Moving to Arizona, Pros and Cons of Living in Arizona AZ

There are various reasons why people move around with their families. One of the main reasons can be employment, education, and cost of living which plays a big role in any lifestyle. Many Americans move several times over the course of their lives.

Some find it exciting to move around and experience different standards of life! Whichever the reason, many people choose Arizona as their final destination for a number of reasons.
This time, we will discuss how it is to move to Arizona, why people choose AZ, and what you will need to know about Arizona! Let’s dive in.

Is Arizona A Good Place To Live?

Arizona is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is the 6th largest state in the country in terms of area and has a population of around 7.4 million people. The capital city is Phoenix, which is also the largest city in the state.

Arizona is known for its diverse landscape, which includes the Sonoran Desert, mountain ranges, and the Grand Canyon. It is home to numerous national parks and forests.

Economically, Arizona is driven by a variety of industries, including healthcare, education, government, tourism, and agriculture. The state is also home to several major corporations, such as Intel, Boeing, and Raytheon.

In terms of politics, Arizona is considered a swing state and has a reputation for having a somewhat conservative political climate. However, in recent years, the state has become increasingly diverse and politically competitive.

Overall, Arizona is a unique and diverse state with a rich cultural heritage and many natural wonders to explore.

Numerous people find Arizona a great state to live in due to its natural beauty, climate, and recreational activities.

Photo by Nicolas Cool on Unsplash

Things to know before moving to Arizona

If you are thinking about moving to Arizona for good, here are the top things you need to know about Arizona before you make up your mind.

1. Climate: Arizona has a hot and dry desert climate, with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months. It is important to be prepared for the heat and to stay hydrated during the summer months.
2. Cost of living: While Arizona has a relatively low cost of living compared to other western states, certain areas such as Phoenix and Tucson can be more expensive than others. It is important to research the cost of housing, taxes, and other expenses before making a move.
3. Outdoor activities: Arizona is known for its diverse landscape and offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking, biking, and skiing. Be sure to take advantage of these activities and explore the natural wonders of the state.
4. Culture: Arizona has a rich cultural history, with many Native American tribes still living in the state. The state also has a large Hispanic population, which has influenced its cuisine, arts, and traditions.
5. Traffic: Traffic can be a challenge in some areas of Arizona, particularly in Phoenix and Tucson. Be prepared for potential congestion during rush hour and plan accordingly.
6. Politics: Arizona is considered a swing state and has a somewhat conservative political climate. It is important to be aware of the state's political landscape and to engage in informed discussions with others.
7. Wildlife: Arizona is home to a variety of wildlife, including snakes, scorpions, and coyotes. It is important to take precautions to avoid encounters with these animals.

Overall, Arizona is a unique and diverse state with many opportunities for outdoor recreation, cultural experiences, and more. By keeping these things in mind, you can make an informed decision about whether Arizona is the right place for you.

Pros And Cons Of Living In Arizona

While Arizona is full of amazing things to try and do it comes not only with a big list of benefits but also has its disadvantages. No perfect place right? Let’s go over them quickly.

Pros: Low cost of living Affordable housing There is more than just the desert The weather varies There are plenty of outdoor activities and parks to visit Thriving job market Strong Native American culture Arizona is a great place to retire Delicious Southwestern cuisine

Cons:

High crime rate There are multiple dangerous animals and insects to watch out for Low walkability score Extreme high heat and humidity during the summer months There are many tourists constantly visiting

Photo by Abigail Loney on Unsplash

Best place to live in Arizona AZ?

Choosing the “best” place to live in Arizona is very challenging as each area has its uniqueness and charm that attracts many people. Choosing a specific city or neighborhood strictly depends on your preferences and what you are looking into when moving to a new city. It can be the best school, an area that has many parks, the cost of living and so many factors that might be typical to your needs.

To have an idea of each “best” city let’s go over the top 4 cities that people choose!

