Finding the Best Places to Retire Since 2006!
Clarkdale, Arizona?
Overview: Both the Verde River and Bitter Creek flow through central Arizona's historic Clarkdale. This high country hamlet was built as a company town in 1912 to house a smelter and the workers for the Clark family copper mine. The town survives today primarily because it is near outdoor recreation venues.
The Tuzigoot National Monument and the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness, which is home to ring-tailed cats, black bears and scorpions, is just next door, drawing hikers, bikers and backpackers. Nearby Verde Canyon has 80 fishable miles and is popular with kayakers. The Verde Canyon Railroad also makes excursions through parts of the canyon. Residents enjoy free concerts every summer, and the Verde Valley Theatre has a full season of comedy and drama. Made in Clarkdale is an organization that hosts an annual art show. Yavapai College has an Osher Life Learning Institute (OLLI) that offers peer-directed classes for all ages. Clarkdale's downtown is small but has shops and restaurants.
Neighborhoods are somewhat ill defined, but historic homes and modest ranch ramblers are common in town. On the edges of town, planned neighborhoods with attractive adobe-style, Mediterranean-style and Southwestern-style homes are the norm.
Population: 4,300 (city proper)
Percentage of Population Age 45 or Better: 27%
Cost of Living: 5% above the national average
Median Home Price: $270,000
Climate: Summer temperatures are in the 90s and low-100s, and winter temperatures are in the 30s, 40s and 50s. On average, Clarkdale receives 12 inches of rain and four inches of snow per year. The elevation is 3,545 feet above sea level.
At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients? No, but Verde Valley Medical Center is three miles away in Cottonwood and accepts Medicare patients.
At Least One Hospital Accredited by Joint Commission? No, but Verde Valley Medical Center is three miles away in Cottonwood and is accredited by DNV Healthcare
Public Transit: Yes, provided by CAT
Crime Rate: Below the national average
Public Library? Yes
Political Leanings: Conservative
Is Arizona Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? Yes
Cons: None
Notes: Most shopping and services are found in Cottonwood, three to five miles away. Clarkdale has grown by 3% in the last decade.
Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Yes
Arizona:
The Grand Canyon State was originally part of New Mexico. After the land was ceded to the U.S. in 1848, it became a separate territory. It did not enter the union until February 14, 1912. Copper was discovered in the area in 1848, and metals mining continues to be an important part of the economy. Cattle and tourism are two of the states other vital industries.
Although Arizona can be one of the hottest states in the union, air conditioning continues to bring more and more people to the urban areas. The Colorado Plateau spreads through Arizona from the north and is interspersed with remnants of the Rocky Mountains. The land flattens into desert near Phoenix. The Colorado River forms the state's western borders and snakes through the Grand Canyon.
Arizona is stubborn when it comes to time. It observes Mountain Standard Time on a year round basis.
Stats:
Population - 6,931,030
Persons 65 years old and over - 17%
High school graduates, persons age 25+ - 86%
Bachelor's degree or higher, persons age 25+ - 27%
Persons of Hispanic or Latino origin - 31%
White persons, not Hispanic - 58%
Median household income - $50,225
Median home value - $167,500
Social Security taxed? No
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
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