Boomers in their retirement era are flocking to Scottsdale for wellness and the great outdoors (2024)

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Joey Hadden

Boomers in their retirement era are flocking to Scottsdale for wellness and the great outdoors (1)

  • Scottsdale, Arizona, is the best place in the US to retire, according to a recent Niche ranking.
  • Niche's ranking considers weather, health, wellness, and outdoor activities.
  • I recently visited and found private neighborhoods, award-winning spas, and endless golf.

Boomers in their retirement era are flocking to Scottsdale for wellness and the great outdoors (2)

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Boomers in their retirement era are flocking to Scottsdale for wellness and the great outdoors (3)

Boomers in their retirement era are flocking to Scottsdale for wellness and the great outdoors (4)

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Relaxing in the moment and enjoying how far you've come — as a 28-year-old, I can only imagine this is what retirement is all about.

Boomers across the US are in their retirement era, and many of them are moving to Scottsdale, Arizona, recently ranked as the best place in America to retire by Niche.

The website's ranking considers factors like weather, health and wellness, and outdoor activities.

In the wealthy suburb of Phoenix, known for its rapidly increasing millionaire population, 28% of residents are boomers, according to a 2023 report by SmartAsset.

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According to 2024 study by the same company, more retirees are moving to Arizona than any other US state besides Florida.

I recently visited Scottsdale and saw what makes this specific desert city an oasis for retirees.

In a conversation with real-estate agent Shawn Shackleton, who has been selling homes in the greater Scottsdale area for more than 20 years, I learned that many of her clients are retiring, and Scottsdale fits the lifestyle they're looking for, with year-round sun, private neighborhoods, and endless golf.

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Scottsdale's weather and terrain make the city ideal for retirees.

Boomers in their retirement era are flocking to Scottsdale for wellness and the great outdoors (5)

Niche gave Scottsdale an A+ for its weather score. According to US Climate Data, average high temperatures don't stoop below 75 degrees Fahrenheit all year, making it ideal for sunny winters.

However, summer days regularly exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. When I visited in April, the temperature was around 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

"Our summers are hot — there's no question," Shackleton told BI. "But all of my clients that have moved here from the Midwest or East Coast say the same thing: 'I will take this heat over gray clouds, ice, snow, and freezing rain.'"

Shackleton said the weather, paired with mountainous terrain, makes Scottsdale ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, tennis, and pickleball. According to All Trails, there are more than 100 hiking paths in the city. I thought retirees looking to stay active could do so easily in Scottsdale.

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Golf is the desert city's biggest draw for retirees.

According to Shackleton, golf is the No. 1 reason retirees move to Scottsdale.

From private clubs to public parks, "there are about 200 golf courses in Scottsdale and surrounding areas," Shackelton said.

She added that one of her biggest struggles is having clients who want to join private clubs, as all are full right now, and she has to put them on waitlists.

"But the bonus about being in Scottsdale is our public courses play almost like private courses," she said. "They're going to be a little more crowded, but the public courses are well cared for."

During my trip, I saw countless golf courses — some from the highway, some from vantage points up in the mountains, and some up close.

Since Scottsdale is in the desert, I expected to spot patches of dried, yellow grass, but there were none. Instead, the bright green spaces were a stark contrast to the sand bunkers and red-pebbled paths dotted with succulents. Against a mountain backdrop, I couldn't imagine a more ideal location to walk around and hit some golf balls.

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The health and wellness scene goes beyond fitness.

Boomers in their retirement era are flocking to Scottsdale for wellness and the great outdoors (7)

Niche ranks Scottsdale as no. 30 on its list of the best US cities for health and fitness, and it's not just because of the plethora of outdoor activities. Scottsdale has more spas per capita than any other US city, according to Go Banking Rates.

During my stay, I got a tour of the Phoenician Spa, a three-story resort spa that received Forbes Travel Guide's five-star award for the fifth time in a row this year, according to the Phoenician website.

Upon arrival, the modern interior with gold accents swept me into luxury. It had everything I'd crave for the ultimate spa experience: massages and facials, hairstyling, saunas, a nail salon, an indoor pool, and another on the rooftop with outdoor showers and cabanas.

Pampering aside, Scottsdale also ranked 19th on WalletHub's list of the best US cities for healthcare, taking accessibility, quality of facilities, and insurance coverage into consideration.

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North Scottsdale is home to the city's most popular neighborhoods for retirees.

