By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

Many Otter Tail County retirees who enjoy living in lakes country during the summer months switch to living in Arizona, “land of the sun in the desert,” during the winter months.

Such is the case for those who winter in Phoenix and surrounding communities. Just to the east they enjoy the Superstition Mountains where tourist destinations include Goldfield Ghost Town, Lost Dutchman State Park, Apache Trail and Tortilla Flat.

Some Otter Tail County retirees have winter homes in Arizona. Others who enjoy short vacations to the “land of the sun” can take direct flights from Fargo to Mesa, Arizona, and back via Allegiant Airlines, at very reasonable rates.

Residing in Mesa during the winter months is retiree Phyllis Freeman who lives at Dead Lake, southwest of Perham, during the summer months.

“It’s a win-win situation for me, with friends in Otter Tail County during the summer and friends down here in Arizona during the winter months,” she said. “An added joy is fellow churchgoers at Maine Presbyterian Church near Phelps Mill and good friends at the church down here in Arizona, at Amazing Grace Presbyterian Church near Mesa.”

A man who has ties to Otter Tail County and heads down south and lives in Arizona from December through April is Doug Driscoll.

“My wife Cathy and I bought a home in Sunland Village in Mesa in 2014,” Driscoll said. “We love the sunny sky.  I play golf four days of the week, not necessarily getting better, but love the game. When people ask if we are snowbirds we say we are sunbirds.”

Many Minnesotans love Arizona in the winter because of its warm climate. Phoenix is a top destination for snowbirds from Minnesota. The hiking, golfing and biking are what pulls many Minnesotans to Arizona during the winter months.

Retirees from Otter Tail County also appreciate the favorable Arizona climate for older adults which can benefit health conditions such as arthritis. Cities such as Phoenix, Tucson and Scottsdale offer excellent art, music and dining options.

After Arizona, the most popular states for Minnesota retirees escaping to warmer climates during the winter months are Florida, Texas and California.