Arizona is a state in the western United States. It is the 6th largest state by area, famous for its genuinely iconic red landscape.
Moving to Arizona will be a great idea if you are a fan of the outdoors, warm sunny days, and modern cities with low living costs. Living in Arizona brings you closer to a highly diverse population, a very low crime rate, and a truly incredible food scene.
But don’t just book that ticket just yet; moving to Arizona has pros and cons that you’ll need to consider if it will fit the lifestyle you are looking for. That’s why we put together 17 tips to guide you through what living in Arizona will be like, and if you are ready to join the Copper State.
1. A Great Life Is Waiting For You In Arizona
Arizona is a beautiful state. It’s sunny and warm, it’s connected to nature, has breathtaking sceneries and thriving wildlife.
On top of that, it has all the amenities and modernities you’d expect from a 21st-century city. There’s a high quality of life, with housing costs that won’t break your budget.
It has cities that are beautiful, very habitable, safe, and close enough to nature that you’re just an hour or so drive if you are itching for an adventure.
It has a very diverse culture and might teach you a thing or two about the country’s history. It’s got mouth-watering delicacies and fun destinations for the whole family.
Overall, there’s everything for everyone. Despite the heat, ski resorts are available for those who miss the winter chill!
2. Choose Which City Or Town You’ll Settle Down In That’s Best For Your Lifestyle
Now that you’ve moved to Arizona, we know you are partial to the heat and the outdoors. There’s a lot to love about the Grand Canyon State. But, choosing where to live will factor in a few more variables such as modern amenities, cost of living and rent, and the overall local lifestyle. Making this decision isn’t easy, so if you are on your way to relocate, check out our picks for the best places to live in Arizona.
Phoenix. The capital of the state, the main metropolitan area, and its biggest city and most populous. This is the place to be if you want to live the urban life. The city is beautiful but not as crowded as other major cities while maintaining a personality of its own.
Scottsdale. This city can be summed up by its own motto: “The West’s Most Western Town”. The city is relatively modern but has deep connections to its roots. It’s also a very touristy destination with many high-end resorts and golf courses if that is your idea of fun.
Prescott. The heat in Arizona can get challenging for newcomers who aren’t yet used to the climate. Cities like Prescott can be an excellent choice. An elevation of over 5,000 feet gives considerable relief from the lowland heat. Still, the city features all of the modern amenities a smaller city would offer, but it never feels old or isolated, rather full of beautiful sceneries and wonderful communities.
Mesa. This city is an excellent choice if you want a metropolitan experience that isn’t too metropolitan. With less than a third of the Phoenix population, you have room to breathe. The housing is excellent, the city life and nightlife are thriving, and there are many opportunities.
Glendale. Just outside of Phoenix, Glendale is a good choice for people looking for affordable housing just within driving distance of the big city. Its biggest employer is the Luke Air Force Base, the biggest fighter-pilot training base on Earth.
3. Find Your Way Around The City Through Public Transport
Moving to a new city will have a lot of challenges, but one of the biggest and most important hurdles that you’ll need to get through as soon as possible is knowing your way around. Arizona is a big state, and as soon as you figure out the ins and outs, you’ll enjoy it even more.
If you plan on going around the state to visit different cities, there are long-distance railway systems such as Texas Eagle, Southwest Chief, and Sunset Limited. If you’re in no particular hurry, the railway is always a nice ride as you see the rolling hills and landscape as you make your way across the state.
In major cities such as Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa, light railway systems serve and connect the cities, such as Valley Metro Rail. While in some cities like Tucson, there you’ll find a single-line streetcar system that snakes within the town like Sun Link. In addition to the railway systems, most cities within Arizona have bus lines that serve the majority of the public within city limits.
Still, cars are the most common way of day transport in the US, but the good thing is you can always use GPS guide systems to explore the city.
4. Do Your Lungs A Favour And Take A Deep Breath
Are you someone who is frequently plagued by allergens, sinus and lung issues, and other related issues? You’ll be glad to know that moving to Arizona will give you that long-awaited deep breath.
Arizona’s hot and arid desert climate means fewer moulds or allergens in the air, significantly reducing possible pollutants. You can check air quality in your city online on websites like iqair.com and how you community’s air quality compares to the national average. It will give a rating on the relative quality of the air in your city, the pollutant concentrations, and variations that occur throughout the year.
