If you’re moving to Arizona for the first time, you likely have many questions about the Grand Canyon State. What’s the weather like, for example, and does it allow for outdoor activities? How about the job market and the cost of living? Both are important to know before you go, as well as several other factors. To help you, we put together this list of the Top 7 things to know before moving to Arizona. If knowing what to expect when you arrive in AZ is your goal today, read on!
1. Moving to Arizona Means a Resonable Cost of Living
While you won’t save a bundle living in Arizona, you won’t spend a lot more than the average state either. Best Places, the city comparison website, reports that the cost of living in Arizona is 2% higher than the U.S. average. That’s not exceptional, but it’s not terrible either and, we think you’ll agree, quite reasonable. This also makes it a great hub for college and university towns.
2. Arizona’s Weather is (Mostly) Phenomenal
If there’s one thing you’ll see a lot of in Arizona, it’s the sun! We get over 300 days a year of sunshine, one of the highest in the country. The climate is dry and sunny most of the year, with winters that are the definition of mild. Many Arizona residents love the weather here because it allows them to be outdoors all year long. There is one catch, however, as you’ll see next.
3. Moving to Arizona Means Scorching Hot Summers
If you’re from New York, Chicago, or Boston, you’ve probably never experienced a 120-degree day. Something to know before moving to Arizona is that the temperatures get close to 120 all the time in summer, making AC and cold drinks a definite must-have! Many folks have pools here for that very reason, to escape the oppressive heat. Also, from June to September is the monsoon season in Arizona. So, during summer, expect to be hot, sticky, and damp relatively often.
NOTE: If you rent a storage unit in Arizona, it’s recommended to get one that’s temperature controlled. That way, your things won’t suffer from the extreme heat and humidity. If you’re not sure what’s best for your stuff, chat with a Storage Solutions manager online!
4. Moving to Arizona Means Getting Outdoors
When you get over 300 days a year of sunshine, you need to be able to get outside and enjoy it! That’s not a problem in Arizona, where you’ll find many fascinating, exciting, and fun things to do! For example:
The Red Rocks of Sedona
A spectacular place of healing and natural beauty, Sedona is a mecca for spiritual leaders and healers.
Verde Hot Springs
A delight for the whole family, Verde Hot Springs offers hot springs, waterfalls, swimming holes, and all sorts of fun!
The Salt River
In Phoenix, spend a day floating down the Salt River for an experience you won’t soon forget. (Don’t forget sunscreen and water!)
Tonto National Forest
Truly magnificent, you can camp, hike, and enjoy this park’s beauty all year long. With over 2.9 million acres, it’s the 7th largest in the United States! Know this fun trivia before moving to Arizona – it’s named after the Tonto Basin, not the Native American side-kick of the Lone Ranger.)
Hoover Dam
Once the tallest dam on the planet, Hoover dam is no less impressive for its sheer size. When you’re there, imagine this: an entire city was created to house the 5000 workers needed to complete the project! Even more interesting, “Boulder City,” as it was called, had no elected officials!
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
One of the most photographed places on earth, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is truly majestic! That’s because of the towering sandstone rock formations to be found here, some that soar over 1000 feet high! One visit and you’ll realize immediately why so many photographers love this place!
5. Moving to Arizona Means Dealing with Dust
Have you ever seen a dust storm? If not, the first time can be exciting indeed, as well as slightly terrifying. The central part of the state sees the worst storms, which can engulf a city or town in minutes. Even when there are no storms, the dust is everywhere, a reminder that Arizona gets very little rain. If you’ve got allergies, it’s recommended you always keep tissues on hand in the Copper State! (It’s one of the crucial things to know before moving to Arizona!)
6. People Cook with Cactus in Arizona
One thing about Arizona that many love is that the cuisine here is so varied and delicious. There’s a lot of Hispanic and Mexican influence, of course, but a lot of the food here is uniquely Arizonan. That includes the prickly pear, saguaro, cholla, and agave, all cacti and all edible. Restaurants in the state use all four of these delicious dessert treats, and many individuals do as well. However, one thing to keep in mind is that you need to get a permit to harvest them. You can do that through the Arizona State Land Department.
7. Arizona is Home to the Grand Canyon
There are few places on the planet as majestic and awe-inspiring as the Grand Canyon. Indeed, it’s the most visited attraction in the entire state, with millions of visitors flocking to it each year. Exploring the Grand Canyon can take an afternoon or if you like, a whole week. That’s because you can walk and hike but also camp, explore, and mountain bike. Then there’s the mighty Colorado River and some of the best kayaking and rafting in the world. You can spend as many days as you like enjoying both, an adventure that the entire family will never forget.
Things To Know Before Moving to Arizona
After reading our list of things to know before moving to Arizona, are you looking forward to your move to Arizona even more? If yes, we can’t blame you, because it’s fantastic here! We’re Storage Solutions, the self-storage experts in AZ! We have self-storage facilities all over the Grand Canyon State. They’re clean, safe, and secure, ready for anything you need to store. That includes everything from household goods to sporting equipment, files and paperwork, collections, and more!
If you have questions, you can chat with a manager online anytime you like. Or come down to one of our storage facilities and talk in person with an on-site manager. They can show you around, explain the process and get you started! Until then, welcome to Arizona! We hope you love living, working, and enjoying life here as much as we do!
Looking forward to visiting soon and possibly relocating from Florida!