Finding the Best Places to Retire Since 2006!
Yuma, Arizona
On the Banks of the Colorado River, Sun Drenched Yuma is a "Snowbird" Destination with an Attractive, Historic Downtown, Water Recreation and Relatively Reasonable Prices
Yuma is in the very southwestern tip of Arizona and for many years was a busy crossing point and ferry stop on the Colorado River. In 1849, nearly 80,000 people passed through Yuma on their way to the California gold fields.
These days this desert city is primarily a tourist and "snowbird" destination that comes alive during the winter months. The attractive historic downtown has a museum, wineries, restaurants, galleries, cafes and government buildings. Shopping and dining options are plentiful. The Yuma Art Center hosts theater productions and musical acts. Lute's Casino receives rave reviews. Festivals include the Territorial River Regatta and the Caballeros de Yuma Colorado River Crossing Balloon Festival. Residential real estate consists of ranch rambler and Mediterranean-style tract housing, gated communities and dozens of RV parks, many of which spill into the desert.
The Colorado River is a favorite spot for swimming and fishing, and more than a dozen golf courses are open year round. Yuma also has some wildlife refuges, including the Yuma East Wetlands and the Imperial Sand Dunes.
Population: 98,000 (city proper)
Age 45 or Better: 32%
Cost of Living: 18% below the national average
Median Home Price: $310,000
Climate: Yuma is located in a desert climate and is, simply, very hot. Summer temperatures reach well into the 110s and last from May until September and October. Winters are warm and dry with average temperatures in the low 70s.
At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients? Yes. It also has a discount program for people age 55 and better.
At Least One Hospital Accredited by Joint Commission? No, but Yuma Regional Medical Center is accredited by the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program.
Public Transit: Yes
Crime Rate: Meets the national average
Public Library: Yes
Political Leanings: Conservative
College Educated: 20%
Is Arizona Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? Yes
Cons: The earthquake risk is 550% above the national average. Yuma is remote and can feel isolated at times.
Notes: Yuma is racially diverse. Marine Corps Air Station Yuma is located here, and jets fly over the city. The population has grown 7% during the last 10 years. Home prices have increased 2% since last year.
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 home to places with names like Nothing, a ghost town in western Arizona, and the Horspitality Resort.
The state is stubborn when it comes to time. It observes Mountain Standard Time on a year round basis.
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