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Forbes Magazine Lists Tucson as One of the ‘Best Places To Retire’

Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria (Photo by Taylor Noel Photography)

Forbes Magazine Lists Tucson as One of the ‘Best Places To Retire’

May 17, 20241 min read

Last week, Redfin, a real estate company headquartered in Seattle, shared its list of top 10 places to live in Arizona this year and Tucson is their top choice.

This week, Forbes Magazine is spotlighting the city and this time it’s for the retired crowd.

Forbes shared this year’s “Best Places To Retire In 2024” and out of 800 cities across the U.S., they’ve included Tucson in the mix. They gathered their choices by examining everything from housing costs and taxes to healthcare, air quality, crime, climate change, and natural hazard risk. Most of Forbes’ selected cities are drier climates, too.

Forbes shared the following about Tucson:

“High number of primary care doctors per capita. Very bikeable, somewhat walkable. Flat state income tax of 2.5%, with Social Security exempt and no state estate or inheritance tax.”

We’ve all heard of the term “snowbirds” and Tucson has long been a favorite destination for years. However, not everyone in that demographic is stickin’ around temporarily — they’re making a nest here in Tucson and hopefully supporting the local food scene.

So, if you’re reading this and thinking about moving to Tucson, here are a few interactive guides to help you decide where to eat, drink, and mingle with other locals.

You can read about all 25 Best Cities to Retire in 2024 at forbes.com.

Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.

He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.

If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.

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@Heartswellbooks GRAND OPENING PARTY is happening this Friday, October 16, from 10am to 8pm.💐📚🍷

@Yogawaja, @knghtmvs, @slowbodybeer, @lalalinks.tucson, @ensenadastreetfood, and their neighbors at @dilunacandlestore will also be open and joining in on the celebration!

Vegan & gluten-free options🎉@Heartswellbooks GRAND OPENING PARTY is happening this Friday, October 16, from 10am to 8pm.💐📚🍷 @Yogawaja, @knghtmvs, @slowbodybeer, @lalalinks.tucson, @ensenadastreetfood, and their neighbors at @dilunacandlestore will also be open and joining in on the celebration! Vegan & gluten-free options🎉
Foodie mixer at @kindeethaiaz!🌸 Thank you to Kin Dee Thai and everyone who came out to enjoy the evening with us!

Want to explore Tucson’s restaurant scene, eat at exclusive dinners with local chefs, and get $7,500+ in perks at 130 local spots? Tap the Tucson Foodie membership link in bio.Foodie mixer at @kindeethaiaz!🌸 Thank you to Kin Dee Thai and everyone who came out to enjoy the evening with us! Want to explore Tucson’s restaurant scene, eat at exclusive dinners with local chefs, and get $7,500+ in perks at 130 local spots? Tap the Tucson Foodie membership link in bio.
IOU Sushi III has closed. The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant on North Oracle Road announced the news on Facebook after about 10 years in Tucson. “This is the hardest post I’ve had to write,” the owners said. The post continued, “we have met some great friends who have become family to us.” Tucson Foodie first visited the restaurant in 2017, when it operated as IOU Sushi IV. 

Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.IOU Sushi III has closed. The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant on North Oracle Road announced the news on Facebook after about 10 years in Tucson. “This is the hardest post I’ve had to write,” the owners said. The post continued, “we have met some great friends who have become family to us.” Tucson Foodie first visited the restaurant in 2017, when it operated as IOU Sushi IV. Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.
THE FALL SOUTHERN AZ HOME SHOW RETURNS OCT. 16-18 WITH TWO BIG CULINARY HEADLINERS🔥 

@Tcctucson welcomes award-winning pitmaster @Sloanrinaldi for an “All Things Brisket” demo at 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, followed by a meet-and-greet. 

Three-time Iron Chef Tucson champion @Chef_antbanks of @Obonsushi takes the Culinary Showcase Stage Saturday at noon. 

The show will also feature 200+ vendors, food trucks, pet-friendly attractions, adoptable animals, HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, the Kids Market, and more. 

WHEN: Oct. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
WHERE: TCC 📍260 S. Church Ave.
TICKETS: $8 | $4 with discount coupon | Kids 12 & under free
 
SPECIAL ADMISSION: 
• Friday: Seniors 65+ free; half-price for military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers with ID 
• Saturday: Half-price for seniors and the same groups
• Sunday (Heroes Day): Seniors half-price; military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers free with ID

ALL DAYS: $2 admission from 3-5 p.m. Free parking in Convention Center Lot B.THE FALL SOUTHERN AZ HOME SHOW RETURNS OCT. 16-18 WITH TWO BIG CULINARY HEADLINERS🔥 @Tcctucson welcomes award-winning pitmaster @Sloanrinaldi for an “All Things Brisket” demo at 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, followed by a meet-and-greet. Three-time Iron Chef Tucson champion @Chef_antbanks of @Obonsushi takes the Culinary Showcase Stage Saturday at noon. The show will also feature 200+ vendors, food trucks, pet-friendly attractions, adoptable animals, HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, the Kids Market, and more. WHEN: Oct. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. WHERE: TCC 📍260 S. Church Ave. TICKETS: $8 | $4 with discount coupon | Kids 12 & under free SPECIAL ADMISSION: • Friday: Seniors 65+ free; half-price for military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers with ID • Saturday: Half-price for seniors and the same groups • Sunday (Heroes Day): Seniors half-price; military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers free with ID ALL DAYS: $2 admission from 3-5 p.m. Free parking in Convention Center Lot B.