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Arizona is famous for its spectacular sunset alongside its stunning landscape. The Grand Canyon state houses 22 national parks and monuments attracting millions of visitors worldwide.
Constantly rated as one of the fastest growing states in the country, Arizona keeps attracting more people as a result of its low crime rate, affordable homes, and booming job market among several other things.
Arizonians are never worried about hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes, and the state has one of the lowest average rainfalls in the United States.
If you're considering moving to Arizona, we created this guide just for you. This guide contains all the key things you need to know about Arizona before making up your mind about moving to the Grand Canyon state.
Make the Most of All the Information You Need to Know About Moving to Arizona
Here's a quick summary of what we're going to cover in this Arizona state guide:
Let's get you up to speed!
A quick look at the population and other demographics of Arizona.
Here are key reasons why moving to Arizona could be the right choice.
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The overall cost of living in Arizona is lower than the national average. Housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare - everything is cheaper in Arizona. You can rent a studio for $701 and a 1-bedroom apartment for approximately $806. A 2-bedroom home would approximately cost $1,011 a month and the average rent for a 3-bedroom house in Arizona is $1,454.
The median home cost in Arizona is $249,300. This is about 18% lower than the national average. However, it needs to be noted that houses cost high in big cities like Phoenix, Tucson, or Surprise.
Arizona has 300+ days of sunshine and this plays a big role in attracting snowbirds in winter. Arizona has a warm winter and snowfall is hardly heard of. Yuma in Arizona is the sunniest city in the US with more than 4,000 sunlight hours per year and an average of 11 sunny hours per day.
Arizona is highly pet-friendly. Most restaurants and outdoor parks permit pets inside. There are over 900 pet-friendly hotels in the state. Arizona also has hundreds of hiking trails, especially for pets. The state also has strict anti-cruelty laws.
The best part about Arizona is its spectacular topography. There is an abundance of diverse landscapes bursting with natural beauty. From spectacular canyons, and scenic rivers to vast deserts and towering mountains, there is a lot for Arizona to take pride in. Despite the enticing scenic beauty, Arizona is highly affordable to own or rent a home. While you can rent a 2-bedroom house for approximately $1,011, you can own a house for $249,300, which is much lower than the national average.
The economy of Arizona is thriving and as a result, it is easy to find a job in Arizona. As per the latest reports, Arizona`s job market is ranked second in the country and the state added about 84,400 jobs last year.
The industries that are flourishing in Arizona are:
The Grand Canyon is the landmark of Arizona State. Naturally formed millions of years ago, the Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide, and attains a depth of over a mile.
There is a lot to explore in Arizona. Always warm, the state does not permit you to sit indoors. Instead, it allures you outside to its unlimited attractions, mostly natural.
Some of the outdoor activities to engage in Arizona are:
With year-round sunny skies and teams for every season, sports in Arizona are always on. Almost every college and university has its clubs that compete in basketball, football, soccer, and ice hockey. The professional cubs are mostly focused in Phoenix. In addition, golf is also taken seriously in Arizona and the state has more than 200 golf courses.
Arizona is a popular retirement destination and a big share of the population here are above 65. The state is warm and sunny year-round and there are a lot of activities to do in Arizona. The retired income does not come under the tax slab. In addition, the state also has hundreds of clubs for senior people. The cost of living is lower than in many parts of the US and there is a lot to explore in Arizona during the senior years.
Arizona is highly tax-friendly for retired people. It does not tax social security retirement benefits. And on most other income that is taxed, rates are relatively low - from 2.59% to 4.5%. The state also does not have an estate or inheritance tax, a perk that is quite attractive to retirees.
The pros and cons of living in the state isn't exactly the same for everyone. What seem to be pros for some will be cons for others.
Here are the key pros and cons of moving to Arizona.
If you're considering moving to Arizona, living in the best places in the state should be among your top priority.
So, we've compiled relevant data about the ten best places to live in Arizona to help you get started.
| Place | Population | Median Home Value | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paradise Valley | 14,215 | $1,505,300 | 1.4% |
| Gilbert | 237,484 | $310,400 | 4.4% |
| Scottsdale | 246,026 | $455,900 | 3.7% |
| Oro Valley | 43,815 | $297,500 | 5.7% |
| Sahuarita | 28,949 | $200,700 | 3.7% |
| Chandler | 248,631 | $285,000 | 4.1% |
| Marana | 43,606 | $242,300 | 4.3% |
| Thatcher | 5,030 | $149,400 | 3.1% |
| Peoria | 164,572 | $248,700 | 5.5% |
| Prescott | 42,068 | $328,000 | 7.1% |
The cost of living in Arizona is fairly competitive compared to other states across the country.
