If you’re thinking of moving to Arizona, there are a lot of pros and cons you should consider. Arizona is a state filled with natural beauty, nearly constant sunshine, and a million activities for every type of person, but the state also has its drawbacks.
Summers are beyond hot, it’s always dry, and lately, it’s starting to get crowded. Still, there are so many amazing reasons to move to Arizona it’s no wonder why the state has seen consistent population growth over the past few decades.
Know this before moving to Arizona
The Summer Heat Is No Joke
Yes, it really does get up to 120 degrees in the summer here. If that doesn’t sound bad, trust me it is. Leaving your house or apartment during the summer for any reason means you will be sweating—a lot. This can take some getting used to.
In the summer in Arizona, you better have a good A/C system too, because it will be constantly running. Many new Arizonians are shocked when they receive utility bills for $300+ when they first arrive in the summer. That’s because in Arizona if you set your A/C to the usual 72 or 75 degrees, you will be paying insane amounts to keep your home cool. Most Arizonians set their A/C to 78 or even 80 degrees to keep their costs down during the summer. You do get used to it, but at first, the heat can be uncomfortable, to say the least.
On top of the heat, summer comes with monsoon storms also called ‘haboobs’. Haboobs are violent sandstorms that roll over the landscape making driving impossible and forcing everyone inside, but to be honest, it’s the summer in Arizona so they were inside already.
It’s Dry, Very Dry
The other problem with Arizona’s weather that is less talked about than the heat is the consistent dry air. Simply put, it’s dry here, very dry. When I first moved to the state a little over a year ago, I found I had to drink almost twice the amount of water I drank in California.
Although the dry air does make the heat a little more bearable, it also leads to consistent dehydration and dry skin. Many Arizonians have humidifiers and carry water bottles to counteract the effects. Lotion will be your friend, too.
It’s Getting Crowded
Arizona’s population has been booming in the past few decades. In fact, since 1990 Arizona’s population has doubled from 3.69 million to 7.29 million as of July 2019. And the trend has continued in recent years, between July 2018 and July 2019, Arizona got 120,693 new residents.
Much of Arizona’s population growth over the past decade, in particular, has come from California which had a net outflow of over 192,000 people to Arizona from 2010-2018. The state’s growing population has had economic benefits, but it also leads to some annoying living conditions.
Traffic here is no joke. In the past, Arizona wasn’t known for its traffic, but these days Phoenix and Tucson, the state’s largest cities, are both inundated with year-round traffic.
This can be especially bad in winter and spring when ‘snowbirds’(aka people with second homes) come to town from colder climates around the U.S. This causes a temporary boom in population in the state that can be frustrating for native Arizonians.
Strong Economy and A Low Cost Of Living
The major benefit of coming to live in Arizona is the strong economy coupled with a low cost of living. According to an analysis by Forbes, Phoenix is among the top cities in the country for finding a job in 2020.
If you’re coming to Arizona for employment check out the best companies in Arizona to find the best places to work in the state. Once you’ve locked down a job you’ll be happy to hear the cost of living in Arizona is one of the lowest in the nation. Especially when you factor in average wages. This is one reason why many people move to Arizona.
For minimum wage workers, in particular, Arizona offers a great financial opportunity. Arizona’s minimum wage is $12/hour as of January 1st, 2020. That’s the same as California, but with a far cheaper cost of living.
Arizona offers a lot of opportunities for young people looking to establish themselves independently, that’s one of the main reasons why the state’s population continues to boom.
So, if you’re considering moving to Arizona for the economic benefits, remember there are some cons as well, but overall Arizona is a great place to live.
The weather is manageable even if it sounds deadly, the people are warm and inviting, and it’s a great place to start a family or begin a new life. I’ve loved my time in Arizona thus far, and I’m sure you will too.
Finding Help with Moving Professionals
We hope you found this blog on the Pros and Cons To Consider Before Moving To Arizona useful. For more tips, check out this one blog on 10 Moving Tips That Will Make Your Transition Easier.
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