GreatPlacesToRetire |
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Arizona, the 48th state admitted to the Union in 1912, is in the Southwest region of the U.S. with New Mexico to the east and California and Nevada to the west.
Arizona's capital and largest city is Phoenix. Other large cities include Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Scottsdale and Gilbert.
Much of Arizona is desert with very hot summers and mild winters. However, the upper elevations in the northern part of the state are covered in pine forest and have cooler winters and milder summers than the desert south. The entire state is arid with very low levels of annual precipitation.
Estimates are that the federal government owns upwards of 70% of the land in Arizona. A large amount of that land is home to the Indians of Arizona including the Navajo, Hopi, Apache, Yuman and other tribes. Arizona is a leader in tourism with numerous national parks including the Grand Canyon within its borders. Arizona is also a U.S. leader in the healthcare industry and copper production. Arizona ranks as a low tax state.
Arizona is a favorite of retirees and four places are included in our survey of best places to retire. Get video tours of these great cities at Arizona videos.
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