Essential Things To Know Before Moving To Arizona
Is Arizona a good place to live? That’s today’s topic.
I will address the question head-on and support my answer with the pros and cons of living in Arizona. Before wrapping up, I will share some insightful comments from a long-time local Arizona resident.
Let’s dive in before you pack up your bags and move to Arizona.
Is Arizona A Good Place To Live?
Arizona is an excellent place to live, work, and play. The state boasts a high level of livability, factoring in critical elements like affordability, employment prospects, and the standards for healthcare and education. On the other hand, the intense summer heat, congested metropolitan areas, and influx of seasonal residents turn some people off about living in Arizona.
Next, see how Arizona’s pros and cons align with these comments.
Pros And Cons Of Living In Arizona: Side-By-Side Comparison
| Living in Arizona Pros | Living in Arizona Cons |
| 1. Modest cost of living | 14. Intense summer heat |
| 2. Low taxes | 15. Haboob storms |
| 3. Job opportunities | 16. Monsoon season |
| 4. Grid system of roads | 17. Lack of 4 seasons |
| 5. Cultural activities | 18. Heavy metro traffic |
| 6. Ethnic diversity | 19. Not walk or bike-friendly |
| 7. Youthful population | 20. Lots of barren desert |
| 8. Diverse wildlife | 21. Poisonous plants |
| 9. Abundant sunshine | 22. Dangerous critters |
| 10. Low humidity | 23. Valley fever |
| 11. Few traditional insects | 24. Snowbirds and tourists |
| 12. Outdoor recreation | 25. Political bias |
| 13. Conveniently located |
Next, I’m diving into these good and bad things about Arizona. Before wrapping up, I will share some insightful comments about life in Arizona from a long-time local.
Disclosure: At no cost to you, I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Pros Of Living In Arizona
1. You Can Balance Your Budget After Moving To Arizona
Arizona offers residents a moderate cost of living. However, this pro only holds if you avoid moving to the state’s more expensive cities like Scottsdale.
Stay away from Arizona’s significant metropolitan areas and trendy places to save on:
- Housing
- Groceries
- Utilities
- Gas
To beat our budget, we use the rebate service from Rakuten. It’s a great app for earning cash back on everything you buy online.
2. Arizona Residents Pay Low State Income Taxes
Arizona politicians recently reduced the state’s income tax rate to a super-low 2.5%.
If you consider retiring in Arizona, you get another bonus because the state does not tax social security benefits.
Arizona’s property tax rates are reasonable, too. According to WalletHub, the state’s real estate tax rate is one of the lowest in the country.
Moving to Arizona from a high-tax state like California or Oregon can mean significant tax savings. However, taxes are tricky, so check with your tax advisor to see how much money you will save.
3. Living In Arizona Means Access To Good Job Opportunities
Arizona’s economy is large, growing, and generating many good jobs.
The state’s top industries include:
- Healthcare
- Aerospace
- Tourism
- Real estate
- Government services
- Technology
Calling Arizona home are nearly 10 Fortune 500 companies, including:
- Avnet
- Freeport-McMoRan
- Republic Services
Finally, Arizona’s two metropolitan areas of Phoenix and Tucson account for a large share of the state’s job market. Thus, plan accordingly if you are moving to Arizona for a new job.
4. Arizona Was Nicely Planned And Laid Out On A Grid System
After moving to Arizona, it is easy to know your direction and get around the big cities without the constant aid of GPS.
Arizona’s cities were built on a grid system, unlike other places where the roads are confusing and winding. Thus, the streets generally run north-south and east-west, making it easy to get around.
5. You Can Enjoy Great Cultural Activities When Living In Arizona
Arizona has excellent cultural attractions, including niche museums, interactive exhibits, and historical attractions.
Consider the Desert Botanical Garden, located in Phoenix. This is a great place to learn about desert landscapes, plants, cacti, and architecture.
Take part in the Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival. It is Arizona’s largest celebration, honoring the state’s Mexican heritage.
6. Racial And Ethnic Diversity Can Be Found In Arizona
Arizona offers a lot of racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity.
First, the state has a sizeable Hispanic population. Listen for the sounds of Spanish being spoken throughout the state.
Second, many of the state’s residents are Native Americans. The Navajo tribe and others comprise Arizona’s indigenous group. You will find that Apache and Navajo languages are still spoken in the region.
7. A Youthful Population Lives In Arizona
After moving to Arizona, you may be surprised to learn the state has one of the youngest populations in the country. Even with the influx of seniors moving to Arizona to enjoy retirement living, the state is getting younger, not older!
For example, the median age is about 38 years. This fact puts Arizona in the top one-third of states for youthfulness in America.
