Brief Overview:    In 1888, pretty Anytown, located in northeastern Arizona, started out as a stage stop and prospered as an oasis for weary travelers.  In the mid-20th century, tourists began to discover it, and during the last decade, this sun drenched metropolis grew rapidly, attracting RV vacationers in particular.   A spectacular desert setting, a dry climate, blue skies, year-round golf and other outdoor recreation are the reasons why people come here.

Cost of Living: 10% below national average

Population:   45,000

Growth During Last Decade: 15%

Demographics:  34% of population is age 45 or better

Crime Rates: Below national average (although property crime is above the national average)

Housing and Costs: Median home price is 165,000, above the national median but below the Western median.  Single family homes are the most common form of housing, and most homes were built within the last 50 years.  Town homes are not plentiful.  There are apartments for lease; the median price is approximately $650 per month

Taxes:  Approximate annual taxes on a $165,000 home are $1,535.   Social Security is not taxed.  Private pensions are not taxed.  The income tax rate is 4% to 7%.  

Recreation:  Plentiful lake recreation, including fishing, boating and swimming, at nearby Lake Anytown.  Twelve golf courses are within 15 miles.  The city has a system of bike and walking paths.

Cultural Amenities: Two community theaters, one symphony, several small museums, fifteen art galleries.  An arts council oversees Friday night art walks.  A handful of wineries are outside of town limits, and two have tasting rooms in town.

Library:  Anytime Public Library has free wifi, book groups, writers' groups and an interlibrary loan program.

Shopping: A few strip malls and one major indoor mall are the primary shopping venues.  Two Wal-Marts are within town limits.  One organic grocery store.

Dining:  Dining options are primarily family-style.  National chains and locally owned restaurants are in good supply.

Transportation Services: CATS is the local public bus system.   The nearest highway is I-35, 25 miles to the east.  The nearest international airport is in Phoenix, 45 miles to the north.

Median Household Income: $45,355, below the national median

Poverty Rates:  10%, below the national average

Senior Services:  Anytown Senior Center offers a good menu of services, from noon meals to exercise classes and local trips.

Political Leanings: Of voters, 62% vote Republican and 38% vote Democratic

Hospitals: Anytown Hospital has 125 beds and is accredited by the Joint Commission.  It has won national awards for excellence in women's health.  It accepts Medicare and Medicaid patients.

Nearest VA Medical Center or Clinic:  Phoenix, 45 miles away (hospital)

Climate: Hot and dry in the summer (temperatures in the 80s, 90s and even 100s) and mild during the winter (temperatures in 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s).  The area receives an average of 2 inches per year.

Comfort Index Rating (combination of humidity and temperature):  Above the national average (good)

Air Quality: Above the national average

Water Quality: Below the national average

Drawbacks:  Very hot summers.  Hoards of RV tourists from May to September.  Rattlesnakes.

Photos (link)

Map (link)

Great Retirement Spot?    Yes