Thinking about moving out of state? Consider the Grand Canyon State for the next chapter in your life!
Arizona is among the top 10 states receiving the greatest influx of new residents. This on-the-rise hotspot caters to many different types of people, making it appealing for retirees, families, single folks, and college graduates alike.
Moving is always an important decision, especially if you’re relocating cross-country. To ensure you’re making the right choice, it’s essential to consider all the pros and cons of moving to Arizona. Here are the top variables to keep in mind when contemplating if Arizona is right for you!
Things to Know Before Moving to Arizona
Like many states in America, Arizona offers a treasure trove of benefits for its residents. However, despite its many benefits, the state does have its pitfalls. Explore everything Arizona has to offer — the good and the bad — before committing to live there long-term.
Pros of Living in Arizona
- Arizona touts a reasonable cost of living. From housing and utility costs to groceries and gas, Arizona’s cost of living remains only a smidge higher than the average across the U.S.
- The great outdoors awaits! From beautiful canyon hiking trails to unbelievable campsites on public lands, Arizona offers endless outdoor activities. In fact, 24 national parks reside within the state of Arizona!
- The job economy remains stable, healthy, and hungry for new talent. The state has a healthy job market and offers employment opportunities in a range of industries.
- It’s close in proximity to other attractions. The beaches of California, ski slopes of Colorado and New Mexico, and the slot machines of Nevada are an easy drive away, making Arizona ideal for travel enthusiasts.
- There are beautiful places to escape from the heat. While most people envision Saguaro cacti and vast desert land when thinking about Arizona’s landscape, many don’t realize that there are also beautiful northern elevations around Flagstaff and near Prescott. The cities with high elevation provide relief in the summer and snow in the winter.
- The cities are easy to navigate. All of the major cities in Arizona are built on a grid system, making driving a piece of cake.
- There’s very little humidity. While temperatures can get hot in Arizona,
Cons of Living in Arizona
- Arizona summers are hot… REALLY hot. With average temperatures in the 100’s, Arizona summers can be brutally hot. Similar to cold-weather states, residents tend to hunker down during the months of extreme heat and stick to indoor activities.
- There are dust storms. Giant waves of dust can encapsulate cities for a few minutes to an hour at a time. While the dust can be hazardous to your health, these storms can be especially dangerous for motorists.
- You need a car. Public transportation is not a primary mode of transportation for most residents. To get from Point A to Point B in Arizona, you’ll need a car.
- Dangerous creatures call Arizona home. Rattlesnakes, killer bees, Gila Monsters, scorpions, mountain lions, bears… deadly creatures from large to small live in the Grand Canyon State.
Discover the Best Cities to Live in Arizona
While there are plenty of pros and cons to consider before moving to Arizona, another important consideration is where to live. Whether you’re searching for a bustling city or the best suburbs to live in Arizona, take a look at the cities recommended for retirees, families, and singles below.
Best Cities to Retire in Arizona
- Apache Junction, AZ: The low cost of living and proximity to Phoenix gives retirees the best of both worlds!
- Sun City, AZ: Designed for the active 55+ community, Sun City offers golf courses and community centers for those enjoying retirement.
- Tucson, AZ: Ideal for retirees looking for a city vibe, as Tucson has a large city population and many cultural events throughout the year.
Top Cities for Families in Arizona
- Gilbert, AZ: Home to hip, family-friendly restaurants and venues, Gilbert feels like THE spot to be if you’re a young family. Plus the public schools have high ratings.
- Mesa, AZ: The homes are much more affordable in Mesa and this suburb of Phoenix has very low crime, making it a safe place to raise a family.
- Phoenix, AZ: While the city includes a population of over 1.5 million people, it has incredible parks, mature sprawling neighborhoods, and youth sporting venues ideal for active families.
Best Places for Singles to Live in Arizona
- Tempe, AZ: This young, vibrant city offers amazing restaurants and plenty of things to do with friends or on dates.
- Chandler, AZ: This Arizona city has a variety of cultural activities and vibrant nightlife.
- Scottsdale, AZ: With amazing shopping and plenty of bars and restaurants, Scottsdale is the perfect spot for single, young professionals.
Things to Do Before Moving to Arizona
If you’ve made it this far, it sounds like you’ll be calling Arizona home soon! Before moving to a brand new state, make sure to do the following first.
1. Decide whether extreme heat is a deal-breaker for you.
While weather isn’t everything, it does have an impact on your daily life. If temperatures over 100 degrees are a major concern, you may want to consider cities in Arizona with higher elevations, like Flagstaff and Prescott.
2. Figure out your job situation before moving.
Are you able to keep your job and still move to a new state? Will you look for a new job in Arizona before you move there? Or will you move and find a job after you settle in? Make a game plan for your job prior to packing up.
3. Make a plan to “test-drive” cities and neighborhoods before committing to one spot long-term.
Consider trying out a neighborhood or two before settling down. After all, you won’t truly know what part of Arizona speaks to you until you live there for a while.
When test-driving a new city, you don’t necessarily have to live in an extended-stay hotel or an expensive vacation rental. Consider temporary housing accommodations! Many apartment communities have short-term leases that allow you to give the neighborhood a try before committing to a longer-term lease.
Moving large, bulky furniture items across state lines can be costly — and exhausting! Therefore, you may want to leave your old furniture items behind and postpone purchasing new items until you’re ready to commit to a long-term move. In the meantime, consider seeking out a furnished or partially furnished short-term rental option.
Many apartment communities that offer short-term rentals offer furnished or partially furnished spaces, or partner with CORT Furniture rental.
CORT provides a flexible furniture rental subscription service, allowing you to rent an entire home’s worth of furniture for under $300 a month! After customizing your furniture subscription package online, CORT will deliver and set up your furniture so you don’t have to lift a thing. Then, when you’re done with your furniture and ready to buy for your long-term home, CORT will pick up the furniture and move it out.
When moving across the country, make things as easy as possible on yourself and rent furniture. Don’t worry about moving furniture or investing too much money on furniture you may not keep for a long time. Browse CORT online or visit a showroom near you today!
