Top Spots to Retire in the Southwest

If you’re getting ready to retire, you’re probably looking for the right community to fit your needs. Below is a list of top spots to retire in the Southwest.

I know what you must be thinking. She’s too young to be thinking about retirement. The fact is, however, you are never too young to start thinking about your future.

Whether you like to golf, hike, get involved in social activities or just want a place with some warmer weather, these are all great choices. From Arizona to New Mexico and Texas, the offerings at these seven unique communities are something to consider.

Arizona

• Talking Rock  – Located in Prescott, Talking Rock takes my top spot because Prescott is one of the coolest little historic towns in the nation. Prescott is about 120 miles north of Phoenix and loaded with western history and culture. Talking Rock’s proximity to downtown means great bars, shopping, and live music is just 20 minutes away, but peace and quiet are available when you want it. The community boasts an 18-hole Championship Jay Morrish Golf Course, fitness center, yoga classes, whiskey society, wine dinners, resort-style pool, dog park, community garden, weekly hikes and more. Talking Rock has a variety of offerings – move-in-ready homes, custom lots on the golf course and two- to 10-acre ranch sites available – making it the perfect place to retire.

• Tucson, Ariz. (100 miles south of Phoenix) This one holds a special place in my heart, it is my hometown after all! Home to the University of Arizona, Tucson has hills and nearby mountains with the most amazing hiking trails, along with a vibrant lifestyle. The foothills or Oro Valley (since I already live here and love it!) would be a good spot to spend our golden years, and with more than 200 performing arts dates a year, we’d never get bored. We love the warm weather, golf, eclectic culture and diversity, plus Tucson International Airport is just a short drive away and can connect us to pretty much anywhere in the US or world with a quick flight. Plus, we have one of the largest gems shows in North America every February and El Tour de Tucson in April, which boasts a 100-mile bike race.

• Cadence at Gateway in Mesa, Ariz. (Phoenix area) Adding this top-rated master-planned community in Mesa, Ariz. to my list might seem like a surprise, but its amazing resort-style amenities made me take a second look. (Check out those waterpark-style double twisty slides!) I love that instead of being age restricted, each of Cadence’s different neighborhoods focuses on different stages of life – empty nesters or retirees can enjoy wine by the fire pit, while a nearby neighborhood offers swings and sports fields for larger families. I’m loving its fitness center, yoga and spin rooms, game room, and bocce ball court. Spring training baseball is just a short drive away, and the community is conveniently located near Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.

New Mexico

• Mariposa – Located in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, this is not a traditional retirement community. This community has no age restrictions (which you know I love). Both families with children searching for great schools, and those looking for a quiet retreat, can find it here. I love that it’s nestled in the foothills and has views of the surrounding Sandia mountain ranges. Mariposa offers those looking to enjoy the next stage of life surrounded by the beauty of New Mexico with hundreds of biking, hiking and running trails. Located just north of Albuquerque, there are numerous options for entertainment and activities. From outdoor extreme adventures to plentiful parks, shopping and dining, museums, hot air balloon rides, and monuments, Rio Rancho seems to have it all. Mariposa is definitely is in the running when we retire!

• Santa Fe, N.M. – I’m loving the thought of living in this eclectic mountain town. At 7,000 feet and with 70,000 residents, Santa Fe is renowned for its arts and culture. I have never been there, but Santa Fe looks like a magical, energetic, diverse and colorful destination for us – with great weather and things to do any time of year. I’m thinking the history and culture will fascinate and inspire both my husband and me – plus any guests that come to visit!

Texas

 

• Marble Falls, Texas (50 miles northwest of Austin) – I just heard about Marble Falls and the “Hill Country” of Texas. Wow, the lakes and fields of bluebonnets are breathtaking. It looks like it’s close enough to the excitement of Austin, but far enough away from the traffic (which is Austin’s biggest downfall). Marble Falls is nestled in the hill and lake country west of Austin and has the most charming downtown shops, galleries, and restaurants. Plus, enough space to really enjoy our retirement. New homes are going up in Gregg Ranch and have several builder options (including Pulte) so we could buy new, or do a little “Fixxer-Upper” in our own Texas spread. We’d love all the charming festivals, events, and arts that seem to be in rich supply in Marble Falls.

• New Braunfels, Texas  – Just 35 miles northeast of San Antonio, I had to add this to my list for the delicious German food, culture, and art this city boasts. Its rich German heritage extends to great festivals, down-to-earth neighbors, clean streets and affordable housing. There’s also Wurstfest, a unique annual celebration rich in German culture. Plus – there is great medical access nearby, (in case I eat too many brats), but seriously I could. Some say this town of over 57,000 offers the best lifestyle for the money if you’re looking to settle down in South Central Texas.

What spots are you checking out? What else should I add to my list? Even though we’re still in our late forty’s/mid fifty’s, I want to make sure I know exactly where we’re headed long before we want to move to make sure it’s the last home we ever need to buy. Good times, (i.e. no kids!) here we come!

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