There’s no doubt that Arizona is a great place to call home. However, as with anyplace, living in Arizona comes with its pros and cons. So what makes Arizona so great, and what should you look out for?
To help those who are thinking about moving to Arizona, Redfin listed out five pros and five cons of living in the Grand Canyon State. Find out what they are below.
Pros of Living in Arizona
1. Beautiful Landscapes
Arizona is filled with natural beauty and is home to incredible landscapes such as the Grand Canyon, the red rocks of Sedona and the Petrified Forest, to name a few. The state’s mountains, preserved parks and diverse landscapes give residents plenty of opportunities to soak in its unique desert scenery and expansive surroundings.
2. Affordability
Arizona offers a relatively low cost of living, making it an attractive place for homebuyers. The median home price in Arizona is $445,100, which is lower than median home price in its neighboring state, New Mexico, at $549,000.
3. Sunny Weather
There are about 300 days of sunshine per year in Arizona, which makes it an ideal state for escaping the colder and harsher climates of others. The consistent sun in Arizona is also great for solar energy, which helps the environment and saves on energy bills.
4. City Grid System
Most large metro areas in Arizona are built on a newly-adopted grid system, which makes navigating an unfamiliar area much easier. In Phoenix, for example, the majority of streets run north to south and east to west from a central point.
5. Abundance of Outdoor Activities
Arizona is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts thanks to the abundance of hiking, biking and riding trails, plus the many opportunities for camping, rock climbing, and exploring it offers. Arizona is home to many well-known natural landmarks, giving residents countless ways to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.
Cons of Living in Arizona
1. Intense Heat
Depending on the city, summer months in Arizona reach extreme temperatures that can make living uncomfortable. Temperatures range between 90 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit at the peak of summer season. Consider living in northern Arizona cities to escape the intense heat.
2. Wildfire Risk
Due to the dry and hot climate, Arizona is prone to severe wildfires, such as the Rodeo-Chediski Fire that caused great damage to the area in 2002. It’s important that Arizona residents have a fire plan in place in case fires do occur.
3. Haboobs
During Arizona’s monsoon season, heavy rains can lead to “haboobs” or dust storms that can make driving and leaving the house dangerous. Haboobs are most common between June and September when the weather is hot and dry.
4. Seasonal Residents
Arizona’s mild winters attract outsiders or seasonal residents every year who come to escape the dropping temperatures of other states. This is called “snowbird” migration, which affects popular cities like Phoenix and Tucson by driving up the cost of living and goods and sometimes making places feel more crowded.
5. Limited Transportation
Outside of major Arizona cities, public transportation isn’t very accessible. The Valley Metro light rail system only serves the Phoenix metropolitan area, which makes getting around difficult for those who don’t drive or own a car.
Read more on what Redfin has to say about living in Arizona here.
