This content is not meant to provide financial advice. For any financial advice, please consult a professional.
You’re counting down the months (or years) until you trade snow shovels for poolside cabanas. But before you book the moving truck to Scottsdale, savvy retirees ask the same question online every day: “What do I need to do before retiring in Arizona?”
Take a look at what others have considered and accomplished who were in the same boat as you.
What Should Be on My Pre-Retirement Checklist Before Moving to Arizona?
Here are some considerations for transitioning into retirement and moving to Arizona.
24-36 Months Before Retirement
- Maximize 401(k) / IRA catch-up contributions (age 50+)
- Run a Social Security maximization scenario (ssa.gov)
- Meet with a fiduciary financial planner who understands Arizona’s tax advantages
- Get a full physical + baseline screenings (you’ll need them for Medicare & long-term-care quotes)
- Start the “Scottsdale test-drive”: rent for 2-4 weeks in North Scottsdale or Desert Ridge each year
12-24 Months Before
- Decide: sell the big house now or keep it as a rental?
- Obtain long-term-care insurance quotes (rates rise fast after 65)
- Update estate documents: Arizona-specific trust, healthcare directive, financial POA
- Create a “retirement budget” that includes luxury HOA dues, golf memberships, and travel
- Visit The Luxe at Desert Ridge in person (yes, schedule the private tour)
6-12 Months Before
- Apply for Medicare Parts A/B/D or finalize Medicare Advantage plan (Arizona has excellent options)
- Choose your Arizona healthcare network (HonorHealth, Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, or Banner)
- Downsize ruthlessly – Scottsdale condos have fabulous storage, but less is liberating
- Secure a bridge line of credit or HELOC in case your current home sells slowly
- Reserve your exact floor plan at The Luxe (popular terrace residences go under contract fast)
3-6 Months Before
- Get firm moving quotes (October–April is peak; book early)
- Notify Social Security of your address change timing
- Transfer prescriptions to a Scottsdale pharmacy (Fry’s or CVS at Desert Ridge = 3 minutes away)
- Open an Arizona bank account (many credit unions here outperform national banks)
- Finalize your lock-and-leave plan: who handles mail, bills, and the old house?
30-90 Days Before Closing
- Schedule a final walk-through of your new residence at The Luxe
- Arrange homeowners + umbrella insurance (Arizona wind/hail deductibles matter)
- Set up auto-pay for new HOA dues, utilities, and property taxes
- Ship golf clubs, wine collection, or artwork with white-glove service
- Plan your arrival celebration dinner reservation (we’ll recommend the perfect spot)
The One Item 90% of Retirees Forget (Until It’s Almost Too Late)
A cash reserve equal to 12-24 months of expenses outside your investment portfolio.
Scottsdale’s luxury lifestyle is wonderfully predictable – until the market has a hiccup and you don’t want to sell stocks at the wrong time.
Ready to Turn Your Checklist into Luxury Living? Visit The Luxe at Desert Ridge!
At The Luxe at Desert Ridge, we’ve watched plenty of accomplished retirees glide into luxury downsizing time and time again.
Start your pre-retirement journey the way you plan to live it: effortlessly, elegantly, and surrounded by breathtaking views.
Contact us today for a tour, and let’s make sure your final working day becomes the first day of the rest of your extraordinary life.
