There are many things to take into account if you’re thinking of moving to Arizona. From the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon to the bustling city life of Phoenix, there’s something for everyone in this southwestern state. That said, just like any other state, there are drawbacks to Arizona as well. So if you’re considering buying a home in Mesa, renting an apartment in Scottsdale, or moving to another one of Arizona’s unique cities, here’s what you need to know about the pros and cons of living in Arizona.
Pros of living in Arizona
1. There are beautiful landscapes in every direction you look
Arizona is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. These include the majestic Grand Canyon, the red rocks of Sedona, and the Petrified Forest. The state is also filled with cacti, Palo Verde trees, and a variety of other desert plants, adding to its unique desert charm.
Residents of this state can enjoy hiking, biking, climbing, and camping in the various parks and national forests, such as Apache-Sitgreaves and Coconino National Forest. If you love the outdoors, you’ll feel right at home in Arizona.
2. Arizona is relatively affordable to live
Arizona has a relatively low cost of living, making it an attractive place to live for retirees and families on a budget. Although the median home price in Arizona increased to $445,100, up 13% YoY, the price remains lower than all of its neighboring states like New Mexico at $549,000. If you’re looking for an inexpensive place to live, check out the most affordable suburbs in popular metros like Phoenix.
3. The sun is almost always out
With an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, many people move to Arizona to escape the cold winters of the Midwest and Northeast. If you’re tired of the winter blues, a move to Arizona could be just what you need. Keep in mind, however, that you’ll have to make some adjustments to your lifestyle. For example, you’ll want to keep plenty of sunblock on hand and you’ll need to stay hydrated. It can get very hot in the desert.
The year-round sunshine is also great for solar energy, which has become popular in Arizona. Solar panels are used to generate electricity for many homes and businesses in the state. This renewable energy source is good for the environment and saves you money on your energy bill. So if you make the move to Arizona, consider adding solar panels to your home.
4. The cities are built on a grid
Navigating large cities can be challenging, but for popular metros in Arizona, you may find it easier to get around due to the newly adopted grid system. This grid system varies throughout cities, but can be found in large cities like Phoenix. Phoenix is built where the majority of the city streets go north to south or east to west which makes for a easily-maneuverable design.
5. There are many outdoor activities to keep you busy
Arizona’s sunny weather and diverse landscape make it a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. There are many hiking and biking trails and opportunities for camping, rock climbing, and horseback riding. The state also has several lakes and rivers, perfect for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, or just cooling off.
The Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is also located in the northern part of the state. This natural wonder is a must-see for anyone who lives in Arizona, and there are many ways to explore it. You can hike to the bottom, take a mule ride, or whitewater raft through the rapids.
Cons of living in Arizona
1. The heat can get intense
Although the warm weather is a perk of living in Arizona, the extreme heat can also be a downside, especially during summer. The summer months in Arizona are extremely dry and can exceed average temperatures ranging from 90-120 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t like the heat, consider living in a northern Arizona city like Flagstaff or Prescott, where the temperatures are much cooler.
3. The heat can cause wildfires throughout the state
Due to the dry climate, Arizona is prone to wildfires. The state has experienced some of the worst wildfires, including the Rodeo-Chediski Fire, which burned over 469,000 acres of land in 2002. Wildfires are common, especially during the summer, due to extreme heat and lack of rainfall.
If you move to Arizona, be aware of the risks posed by wildfires and have a plan in place in case one breaks out. Keep an eye on the news and follow any evacuation orders from authorities in the event of a wildfire. Learn more about how to fireproof your house.
3. You’ll want to keep an eye out for the Arizona haboobs
During the summer, monsoon rains lead to dust storms, or “haboobs.” These massive walls of dust cause poor visibility and make driving dangerous. The storms occur when the air is the hottest and driest, between June and September.
Haboobs can disrupt the residents’ daily life, making it difficult to leave the house or go to work until the storm passes. If you move to Arizona, keep an eye on the weather forecast during these months and plan accordingly.
4. Many residents only live in the state seasonally
“Snowbird” migration is the phenomenon of northerners fleeing the cold winters in other states for the warm weather in Arizona. This influx of visitors can create crowds in popular cities like Phoenix and Tucson. The migration also drives up the cost of living in Arizona as demand for goods and services increases. If you move to Arizona, be prepared for the state to feel more crowded during the winter months.
5. Transportation is limited outside major cities
Public transportation in Arizona is not as developed as in other states. The light rail system, Valley Metro, only serves the Phoenix metropolitan area. If you live outside this area, you’ll need to rely on buses or your own vehicle to get around. This is inconvenient for people who don’t own a car or can’t drive.
Pros and cons of living in Arizona: Bottom line
The Grand Canyon State has a lot to offer its residents. From its sunny weather and beautiful desert landscape to its many outdoor activities, Arizona is a great place to live. However, the state also has its share of drawbacks, including extreme heat, dust storms, and wildfires. If you’re considering relocating to Arizona, consider the advantages and drawbacks to make an informed decision.
Methodology: Median home sale price data was pulled from the US Housing Market resource during September 2022.
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