But as you already know, visiting the state isnt the same as actually living in Arizona.
If youve been thinking of moving to Arizona, were here to help.
Keep on reading for our list of the top pros and cons of living in the Grand Canyon State.
Living in Arizona | (Shutterstock/Mark Skalny)
#2.
Beautiful Landscapes Everywhere
You want to know what my favorite part of living in Arizona is?
Towering saguaro cacti that dot the landscape like sentinels standing watch.
Living in Arizona
Petrified Forest National Park with its rainbow of fossilized trees.
And my, oh my, the sunsets.
And let me tell you, she nailed it.
#3.
The Low Cost of Living in Arizona
Heres a secret about Arizona thats too good not to share.
You know how some places seem to demand you fork over a small fortune just to live there?
Well, Arizonas got a way friendlier attitude towards your wallet.
Often more reasonable than youd expect, especially if you venture out from the major cities.
And day-to-day expenses like groceries, utilities, and gas?
Moving to Arizona | (Shutterstock/Brandon Burris)
Generally, theyll make you cringe less here than in some other states.
Plus, you’re free to save on things you might not expect.
For instance, the cost of car insurance tends to be lower here than the national average.
Saguaro National Park | Living in Arizona
And lets not forget about taxes Arizona has some pretty competitive tax rates.
#4.
#5.
Getting Around By Car Is A Breeze
Arizona has well-maintained roads.
Parking in metropolitan areas is also relatively easy.
#6.
Their influence can be felt in the art, architecture, food and traditions that youll find throughout Arizona.
The state also has a strong mix of diversity in terms of ages.
#7.
Major companies have been moving in, bringing a wave of job openings with them.
What Im saying is, if youre job hunting, Arizonas like a smorgasbord of opportunities.
#8.
Moving to Arizona
Lack of Insect Problems (Think Mosquitoes!)
One of the sweet surprises about life in Arizona?
Its a bit like living in a bug-free bubble.
Living in Arizona | (Shutterstock/Kevin Ruck)
And those pesky gnats that seem to invade every picnic in other places?
Plus, thanks to the dry climate, things like fleas and ticks arent much of an issue either.
Id call that a win in the bug department.
#9.
Low Crime Rate
You know whats one of the unsung perks of living in Arizona?
Its not the sunsets, or the hiking, or even the mild winters though all those are fantastic.
The average number of violent crimes per 1,000 people is just under 5 for the whole of the US.
Arizonas average (in cities) is less than half that, at 1.7 per thousand.
This is a rate that is lower than even many rural or suburban areas of the US.
A bunch of our communities regularly make it onto those Safest Cities lists.
You know the ones Im talking about places like Gilbert, Chandler, and Scottsdale.
Now, dont get me wrong, like anywhere, youve got to be aware and take sensible precautions.
Its one of those quality-of-life things that really makes a difference.
#10.
Cultural festivals and art shows are a year-round occurrence while living in Arizona.
Youll find large numbers of native crafts, art galleries and museums.
The melding of cultures also extends to the food in Arizona.
Youll find some of the best and most innovative Southwest cuisine in the nation here.
#11.
Fancy a quick trip south of the border?
No problem, Mexicos right next door.
Another major plus is our proximity to a slew of natural wonders.
And lets not forget about the vibrant cultural experiences at our fingertips.
#12.
Outdoor Sports Fanatics, Rejoice
If you are outdoor recreation enthusiast, youre in luck!
In Arizona, youll find access to a wide variety of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed year round.
Its a great way to make new friends.
Cons of Moving to Arizona
Nothing is perfect and Arizona is no exception.
#1.
The hottest month of the year is June, when average temperatures in Phoenix rarely fall below 100.
#2.
Brace Yourself For Barren Landscapes
Now I know I talked about the landscapes as a pro earlier.
The intense heat can quickly become dangerous in such situations.
#3.
Its almost as if our city planners assumed everyone rode a horse.
Buses and light rails can be infrequent and routes often limited, especially off-peak hours or weekends.
And if youre out in the more rural parts of the state, its basically nonexistent.
Distances between places can be long, making a car more of a necessity than a luxury.
#4.
Take the snakes for instance.
Weve got more than our fair share of venomous varieties.
Lets not forget about the scorpions that sneak into homes, especially during the summer.
Not fun, I promise you.
And then theres the big guys coyotes and javelinas.
Pets can become a target, unfortunately.
Plus, javelinas can be surprisingly aggressive if cornered.
And the bird life!
#5.
Oh, dust storms, or as we like to call them here, haboobs.
Sounds fun, right?
Like something youd order at a beach bar.
But let me tell you, theyre anything but.
And when it hits?
Its not just inconvenient it can be downright dangerous.
If youre caught driving in one, you might as well be trying to steer through a sandpaper blizzard.
Your car, your home, your poor swimming pool, all of them get a heavy dusting.
Its like Mother Natures twisted version of spring cleaning, only youre the one whos left cleaning up.
#6.
I mean, sure, theres a rugged beauty to it in the beginning.
It feels like youve stepped onto the set of an old Western movie.
But after a while?
It all starts to blend together in a sort of monotonous uniformity.
Cacti, cacti, and lets see, more cacti.
The unending stream of sunny, cloudless days can be relentless.
If youre the four-seasons jot down of person, the temperate fall and winter might bore you.
And forget about a white Christmas or regular skiing or other winter sport activities.
#7.
Highways that were easy sailing (unless youlive in Tucson) turn into slow-moving conga lines.
And trying to get a dinner reservation or a tee time?
Plus, finding affordable housing during snowbird season can be a real adventure.
Its like our population balloons overnight, and the available rentals just arent enough.
#8.
These cities attract all the major employers, especially in sectors like healthcare, finance, and tech.
But outside of these spots?
The pickings can get a little slim.
Telecommuting has gained some traction, sure, but its not a universal solution.
And then theres the competition.
It can be especially tough for recent grads or those trying to switch careers.
Theres a lot of elbowing and jostling to get at em.
Id say a salary of 50-60K per person is needed tolive comfortably in Arizona.
Its location contributes to the unique cultural landscape that make this state unique.
Truly, Arizona has something to offer for just about everyone.
Pin Living in Arizona
Cheers!
