18 Things to Know Before Moving to Arizona [2024]
Home to one of the seven wonders of the modern world, Arizona is a scenic dream, with its painted desert sunsets, picturesque mountains, and Southwestern cities. Between its fantastic landscape and affordable living, Arizona is getting a reputation for being one of the most rapidly growing states in the U.S.
Thinking of moving to the Grand Canyon State? Here are 18 things you need to ask, and that we can help you answer, before moving to Arizona.
18 Things to Know Before Moving to Arizona
1. What Is It Like Living in Arizona?
With a population of 7.17 million, Arizona is the 6th largest state in the US. Filled with so many people, it’s no wonder that 27.5% of Arizona citizens speak languages other than English, an average that beats out the national makeup of 21.9%. If you move to Arizona, you’re likely to hear your neighbors speak Spanish, Navajo, and Chinese (Mandarin/Cantonese).
Arizona’s nearest states are Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. If you have “be in two or more places at once” on your bucket list, you can visit all four at the same time at the Four Corners Monument in the Navajo Tribal Park. Many Arizonans visit these states while living in Arizona due to their close proximity.
One of the last states to be founded, Arizona achieved statehood in 1912 during the Mexican-American War. Shortly after its founding, Arizona became a beacon for the “Wild West” enthusiasts, attracting tourists, artists and filmmakers alike. Its “Old West” features still draw thousands of tourists a year, and visitors continue to soar. The biggest draw, though, is Arizona’s famous national park, where you can see the breathtaking Grand Canyon. No matter where you stand, you’ll stand in awe for hours. If the Grand Canyon isn’t on your bucket list, it should be.
Arizona is known for its brilliant mountain ranges, spruce trees, deep canyons, historic pueblos, and ski resorts. You’ll find a wide variety of scenery to choose from. In all, Arizona boasts 22 national parks and monuments and 35 state parks and natural areas.
If you move to Arizona, you’ll be able to easily experience the great outdoors without driving too far.
2. What Is the Cost of Living in Arizona?
The cost of living in Arizona is fairly reasonable, depending on where you settle.
According to PayScale, based on Phoenix, the cost of living and housing in Arizona is 4% higher than the national average.
Here's an idea of how much things cost when moving to Arizona, as reported by PayScale:
- Energy bill: $181.59
- Loaf of bread: $3.86
- Doctor's Visit: $116.67
- $3.62 for a gallon of gas
The average income for an individual is around $59,000. You’ll also find affordable rents in many of the state's metro areas.
Here's what you can expect to pay in rent in Arizona's most popular cities:
Median rents in Phoenix run $1,172 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,397 for a two-bedroom. That figure pretty much matches the national average. And although rents are starting to rise around the Phoenix metro area, they’re still affordable, and increasing just a bit slower, compared to other large metropolitan cities.
Scottsdale's median rents are higher. They’re $1,451 for a one-bedroom and $1,706 for a two-bedroom. Scottsdale rents are currently among the highest in the metro area.
Renters should expect to pay $1,268 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,425 for a two-bedroom in Tempe. And in the college town of Tucson, the median rent is $918 for a one-bedroom and $1,178 for a two-bedroom apartment.
Not all Arizona cities are inexpensive, but the state has a reputation for being affordable.
Best Places uses a cost of living indices based on a US average of 100. The cost of living in Arizona is 106.4. That makes it slightly more expensive than the US average.
3. What Is Arizona’s Job Market Like?
Arizona's job market offers stability and growth for locals and transplants to the area. The state features a growing tech industry and has attracted companies like Lyft, Apple, and Uber to set up offices.
Smaller tech companies, including Freshly and RetailMeNot, are flocking to Arizona for its affordability and innovation.
Beyond tech, Arizona is home to large corporate headquarters of companies including PetSmart, Circle K, U-Haul, and Sprouts Farmers Market. Higher education is also a major employer around Arizona, with the top employers being the University of Arizona and Arizona State University.
To top it off, Phoenix has one of the most robust job markets in the country, with a high number of job openings and competitive annual pay.
While Phoenix has the reputation for tech jobs, cities like Scottsdale offer more opportunities for tourism and hospitality.
Tucson is the place to work if you're interested in aerospace, defense and space, industrial, and warehousing. Tempe is known for its business services, manufacturing, healthcare, biotech, and technology. It's also one of the best cities for remote workers.
Healthcare is also booming in Arizona. It shows low unemployment and marked economic gains.
Though you’ll breeze through plenty of old miner towns where they’ll have you sift for fools’ gold, a real local treasure they still mine is copper. 66% of the country's copper output came from Arizona in 2018. Its mining and copper industry has a significant economic impact on the state. Head south of Flagstaff and north of Tucson to find copper production opportunities.
4. What Is Arizona Like?
It's impossible not to fall in love with Arizona's desert landscape and colorful cacti. However, there's more to the state than just the great outdoors.
