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Pick the Right Place

...for Retirement

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Spotlight on Phoenix

Phoenix, Places

Downtown

Did you know that Phoenix, Arizona is the sixth largest city in the United States? Most people are shocked by that, but spend a little time here and you will see exactly why that is!

Located in the heart of the Arizona desert, the warm weather is what attracts many boomers to Phoenix. But the things that keep them here include the amenities of a big city like fantastic restaurants, culture, and shopping that are balanced by a more-than-reasonable cost of living.

Where is Phoenix?

Phoenix is located right in the middle of the southern half of Arizona. It is about a five and a half hour drive directly east of Los Angeles, and just under two hours north of Tucson.

I-10 is the major interstate highway that runs through Phoenix, but you can also take I-17 north to connect with I-40. However, because Phoenix is a major city, you can connect with just about anywhere you want to go flying out of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

History of Phoenix

The Phoenix area was originally home to the Hohokam people, but they were eventually forced to abandon the area following multiple floods and droughts.

Jack Swilling is credited with starting the modern version of the city, and Lord Darrell Duppa is credited with naming it Phoenix as the city would rise from the ashes of the Hohokam community.

Like many parts of the country, the city saw explosive growth following World War II. That growth has continued through today, and Phoenix is now one of the most popular destinations for boomers looking to relocate for their retirement years.

Phoenix Demographics

According to the 2010 census there are 1.45 million people that call Phoenix home. That number is estimated to have grown to well over 1.5 million in recent years. While the population continues to grow very quickly, that growth has slowed a bit in recent years.

The median age in Phoenix is 32.2, and the average household income is just over $47,000.

Phoenix Climate

For most of the people looking to relocate to Phoenix, the Arizona climate is their primary reason. The area is known for long, hot summers, short, mild winters, and very little precipitation. What’s not to like about that, right?

The average highs in the summer months will creep up over 100 degrees, and the average highs in the winter months will stay up in the high 60s. The average lows in the winter months generally sit around 45 degrees.

As for precipitation, Phoenix averages less than an inch of rain in most months and virtually none in some of the springtime months.

Phoenix Resources

Because Phoenix is such a major city, there is A LOT that you are going to want to know about it before trying to explore any specific neighborhoods or communities. Luckily, there are plenty of great online resources to help you get started:

Spotlight on Hilton Head

Hilton Head, Places

Hilton Head, South Carolina

With its perfect combination of beachfront living, first-class golf courses, and outstanding restaurants, Hilton Head is at the top of nearly everyone’s list of the best places to retire in The Carolinas…or the rest of the country for that matter.

The historic Harbour Town Lighthouse is the iconic symbol that represents Hilton Head, but there is a whole lot more to this area than just a lighthouse. Residents of Hilton Head also have access to excellent shopping options, tons of biking trails and nature preserves, and the option to participate in just about any water sport you can imagine.

Where is Hilton Head?

Hilton Head is a small island community located along the southern coast of South Carolina. It is approximately two hours south of Charleston, South Carolina, and about 45 minutes northeast of Savannah, Georgia.

Hilton Head has its own airport right on the island, and you can get to and from just about anywhere you’d like to fly by connecting through Charlotte, North Carolina.

The closest interstate highway is I-95, which is about 45 minutes west of the island.

History of Hilton Head

Hilton Head received it’s name from Captain William Hilton all the way back in 1663. Ever since then, the area has been seen as an extremely valuable piece of land.

In 1956, the James F. Byrnes bridge was constructed to make Hilton Head more accessible, and shortly after Charles E. Fraser started developing Sea Pines Resort. Many other developments would quickly follow.

The PGA Tour began hosting regular events at Sea Pines Resort in 1969.

Hilton Head Demographics

The 2010 census recorded a population of 37,099 people living in Hilton Head. Current estimates show that number to have grown to just over 40,000 people.

Of that population, 27.3% are between the ages of 45 and 64, and 24.1% are 65 or older. So more than half of the population is over the age of 45.

The median income for a family in Hilton Head is just over $71,000.

Hilton Head Climate

The average highs in Hilton Head typically range from the high 80s during the summer months to the low 60s during the winter months. The average lows in the winter generally stay above the freezing point.

The island averages a little over 4 inches of precipitation each month with August representing the most precipitation for the year.

Hilton Head Resources

Because Hilton Head is such a popular vacation destination, there is a plethora of information available to help you quickly get acclimated to the area. Here are some of the best places to start your research: