If a change of scenery is what you’re looking for, Arizona may just be what you need.
In addition to its rich climate, diverse topography, and scenic views, it possesses an array of exquisite cuisines. Whether you’re relocating for fun or business, or you’re seeking to get away from the damp, humid terrain, you won’t run out of options.
But you don’t need to take our word for it.
Read on!
Fun Facts About Arizona
Known as the Grand Canyon State, Arizona is a state in the southwestern part of the United States. It is popular for its dry climate and wild summers.
With lush landscape, canyons, and mountain ranges, Arizona is a choice destination for tourists and is filled with national forests and parks.
Considered the 14th largest and most populated state in the United States of America, it shares borders with some popular tourist locales like Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, California, and Utah.
The truth is, if you’re thinking of moving to Arizona, there are so many things you may need to consider.
The Grand Canyon, a famous site in Arizona, draws more than 5 million people each year. Many choose Arizona as a choice destination because of the thrill of adventure, relaxation, and endless summer vibe it offers. This makes Arizona top the list of popular tourist choices.
Summary of Pros and Cons of Living in Arizona
| Pros of Living in Arizona | Cons of Living in Arizona |
| Arizona is Always Warm | It Can Get Really Dry |
| Reasonable Cost of Living | It’s Full of Creepies |
| Job Market is Thriving | There can be Heavy Traffic in the Winter |
| Easy Road Networks | Common Outbreaks of Valley Fever |
| Arizona is the State of the Young | Summers Can Be Unbearable |
| Cultural Diversity | Cost of Living is Steadily Increasing |
| The State Teems With Tourist Sites | Slightly Racist |
If you’re still reading this, you’re probably already planning to move to Arizona.
Before you make up your mind, here are some reasons and some not too good reasons about moving to Arizona. Let’s look at them in detail.
Pros of Living in Arizona
1. Arizona is Always Warm
Among many beautiful things you’ve heard about the Grand Canyon State, Arizona is always warm.
This means that this may not be an ideal place for snow lovers. On the mountainside, temperatures can run between hot and dry from between 90°F to 120°F.
And during winter, temperatures still range above 60°F. If you’re hoping to settle in a place in the absence of chilly mornings and frosty winters, Arizona is the place for you.
2. Reasonable Cost of Living
If you’re deciding to move to Arizona permanently, then you’ll be pleased to know that the city has a good cost of living.
The cost of moving to Arizona is 5% less than the national average in its border states like California.
For a four-member family to thrive in Phoenix, the biggest city in Arizona, the cost of expenses will average about $2,700 per month, excluding the cost of housing. And for a single person, this can be as low as $800.
3. Job Market is Thriving
As one of the richest economies in the country, Arizona is big in the job market and with a thriving tech and healthcare sector, it’s no surprise.
With a gross state product of $337.42 billion in 2021, Arizona outranks many states’ GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and is a healthy site for wonderful investments.
4. Easy Road Networks
In a city like Arizona driving around can be very pleasurable as not only do you have perfect weather but driving without a GPS is pretty normal as it is easy to tell where the roads lead.
With a perfect city layout, you can easily figure out where you’re heading without stress.
If you’ve ever been to a city like Los Angeles, living in Arizona feels like a goodbye to traffic, quite literally.
5. Arizona is the State of the Young
While moving to Arizona is ideal for everyone, especially retirees, it serves wonderful attractions which would be especially enjoyable for younger people.
Enticed by the prospect of a normal-paced life with great careers and a scenic atmosphere, Arizona holds a promise for everyone, especially the young at heart.
6. Arizona is Culturally Diverse
The city of Arizona has a population of 25% Native Americans who have been around for as long as the city has been.
With this foundation, it has a great influence on Arizona’s culture with Native American languages like Navajo and Apache commonly spoken. If you’re looking for a diverse city, rich in language and culture for your children, Arizona is a fantastic alternative.
7. The State Teems With Tourist Sites
If you’re really into some sightseeing, Arizona may just be the perfect state for you.
In just Arizona alone, there are more than 15 national parks. This is excluding museums, forest reserves, and canyons. Some of these parks include
- Homolovi State Park
- Buckskin Mountain State Park
- Catalina State Park
- Oracle State Park
- Lyman Lake State Park
- Picacho Peak State Park
Cons of Living in Arizona
1. It Can Get Really Dry
If you’ve never experienced a haboob before, you’re likely to experience it for the first time in Arizona. Already with its incredible summer terrain, a haboob, which is an incredible sand storm, occurs quite regularly and as observed over time can be more of a nuisance but could also cause some destruction.
2. It’s Full of Creepies
Arizona has a landscape full of creepies such as venomous spiders, scorpions, and snakes as well as poisonous plants, bugs, and animals who find habitat in its rich and lush terrain.
3. There can be Heavy Traffic in the Winter
The roads in Arizona are usually packed in the winter when hundreds of snowbirds migrate to Arizona in search of favorable weather.
High traffic however occurs mostly in peak hour and are most severe in cities like Phoenix and Tucson.
4. Common Outbreaks of Valley Fever
Valley fever, a native of many southeastern states, is a common fungal infection in Arizona. Every year, a large population of Arizonians is affected by Valley fever which has made it a popular concern for residents. In spite of this, it is not a serious disease, and treatments are made available in most medical clinics across Arizona.
5. Summers Can Be Unbearable
If you’re escaping the cold to come to Arizona at some point you might be equally escaping the heat. While the normal temperatures are around 90° to 120°F, the southern mountains register temperatures sometimes going above 125°F. This makes summers unbearable in Arizona.
You’ll need an abundance of umbrellas to live comfortably in the summers and lots and lots of sunscreen.
6. Cost of Living is Steadily Increasing
Arizona is known for its affordable living costs. However, with its fast-growing population, the cost of housing is fast rising too. The rising cost of living can also be attributed to the influx of companies moving back to their headquarters. The downside of a booming city is always the high cost of living.
7. Slightly Racist
Since African Americans make up a small proportion of the large population in Arizona, there’s been traces of racist behavior. While this is nothing to be compared to most highly racist states, it’s something to consider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arizona a good place to live?
Arizona is one of the best places to start a new life. Most of the cities in the state are habitable when you consider human factors such as cost of living, job opportunities, and quality of health and education. Moreover, the state has an extensive transport network.
Is Arizona a Safe Place to live?
Sometimes called the Old Wild West, Arizona is a wonderful place to live because of its low crime rates, which may still be higher than most U.S states, and high job opportunities. The high crime rate occurs in these major cities where it is being seriously curtailed and is almost absent in smaller towns where business runs as usual.
Benefits of Living in Arizona
In addition to its perfectly warm weather, Arizona contributes to a large number of job opportunities, and what’s more awesome? It has a low cost of living.
It also ranks high in education, manufacturing, and healthcare and is a big market for healthy investment opportunities. If you’re going to live in Arizona, you have little to worry about!