On the other hand, Arizona can’t compare with the state of Utah, its neighbor to the north. Utah has one of the youngest populations in the country.
8. There Is Diverse Wildlife Living In Arizona
Arizona has unique and exciting wildlife.
For example, roadrunners are a common sight. And, after moving to Arizona, you may see pig-like creatures called javelinas.
Gila monsters, coyotes, and black bears are a few more species enjoying Arizona living, too.
9. Arizona Has Abundant Sunshine
Arizona will serve you plenty of warm, dry, sunny weather.
The state sees more than 300 sunny days per year. It is right up there with the popular “Sunshine State” of Florida.
So, if you need to see the sun to be your best, Arizona living will meet your needs. Most importantly, remember these three necessities after moving to Arizona:
- Sunblock
- Hat
- Water
10. Many Arizonans Love The Low Humidity
In Arizona, you won’t find heavy, sticky air that makes the summer temperatures feel uncomfortable and soaks your close in sweat.
The climate is dry, and that’s where carrying some water comes in handy to stay hydrated.
11. There Are Very Few Traditional Summer Insects Living In Arizona
Arizona is primarily free of pesky insects that can ruin your best-planned summer outing. Thus, you won’t encounter mosquitos, flies, chiggers, gnats, or other insects that thrive in wet conditions and high humidity.
12. Access To The Great Outdoors After Moving To Arizona
Arizona has some terrific outdoor attractions. The state is perfect for outdoor lovers.
First, be sure to visit the Grand Canyon. Formed over millions of years by the Colorado River, the canyon is 200 miles long, 20 miles wide, and more than a mile deep.
Or check out some of these other popular outdoor attractions:
- The vortexes in Sedona
- Hoover Dam
- Havasu Falls
- Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area
- Prescott National Forest
Enjoy your destination and walk, jog, hike, bike, boat, or raft until your heart is content.
Playing golf in Arizona is popular, too. There are hundreds of golf courses to choose from for both beginners and pros.
13. Arizona Is Conveniently Located For When You Want To Get Away
Living in Arizona means quickly accessing many regional attractions for road trips and weekend getaways.
Here are some examples to pique your curiosity.
Hop in your car and head to Las Vegas, Nevada, for its entertainment options.
A short trip across Arizona’s western border will put you in California, the perfect journey to visit Joshua Tree National Park. Or, head west to the beautiful San Diego coast for a weekend retreat.
Visit New Mexico to explore the historic city of Santa Fe, the oldest state capital in the country.
Finally, head north in the winter to enjoy the world-class ski resorts in Utah or Colorado.
Okay. That concludes the pros of living in Arizona. Next, it’s time for the cons, and I’m sticking with everyone’s favorite topic: the weather.
Cons Of Living In Arizona
14. Can You Beat The Summer Heat In Arizona?
Arizona’s average summer temperature is close to 100 degrees and can be that way for many days. Thus, the summers are unbearably hot in this state.
Some people compare summers here to living in a convection oven because it’s so dry and hot! Furthermore, days upon days of sun can be mentally exhausting. Residents get excited about an occasional cloudy day.
So, if you dislike hot weather, most of Arizona’s summer months are not for you. You may need to plan a summer getaway to a state with cooler seasonal temperatures.
15. Haboobs Are A Real Thing In Arizona
After moving to Arizona, be prepared for Haboobs.
These sand and dust storms sometimes engulf the state. They can reduce visibility for hours and cause vehicle accidents.
Haboobs also reduce air quality. Thus creating problems for allergy sufferers and anyone with respiratory ailments.
16. Believe It Or Not, Arizona Has A Monsoon Season
Arizona has a rainy period from June through September called the monsoon season. During this time, the state gets most of its annual rainfall.
You can expect lightning and thunderstorms that cause flash floods around the area.
17. The State Lacks Traditional Weather Seasons
Many parts of Arizona do not benefit from the typical seasonal weather patterns that other states enjoy, especially in the state’s southern population centers.
Thus, if you like the turning leaves of autumn, cool, crisp fall days, and a white Christmas, you won’t find it in many parts of Arizona.
However, you can choose to live in the more remote northern areas of the state.
Moving to and living in Flagstaff is a good example. Flagstaff, Arizona, is located in the mountains. The region receives over 100 inches of snow yearly.
18. There Is Heavy Traffic Congestion In Arizona’s Big Cities
Specific areas of Arizona experience heavy traffic congestion. Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Glendale are several examples. Commute times are noticeably long if you choose to live on the outskirts of one of these cities.
On the other hand, traffic isn’t that bad in the more remote parts of the state. However, that’s not where the majority of residents live.
19. Arizona Is Not Particularly Walkable Or Bike Friendly
Arizona’s cities do not have walkable or bike-friendly roads. So, if walking or biking everywhere is essential to your life, you may have to compromise after moving to Arizona.
