12 Pros and Cons of Living in Arizona

Last Updated on March 12, 2021 by Filip Poutintsev

Once a part of New Mexico, Arizona became a separate state about 15 years after Mexico ceded the land to the U.S. Many come to Arizona due to the stunning Grand Canyon.

Living in Arizona Pros and Cons

Each year nearly 5 million tourists come to see this natural phenomenon up to 18 miles wide in some places, one-mile-deep and about 280 miles long. The State also holds the country’s largest percentage of land designated as tribal areas. There have been nearly 1,000 years of some of the cultures living in the State today.

There are several reasons to be considering staying in Arizona. You will have access to various outdoor opportunities, live a modern metropolis like Phoenix, or settle in Flagstaff to enjoy a mountainous way of life. You can experience desert sun, higher elevation cool weather, or, if you choose, be close to Las Vegas. Until you decide to make the switch, here are all the pros and cons of living in Arizona to think about.

Pros of Living in Arizona

1. Cost of Living

The cost of living in Phoenix for a family of four, minus their cost of rent, is $2,700 a month. If you’re on your own, so living expenses are about $800. Most families come to Arizona and rent out for the first year, so if you need a two-bedroom apartment, plan to pay about $1,000 a month.

Buying a house of some 2,000 square feet would bring you up to $300,000 on a price scale. Many households consider a living arrangement that suits their needs when they decide to move to this state with good employment available in the state and rural options.

2. Weather

The weather is awesome in the Phoenix area. December is the coolest month of the year with an average low of 45 ° F while July is the hottest month of the year with an average high of 106 ° F. We have 299 days of Sunshine per annum on average. Were you aware that the average snow per year for the United States is 26? But, at Phoenix, it is ZERO.

3. Taxes

This can be a big pro for relocating to Arizona depending on where you live. In reality, Arizona is the ‘Most Tax-Friendly State’ according to Kiplinger.

The proposed $10,000 limit on tax-paying deductions has certainly inspired people to consider moving to sunny Arizona. Citizens have historically focused on being able to subtract all of the taxes they pay in several larger cities around the United States. The area of Greater Phoenix is in Maricopa County.

The property tax rate in Maricopa County is 0.802 per cent of the Assessed Value of the property, while the National Average is 1.211 per cent of the Assessed Value of the Home. On a home of $250,000, the gap in total property taxes between Maricopa County and the National Average is over $1,000.

4. Strong Job Market

When you want to make Phoenix your home when you move to Arizona, then the average cost of living is 5 per cent lower than the average cost of living in the United States. The average city worker earns over $50,000 per annum. If these two factors combine, there is a fair chance you can increase the quality of living by moving to the state.

Phoenix is also one of the country’s largest growing industrial markets, creating blue-collar jobs which often require filling. With its warm weather, defence and tech companies, along with healthcare, manufacturing, and aerospace sectors, there are plenty of tourism-related positions in the city which continue to expand.

5. Golfing

Phoenix is renowned for its mild summer temperatures. This is also popular for the golf courses that are there. Golfing can be done at more than 200 different locations, from small neighbourhood locations to destinations for the world championships.

For you to experience this sport there are two of the best courses on the planet: Chiricahua in Scottsdale and Desert Forest Golf Club in Carefree.

6. Road Trips

If you live in Arizona, then for a fun road trip adventure you have easy access to California and Nevada. Las Vegas is a day drive south, while California is just a few hours away from Phoenix if you are reaching the highway at the right time.

If you take I-10 westwards towards California, you can explore the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. Go a little further and you’re going to make it to Joshua Tree National Park. Hoover Dam and Death Valley are both near enough to be a drive day away.

7. Cultural Activities

Arizona is home to many professional sports teams including football, baseball, and basketball including the Cardinals, Diamondbacks, and Suns respectively. Phoenix is also witnessing a rising soccer culture, with their squad regularly vying for MLS inclusion.

Several museums are also available for visiting, including the Artistic Photography Centre, the Heard Center, and the Phoenix Art Museum. Many open-air entertainment venues are available to enjoy in the state because of the conditions found in the desert. You’ll also get exposure to an opera service, a symphony orchestra, and Arizona Ballet.

Various theatres and resorts provide you with specific entertainment opportunities to enjoy. You can also take a tour of the restaurant and bar scene in every city to enjoy local dishes.

Cons of Living in Arizona

1. Walking isn’t An Option

If you’re choosing Flagstaff, Phoenix or one of Arizona’s other cities, then you’re almost forced to use public transport or purchase your own car. Phoenix was ranked among the least walkable cities in the U.S., coming in at 29th out of the country’s 30 largest metro areas.

Just 3 per cent of the companies operating in Phoenix were deemed welcoming to workers who would like to walk to work. While walking conditions are improving throughout the state, the issue of summer heat still remains to be considered, particularly in the southern part of the state.

2. Very Hot Summer

When you stay year-round in Phoenix, then the summer months are harsh. In July and August, normal temperatures are around 106 degrees Fahrenheit. You ‘re not going to hit the 70s until your several years past November.

You are already reaching temperatures in the 80s again by the time you hit May. Each year an average time of four months is over 100.

3. Politics

From a political point of view, Arizona tends to lean toward conservative principles. It is very liberal when dealing with trade unions and faith, but pushes toward the conservative taxation, immigration, and law enforcement spectrum.

Within the State, gun ownership is high. Some can find the setup is an advantage here. Others will determine this as a serious disadvantage. Although the division is not the same in the state as it is in other places, in each community you can find an increasing lack of diversity as people turn towards like-minded family and friends.

4. Real Estate Dependent Economy

Although in Phoenix you can find several business opportunities, you will find that the economy often struggles when there are no real estate and building activities.

When you head up north, the traffic issues will vanish, but restaurants have less shopping options and less choice. Many people are willing to find a pleasant place to settle down, because Arizona is a large state with different communities. The downside here is that often it can be difficult to find decent jobs, and salaries do not meet your standards for the place you want to stay.

5. Barren Lands

If you want to see tall, green trees, lush lawns and plenty of forests, then southern Arizona isn’t your place. Even in the North, the state’s forest layout is different from what you will find in a state like Oregon or Washington.

Most of the state is low desert, so if you want to buy a residence in one of the cities, expect plenty of cactuses, lots of sand and palm trees. You won’t see anything green outside the towns for as far as you can see most days. Swimming skills are a must

Recall those temperatures of 100 + degrees as mentioned earlier. Well, the pool is the perfect way to beat the heat. So, you certainly need to learn how to swim or at least how to float.