1. Phoenix

Image from freepik.com

Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and is perhaps one of the most recognizable cities in the state for its high-end spa resorts and first-class golf courses. With a population of over 1.7 million people, it's one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. Phoenix has a hot desert climate, with hot summers and mild winters. It's one of the sunniest cities in the world, with an average of 300 days of sunshine per year. Sun lovers, Phoenix can be perfect for you!

Cost of Living

!!! *The numbers are analyzed by Best Places according to which cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. An amount below 100 means it is cheaper than the US average. A cost of living index above 100 means it is more expensive.

COST OF LIVING	Phoenix	Arizona	USA
Overall	108.7	106.4	100
Grocery	97.3	96.1	100
Health	92.5	97.3	100
Housing	118.6	119.7	100
Median Home Cost	$413,000	$407,400	$338,100
Utilities	101.8	102.7	100
Transportation	117.9	107	100
Miscellaneous	105.7	93.7	100

2. Scottsdale

Image from ​madisonmom.com

Scottsdale, which is renowned for its luxurious resorts, exciting nightlife, and superb restaurants, is frequently named one of the best places to live in Arizona. It also has a wide variety of employment options, from software firms to the healthcare and hotel industries.

On the eastern side of Maricopa County, Scottsdale is considered part of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Scottsdale is also considered to be one of the wealthiest cities in Arizona,

Cost of Living

COST OF LIVING	Scottsdale	Arizona	USA
Overall	142.2	106.4	100
Grocery	103.3	96.1	100
Health	92.5	97.3	100
Housing	230.9	119.7	100
Median Home Cost	$721,200	$407,400	$338,100
Utilities	102.4	102.7	100
Transportation	109.2	107	100
Miscellaneous	105.9	93.7	100

3. Chandler

Another attractive city in Arizona is known for many things. Chandler is located in the southeast of Phoenix, in Maricopa County. Chandler, a rapidly expanding city in the Phoenix metro area, is renowned for its robust economy, top-notch educational system, and family-friendly communities. Numerous additional tech firms as well as Intel's largest production facility are based there.

The city is home to many cozy coffee shops, cool natural areas, museums, and top-rated restaurants. Most people choose Chandler as it is a very safe area. 

Homes Direct company will present you with the widest selection of manufactured homes in Chandler AZ.

Cost of Living

COST OF LIVING	Chandler	Arizona	USA
Overall	115.7	106.4	100
Grocery	99	96.1	100
Health	92.5	97.3	100
Housing	145.7	119.7	100
Median Home Cost	$499,800	$407,400	$338,100
Utilities	101.6	102.7	100
Transportation	112	107	100
Miscellaneous	105.3	93.7	100

4. Flagstaff

Image from freepik.com

The city of Flagstaff is located 6,909 feet above sea level and is most renowned for its stunning canyons, mountains, and ponderosa pine forests. The population there is over 72,402 people. The town is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, excellent restaurants, and access to outdoor recreation in nearby national forests and the Grand Canyon.

As Flagstaff is located in the north-central part of Arizona, it tends to get colder than other areas in the state and can receive up to 101 inches of snow annually. Due to this significant snowfall, it is no surprise that Flagstaff has multiple ski resorts that bring many visitors to the area.

Anyone who chooses to move to Flagstaff ends up just loving it!

Cost of Living

COST OF LIVING	Flagstaff	Arizona	USA
Overall	118.7	106.4	100
Grocery	100.3	96.1	100
Health	114.6	97.3	100
Housing	171.2	119.7	100
Median Home Cost	$565,400	$407,400	$338,100
Utilities	98.8	102.7	100
Transportation	78.4	107	100
Miscellaneous	97.9	93.7	100

5. Tucson

Image from freepik.com

Tucson is a city in the southern part of the state of Arizona, United States. It is the second-largest city in Arizona after Phoenix, with a population of around 550,000 people. Tucson is located in Pima County, and it is situated about 60 miles (97 km) north of the US-Mexico border.

Tucson is known for its sunny weather, beautiful desert landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. It is home to the University of Arizona, which is a leading research university. Tucson is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and festivals celebrating the city's diverse cultural traditions.

