New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

Why Green Valley, Arizona, is the Ideal Retirement Destination for Ohio National Mutual Employees

Retirement is a significant phase of life where the choice of an ideal location involves various factors beyond mere convenience. Medical accessibility, recreational opportunities, community involvement, and safety play crucial roles in determining the suitability of a haven for Ohio National Mutual retirees. While Florida remains one of the most popular retirement destinations in the U.S., Arizona has emerged as equally attractive for those seeking a blend of comfort, ease, and natural beauty.

Arizona's importance as a retirement destination is confirmed by recent results from Realtor.com , which ranked Green Valley, Arizona, as the second-best retirement spot in 2024. This ranking marks a notable improvement from its fourth position in 2023, primarily due to the region's natural attractions, including bird-watching opportunities in Madera Canyon. Located about 30 miles south of Tucson in Pima County, Green Valley was founded in the 1960s and currently has approximately 20,000 permanent residents with an average age of 74. The community is specially designed for retirees, with 83% of real estate listings considered retirement-friendly and an average listing value of $350,000.

The market dynamics observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, where remote work became widespread, allowed individuals to adopt a retirement lifestyle prematurely. According to Stacey Bell, a realtor at Long Realty Company/Luxury Portfolio International, the current real estate market is more balanced, facilitating an in-depth exploration for future buyers. Bell highlights the phenomenon by noting, 'Quality homes continue to sell quickly, but now is the time to explore the market thoroughly.'

Green Valley offers more than just beautiful scenery and suitable housing; it is rich in history and culture. Nearby Sahuarita preserves remnants of Indian heritage with Jesuit settlements dating back to the 17th century. Architecture and history enthusiasts can explore the San Xavier Del Bac Mission, located about 20 miles north, known for being Arizona's oldest European structure. Additionally, the Titan Missile Museum, the last remaining Titan II site from the Cold War era, provides a unique perspective on historic military infrastructure. Ohio National Mutual retirees should take these attractions into consideration when deciding where they would like to retire.

Culturally, the region thrives with the artistic vibrancy of Tubac, where numerous galleries and museums enrich the local cultural landscape. Green Valley itself promotes an active lifestyle with its remarkable communal facilities, such as more than ten pools, various tennis and pickleball courts, and six fitness centers. The community offers a variety of classes and activities, ranging from foreign language courses to yoga, catering to different interests and encouraging lifelong learning and engagement. These are perfect for Ohio National Mutual retirees looking to pick up new hobbies during their retirement years.

Describing the lifestyle, Bell states, 'It's an adult summer camp.' Our entire community is designed for retirees to discover hidden talents, engage in passions, and rejuvenate. We are close enough to Tucson to enjoy world-renowned dining, culture, and entertainment, yet far enough to enjoy tranquility.

According to Realtor.com, Green Valley's proximity to a major urban center like Tucson enhances its appeal, offering numerous entertainment and cultural options. This proximity ensures that retirees have access to the best of both worlds—a peaceful neighborhood life bolstered by the amenities and conveniences of a large city.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

In summary, as Ohio National Mutual employees approach retirement, places like Green Valley stand out not only for their serene environments and tailored amenities but also for their rich cultural heritage and strong community life. This destination offers a comprehensive lifestyle that promotes both relaxation and active engagement, essential for a fulfilling retirement.

Green Valley, Arizona, not only offers a beautiful retirement setting but also stands out for its exceptional healthcare services, which are a critical consideration for retirees. According to a 2023 U.S. News study, Arizona boasts several top hospitals offering specialized services for older adults. With easy access to these healthcare facilities from Green Valley, retirees can enjoy quality medical assistance while living in a peaceful environment. This healthcare accessibility is particularly attractive for Ohio National Mutual employees entering retirement, ensuring continuous health support during their golden years.

Choosing Green Valley, Arizona, for your Ohio National Mutual retirement is akin to selecting a fine vintage wine—meticulously nurtured and perfectly balanced to enhance your golden years. Just as a wine connoisseur appreciates the rich history and refined qualities of a vintage, retirees will appreciate the serene landscape of Green Valley, its rich cultural past, and its well-planned amenities. This community combines the tranquility of a secluded retreat with the vibrancy of cultural and recreational activities, much like a wine that offers both a smooth note and a burst of flavors, ensuring a retirement that is as fulfilling as a fine wine enjoyed in peace.

What retirement plan options does Ohio State offer its employees, and how do these plans compare in terms of contribution rates and employer matching? Understanding the distinctions between the ARP Defined Contribution and OPERS Traditional Pension Plan is important for making informed retirement choices.

