While some people may believe that all states in America’s “lower 48” offer nearly identical lifestyles, this is not the case. Each geographic location has its benefits as well as challenges.
If you’re thinking about moving to a new location, it pays to learn what to expect from your potential new home. Below, you’ll find some of the significant pros and cons associated with moving to Arizona.
By understanding what a particular location has to offer both before and after a move, it will be easier to determine whether or not that location is right for you and your family.
Pros of Moving to Arizona
If you’re currently researching locations that might be right for your next home, you may have heard or read about sunny Arizona and its many advantages.
The state is located in the southwestern region of the United States, offering a wide range of different landscapes from desert to mountains. Some people choose to move to Phoenix, while others may prefer a smaller city. Scottdale, Tucson, and Tempe are also attractive options.
Regardless of the location you choose, Arizona has more sunshine than any other U.S. state, with considerable year-round warmth perfect for those who enjoy spending time outdoors.
In addition to its sunny climate, Arizona boasts relatively low taxes as well as affordable real estate. Many people who move to Arizona decide that they will never return to their previous state or country of residence.
Cons of Moving to Arizona
Like every other state in the U.S., Arizona has its share of challenges as well as advantages. While those moving from colder climates may appreciate this sunnier location, the heat can be a drawback for some.
Temperatures regularly soar to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, and humidity only exacerbates the situation.
Arizona also has one of the worst air qualities in the country due to its high desert areas. However, this is primarily a factor in the more rural parts of the state located further from population centers.
In some smaller cities and suburbs, air quality has been steadily improving over the past decade. This can be attributed to an overall shift towards green living and introducing measures such as light rail transportation.
Major Cities in Arizona
Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, and Gilbert are some of the most notable cities located in this state.
If you’re thinking about moving to Arizona, it could be helpful for you to learn more about these cities before making a final decision. Each city has its own unique culture, economy, and environmental issues.
Moving to Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix is the most populous city, with 1.63 million people, in Arizona and its capital. It’s located in the center of the state, on flat land surrounded by mountains to the north, east, and west.
Due to its central location within Arizona, Phoenix experiences higher temperatures than many other cities located in this state or elsewhere regularly.
Pheonix is also home to several professional sports teams, including the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, and MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks. It also hosts several cultural events throughout the year, such as the Heard Museum’s Indian Fair & Market and Scottsdale Art Walk.
What is the average cost of a three-bedroom house in Pheonix, AZ?
In Phoenix, the cost of a three-bedroom house in a safe neighborhood is approximately $350,000. This price varies depending on the age and location of the home.
Moving to Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale is the second-most populous city in Arizona and has a thriving tourism industry in addition to being considered one of the premier luxury vacation destinations in the U.S. It’s located immediately adjacent to Phoenix but has its own unique culture and economy.
Many large corporations are headquartered here, with GoDaddy, Insight Enterprises, and First Solar calling Scottsdale home.
Scottsdale has an impressive cultural scene, hosting cultural events at its numerous museums and performing arts venues almost every month of the year.
What is the average cost of a three-bedroom house in Scottsdale, AZ?
In Scottsdale, the average cost of a three-bedroom house is approximately $600,000. This price varies depending on the age and location of the home.
Moving to Tucson, AZ
Tucson is located southeast of Phoenix and shares many features with its larger neighbor. Many people who live in Tucson also work in Phoenix, commuting back and forth daily.
While it’s known for its sunny weather, it’s important to note that summers can get very hot here. It often surpasses 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months, so if you’re thinking about moving to Arizona, visiting Tucson in July is probably not a good test of how comfortable you’d be with the heat.
Tucson has a very diversified economy that’s bolstered by its location at the crossroads of two major highways: I-10 and I-19. It’s home to many large corporations, including Raytheon Missile Systems and the University of Arizona.
What is the average cost of a three-bedroom house in Tucson, AZ?
In Tucson, you can expect to pay an average of $200,000 for a three-bedroom house. This price varies depending on the age and location of the home.
Moving to Mesa, AZ
Mesa is located in the center east of the Phoenix metropolitan area, making it an excellent location for commuters who work in both Phoenix and Scottsdale. Like many other cities in Arizona, it has a steady economy and many retirees, who tend to relocate here from different parts of the U.S.
It’s known for its golf courses, spas, and resorts such as the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa and The Phoenician resort hotel. It also hosts several major annual events, such as the Mesa Arts Festival and Arizona Taco Festival.
What is the average cost of a three-bedroom house in Mesa, AZ?
In Mesa, the average cost of a three-bedroom house is around $525,000. This price varies depending on the age and location of the home.
Moving to Chandler, AZ
Chandler is located immediately east of the Phoenix metropolitan area and shares many features with its larger neighbor. It’s known for its large number of public parks, golf courses, and resorts, such as The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa.