Tourist attractions in Tucson include the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, the Pima Air & Space Museum, the Tucson Botanical Gardens, and the historic Mission San Xavier del Bac.

Cost of Living

COST OF LIVING	Tucson	Arizona	USA
Overall	95.7	106.4	100
Grocery	95.5	96.1	100
Health	85.4	97.3	100
Housing	93.2	119.7	100
Median Home Cost	$303,400	$407,400	$338,100
Utilities	99.4	102.7	100
Transportation	96.6	107	100
Miscellaneous	98.6	93.7	100

Whichever city you choose make sure to go over everything very carefully and research the area well enough for a comfy life and experience.

Is it expensive to live in Arizona?

Yes and No! The average Arizonan spends about $38,684 on personal consumption expenses, according to information from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis, although costs will vary depending on the area. These expenditures include food, groceries, recreation services, housing, utilities, and healthcare. Therefore, it’s fair to say that $38,684 per year is the average cost of living in this state.

Living in Arizona is fairly inexpensive. Arizona has a grade of 103.2 on the index, which is higher than the US national average of 100, according to research released by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. In terms of cost of living, this ranks the Grand Canyon state 33rd out of 50.

How many people are moving to Arizona?

According to Statistics domestic migrants to Arizona were distributed across Census regions. As the exhibit shows, during the 2016-2020 period 268,461 migrants moved to Arizona each year on average.

Most of those migrants came from the West (138,185 or 51.5%), followed by the South (20.6%), Midwest (20.6%), and Northeast (7.3%). The distribution was fairly similar for migrants to the Phoenix MSA and the Tucson MSA.

Arizona has consistently been a popular destination for people looking to relocate, both within the United States and internationally.

Moving to Arizona checklist

Here are some things to consider adding to your moving to Arizona checklist:

1. Research the area: Before moving to Oregon, do some research on the area you plan to move to. Consider things like the cost of living, job market, and climate.

2. Find a place to live: Whether you plan to rent or choose your manufactured homes for sale in Arizona, start your search early and consider working with a real estate agent who knows the area well.

3. Transfer utilities: Contact your current utility providers to cancel or transfer services and set up new accounts with utilities in Oregon.

4. Register your vehicle: If you're bringing a car with you, you'll need to register it with the Oregon DMV and get an Oregon driver's license.

5. Research schools: If you have children, research schools in the area and determine which ones might be a good fit.

6. Find a job: If you haven't already secured a job in Oregon, start looking for employment opportunities in the area.

7. Plan your move: Determine a moving date and hire a moving company or rent a truck if you plan to move yourself.

8. Get involved in the community: Join local groups or clubs to meet new people and get involved in the community.

9. Enjoy the state: Once you've settled in, take some time to explore all that Oregon has to offer, including its beautiful natural scenery and vibrant culture.

People relocate for many reasons, sometimes for work, for just a change, or for education. Whichever your reasons might be, relocating is always a great idea to start fresh! Follow Homes Direct for information on moving and more!

FAQ

Is moving to Arizona a good idea?

Depending on the purpose of your move Arizona can be a fascinating state to move in.

What are the pros and cons of living in Arizona?

Just like everywhere else there are pros and cons of living in Arizona.

Some of the pros can be the low cost of living, and affordable housing and the cons can be a high crime rate, there are multiple dangerous animals and insects to watch out for. 

What do I need to know before moving to Arizona?

If you are planning to move to Arizona, here are some things you may want to consider:

Climate: Arizona is known for its warm and dry climate, with hot summers and mild winters.

Cost of living: The cost of living in Arizona varies depending on the city or town you choose to live in. Generally, housing and transportation costs are relatively affordable, but utilities and healthcare can be more expensive.

What is the safest part of Arizona to live in?

Arizona is generally a safe place to live, but like any state, there are areas that may have higher crime rates than others. Some safe places are considered Oro Valley and Florence. 

Are people in Arizona friendly?

People in Arizona are very hospitable and social. They like having guests and are very friendly.