Retirement Plan Options: Ohio State offers several retirement plan options, including the ARP Defined Contribution, OPERS Member-Directed, OPERS Traditional Pension (Defined Benefit), and OPERS Combined Plan (Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution). Employees contribute 10% of their eligible compensation to these plans, and Ohio State contributes 14%. In the ARP, employees manage their investments, while OPERS plans involve a mixture of defined benefit formulas and employee contributions(Ohio State_Retirement P…).

How does the vesting schedule work for contributions made to the various retirement plans at Ohio State? Employees should have a clear understanding of when they become fully vested in employer contributions and how this affects their retirement benefits.

Vesting Schedule: For the ARP plan, both employee and university contributions are immediately vested. In the OPERS Member-Directed plan, employee contributions are immediately vested, but university contributions are vested over five years. For the OPERS Traditional Pension and Combined plans, vesting occurs in stages: employees become 33% vested after 5 years and 67% vested after 10 years(Ohio State_Retirement P…).

In what ways can Ohio State employees manage their retirement accounts following termination or retirement, including options for lump-sum distributions or rolling funds into other retirement vehicles? Exploring these options can help employees better plan their financial future post-employment.

Account Management Post-Employment: Upon termination or retirement, employees can either leave their balance with the provider, roll it over into another qualified account, or withdraw funds as lump sums, fixed-period payments, or annuities. OPERS also offers joint or multiple life annuities(Ohio State_Retirement P…).

Can you elaborate on the investment choices available under the Ohio State ARP Defined Contribution plan, and how does the investment risk differ from that of the OPERS plans? Itâ€™s essential to assess how employees can maximize their retirement savings through sound investment strategies.

Investment Choices and Risk: In the ARP Defined Contribution and OPERS Member-Directed plans, employees choose from various investment options, bearing all the associated risks and fees. In contrast, OPERS manages the assets in the Traditional Pension and the DB portion of the Combined Plan, so employees assume no investment risk(Ohio State_Retirement P…).

What criteria must be met for employees at Ohio State to qualify for disability benefits under the pension plans, and how are these benefits structured? Understanding the nuances of these benefits can be crucial for staff planning for unforeseen events.

Disability Benefits: Employees can qualify for disability benefits under OPERS after five years of service. Benefits are calculated based on service credits in the Traditional Pension and Combined Plans. The ARP plan offers no additional disability benefits beyond the vested account balance(Ohio State_Retirement P…).

How does the interaction between Ohio State's retirement plans affect employees' eligibility for Social Security benefits, and what considerations should be taken into account? This is a significant aspect that can influence long-term retirement planning.

Interaction with Social Security: Participation in Ohio State's retirement plans may reduce Social Security benefits for eligible employees due to offset provisions. This can impact long-term retirement planning, so employees should consider this when making decisions(Ohio State_Retirement P…).

What are the tax implications of withdrawing funds from Ohio State's retirement plans, and how can employees effectively plan for these taxes? Insights into the tax-deferred nature of contributions can aid in financial decision-making.

Tax Implications: Contributions to Ohio State’s retirement plans are made on a pre-tax basis, meaning federal and state taxes are deferred until the time of withdrawal. Early withdrawals (before age 59½) may incur additional tax penalties(Ohio State_Retirement P…).

Are there any additional benefits or programs available to employees through Ohio State that can complement retirement savings, such as health care benefits after retirement? These additional offerings can significantly enhance overall retirement security.

Additional Benefits: Ohio State provides health care, disability, and survivor benefits to employees enrolled in the OPERS Traditional Pension and Combined Plans. Access to a Retiree Medical Account for healthcare expenses is available in some plans(Ohio State_Retirement P…).

How can Ohio State employees get in touch with the Human Resources department to learn more about retirement plan options, contribution limits, and other benefits? It's crucial for employees to know the right channels to obtain help regarding their retirement planning.

Human Resources Contact: Employees can contact the Office of Human Resources or their selected ARP provider for more information on retirement plan options, contribution limits, and other benefits. Ohio State also provides resources on its HR website(Ohio State_Retirement P…).

What changes, if any, are expected in Ohio State's retirement plans for the upcoming year, especially concerning contribution limits and other regulatory adjustments? Staying informed about potential changes can help employees proactively adjust their retirement savings strategies. These questions aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of retirement plans and associated benefits at Ohio State, facilitating employee engagement and informed decision-making.

Expected Plan Changes: Any changes to contribution limits or plan adjustments will likely be communicated through Ohio State’s HR department. It's essential for employees to stay updated through official HR channels to proactively adjust their retirement strategies(Ohio State_Retirement P…).