Southwest retirement: sunshine lures retirees to Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas

Travel America, Sept-Oct, 2002 by Pat Woods

Residents attend computer, ceramics, and craft classes in the new technology and arts center. A clubhouse under construction will provide fine dining, a ballroom, billiards, and library.

Quail Creek exceeded the expectations of Dave and Nita Werth, who moved from the San Francisco Bay area to escape traffic congestion.

"Life here is as good as it gets," says Dave. "After playing golf in the morning, we have lunch and shop for gifts and hand-crafted accessory pieces for our home at Tubac, an arts community a few miles south."

An avid baseball fan, Dave takes friends to baseball spring training games at Tucson Electric Park, where "every seat is a good one."

Those who want a lifestyle far from city lights and traffic migrate to Sierra Vista, 80 miles south of Tucson. Sierra Vista, Spanish for mountain view, boasts a new indoor aquatic center and nature preserves frequented by birdwatchers and hikers.

The area's striking mountain views and a four-season climate at 4,623 feet lead retirees to Winterhaven, a gated adult community adjacent to Fort Huachuca.

Karen and Gabe Beckers from Wales, Wisconsin, like the cooler climate and small-town ambiance. "Sierra Vista is great in a low-key way. It's not posh, but nature lovers like it," Karen says. The Beckers like the intellectual stimulation at Winterhaven. "Our circle includes retired educators, a sculptor, an author, and a metaphysicist."

George and Patty Aubrey play golf and work out at a health club in Sierra Vista. They like being able to get around quickly. "We drive to Tucson several times a month to shop," says Patty, who volunteers at a hospital.

NEW MEXICO. High altitude, abundant sunshine, and low humidity draw health conscious retirees to the "Land of Enchantment." The fifth largest state's sparse population leaves plenty of room for newcomers. Though there are some active adult communities, they are not as common as in Arizona.

In Albuquerque, LaVida Llena--Spanish for "the full life"--provides everything from a fitness center, bank, and hair salon to model train, ceramics, and genealogy rooms. Other amenities include an indoor pool, three daily meals, housekeeping, scheduled transportation, and nursing services. An activity director coordinates events, trips, and concerts.

Las Cruces, New Mexico's second largest city, offers seniors a comfortable four-season climate. Summer highs rarely reach 100 degrees, and winter snows average just three inches. New Mexico State University and the American Southwest Theatre Company ensure a vibrant cultural scene.

Also in southwestern New Mexico, Silver City is a lively arts mecca with a well-preserved downtown area and homes scattered across the green foothills. Set at an elevation of 5,900 feet, Silver City is just 10 miles from the Gila National Forest. A number of developments actively court retirees.

Berrenda Creek Ranch, adjacent to the Gila National Forest between Silver City and Las Cruces, offers a select number of 40- and 60-acre homesteads ($109,000 or $139,000) on a working cattle ranch, research park, and wildlife preserve all rolled into one. It's one of several protective developments in New Mexico being promoted by ecologyminded Heritage Ranch Conservation Properties, which sells the homesteads to fund its conservation activities and protect ranch lands from encroaching subdivisions.