If you are thinking about moving to Arizona, there are many things to consider. From the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon to the bustling urban life of Phoenix, there’s something for everyone in this Southwest. That said, like any other state, Arizona has its drawbacks. If you are considering buying a house in Mesa, renting an apartment in Scottsdale, or moving to one of Arizona’s unique cities, here are some things you need to know about the pros and cons of living in Arizona.
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Quick Facts About Arizona
Population 7,151,502 Central Home Selling Price Average Rent 455,100 $1,499 Arizona Phoenix, Tucson and Mesa Largest City
Is Arizona a good place to live?
yes! Many will say that Arizona is the perfect place to live. From desert hiking to mountain biking, it is a popular destination for those looking to get sunshine all year round, cut taxes and access to outdoor recreation. Although prices have risen in recent years, homes are still relatively affordable compared to coastal states. Everyday life here tends to be more relaxed, with suburban sprawls and natural beauty mixed just outside the city. There will also be a growing food scene as new restaurants open in hotspots across Scottsdale, Tempe and Phoenix Metro. If you love to travel, central Arizona places make it easy to get to California, Nevada, Utah, or Mexico by driving or flight.
However, living in Arizona has its challenges. Summer heat can be intense, especially in the southern states where temperatures often exceed 110°F for weeks. Air conditioners are not an option. As it is a must, expect above average utility costs in hot months. And with the growth of metropolitan areas like Phoenix, traffic congestion is becoming even more of a problem, and with limited public transport, it’s almost necessary to own a car here.
1. Pro: The sun is almost always out
Arizona offers serious upgrades to those tired of gray skies and harsh winters, with an average of 300 days of sunlight per year. That’s a big reason why so many people in the colder parts of the country are moving here. Dry, sunny weather is less likely to be heart-pounding and the consistent sunlight makes it easier to be active all year round. All of that sun also makes Arizona the leader in solar energy. Homeowners can take advantage of generous sunlight and view low energy bills with rooftop panels. If you’re thinking long term and want to cut costs or reduce your carbon footprint, solar is a wise move here.
2. CON: The heat in Arizona can get intense
Warm climates are a perk to living in Arizona, but extreme heat can also be a downside, especially during the summer. Summer months in Arizona are extremely dry and can exceed average temperatures in the 90-120 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll want to heat your home, and if you don’t like the heat, consider living in northern cities like Flagstaff and Prescott, where temperatures are cool.
3. Pro: Arizona is relatively affordable
Arizona continues to attract new residents, as the cost of living remains relatively affordable, especially when compared to neighboring states like California. Home prices have been rising in recent years (median home sales prices are around $455,000, slightly above the national median $431,000). Many regions in the state offer your money more area than you would find in other major metros. Cities such as Tucson, Mesa and parts of West Valley offer more budget-friendly options for both renters and buyers without sacrificing access to jobs, schools and amenities.
Arizona has a tendency to go beyond housing to reduce costs of utilities, groceries and transportation. For example, energy bills can be high in the summer months due to air conditioning, but the state generally avoids the general heating costs in colder areas. Lowering the overall tax burden, including the lack of tax on social security income, could make Arizona a practical and cost-conscious option for many.
4. CON: You’d want to keep an eye on Arizona Hubbus
During the summer, monsoon rain can lead to sandstorms, or “Haboobs.” These large dust walls can cause poor visibility and dangerous driving. Storms occur between June and September when the air is hottest and drier. Haboobs can make it difficult to leave or go to work until the storm passes. If you are moving to Arizona, keep an eye on the weather forecast for these few months and plan accordingly.
5. Pro: Statewide Amenities Expansion
As the state’s population grows, so does its facilities. New grocery stores, entertainment options and shopping centres are appearing in the fast-growing suburbs of Gilbert, Chandler and Peoria. The food and drink scene is also evolving rapidly, with a wave of innovative restaurants, craft breweries and coffee shops opening in Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale. This growth will bring more diversity and convenience to everyday life, especially for those looking for a blend of urban energy and suburban amenities.
6. CON: Many residents live here only seasonally
The “snowbird” migration is a phenomenon in northerners fleeing the cold winters of other states due to the warm climate of Arizona. This influx of visitors can create crowds in popular cities such as Phoenix and Tucson. The transition will increase the cost of living in Arizona as demand for goods and services increases. If you move to Arizona, prepare yourself to feel the nation is more crowded during the winter.
7. Pro: There are beautiful landscapes in every direction you see
The natural beauty of Arizona, home to the majestic Grand Canyon, the red rocks of Sedona and the petrified forests, is hard to ignore. Whether you hike in layers of red rock driving through the Sagaro-studded desert or escape into the pine forests to the north, the scenery is constantly changing and always impressive. The state is also filled with cacti, Palo Verde trees and various other desert plants, adding its unique desert charm. You don’t need to travel far to find new views. The variety of scenery allows you to travel from the canyon to the forests and mountains on the same weekend. It is one of the few states that can sell you by staying alone with the view.
8. CON: Wildlife may be a little too close to the house
Living in Arizona means sharing space with desert wildlife, and sometimes includes your backyard. It is not uncommon to find scorpions, snakes, coyotes, or javelinas in residential areas, especially in the suburbs of an urban area or near open desserts. Homeowners will take extra precautions, such as sealing the entrance or being cautious at dusk and dawn times. Most encounters are harmless, but if you’re not used to living near nature, that’s something to be aware of.
9. Pro: Cities are built on a grid
Navigating big cities can be difficult, but for the popular metros in Arizona, it’s easy to navigate because of the newly adopted grid system. This grid system varies from city to city, but can be found in large cities like Phoenix. Phoenix is built with most of the city’s streets going north or east to west, providing a design that is easy to maneuver. As one of the best places to live in Arizona, Phoenix offers both convenient navigation and high quality living.
10. CON: The heat can cause wildfires throughout the state
Due to its dry climate, Arizona is prone to wildfires. The state has experienced some of the worst wildfires in 2002, including the Rodeo and Chediski fire, which burned more than 469,000 acres of land. Wildfires are common, especially during the summer due to extreme heat and lack of rain.
If you are moving to Arizona, be aware of the risks posed by wildfires and plan in case one breaks out. Keep an eye on the news and follow the evacuation orders from the authorities in the event of a wildfire. Learn more about how to fire resistant your home.
11. Pro: There are many outdoor activities to keep you busy
The Arizona landscape is a playground for outdoor lovers. From hiking in the red rocks of Sedona to paddleboarding at Tempetown Lake, there’s no shortage of ways to stay active. Within a few hours of drives, you can explore mountain trails, desert scenery, canyons and lakes. One of the world’s seven natural wonders, the Grand Canyon is also located in the northern part of the state. This natural wonder is a must-see for anyone living in Arizona, and there are many ways to explore it. You can hike to the bottom or run a white water raft through the Rapid. The weather (especially outside of summer peaks) allows you to spend the whole year outside. Whether you’re just taking on a rock climbing, cycling, golf, or a sunset hike, Arizona offers plenty of reasons to get away from the screen.
12. CON: Infrastructure is still catching up outside the major metro
Arizona’s population growth has surpassed infrastructure in many areas. As more people move to cities like Phoenix, Mesa and Tucson, roads, public transport and utilities are under pressure. Traffic congestion is becoming a major problem in major metros, with some burgeoning suburbs still catching up to key services such as water, broadband internet and public transport. While investments are being made to improve infrastructure, the rapid pace of development means that some communities will feel a burden before solutions are fully implemented.