Arizona features 433 cities. They range from metropolitan, world-class cities to small urban enclaves. It’s also full of canyons, mountains, and forests, like in Tucson Mountain Park.
5. What’s the Weather Like in Arizona?
In the summer? Hot. Really hot. 120 degrees hot.But any local will tell you it’s a “dry heat,” far more tolerable to many than the humid summers of the Midwestern, Southern, and Southeastern states.
And what makes it even better is that, most of the year, Arizona’s weather is glorious. The climate is generally dry and sunny year-round.
Winters are mild, and spring and fall are warm and welcoming. Until the heat hits, you can lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails or spend the weekend outdoors.
Just make sure you have easy access to swimming pools, central air, and cold drinks come May.
Summers also bring monsoon season, the worst of which hit between June to August, but that can extend from May to September. It's rainy, wet, and things can get swampy and humid for a hot minute. During monsoons, residents should look out for flooding, mudslides, and lightning. However, once storms pass you'll also enjoy some cool relief until the temperatures rise again. You may even spot some of your favorite desert critters, like roadrunners or the jackrabbits, popping out to enjoy the cooler temps after a storm.
6. What Are the Best Cities in Arizona?
Arizona's cities attract newcomers from around the country looking for a lower cost of living, new career opportunities, and outdoor recreation. There are also plenty of options for art, culture, and urban amenities around Arizona.
Phoenix
Phoenix offers seven major areas and urban villages. Despite the potential for long commutes, roadways are arranged in a grid system and well-planned freeways.
The region is also known for its resorts, desert gardens, and championship golf. You're also never far from mouth-watering Southwestern cuisine. If this city is on your Arizona Short List, get familiar with the best neighborhoods in Phoenix.
Scottsdale
Like Phoenix, Scottsdale is also known for its high-profile resorts and restaurants. There's also plenty of shopping, art galleries, and museums.
Nightlife is alive and well in Scottsdale and with upscale hotspots. You can carve out your own niche in Scottsdale or join the ritzy crowds, night club-hopping, and country club living.
Tempe
Tempe is the home of Arizona State University as well as some beloved year-round events.
Juried art festivals, like the Tempe Festival of the Arts, attract locals and tourists seeking a creative vibe and local artisanry. Live music and bohemian shops pepper the town to weave together an artistic spirit.
Whether you're pursuing higher education or want to explore your creative side, Tempe offers something for everyone.
Tucson
Home to the University of Arizona, Tucson's booming visual and performing arts scene complements its college-goer energy and beautiful desert backdrop. Despite the expansive desert, mountain ranges stretch in every direction and provide opportunities for snow skiing.
In between mountain biking and enjoying the views, Tucson is also ideal for gallery hopping, museums, and exploring the heritage shrines.
The best places to live in Arizona offer an affordable cost of living and a vibe that complements your lifestyle. Whether you want a family-friendly spot to call home or a vibrant, cultural backdrop, you can find it in Arizona.
7. When Is the Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon?
There's a reason Arizona is called The Grand Canyon State. As the state's most prominent attraction, locals and tourists alike can't help but feel the pull. It's completely stunning, and you can always find something new to do.
While the park is open year round, your best time to visit as a local is when temperatures are cooler and tourists aren’t on summer vacation. March through May, or September to December, will give you the best weather for walking and hiking. Take a guided horseback ride through the trails, camp, and feed the mules carrots for a cute cuddle.
No matter what time of year you trek out there, the Grand Canyon is a photographer's paradise. Kayaking down the Colorado River is fantastic Instagram fodder (and an even better workout).
8. What Bugs Can You Find in Arizona?
It’s not quite Australia, but the Arizona desert is harsh, and as such produces extreme survivors. Large, bizarre bugs are a staple of Arizona living. You're bound to find some incredibly creepy varieties, like giant hairy scorpions and Africanized bees.
You might even see a desert tarantula or a variety of brown spider species. Beyond the exotic varieties, you'll also find mosquitoes that could carry viruses and termites. Bring the bug spray – and stay away from the translucent baby scorpions that like to find their way into your pool. Make sure you have the local pest control on speed dial, just in case you need some expert help getting these crawlers out of your place.
9. How Do You Get Around in Arizona?
Vehicles are a must in Arizona. Traffic can be challenging when living in the cities. However, you'll still find congestion on glorious afternoons when locals are headed out to state parks for a hike.
You'll find public transportation and bus system options around some places. Scottsdale has four trolley routes to get around town with transfer points to the Valley Metro.
From there, you can access the greater Phoenix area. Tuscon's Sun Tran bus service offers 40 routes in the city and its outskirts. Tempe offers bus, light rail, and streetcar service with some free circulator routes. That said, in the smaller cities and towns, you’ll need a car with working AC. (And don’t touch the metal seatbelts in the summer. You’ll burn your hand.)