Boomers in their retirement era are flocking to Scottsdale for wellness and the great outdoors (8)

According to Shackleton, her retired clients typically settle in North Scottsdale neighborhoods like Desert Mountain, Terravita, and DC Ranch — the most expensive neighborhood in Scottsdale.

About 40 minutes from Phoenix, North Scottsdale's streets, lined with custom mansions and luxury villas, climb up into the mountains for prime views of the desert landscape.

During my visit, I got a private tour of DC Ranch, a 4,000-acre residential community with convenient amenities ranging from grocery stores and restaurants to spas and private golf clubs.

I thought retirees would find it ideal to escape the hustle and bustle of Phoenix's booming tech scene without having to travel far for daily errands.

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The area is full of gated communities that give residents a sense of privacy.

Boomers in their retirement era are flocking to Scottsdale for wellness and the great outdoors (9)

DC Ranch is made up of four villages, and each has its own set of neighborhoods within it. Most of these neighborhoods are gated and have 24-hour guards, according to according to the DC Ranch website.

Gated communities are common in North Scottsdale, and according to Shackleton, that's part of the draw for retirees.

"It's another level of not only security but privacy, which a lot of the people that come here are really seeking," she said.

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North Scottsdale also has high-end shopping and dining.

Boomers in their retirement era are flocking to Scottsdale for wellness and the great outdoors (10)

Shackleton said retirees also settle in North Scottsdale because the area offers luxury shopping and fine dining on par with those in a major city. For example, Scottsdale Quarter is an outdoor mall with upscale stores and fine dining establishments.

I spent an evening in Scottsdale Quarter and spotted a range of stores. Residents could shop for clothes, accessories, furniture, tech, and wellness products all in one place.

I went to Dominick's Steakhouse for dinner, where I dined like a queen on dry-aged steak and corn crème brûlée while sitting in a rooftop dining room with a glistening pool just for decoration.

It felt like the kind of dining experience I'd get in NYC, yet I was in North Scottsdale.

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While Scottsdale is a popular choice for wealthy retirees, the cost of living is on the higher end.

Boomers in their retirement era are flocking to Scottsdale for wellness and the great outdoors (11)

BI previously reported that Arizona has relatively low tax rates compared to the rest of the US. But that didn't stop Scottsdale from getting a C- for cost of living in Niche's evaluation. According to PayScale, the cost of living in Scottsdale is 13% higher than the national average, largely due to housing costs.

According to Zillow, the millionaire hot spot has a median listing price of $824,868 — double the national average, BI reported in April 2024.

The price point certainly isn't accessible for all retirees, but the lower taxes make Scottsdale more affordable for wealthy boomers from places like New York or California.

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Scottsdale offers retirees an upscale lifestyle with a relaxing vibe.

Boomers in their retirement era are flocking to Scottsdale for wellness and the great outdoors (12)

In Scottsdale, residents enjoy the luxurious details of big-city life without sacrificing large, private residences, wide open spaces, and outdoor activities that encourage socializing, from private clubs to pristine public golf courses.

If retirement really is about relaxing in the present moment and appreciating the work it took to get there as I perceive it to be, this Phoenix suburb seems like the ideal home.

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Boomers in their retirement era are flocking to Scottsdale for wellness and the great outdoors (2024)

FAQs

Boomers in their retirement era are flocking to Scottsdale for wellness and the great outdoors? ›

Boomers in their retirement era are flocking to Scottsdale for wellness and the great outdoors. Scottsdale, Arizona, is the best place in the US to retire, according to a recent Niche ranking. Niche's ranking considers weather, health, wellness, and outdoor activities.

Is Scottsdale, Arizona a good place to retire? ›

Here's what to know. Scottsdale cracked a list of the best places to retire in the United States in 2024, according to a recent study.

Where is the best place to retire in Arizona? ›

Scottsdale. Scottsdale tops many lists of the best places to retire in Arizona. It's known for its vibrant art scene, upscale shopping, and dining. Scottsdale is a haven for foodies, with over 800 restaurants to choose from.

What do boomers want in retirement? ›

Maximum Affordability and Attractive Amenities. We all want our money to go as far as possible in retirement. We want to feel secure that our necessitates are handled, and also want to be able to pursue our favorite hobbies, take trips to all the places we've always wanted to visit, and spoil the grandkids.

