Arizona, popularly known as the Grand Canyon state with its wonderful mix of terrain and impeccable weather is why so many people have been moving there lately. The young state has more than 330 days of sunshine a year. That means there is almost never a day for the rain to play spoilsport for any outdoor activity.
Over the years, Arizona has not only become a popular tourist place but has also evolved into a popular destination for moving. There are, of course, advantages and disadvantages, but every state has those. Let’s weigh the pros and cons of moving to Arizona.
BENEFITS AND DRAWBACKS OF LIVING IN ARIZONA
| PROS | CONS |
| Strong job market | No winter in the southern part of the state |
| Great weather | Economy heavily reliant on real estate & construction |
| Reasonable cost of living | Public transport is a necessity |
| Plenty of cultural activities | Gun laws |
| Home of the Grand Canyon National Park | Oppressive heat |
| Taxes | Insect problems |
| Quality of air | No Daylight Saving Time (DST) |
ADVANTAGES OF LIVING IN ARIZONA
- Strong job market
If you decide to make Arizona your home, then the cost of living averages 5% less than it does throughout the United States on average. The average worker in the city earns more than $50,000 per year. When those two factors combine, there’s a good chance that you can increase your living standards by moving to the state.
- Great weather
The weather throughout the year is pleasant. Instead of dealing with cold temperatures, you’ll be managing hot temperatures. With only a handful of days of rainfall for the entire year, there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and go exploring either the mountains or the large valley present in the state.
- Reasonable Cost of Living
Buying a house with about 2,000 square feet will put you at a price range near $300,000. Most households find a living arrangement that meets their needs when they decide. With good jobs available throughout the state, most households find an arrangement that meets their standard of living.
- Plenty of cultural activities
Arizona is home to several museums available to tour, including the Center for Creative Photography, the Heard Museum, and the Phoenix Art Museum. It is also known for its professional sports teams, including the Cardinals, Diamondbacks, and Suns for football, baseball, and basketball respectively.
- Home of the Grand Canyon National park
The Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is home to much of the immense Grand Canyon, with its layered bands of red rock revealing millions of years of geological history. Arizona is close to California and Nevada, providing the option for fun road trips!
- Taxes
Arizona is considered to be the ‘Most Tax-Friendly State’. The new $10,000 cap on deductions for taxes paid is definitely an incentive to consider moving to Arizona. Maricopa County, in Arizona the property tax rate is 0.802% of the Home’s Assessed Value, while the National Average is 1.211% of the Home’s Assessed Value.
- Quality of air
Arizona is amongst the top states in the country that offers clean air to its inhabitants. Air quality is essential and vitally important to the well-being of a region’s residents. It is a particularly important health concern for those sensitive to air pollution. Surrounded mostly by natural terrain and desert, the state offers just that which is very apt for the older demography.
DISADVANTAGES OF LIVING IN ARIZONA
- No winter in the southern part of the state
Some residents are left all chaffed up because of the ever-present heat of the summer months. When temperatures reach the 70s, that’s the coldest weather the people of Arizona can enjoy. For example, for the average person, temperatures in the 70s feel like either late spring or early Autumn weather.
- Economy heavily reliant on real estate and construction
Although there are several business opportunities available in the state, however, the economy often struggles when there aren’t real estate and construction activities happening. The disadvantage here is that competitive jobs can sometimes be difficult to find, and salaries may not meet your expectations for the place where you want to live.
- Public transport is a necessity
From the time you move to Arizona, you’re almost forced to use public transportation or purchase your own vehicle. Phoenix was ranked as one of the least walkable cities in the United States, coming in at 29th out of the 30 largest metro areas in the country.
- Gun laws
One of the biggest disadvantages is gun ownership is strong within the state. While some find this as a big advantage, if you are someone who doesn’t like guns, you definitely shouldn’t be moving to Arizona. You will feel unsafe walking around knowing that every third person on the street owns a gun.
- Oppressive heat
The summer months are extremely brutal in Arizona. Average temperatures in July and August are about 106 degrees Fahrenheit with the four months’ average temperature in summer reaching above 100 each year. You’ll eventually acclimatize to the temperatures, though you do need to get in the habit of bringing a significant amount of water to drink.
- Insect problems
Most places have their share of bugs, spiders, and snakes. But Arizona takes creepy crawlies to a whole new level. In addition to the typical critters, there are scorpions, roaches, venomous centipedes, and rattlesnakes just to name a few. Termites are inevitable and bug treatment is just another part of your life.
- No Daylight Saving Time (DST)
Arizona is excluded from DST according to the US Energy Policy Act of 2005. Due to the extremely hot climate, DST is largely considered unnecessary. The reason against extending the daylight hours till the evening is that people prefer doing their activities around that time when the temperature is cooler.
There are pros and cons of living in Arizona as there are in other places. But in our view, the pros of living in Arizona far outweigh the cons and it is a great place to live. So pack your bags and get moving!
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