Of course, you can expect that there will be a bit more pollution when it comes to being in major metropolitan areas. This is why choosing the city to live in will include a lot of nuances.
5. Plan Your Budget, And You’ll Be Surprised At The Cost Of Living
A study conducted in 2020 estimated that the total cost of living in Arizona is around 35,000 USD per year.
Like most places, several factors affect the final value of your monthly housing costs. It is affected by location, proximity to the city centre and in-demand amenities, rooming, and more. For a two bedroom apartment, monthly fees vary anywhere between 1,500 USD to 2,550 USD.
If you plan to buy a house, large cities like Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Prescott are expensive, with house prices going anywhere between 400,00 USD to 520,000 USD. More affordable housing can be found in other cities such as Sierra Vista, Nogales, Yuma, and Safford for anywhere between 190,000 USD to 220,000 USD.
Next to housing, basic utilities and food will net around 700 USD monthly per person. The study, conducted by MERIC, or the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, put Arizona in 36th place when it comes to the cost of living.
6. Explore The Job Market And Level Up Your Career
When you’re moving to a new state, it’s either you have a new job waiting for you, or you’re looking for a change of pace and hunting for a job opportunity. Either way, the Arizona job market is ripe with new opportunities.
According to the Arizona Commerce Authority, Aerospace and defence are one of the top industries in the state. It is home to over 1,200 companies in this industry, both small and large scale.
Up next is manufacturing, especially in the technology sector. Industry leaders such as Intel, Microchip, Honeywell, Raytheon, and JDA Software are some companies that have set offices and manufacturing centres in Arizona.
Bioscience and health care are amongst the fastest-growing industries. If you are a cinephile, Arizona, thanks to its 300 days of sunshine each year, is a popular destination for shooting locations.
Data science is also an emerging sector in the state thanks to its stable climate, which is why it was chosen as the home to more than 50 major data centres.
7. Overhaul Your Wardrobe And Say Goodbye To Chilly Winters
Arizona is known for its warm weather. Throughout the year, the average temperatures between December to February go to the low 40s, while the warmer months between June to August can go as high as 107 degrees. Still, it is better to check your local temperatures as cities vary greatly depending on elevation.
If you come from a more northern state, you might want to toss out your old clothes and go on a little shopping spree. Preparing your wardrobe for the Arizona weather is essential to living in the state comfortably. Also, if you’re a fan, you might have to say goodbye to the chilly winters as it rarely snows in major Arizona cities.
However, in Arizona, it’s all about how high you go. If you drive up north to seek higher elevation, some areas surprisingly get a lot of snow in the winter. Cities like Flagstaff, Sedona, and Tucson will be your go-to if you want to chase the snow and try skiing and other fun stuff in the cold.
For the rest of the year, you will be met with hot summers but mild winters. Just be sure to never forget your sunscreen and invest in good air conditioning!
8. You’ll Be Better Exposed To Cultural Diversity In Arizona
Arizona is home to very diverse communities. 30% of the population in Arizona is Hispanic. There is also a very prominent Native American population with several Federally Recognised Tribes such as the Navajo Nation, Tohono O’Odham Nation, Apache Tribe, and Hopi Tribe. There are at least 22 Federally Recognised Tribes within Arizona, while some extend to areas outside of the state.
Due to the presence of these populations, life in Arizona is remarkably diverse compared to other states. In fact, the state is home to the largest number of speakers of Native American languages, the most prominent being the Apache and Navajo languages.
Learning more about the history of the country and the culture of its first people is a great way to have more appreciation of what is there now. You can even help and do your part to increase their causes’ visibility.
9. Pick Your Team And Cheer Out Loud
The sports culture in Arizona is embedded deep into the state’s collective consciousness. If the words Cardinals, Diamondbacks, and Suns don’t ring a bell, they soon will.
Both professional and college-level sports have huge followings in Arizona, especially football, baseball, and basketball.
Try to catch some games, make an afternoon outing with your friends and family, and cheer for your favourite teams and players.
10. Skill Up And Find Better Opportunities By Going Back To University
Many possibilities await you in Arizona if you are looking for newer opportunities, training, or even higher education. The University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University are three public universities serving the state, which sees thousands of students yearly.