It has a thriving tourism industry and is the corporate headquarters for several large companies, including Microchip Technology Inc., First Solar, and Fry’s Electronics.
Overall, each of the cities mentioned above has its own unique culture and economy. It’s essential to do your research before moving to Arizona so that you’re aware of their various assets and drawbacks before making a final decision.
What is the average cost of a three-bedroom house in Chandler, AZ?
In Chandler, the average cost of a three-bedroom house is around $450,000. This price varies depending on the age and location of the home.
Moving to Flagstaff, AZ
Flagstaff is located in the north-central part of the state and has a strong economy driven by its location near multiple large highways. It also hosts many cultural events at its numerous museums, performing arts venues, and historical landmarks throughout the year.
Arizona Northern Arizona University is located here, with over 10,000 students attending classes each semester.
Flagstaff is close to Grand Canyon National Park, making it a wonderful place to visit or live if you love the outdoors.
What is the average cost of a three-bedroom house in Flagstaff, AZ?
In Flagstaff, the average cost of a three-bedroom house is over $335,000. This price varies depending on the age and location of the home.
Moving to Sedona, AZ
Sedona is located in the northwest corner of Arizona and has a unique economy primarily driven by tourism. It’s known for its numerous resorts and spas, making it a popular getaway for people who live in Phoenix and Tucson.
It’s surrounded by Sedona Red Rock Country, making it an excellent place to visit if you love the outdoors.
What is the average cost of a three-bedroom house in Sedona, AZ?
In Sedona, the average cost of a three-bedroom house is around $540,000. This price varies depending on the age and location of the home.
Moving to Yuma, AZ
Yuma is located on Arizona’s border with California and shares many features with its more populous neighbor. It’s known for its diverse economy and many retirees who relocate here from other parts of the U.S.
It’s known as the Christmas Tree City because it has many Christmas tree lots where people can purchase trees to celebrate the holiday season. It also hosts several annual events, such as the Yuma Sun West River Race and the Yuma Lettuce Days festival.
What is the average cost of a three-bedroom house in Yuma, AZ?
In Yuma, the average cost of a three-bedroom house is around $235,000. This price varies depending on the age and location of the home.
Benefits of Living in Arizona
Children raised in Arizona are eligible to attend public schools without paying tuition. Most of these schools are fully accredited, making them popular with families who may be on the fence about moving to this state.
College graduates can also enjoy affordable education at some of the most prestigious schools in the nation, such as Arizona State University and the University of Arizona.
What is the cost of living in Arizona?
Housing, healthcare, and transportation costs are similar to most other states in the U.S., while groceries and utilities may be more expensive here.
The cost of living in Arizona is slightly higher than the national average.
Is it better to live in a large or small city in Arizona?
The largest cities in Arizona are Phoenix and Tucson, each hosting more than 1 million people living throughout the state. Overall, these cities have thriving economies and provide many opportunities for residents to work and play throughout each year.
However, they also tend to be more expensive when compared with smaller cities in Arizona, such as Chandler, Flagstaff, Mesa, Peoria, Sedona, Surprise, and Yuma.
For retirees seeking a slower pace of life, it’s best to look at cities with a population of around 100,000 people. These areas have numerous amenities and low living costs, which may be appealing for those who are on a fixed income.
What are some unique traditions in Arizona?
Many families move to Arizona from different parts of the U.S., so you’ll find that the culture here is diverse and tolerant. It’s not uncommon to see people wearing jeans, shorts, T-shirts, and flip-flops all year long in some areas of the state, while locals are more formal in other neighborhoods.
Fun facts about Arizona:
- There are fewer tornadoes in Arizona than in most other states. However, it’s still common to see some storms throughout the year that may create flash floods after heavy rainfall.
- The state is known for its numerous types of cactus and abundant desert landscape. Farms and ranches grow different kinds of fruits and vegetables during short growing seasons.
- It’s easy to spot the Grand Canyon from many vantage points throughout Arizona. This is one of the most popular places to visit in the U.S., attracting more than 4 million people each year.
- The state flag features a copper-colored star representing the copper boom that occurred here during World War II. Mines produced more than 50,000 tons of copper during this time, which is now the largest stockpile in the world.
- The state motto is “Ditat Deus” or “God Enriches.” It’s considered one of the most religiously tolerant states in the U.S., with people who practice Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism living in harmony with Christians and atheists.
Conclusion
Arizona is a very popular place for people to live throughout the year. The mild winters make it an excellent destination for snowbirds who relocate during the colder months.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider before moving here. Arizona has no state income tax, but property taxes tend to be higher than in other states, primarily lower home values.
Living in Arizona can significantly impact your budget, but that doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy living here. People from all walks of life relocate to this state and build lasting relationships with other residents who want to enjoy the friendly atmosphere throughout each year.
Are you moving to Arizona? Call us for a free estimate today!