Otherwise known for its low cost of living which is now rising gradually as many more people flock to the state.
If you're considering moving to Arizona, here's the average cost of living in the state using a national average of 100:
Overall, the cost of living in Arizona is rated 102%, while the U.S. average is 100. This means the cost of living in Arizona is slightly higher than the U.S. average. Housing is considered the biggest factor in the cost of living index, below is key data about Arizona's rental and real estate market.
Tip: When you've got a home to move in Arizona, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.
Renting a home can be a great option if you're moving to Arizona. In fact, about 30.4% of people living in Arizona are renters. Similar to several other states across the country, all types of homes are available for rent in Arizona. However, only about 2.5 apartments and houses are open for rent in Arizona.
Here's a simple breakdown of the state's real estate market:
Yes, Arizona is a good state to live in. The state has a warm climate and the economy is highly growing. As a result, the job opportunities are extremely high here, especially in cities like Tucson and Phoenix. Despite the economy thriving, the cost of living is low and you can easily get good accommodation at a low rent. The quality of education is high here and some of the best universities in the US are situated in Arizona.
Arizona is one of the best places to move in. The advantages of living in Arizona are:
No, Arizona is not expensive at all. The cost of living in Arizona is extremely low in comparison with many other states. Despite the economy growing and companies paying good salaries, you will get homes at affordable rent and can even buy one without burning your wallet. Even other expenses in the state are highly affordable.
As per the FBI, Arizona is relatively a safe state and the violent crime rate is below the national average. Most of the violent crimes that occur in Arizona tend to be centered close to the Mexico border.
The police claim to have brought gang wars and street fights under control and most neighborhoods in big cities are safer than what they had been a decade ago.
Yes, Arizona promises a healthy life as it has the cleanest air in the US. The days are always sunny here and you will be always both mentally and physically healthier. Due to the natural sunlight, there will be no shortage of Vitamin D and you will have a strong immune system, better dental health, and low blood pressure.
While living in Arizona, the chances of depression are also extremely low.
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Start My Quote NowIf you're moving to Arizona, buying a home in the state is a great idea. However, to help you make the right decision, we collected the most important data about Arizona's real estate market to help you get started:
This housing market information gives you a crystal-clear picture of the state real estate market if you're moving to Arizona.
We've compiled key information about the job market in Arizona including the biggest employers, top industries, top career options, and the average amount you're most likely to earn if you're moving to Arizona.
Here's a simple summary of Arizona's job market:
These are the largest industries in the state of Arizona:
If you're considering changing your career after moving to Arizona, we've compiled a list of the leading industries in the state to help you make an informed decision. Here they are:
Tip: Often, you feel like calculating the moving cost before you connect with a moving company. To help you, we've got a free moving cost calculator.
These companies are rated as the biggest employers in Arizona and they cut across various sectors of the state economy. If you're moving to Arizona, knowing who the biggest employers are can help you put the right foot forward. Here they are:
While getting a job in Arizona is fairly easy, what's the average amount you're mostly likely to earn in the state? Let's find out.
A person in Arizona typically earns around 106,000 USD per year, which helps to lead a decent living. Salaries range from 26,700 USD (lowest average) to 471,000 USD (highest average, the actual maximum salary is higher).
Here's a simple breakdown of taxes in Arizona using data collated from Smart Asset:
Arizona is known for many things. While its practically impossible to list all, we've compiled the key things the state is mostly known for. Here they are:
Often considered as one of the wonders of the world, the 1,217,262-acre Grand Canyon National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. About 6 million people annually visit the national park that is home to a wide range of flora fauna.
Situated in the Black Canyon of Colorado River, on the border between Nevada and Arizona, Hoover Dam is a landmark in civil engineering and attracts 7 million tourists every year.
Arizona is sunny throughout the year, including winter. The state receives 300+ days of sunlight and this of the major pluses of the state. Those who have the least interest in snow and chilling winter can consider making Arizona the new home.
The 140-acre Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park has more than 50,000 plants and more than 4,000 taxa, one-third of which are native to the area. Desert Botanical Garden has been designated as a Phoenix Point of Pride
Also known as Barringer Crater, the 3,900 ft–diameter Meteor Crater is privately owned by the Barringer family and lies at an elevation of 5,640 ft above sea level. It is expected to have formed 50,000 years ago and is now a popular tourist destination in Arizona.
One of the most photographed points on the earth, Monument valley boasts sandstone masterpieces that tower at heights of 400 to 1,000 feet. With scenic clouds casting shadows in the background, it gives a mystic feeling that has been used by movie makers to portray the Wild West for decades.
