1. Things Get A Bit Toasty Here
On the average year there are over 100 days where the temperature passes 100 degrees and typically more than 15 days where it’s over 110. It’s literally one of the hottest places you could live in America.
2. But It’s All Dry Heat
Even though it gets so hot, it doesn’t feel as hot as the numbers might sound. It’s all dry heat here, meaning the humidity is very low, making it much more tolerable than you’d think.
3. Watch Out For Rattlers
Thanks to its hot, desert climate, certain animals tend to love spending their free time in
Phoenix, including highly poisonous rattlesnakes. If you’re out in nature and hear their distinctive tail shake, it’s them warning you to walk away very quickly.
4. But Don’t Run From All Diamondbacks
While actual rattlesnakes can be deadly, the Arizona Diamondbacks are just the local professional baseball team. Their games are super fun to attend and it’s one of the first things you should do when you roll into town.
5. Feel Free Bite The Snakes Back
Because there are so many rattlers in the area, it’s actually a protein you’ll find on the menu at local restaurants like Rustler’s Rooste Steakhouse. It’s tastier than you’d think and it’s definitely worth giving a try.
6. Those Are Coyotes You Hear
Coyotes usually won’t bother humans, but it is important to keep small pets that might look like a snack inside the home if you think one might be around.
7. It’s Always An Interesting Day When The Haboobs Roll Into Town
Another side effect of the dry, desert climate that is Phoenix, huge dust storms called haboobs can roll through on occasion. If there’s one coming, your best bet is to make sure your windows are shut and wait it out inside.
8. Sonora Dogs Are The Big Thing Here
Wrapped in bacon and topped with mayo, tomatoes, beans, onions, and a variety of sauces, like sour cream and mustard, Sonora-style hot dogs are a big deal around these parts. If you want a great one, hunt down Nogales Hot Dogs, Moreno’s Mexican Grill, or the La Frontera food truck.
9. It’s Sun Devils Or Wildcats, Pick A Side
When it comes to college sports in Phoenix, the two teams that get the most love are the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Arizona Wildcats. The fans are bitter rivals, meaning that you really just have to pick a team and stick with it for life.
10. Never Forget Your Sunblock
There’s not too much between you and the sun in Phoenix, and if you’re planning on being outside for long, know that the hot sun rays will literally beat you down.
It’s always smart to have a few bottles of sunscreen tucked around the house that you can grab at a moment’s notice.
11. Shade Parking Is More Valuable Than The Front Row Spot
With the sun being so hot and ever-present in Phoenix, you’ll quickly learn that getting in a car that’s been sitting outside is a great way to get third degree burns. Park it in the shade and use the windshield blinders, otherwise your car will be rendered useless to you.
12. Expect Tons Of Tourists
Over 16 million people visit Phoenix each year, making it one of the hottest (literally and figuratively) vacation spots in the country. If you see an out-of-state plate on the road, be aware that the driver has no clue where they’re going and will probably act erratically.
13. Don’t Be Afraid To Be A Tourist Yourself
One huge perk of living in Phoenix is that it’s a daytrip distance from some of America’s coolest destinations. Places like
Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and
Flagstaff are all a relatively short drive. Heck,
Vegas is only 4-5 hours away.
14. Work On Your Golf Swing
Despite the area being so dry, there are over 200 golf courses spread around the Phoenix area, making this one of the most popular recreational activities in the Valley. If you’re moving to Phoenix, you’ll definitely want to bring the clubs along for the ride.
15. They’ve Got A Light Rail, And It’s Awesome
Though operation only started in 2008, the Phoenix Metro Light Rail has already gained tons of fans in the short time span. It stretches 20 miles through the city and it’s the 13th busiest light rail in the country, making it really easy for the locals to get around without using a car.
16. Don’t Forget To Shake Out Your Shoes
We swear EVERYTHING in Phoenix isn’t trying to kill you, but there’s one more animal you need to be aware of. Scorpions have a tendency of sneaking into cool, dark places and they’ll react aggressively when they’re disturbed from time to time.
Even if your shoes stink, it won’t keep these little critters from crawling in for a quick nap. Shake them out before putting them on just to be safe.
17. The Plants Here Even Have An Attitude
The Phoenix area is filled with unique plants you really don’t see much around America, with dozens of cactus varieties spread around town. They’re pretty to look at, but think twice before you touch them. They’re covered in prickly spikes and some are even legally protected from harm by the government.
18. Phoenix Isn’t Just A Flat Desert
Most outsiders have this idea that Phoenix is just a town in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by miles of sand. That couldn’t be further from the truth. There are tons of hike-able mountains in the area and there’s even Salt River, a stream that stretches for 200 miles.
19. Two Wheels Are Sometimes Better Than Four
One of the best ways to enjoy the awesome city of Phoenix is from the saddle of a bicycle. The area has been getting really bike-friendly in recent years, as they now have a bike sharing program and a 4.6 mile stretch downtown dubbed Bicycle Boulevard.
20. Eat All The Mexican Food
Thanks to Phoenix’s closer proximity to Mexico than most major American cities, they’ve got some of the best Mexican food in the country. The tacos here are so good, they’ve got the potential to ruin all other tacos for you for life.
21. You Can’t Help But Soak Up The Local Culture
Phoenix is one of the most vibrant cities in America when it comes to culture. It’s home to a really diverse population, tons of festivals, and plenty of fine arts, like a local orchestra, opera, ballet, and more.
22. Phoenix Will Win Your Heart Over In No Time
Sure, Phoenix might be a little hot and some of the animals might try to kill you from time to time, but aside from that it’s one of the best American cities to call home. With tons of awesome food, a great nightlife, and plenty of accessible things to do outside, Phoenix never disappoints.
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