1. It Snows In Arizona
Maybe you’re thinking about moving to
Phoenix to escape having to survive another winter frozen solid and buried under snow. But brace yourself for disappointment because even Phoenix sees low temperatures dip below 32 degrees in January. And if you want to see legitimate snow accumulation, just take a trip to
Flagstaff or
Snowflake.
2. Other Than That, Welcome To The Surface Of The Sun
Although you can find snow in
Arizona in the winter, it’s definitely not the norm. You know what is the norm here? Heat. Heat so hot, it’s actually dangerous (and pretty foolish) to walk out to your car with no shoes on. Scottsdale’s average August temperature hovers around 101 degrees. And yes, that’s just the average. You’ll discover that “it’s a dry heat” thing means nothing when you’re literally melting. Summer is considered the off-season here because there’s really nothing the human body can handle outdoors in 115 degrees with a sun trying to sear your face off.
3. There’s Plenty Of Water In The Desert
Now that we’ve established that Arizona is about a hundred times hotter than you can possibly imagine, now for how to cool down: the watering holes! Not every spot in the desert is dry and these little oases are magical and very popular spots to take a dip.
4. What Arizona Will Cost You Depends On Where You Live
Arizona’s overall cost of living is generally on par with the national index of 100, coming in just 2 points more expensive. But, the numbers can change pretty drastically depending on where you officially land. Scottsdale’s cost of living index is 23 points higher than the national index, whereas Phoenix and
Tucson are ranked at 5 and 6 points lower than the national index. You have nothing but cash to spend (lucky you!,) feel free to blow it in
Paradise Valley where the cost of living is 188 points higher that the national average!
5. You Don’t Have To Mow Lawns But You Still Have To Water Plants
Be smart and get yourself a house that doesn’t have a lawn to mow or water. It’s nothing but a waste of precious H2O, anyway. However, don’t assume that a planting a few desert-friendly plants means no maintenance at all. Cacti, mesquites, and palo verdes are all popular landscaping plants but still require some water. Look into getting a drip irrigation system if your house doesn’t already have one.
6. Get Yourself Set Up In Arizona’s Top City
Without knowing much about Arizona, you might think that the most desirable city to live in would be a well-known metro like Phoenix or Scottsdale. But think smaller. Gilbert is rated Arizona’s most livable city according to
AreaVibes with an overall score of 84 out of a possible 100 for its low crime rates, high graduation record, quaint small-town feel with plenty of amenities, in a close-knit community, and a relatively good cost of living index of 106.
7. Arizona’s Economy Is Making A Great Comeback
Everywhere got hit hard by the recession and Arizona is no exception. In 2009, they saw a terrifying unemployment rate peak out at 11.2 percent. But it has been on a steady decline ever-since. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that as of April 2015, Arizona’s unemployment rate is below the national average at 6 percent, a number the state hasn’t seen since June of 2008.
8. The Grand Canyon Really Is As Grand As They Say
There are only seven Wonders of the World and the Grand Canyon is one of them. There’s a reason for that. And having all 277 miles of it in your backyard is something pretty special.
9. But All Of Arizona’s Scenery Is Breathtaking, Really
Even if you’ve never been much of an outdoorsy person, the Arizona landscape has a way of changing that. You’ll hike more trails while you’re here than you probably did your entire life anywhere else just because no matter how many times you do the same one, it always feels like you’re exploring somewhere new.
10. And The Adventures Never Stop
There is always something amazing to do outdoors throughout every corner of Arizona beyond hiking and looking around. Hop on a bike, go rock climbing, take a boat ride, glide down the river in a canoe or a kayak, try wakeboarding or jet skiing, maybe even stand up paddleboarding, trot the day away while horseback riding, camp for the weekend, wake up early and go fishing, don’t forget skiing up north, or get above it all for the ultimate view in a hot air balloon ride.
11. Prepare Yourself For Arizona Monsoons And Haboobs
When people use the word “monsoon,” they’re usually discussing a single thunderstorm but it’s actually in reference to a whole weather pattern from June 15 to September 1. When the wind shifts, it can bring nasty storms with it, commonly referred to as a monsoon. The storm may or may not be preceded by a massive dust storm called a “haboob.” Both are simultaneously awesome and terrifying, but you get used to them.
12. Parking Spots Are Determined By Shade, Not Distance
Did I mention that Arizona gets hot? During the summer months, make sure you keep your car parked under a port, a tree, or any kind of shade. Locals will happily trek across a hot parking lot to make sure they got a spot out of the blazing hot Arizona sun.
13. Arizona Is The MLBs Bullpen
Arizona is home to the Cactus League spring training camps, warming up the players for the season ahead. Fields are located throughout Phoenix,
Mesa, Tempe, Glendale, Goodyear, and Scottsdale.
14. Phoenix Is Arizona’s Pro Sports Hub
Pro sports fans will need to stock up on Phoenix gear. The city is home to all the major four leagues and then some. The Arizona Cardinals play for the NFL, the Arizona Diamondbacks claim the MLB spot, the Phoenix Suns slam dunk it for the NBA, and the NHL works hard to keep the ice cool for the Coyotes. The Phoenix WNBA has the Phoenix Mercury and the AFL has the Arizona Rattlers.
15. Tip Your Graduation Cap To Arizona State University
In-state tuition hurts a lot less than out-of-state and Arizona State University is a great school to continue your education. They’re also home to the Sun Devils, a killer college sports team.
16. Read My Lips: No Daylight Savings
Arizona doesn’t observe the whole weird Daylight Savings thing. That means when it’s 9 o’clock in the morning, it’s 9 o’clock in the morning, no matter what time of year it is. Once you go one year without having to set your clocks forward and back again, you realize just how silly it all is.
17. Scottsdale Is Living The Nightlife
If you’re hoping to move to a city in Arizona with the most energy and most vibrant nightlife, then Scottsdale is where to look. The city is known all around the country for its club scene. Along with a variety of trendy bars, restaurants, and lounges, Scottsdale is the Arizona city that never sleeps.
18. The Farther You Are From A City, The More Wildlife You’ll See
Coyotes? Check. Javelinas? Check. Bobcats? Check, check, check. The farther from one of the major cities are, the higher your chances are that you’ll run into these creatures on occasion, usually rummaging through your backyard or trying to drink out of your swimming pool. Keep an eye on smaller pets and don’t leave them outdoors for long periods of time, otherwise you might not see them again.
19. Arizona’s Weather Makes The Perfect Golfing Climate
The weather is why there are so many snowbirds in Arizona during the winter. It’s also why it suddenly seems like everyone is a golfer—probably because they are. Arizona is a world-class destination for golfing with a whopping 322 courses scattered across the state.
20. This Is Wine Country
Move over, California. Arizona has Wine Country flag to fly, too. There are three main wine trails that you can tour throughout the state. Northern Arizona has the Verde Valley Wine Trail, Southern has the Sonoita/Elgin Wine Trail, and Southeastern Arizona has the Willcox Wine Trail where you can overlook the vineyards while sipping at a red with your best friends.
21. The Sunsets In Arizona Are Famous For A Reason
Take a glass of that local Arizona wine and make sure to look out your window every evening. The sunsets here are just as famous as the golfing and maybe even the Sonoran Desert. There’s nothing quite like it to help you remember why you fell in love with and moved to Arizona.
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