bonus for those on a fixed income.
A range of retirement communities
If you want options when it comes to picking the right retirement community, then Arizona could be the right spot for you. Over 150 active adult communities exist in Arizona, with many around Sun City and Green Valley.
Diverse arts and culture
Arizona is a place unlike any other with arts and culture that represents a range of people and groups throughout history.
There are museums like the Phoenix Art Museum and the Heard Museum, which look at Arizona’s Native American populations. There’s the Desert Botanical Garden, Lowell Observatory, and even the Musical Instrument Museum.
Few allergies
This may not have been at the top of your list when you were looking at retirement considerations, but Arizona’s climate doesn’t lend itself to growing the type of vegetation that causes allergies. That means you could go sniffle-free throughout your later years.
Unlock exclusive entertainment deals and VIP perks (without a credit card)
Ready to take your entertainment and travels to the next level? Experience the finer things in life with the SELECT card.
No, it's not a credit card, it’s an exclusive membership — and your passport to a world of elite benefits and unforgettable moments.
Imagine sipping complimentary cocktails in downtown Manhattan at KYU NYC or saving 20% on the best sushi in Hollywood Hills at Yamashiro.
Like to shop? Members receive VIP discounts like 15% off at Brooks Brothers, and up to 60% off at Tumi.
Enjoy special offers at luxury hotels like the Four Seasons and Omni Select. For example, you get 15% off at Hyatt Hotels worldwide.
But it’s not just about the hundreds (or thousands) you could save. There are so many features that make you feel like a VIP every day. Like SELECT’s white-glove concierge that assists with bookings, recommendations, or anything you need. And priority access to reservations to some of the year’s hottest events (many not open to the public).
So many sports
If you love cheering on a hometown team, Arizona gives you more than a few to pick from. There’s the Arizona Cardinals NFL team, the Diamondbacks MLB team, the Phoenix Suns NBA team, and the Arizona Coyotes NHL team. And, with commitment-free days ahead, you have all the time to go to afternoon games.
No estate tax
If what happens to your wealth after you’re gone is a top concern, then you’ll be glad to know that Arizona does not have an estate tax or an inheritance tax. This means more of your money goes toward the people you love rather than the government.
Bottom line
While there’s no perfect place to retire, it’s important to go in with a clear vision.
While Arizona’s heat may be oppressive to some, the abundance of sunshine and the low income tax could outweigh any negatives. Just think carefully about your priorities and how those stack up with your dream retirement location when you plan for retirement.
Easy-to-Earn Unlimited Rewards
Benefits
Card Details
- $0 annual fee
- Simple, flat-rate rewards
- Flexible redemption options
- Up to 75% preferred Rewards bonus potential
- Apply Now
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
- Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
- Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.74% - 28.74% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
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Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
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Why we like it
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is great for individuals who enjoy earning rewards and traveling.
Cardholders will enjoy the flexibility to redeem points with no blackout dates and receive a statement credit to pay for travel and dining purchases.
Earn 1.5X points on all purchases everywhere, every time.
- Apply Now
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