My wife and I are contemplating an early semi-retirement. This would involve downsizing and simplifying our lives, and getting to do more things we like to do instead of the constant drudgery of things we have to do. We’re cognizant of the fact that we’ll have to give up some things in the process, and we’re willing to take much lower paying jobs to supplement our savings. We don’t have kids.
My major hobby is photography, primarily nature and travel. My biggest dream at this point is to live somewhere that I can learn well and have access to photograph year round (as opposed to just during a 2 week vacation). I have been to Moab a couple of times, and I love the scenery there. My wife is happy to live wherever, she just wants a smaller life.
Has anyone lived in Moab for any length of time? Got any thoughts on the place? Are there unforeseen difficulties for a non-LDS?
Well, I think it’s a case of, “Different strokes for different folks.” Some people can be perfectly happy in an environment like that. Others, like myself, are used to living adjacent to a major city where I can avail myself of the Goodman Theatre, sports venues, fine restaurants, museums, Navy Pier, etc. If both you and your wife can be perfectly happy with such a simplified lifestyle, then it is perfect for you.
I’ve only visited a couple of times. I think the limited number of things there would get to me after a while, although with good internet and cable you could feel pretty connected. And it’s got a lot of tourist sites within easy striking distance (and, thus, stuff for them to do and lots of amenities)
Still, the town’s only got about 5,000 people, and it’s a few hours drive to Salt Lake or any other cities.
I haven’t lived there, but I visit frequently, and I’ll say (as a Mormon) that Moab is probably one of the least-LDS areas in Utah. I can’t imagine a different religion (or none at all) causing you much of any problems there. My vote is: get a RZR and have a blast!
Moab is the Sodom of Utah. I think the Mormons just pretend that it’s actually in Arizona. True about the scenery, as it’s very close to some of the most spectacular national parks in the country, and not all that far from places like Mesa Verde and Antelope Canyon. The only downside is that it’s mobbed with tourists in good weather, and my impression was of one big strip mall.
Be sure you are considering the society. I don’'t know anything at all about Moab, but it doesn’t sound like a hotbed of intellectualism.
You are looking for a place to retire, which means this is the place you will be in as you age, and start to need help. Is Moab the kind of place where you are likely to build the friendships that will get you through? Is it a place with good social services and medical facilities? How are the state elder care services? Is there a strong social safety net int he state, should your retirement funds run dry?
These things will matter a great deal in 15 years or so; choose wisely.
Oddly enough I am driving out west this spring and am staying at least a day in Vegas and Flagstaff but can stay an extra day in one of them. Not into gambling other than poker, and am already seeing the Grand Canyon, so I’m also interested in what else there is to do in Flagstaff.
The proximity to scenery is the big selling point. I’d actually want to take advantage of the tourism: part of the plan is, after a year or so, to start giving photo tours. We’ve also considered opening an AirBnB (I have found there might be zoning issues in Moab with that.)
I don’t think Moab would be our final retirement destination. Rather, kind of an intermediate step before full retirement.
Ages ago, before ten-digit dialing was common, I read of a mother in Wendover who saw on an SLC television station an ad for kids to call call a phone number and hear a Santa story. She did, forgetting Nevada’s area code was not the same as Utah’s. “My kid heard a story, all right, but it wasn’t about Santa,” she said – it was a sex line. The station added the AC to the ad.
I’d look into getting a trailer or mobile home and travelling around a bit rather than tying yourself to Moab (nice as it is). I’ve never lived there, but depending on where you’re coming from it could be an annoying place to be for semi-retirement. It’s a tourist town, with everything geared to the tourist economy and schedule. Unless you’re in the tourist industry there might not be a lot for you there. With a nice motor home you can travel to places a bit further afield, and still spend extended time in major towns like Moab.
We’re headed to western Utah this spring and I wonder if towns like St George might offer more for the semi-retired? It’s closer to a major city; granted that city is Las Vegas. Moab isn’t too far to Grand Junction with isn’t huge but has some limited culture.
Do you mountain bike? I’m pretty sure you’re required to own at least two bikes per person if you choose to live in Moab. And a Jeep. And kayak.
Just be aware that some areas are the purview of Indian tribes, who are the only ones who can give tours in them. Antelope Canyon is a prime example. That whole part of AZ is full of slot canyons, though.
Flagstaff isn’t bad, as it’s at a much higher elevation than, say, Phoenix. They even get snow in the winter.
Or Evanston, which is Utah’s beer, porn and fireworks store.
If you are OK with fairly random odd social restrictions (not religous, just a perm outsider) and can laugh off what will seem to be random dis-invitings from social engagements is it OK. Like any place that you may move where there is a majority group that you do not belong it can be challenging.
The tourist industry helps partially mitigate this issue, and as you aren’t in a industry that will require political help you will be fine if a bit more socially isolated.
We stayed in a VRBO or Vacasa place called Creekside right in the heart of town, so they do allow vacation rentals there. Not much AirBnB presence but other options if you want to go that route.
Lots. Meteor Crater is about an hour’s drive (IIRC), and the Lowell Observatory is worth a visit. The Pioneer Museum is a hidden jewel, and Walnut Canyon isn’t far away if you haven’t had enough of canyons by then.
Check the Flagstaff, Az website, most stuff is Grand Canyon associated, but there is lots of stuff in the immediate area.