Arizona is also home to several private colleges and universities, some of which belong to chain or multi-site universities.
Vocational courses and community colleges provide quality education and can even be used as a platform to proceed to a full four-year course. It has always been an excellent avenue for people to get an education when they do not have the finances to pay for a full college degree.
In today’s job market, there will be a lot of competition, and it is important to be as prepared as possible and invest in training, courses and even higher education.
11. Take Double Helpings Of Arizona’s Table Top Staples
When you’re new to a state, there’s nothing like enjoying your first mouthful of the state delicacy. Trying out new flavours, textures, and recipes should be on the top of the to-do list once you’re settled in Arizona.
If you find yourself searching for a new restaurant to try, these are what we’d recommend being your first orders.
- Chimichangas
- Burritos
- Fry Bread
- Prickly Pear Margaritas
- Sonoran Hot Dogs
- Cheese Crisps
- Navajo Tacos
You can depend on the amazing mix of flavours and influences that shape the Arizona staples and how they compare to their neighbours. Without a doubt, you’ll be asking for second helpings in every meal.
12. Put On Your Hiking Boots And Enjoy The World Class Outdoor Destinations!
Arizona is also known as the copper state. This due to the beautiful red rock mesas and buttes that define the landscape. Thanks to these amazing sceneries, Arizona has become one of the go-to destinations for outdoor enthusiasts out there. If you’re the type who doesn’t like to stay indoors, you’re in the right place.
You can go camping, trekking, mountain biking, even rent an ATV and go exploring, and so much more. So, gather your friends and family and be sure to set aside some time to visit these go-to outdoor destinations:
The Grand Canyon. A national treasure and a natural wonder. There’s just no excuse not to go. One of the most well-known and amazing natural formations on Earth, the Grand Canyon is an adventure waiting to be taken.
The Petrified Forest National Park. It is known for its vast collection of petrified wood. The 346-square-mile park has a mix of grasslands and badlands where you can follow trails and discover fossilised wood.
Sedona. We know Sedona is technically a city, but it has a collection of some of the best trails that you can plan a whole week just jumping from one trail to another. If you love the outdoors and can’t get enough of the red vistas, a Sedona vacation is what we’d prescribe.
Antelope Canyon. The light beam at the Upper Antelope canyon might be one of the most aesthetically pleasing pictures you can take when going hiking. The slot canyon has several trails you can follow and is the most popular attraction at the Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park.
13. Glimpse What Life Was Like In The Past With Ghost Town Explorations.
Arizona has over 300 ghost towns. These remnants of the old west have become their own type of attraction that has formed a following over the years.
You can usually explore them via ATV or other off-road vehicles, go around abandoned establishments and buildings and maybe you’ll find some secret that has long been buried.
If this is something you find interesting, here are some of the ones we recommend you go to first!
- Chloride Ghost Town
- Jerome State Historic Park
- Goldfield Ghost Town and Mine
- Tombstone
- Gold King Ghost Town and Mine
14. Cool Off And Enjoy Some Rest And Recreation With Your Family In These Top Tourist Spots
We know that the summer heat can get a bit intense. If you haven’t acclimated just yet to the heat, you can still have fun with your friends and family by visiting these tourist spots that are guaranteed to help you cool off.
Water Wheel Fall is a tiered fall with several swimming areas near the basin and some deep pools. The area is also an excellent campsite for treks or picnics as you can beat the heat when you need to.
Oasis Water Park is part of the Arizona Grand Resort and one of Phoenix’s main attractions. This 7-acre park is home to slides, wave pools, an active river, and even a 25-person hot tub.
Golfland Sunsplash is in Mesa and is a one-stop destination for the whole family. Aside from the water park with its slides and pools, there are other activities to be had, like laser tag, go-carts, and mini-golf.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is another offering from Phoenix. Complete with thrill rides, family rides, kiddie rides, and simple pools where you can just lounge. It also has events, shows, several restaurants, and shops.
Wet ‘n’ Wild Phoenix. Don’t let the name fool you; this attraction can be found in Glendale. It is said to be the biggest water park in Arizona and is full to the brim with slides and pools. On top of that, there are ATV trails, park areas, shops, restaurants, exhibits, and shows.