Is Scottsdale a good place to live? ›

There are many reasons why Scottsdale is consistently ranked one of the best cities to live in America, including the beautiful year-round warm weather, plentiful job opportunities, fun attractions, and good walkability.

Is Scottsdale the wealthiest city in Arizona? ›

Scottsdale is one of the most well-known cities in the state, thanks to its amazing golf courses and resorts. With a median household income of $91,042, it is our third wealthiest city in Arizona. The average home price in Scottsdale is $871,609, with real estate selling for as high as $21.8 million.

Is it cheaper to live in Scottsdale or Phoenix? ›

Scottsdale, known for its upscale neighborhoods and luxury housing options, tends to have a higher cost of housing compared to downtown Phoenix. Scottsdale features various upscale homes, condos and apartments, contributing to a higher average rent or home purchase price.

Is it better to retire in Florida or Arizona? ›

Florida's tax advantages and larger retiree population attract those seeking a tax-friendly environment, while Arizona's affordability in housing and property taxes appeals to those aiming to manage expenses effectively.

Why is Arizona attractive to retirees? ›

Arizona is a moderately tax-friendly state

Arizona is retiree-friendly with respect to Social Security benefits, inheritance, and estate taxes; with none of these in play, you can pocket additional money and leave more to your heirs.

What is the most desirable city to live in Arizona? ›

Best Places to Live in Arizona
#CityPopulation
1.Gilbert275,346
2.Scottsdale243,050
3.Flagstaff75,907
4.Tucson546,574
3 more rows
Sep 9, 2024

What is the retirement mistake boomers should avoid? ›

  • Top Ten Financial Mistakes After Retirement.
  • 1) Not Changing Lifestyle After Retirement.
  • 2) Failing to Move to More Conservative Investments.
  • 3) Applying for Social Security Too Early.
  • 4) Spending Too Much Money Too Soon.
  • 5) Failure To Be Aware Of Frauds and Scams.
  • 6) Cashing Out Pension Too Soon.

What is the average retirement nest egg at 65? ›

$609,230

How much does the average boomer have in savings? ›

The median retirement savings of baby boomers is $202,000. Forty-three percent of 55- to 64-year-olds had no retirement savings at all in 2022, according to the Federal Reserve Board.

What is the nicest area of Scottsdale? ›

The Best Neighborhoods in Scottsdale
  • Old Town Scottsdale. Old Town Scottsdale is one of the city's most iconic neighborhoods, and it's easy to see why. ...
  • North Scottsdale. North Scottsdale is one of the city's most affluent neighborhoods, and it's easy to see why. ...
  • Central Scottsdale. ...
  • South Scottsdale.
Jan 29, 2023

Do any celebrities live in Scottsdale AZ? ›

Notable celebrities like former Poison lead singer Bret Michaels, former Phoenix Suns power forward Charles Barkley, “The Big Unit” Randy Johnson, and former Arizona Cardinals QB Kurt Warner own homes in Scottsdale.

Why do people like Scottsdale so much? ›

Gorgeous Weather

With around 300 days per year of sunshine plus mild winter temps and low humidity levels year-round, the valley offers one of the most ideal climates in the country. Although the summers can get hot, the low humidity creates a dry heat that's not oppressive like in some other parts of the country.

How expensive is it to live in Scottsdale AZ? ›

Cost of Living in Scottsdale, AZ
Cost of Living in Scottsdale, AZCompared to State AverageCompared to National Average
Housing (Buy and Rent)20% higher42% higher
Utilities (Monthly)5% lower8% lower
Food4% higher5% higher
Healthcare9% higher4% higher
2 more rows

Is Scottsdale unbearable in the summer? ›

Scottsdale can be super hot – especially during June, July, and August – but with our tips and tricks, you can have fun, stay cool, and see tons of amazing spots in this bustling city! Check out our guide to beating the heat during summer in Scottsdale below.

What city in Arizona has the best year round weather? ›

Phoenix, Arizona, is the best US city to live in for warm weather and a low cost of living. It has 300 sunny days per year and a warm climate all year round. The cost of living in Phoenix is low compared to other major cities.

Is it better to retire in California or Arizona? ›

Arizona vs. California

Retirees can stretch their nest eggs further and enjoy a higher quality of life in Arizona compared to California with lower individual income tax, sales and property tax rates. Many California cities have seen increased traffic congestion that many prefer to leave behind in retirement.

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