A 346-square mile national park in Navajo and Apache counties, Petrified Forest National Park is a semi-desert shrub steppe with highly eroded and colorful badlands. The park is home to about 400 species of plants and 200 species of birds. There is a wide range of animals, both large and small, including pronghorns, coyotes, bobcats, deer mice, snakes, and lizards.
The 92,000-acre Saguaro National Park in southeastern Arizona is packed with a wide range of flora and fauna from the Sonoran Desert landscape. There is a 165-mile hiking trail that leads to a sightseeing point. Both cycling and horseback riding are permitted on selected roads and trails.
Phoenix, the largest city in Arizona is also the fifth-most populous city in the US. The city homes many industries dealing with real estate, finance & insurance, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. In addition, Phoenix is also a center of performing arts. Tourism and cuisine are two other areas that Phoenix is famous for.
A river gorge in northern Arizona between Flagstaff and Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon is often referred to as a smaller cousin of the Grand Canyon because of its scenic beauty. The 12-mile long canyon is about 800 - 2,000 feet deep and is now a popular recreation area with many hiking trails.
Whether you're still schooling or have school age kids or not, if you're moving to Arizona, you'd most likely be interested in the best schools in the state. Here we've made a list of the best elementary, middle, high, and colleges in Arizona. Check out the list below:
Lord Baltimore Elementary School
Indian River School District, Public, PK-5 | 647 students, Rating: 10/10
Lake Forest North Elementary School
Lake Forest School District, Public, PK-4 | 544 students, Rating: 10/10
Frear (Allen) Elementary School
Caesar Rodney School District, Public, 1-5 | 734 students, Rating: 10/10
Welch (Major George S.) Elementary School
Caesar Rodney School District, Public, 1-5 | 227 students, Rating: 10/10
Johns Creek Elementary School
Forsyth County School District, Public, PK-5 | 1045 students
Southern Arizona School of the Arts
Indian River School District, Public, K-8 | 469 students, Rating: 10/10
Sussex Academy
Sussex Academy Of Arts & Sciences, Charter, 6-12 | 759 students, Rating: 10/10
Newark Charter School
Newark Charter School, Charter, K-12 | 2354 students, Rating: 9/10
Calloway (Cab) School of the Arts
Red Clay Consolidated School District, Public, 6-12 | 936 students, Rating: 9/10
Conrad Schools of Science
Red Clay Consolidated School District, Public, 6-12 | 1168 students, Rating: 9/10
Sussex Academy
Sussex Academy Of Arts & Sciences, Charter, 6-12 | 759 students, Rating: 10/10
Newark Charter School
Newark Charter School, Charter, K-12 | 2354 students, Rating: 10/10
Christiana High School
Christina School District, Public, 9-12 | 716 students, Rating: 9/10
Calloway (Cab) School of the Arts
Red Clay Consolidated School District, Public, 6-12 | 936 students, Rating: 9/10
Conrad Schools of Science
Red Clay Consolidated School District, Public, 6-12 | 1168 students, Rating: 9/10
Rank 1. University of Arizona
Rank 2. Goldey-Beacom College
Rank 3. Arizona State University
Rank 4. Wilmington University
Rank 5. Arizona Technical Community College
Rank 6. Wesley College
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If you are fond of warm winters and not a fan of snow, Arizona is a great place to relocate. Contrary to cliches, Arizona is not all about deserts. It is a rich state home to many big tech companies and this makes it easier to find a job. There are many wide open spaces and the flora and fauna are highly diverse. And it's also a great place for food lovers.
The cost of living is average in Arizona and a family with one child can comfortably live with $29,984 annually after tax deductions. If you've got two children and only one working member, you may need to earn $64,407 per year to have a decent life.
Arizona winters may be warm but summers are extremely hot and often venturing out in the afternoon can be horrifying. While the state's flora and fauna are diverse, the state is also notorious for venomous reptiles. You should also know that Arizona is rich, and diverse, and has unlimited open recreation facilities.
As per the latest stats, Scottsdale is called the best place in Arizona to raise a family. It is an incredible city with a vibrant downtown bursting with nightlife, art galleries, a gorgeous riverfront, and over 200 beautiful golf courses. The job market in Scottsdale is booming and more startups are getting launched. If you are an entrepreneur, a job aspirant, a retiree, or someone who loves a laid-back life, there is no place better than Scottsdale in Arizona.
Florence tops the chart in Arizona with the lowest crime rate. Situated just an hour's drive away from Phoenix, the city offers a small-town vibe with amazing scenery, a friendly community, and a good array of diners. Both violent crimes and property-related crimes in Florence are fewer than in Arizona and the national average.
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