15. Embrace Diversity And Enjoy The Local Celebrations And Cultural Festivals
Arizona has a fascinating history and culture that involves Native Americans, Hispanics, and the “American West”. To this day, these many different cultures mingle and shape the day-to-day life that goes on in Arizona.
If you are moving into the state, one of the best ways to get to know the culture is to participate in festivals and celebrations that the people hold dear. This is a way for you to connect with the population, what bridges them to their history, and how they preserve it for future generations.
Here are some of our picks for Arizona community affairs you need to be a part of.
Arizona Renaissance Festival is held at Gold Canyon and is a perfect outing for the whole family. You pretend to go back in time and be part of the many activities, dine in on delicious food, and enjoy the many colourful costumes.
Ostrich Festival is held at Chandler, and though it might sound like a day full of Ostrich adoration (which it is), the festival also hosts many other activities. There are rides, entertainment, shows, a lot of food, and an exhilarating Ostrich race!
Tucson Festival Of Books is in Tucson and is perfect for all bibliophiles. The two-day event is a way to celebrate local and national writers and an opportunity for people to listen to them talk.
The Phoenix Film Festival sees about 27,000 visitors annually, and hundreds of movies are shown over the eleven-day event. Whatever genre might be your favourite, there’s sure to be a movie that’s perfect for you. You can also stick around for the awarding ceremony as prizes are given to the best entries. You can see if any of your picks get trophies!
Arizona Taco Festival for all the lovers of this folded delicacy. The festival hosts over 50 restaurants that showcase the best of their menu.
16. Make Use Of An Updated To-Do List
When you are going to relocate, you are going to need a lot of things. From everything you need to pack or give away to the actual boxes and packing materials, from travel tickets to new housing leases. There are so many things that you will need to keep track of, don’t make the mistake of just trying to memorise everything.
Make a to-do list with all the items, timeline, information, and status of everything you need.
You may also include essential contact numbers such as your new employer, landlord, or if someone is meeting you at the airport.
Relocating to a new place can be stressful, so be sure you cover all bases and leave nothing to chance.
17. Be Strategic With Your Relocation And Engage With Sanelo To Help With The Process
When relocating, the added burden of carrying heavy luggage around is a bad idea. Relocations involve a lot of moving parts, so you will need to be as practical and efficient as possible. That’s why partnering with a relocation specialist is the way to go.
Sanelo, through their years of relocation experience, will remove all the stress from your relocation experience. Whether you’re moving locally or going international, Sanelo is there with you every step of the way. Your journey will be smooth as you won’t have to lug around heavy baggage. You’ll also be at ease knowing that it is protected thanks to Sanelo’s shipment protection services.
Conclusion On Moving To Arizona
Mountain ranges that claim the horizon, palm trees that line every road, rivers that carve through the landscape, vast open spaces, and beautiful sunsets are just some of its natural wonders.
Aside from that, Arizona has a great economy with a competitive job market. The cost of living also won’t break your bank, especially with the added bonus of low property taxes.
The cities are clean and safe, offering modern amenities while being near to nature. You’ll also never run out of outdoor activities.
Arizona is a perfect mix of both worlds. If you’re a fan of the sun, the good food, the beautiful people and its culture, then moving to Arizona, the Grand Canyon State, might be your next grand adventure.
If you’d like to know more about Arizona and its cities, check out our articles on Mesa, Flagstaff, and Phoenix.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving/Relocating To Arizona
What City Is The Most Expensive In Arizona?
Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, and Cave Creek are the most expensive cities in Arizona, thanks to housing costs and the high cost of living. These cities have many high-end amenities such as resorts making them popular tourist destinations.
Are Property Taxes High In Arizona?
Property taxes in Arizona are relatively low at 0.62%, which is almost half of the national average of 1.07%. This is thanks to a law that provides a cap on the tax to be collected for an owner-occupied home. This makes housing in Arizona affordable.
What Is The Middle-Class Income In Arizona?
According to a census conducted between 2016 to 2020, the median household income in Arizona is 61,500 USD. In a report by USA Today in 2021, the median income of a middle-class family is set at 74,400 USD. The median income does not seem too far off from what studies consider a “middle-class income” for the cost of living in Arizona.
What Is The Best Way To Engage With Sanelo?
You can contact Sanelo directly via email or by calling the number listed on the website. A representative will be glad to assist you and offer you the best deals that fit your specific needs, and guide you every step of the way.