10. What Is There To Do in Arizona?
Entertainment options are plentiful around Arizona, whether you want museums and nightlife or the great outdoors. The world already knows that Arizona has laid claim to the most epic outdoor attraction in the country, and one of the top in the world – the Grand Canyon.
You can also check out the Hoover Dam on your way to Las Vegas (about three hours from Phoenix), Monument Valley, and the red rocks of Sedona.
Tempe celebrates the end of the summer heat with the Summer Ends Music Festival. Held in Tempe Beach Park, you'll find different genres of music and local vendors to satisfy your tastebuds.
The week-long La Fiesta de Los Vaqueros in Tucson features western-themed floats and events in bull riding, roping, and barrel racing. The Festival of the Arts in Phoenix features over 100 art vendors and cultural organizations.
Take a break from the summer heat with a stop at a museum or gallery. You can't go wrong with the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art or the Phoenix Art Museum. They're both regarded as some of the state's best museums.
11. What Can You Do Outdoors in Arizona?
We've covered the glory of the Grand Canyon, but there's plenty more to see and do around Arizona. The stunning Red Rocks of Sedona attract travelers looking for spectacular views and restorative relaxation. The city is a worldwide spiritual mecca that attracts healers and those interested in the metaphysical. If you want to experience the closest we have to a Mars-like environment in your lifetime, take a walk around Sedona.
You can also take a dip at Verde Hot Springs and enjoy the nearby waterfalls and swimming holes. Floating in the Salt River in Phoenix is a long-standing tradition. Locals get a reprieve from the city at the Tonto National Forest and flat along the salty river in rented tubes.
12. What Are the Snowbirds Like in Arizona?
Get accustomed to the snowbirds that descend upon Arizona each winter. Some 300,000 winter visitors travel to the East Valley and beyond for the warm weather, culture, and outdoor fun.
You'll find some week-long holiday visitors in the winter. However, most snowbirds stay for three to six months. They consider Arizona their home away from home.
13. How Do You Survive the Desert in Arizona?
There are some basics you always need to have on you when you undertake any travel more than 45 mins from your home, but never ever forget water. Even on a cooler day, it's essential to hydrate when you live in Arizona. The desert climate requires more water to replenish your fluids and stay healthy. Make sure you bring extra water on hikes or any time you plan to spend the day outdoors.
14. Why Do Creatives Love Arizona?
Arizona draws artists looking for creative opportunities and like-minded communities. Sedona's art scene is thriving, and Tucson and Scottsdale offer galleries and art openings featuring local artists.
Beyond the museums and artist communities, you'll also find creativity in boutiques, coffee shops, and festivals. They honor the artisanry of Arizona's locals. Arizona is also home to incredible artwork, textiles, and jewelry forged by indigenous Americans. You’ll find authentic, handcrafted work from different tribes at tent markets along the roadside, outside of reservations, and at local markets and stores. Hand-forged silver jewelry with real turquoise, woven blankets the color of the sunset, and real leather purses and moccasins from these markets are just a few of the beautiful pieces Arizona locals love to feature in their homes.
15. What Are Dust Devils and Dust Storms Like in Arizona?
Load up on Kleenex and keep your allergy medications nearby. Monsoons and hot weather aren't the only things you need to prepare for in Arizona. Dust storms are also common around the central part of the state. They usually sweep in during the summer months and often follow along with the drafts from seasonal monsoons. You’ll likely see dust devils, or dirt devils as they’re also called, when you drive along the road. They look like small tornadoes, but don’t be too alarmed – they don’t even come close to the same wind speed or damage as real twisters.
16. What Baseball Team Plays for Arizona?
Arizona is home to the Diamondbacks pro baseball team. The Rockies, and Rangers also play spring training games in the state.
The teams that train in Arizona make up the Cactus League. Whether you're a Chicago Cubs fan or rooting for the Colorado Rockies, you can see them train in Arizona.
17. Which Indigenous Tribes Live in Arizona?
Arizona may be growing rapidly. However, it hasn't lost focus of its origins.
You can still explore the state’s native heritage at the Hard Museum of American Indian Art & History and see the ancient pueblo cliff dwellings. If you want to visit the Tribal lands, you can use these guidelines to honor and observe the regulations of the 22 tribes that call Arizona their native home.
18. What Arizona Dishes Can You Make with Cactus?
If you're a foodie at heart, learning to cook with prickly pear cactus is a must. However, you'll need a $7 permit from the Arizona State Land Department to harvest them.
Once you get a permit, you can also harvest saguaro, cholla, and agave to throw into your dinner. Get inspired by sampling from restaurants featuring prickly pear dishes in omelets, tacos and tortillas.
Looking for an Apartment in Arizona?
Ready to pack up and move to Arizona? Find your perfect apartment in your favorite neighborhood with Apartment List.
Learn more about living in Arizona:
Phoenix
- Things to Know Before Moving to Phoenix
- Cost of Living in Phoenix
- Best Neighborhoods in Phoenix
- Average Rent in Phoenix
Tucson
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