Furthermore, the intense summer heat and long distances between towns make getting around on foot or bike more challenging than other places in the country.
20. Lots Of Barren Desert Land In Arizona
Arizona’s desert landscape is beautiful, and the state’s terrain has some spectacular features. But you have to be ready for the related aspects of the region.
Arizona has a lot of barren desert land, especially in the southern part of the state. It is primarily reddish and tan parched landscapes.
You will discover the terrain is unique to other parts of the country. For example, the land here is nothing like the lush green forests and wetlands in picturesque Washington state.
Finally, head out with a full gas tank when traveling about the area. Gas stations are scarce in certain regions.
21. Poisonous Plants Can Be Found In Arizona
When exploring Arizona’s desert terrain, you are bound to brush up against some cacti and other local plants. Be careful because these prickly beasts can cause problems for your skin and health.
So, take care, since almost everything in the desert can be poisonous. A good rule of thumb is not to touch any Arizona plant you are unfamiliar with.
22. Snakes, Scorpions, And Other Venomous Pests Like Living In Arizona
Arizona is home to many snakes, scorpions, and other pests. It’s especially alarming when they enter your yard or house.
A few of these creatures can be extremely dangerous, including:
- Rattlesnakes
- Gila monsters
- Black widow spiders
Hundreds of bites and stings are treated each year. Fortunately, most encounters aren’t life-threatening.
23. People Living In Arizona Are Prone To Valley Fever
Some Arizona residents get valley fever, a fungal infection affecting the respiratory system that can cause cold and flu-like symptoms.
The condition is especially prevalent in Arizona because the state’s climate and landscape provide an ideal environment.
24. Snowbirds Are Living In Arizona Part-Time
Arizona has plenty of seasonal residents called snowbirds and gets lots of tourists. Many are seniors seeking to enjoy their retirement years in the sun.
The influx of people can be overwhelming at times. As a result, issues are shared by the warm winter locals of Arizona and Florida. During peak season, there is overcrowding, long wait times at popular restaurants, and bad traffic.
25. You Can’t Get Way From Politics Living In Arizona
Arizona’s residents lean conservative. As a result, your views may or may not fit with how Arizonans go about their business.
Opposing views on political issues can create friction. For example, many liberals did not agree with the recent changes to the income tax law I discussed earlier. Other hot-button topics include government spending, immigration, law enforcement, and gun control.
Okay. That wraps up my top Arizona living pros and cons.
However, don’t just take my word for it. Here is what another local has to say.
After reading today’s article about moving to Arizona, she was kind enough to email me her views and experiences.
Living In Arizona: Wrapping Up With Thoughts From A Long-Time Local
Dear Tom,
I live in Arizona and have been here most of my life. However, I have also lived in ten other states.
I have lived in both rural parts and urban areas of the state. But, overall, Arizona has been a great place to live from when I was young until now. Currently, I’m enjoying my semi-retirement years.
A Point About The Arizona Climate
Yes, it is dry here. However, during July and August, the monsoon season also makes it miserable because of the combination of heat and humidity. It’s an excellent reason for residents to get away and explore the state’s western region.
Travel 80-200 miles to reach the mountains for cooler temperatures. There you will find a lot of fun activities indoors and out. During the winter, the mountain regions are excellent for snow skiing.
Or head 300-400 miles to the California coast for the cultural centers, ocean, and beach activities.
You can also choose to stay in the Phoenix area. This city has many cultural activities, including theater, great restaurants, museums, and shopping. All are enjoyed in the comfort of air conditioning to beat the summer heat.
My Current Life In Arizona
I live 85 miles north of Phoenix in a rural area near a national park. My neighbors are friendly people with diverse backgrounds.
I enjoy lovely wildlife, a beautiful change of seasons with fall colors, and even light snowfall. However, the snow is usually gone within a few days.
We have no more dangerous and poisonous creatures than anywhere I have lived or visited.
Economic Incentives From My Experience Living in Arizona
Based on my experience, quality health care is available in the state. Also, I can easily afford the other costs of living here.
Finally, I have always been able to find gainful employment. For over 40 years, I owned several businesses and made a good living in Arizona.
Thanks for your article, Tom. I hope your readers will enjoy my comments too.
More Reading On The Pros And Cons Of Living In Arizona And Far Beyond
- Find your best place here
- Strengths and weaknesses of each state
- 7 affordable retirement destinations in Florida
Author Bio: Tom Scott founded the consulting and coaching firm Dividends Diversify, LLC. He leverages his expertise and decades of experience in goal setting, relocation assistance, and investing for long-term wealth to help clients reach their full potential.