What I Should Know Before Moving to Arizona

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Did you just get a new job or get accepted into college, and you’re planning to move to Arizona? Congratulations! The Grand Canyon state is amazing. It’s located in the southwestern part of the United States, with over 7 million population. It is the 14th most populous state in the United States and popularly recognized for the Grand Canyon, the mile-deep chasm that was shaped by the Colorado River. 

The cost of living in Arizona is relatively low, and there have been a lot of transplants from more expensive states that have found a home and refuge here lately. You should be aware that just as the state is full of many unique attractions, there are a few things you should be aware of before you move there.

We have put together a list of things you should know before moving to Arizona – whether it’s for a few semesters or what you hope to be a lifetime. There are some things you should be aware of, like activities, things to see, but also laws.

The rules of the road, the cannabis laws, and many others. A lot of people wonder about gambling laws –  relax, you can play many things here at actual casinos, or games like the triple twist lottery a popular local scratch-off. 

Sporting and Gaming Activities

The beautiful weather Arizona makes it a perfect setting for outdoor sporting activities. Most cities in Arizona have a lot of opportunities to engage in a variety of outdoor s[prts. 

There’s a ton of stuff to choose from: hiking trails, hang gliding through the desert, balloon rides, snowboarding in Flagstaff, horseback riding tours, balloon rides, and many more.

Arizona is a home for professional sports and known for its baseball and college football. Arizona Diamondbacks were the fastest expansion team to win the World Series back in 2001. The Cactus League spring training is also an avenue for lovers of baseball to participate in spring training games.

The Weather

Arizona might be a perfect place for you if you are the type of person who loves to enjoy the hot dry weather. There is often a lack of humidity as It is usually very sunny in the entire state most of the year, and most of the state is, well – a desert. 

It was noticed that Summer 2020 has officially been the hottest in Arizona history since 1896 with an average high temperature of nearly 111 degrees in August 2020. Make sure to drink a lot of water, make sure you get an apartment with well-functioning air conditioning, and try to run errands very early or towards dusk. Especially if you plan on walking somewhere.  

The Stunning Landscape of Grand Canyon 

The Grand Canyon is the biggest attraction in Arizona if not in the entire United States. It has a huge diversity of natural landscapes that are filled with natural beauty that are easy to explore. Grand Canyon is also famous for mountain biking and hiking. So If you’re considering moving to Arizona, Grand Canyon should, of course, be in your top list of places to visit. 

Always Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water and fluids is good for your health, right? But in Arizona, be aware that you would have to double your water intake as compared to what you usually take in a colder region. This is because of no other reasons than the blistering heat that occur almost all year long.

So if drinking too much water is not your thing, you will need to make it a habit when you move to Arizona.  

Yes, It Does Snow in Arizona 

Despite what many people believe, it does snow in Arizona.  It does take some driving, but if you live in Phoenix or Tuscon, you can drive to popular ski areas like Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley or Sunrise Park Resort or the Elk Ridge Ski Area. Watch the conditions closely, even if there isn’t much snowfall, there’s a big chance that the snow will be machine-made. 

Amazing Art Scene 

Arizona is full of creativity and inspiration for the art scene. Cities like Tucson have an amazing local artist movement, and AZ has become a place where artists from expensive places like California came to pursue their passions. There is tons of new art and creativity, galleries, mural walks and studios – but don’t forget about the ever-present Native American artists that we associate Arizona with. They are the real soul of the state. 

A Car Will Come In Handy

You will make things much easier for yourself in Arizona when you have a car of your own because most of the cities in the state are not pedestrian-friendly; they are more of a driving state. Residents often depend on public transportation such as a train, bus, or their personal car. The positive aspect of this is that Arizona has a few car insurance companies that offer rates lower than the national average.

Cost of Living

Generally, the cost of living in Arizona is relatively low compared to other states in the U.S. based on the U.S. average. According to the report from the Council for Community and Economic ResearchIn Arizona, it’scheaper to live in Phoenix than in Lake Havasu City, Yuma or Flagstaff. According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, taking into account the housing, transportation, taxes, food costs, and other living expenses, the 2018 cost of living index in Arizona was 97.7/100.

A Fertile Ground For Entrepreneurship

If you are looking to grow your new business or expand the scope of your enterprise, then Arizona might just be the perfect place for you. The state is ranked top five of the most entrepreneurial states in the U.S. and top four of the best gross domestic product growth rate in the U.S. in 2018. The wide range of labour availability and low business tax rates, business credits, and limited regulations are the crucial factors contributing to the economic growth of the state.

Dangerous Creatures

You will likely come across wild and terrifying creatures that could be dangerous to you while living in Arizona. Arizona’s deserts are home to much wildlife, especially creepy crawly creatures. Some of the dangerous animalsthat call Arizona home include Arizona spiders, venomous critters, scorpions, mountain lions, black bears, and rattlesnakes.

Do Your Research

Moving to an entirely new location is a hard decision for anyone – and it will take some time to adjust. Arizona is a unique place, and chances are that you’re going to get a bit homesick and a little bit of a culture shock as well. 

But don’t worry – once you get settled in, you will get used to the big saguaros and the neat rocky landscaping that a lot of people have instead of lawns. And if you ever move away, we guarantee that you’re going to miss it. 

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