It's been a challenging couple of years for all of us, wouldn't you say? The constant changes brought on by Covid lockdowns, political shifts, rising costs of goods, unemployment, and supply chain disruptions have had a significant impact on our lives and frankly, it's becoming exhausting. This situation is prompting people to reconsider various aspects of their lives, such as their current location, jobs, family safety, and future.
More people are making moves now than ever before, with over 15.9 million residents having relocated temporarily or permanently in the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic alone. While each individual has their own reasons for moving, the sheer number of people making these moves is significant.
One of the states that has seen a surge in population growth is Arizona. While many may view Arizona as simply a hot, vast desert, the state offers much more than meets the eye. Visitors to Arizona often fall in love with the gorgeous adobe architecture, warm evenings, safety, friendly people, and affordability. In this article, we will delve into the 5 main reasons why Arizona has become so popular.
The Top 5 Reasons People Are Moving to Arizona
1. The Climate
Undoubtedly, the primary reason for the influx of people to Arizona is its climate. While you may question how temperatures exceeding 100 degrees could be appealing, the reality is far from harsh. Cooling off in a pool can be delightful during such heat, the dry air is comfortable, and every building and store in Arizona is air-conditioned, providing a refreshing escape from the heat.
The hot season typically spans from late May to mid-September, with temperatures often reaching 100 degrees. However, if you're not a fan of swimming, warm nights, or air conditioning, Arizona still has something to offer you.
Flagstaff, Arizona, for instance, experiences maximum temperatures ranging from 80 to 85 degrees during the peak of summer. The city even sees snowfall in winter, offering beautiful homes that are both luxurious and affordable. This leads us to the next reason why people are flocking to Arizona. Any guesses?
2. Affordable Housing
The topic of affordable housing in Arizona is intriguing. While data may show that housing prices in Arizona are 13% higher than the national median, this figure does not present the whole picture. It's important to note that as of 2021, housing prices are peaking nationwide, with luxury homes contributing to this median. Arizona boasts some of the most extravagant homes imaginable. A quick search on Zillow for Flagstaff will give you a glimpse, with prices starting around $5 million for the most expensive properties.
Cities like Scottsdale feature a higher price range, along with luxury shopping and dining options throughout the area. Nevertheless, in other nearby areas, you can still find very affordable homes compared to other states, offering similar quality residences.
Raw land in Arizona is currently a bargain. With lenient county regulations and low property taxes, you can build almost anything on many plots without concerns about government intervention. Land prices in Arizona can drop to a few thousand dollars, and you can easily hold onto it year after year with property taxes as low as $5 annually.
During the housing collapse in 2008, many investors seized the opportunity in Arizona. Four-unit apartment complexes were available for as low as $30,000, an unprecedented occurrence. Arizona has numerous vacation properties that are typically the first to be sold off during a housing downturn. So, if you can afford to wait and have been saving up, there might be excellent opportunities awaiting you in the future.
3. Job Market
According to Forbes, over 50% of Americans are dissatisfied with their jobs. On average, one-third of an individual's life is spent working, which can significantly impact their quality of life. If you are seeking change and are bold enough, relocating to Arizona for work could be a wise decision.
Arizona boasts nine cities with favorable employment conditions. Many companies are moving their businesses to Arizona to benefit from tax incentives and the high-quality workforce. Additionally, the tech sector in Arizona is expanding, signaling a promising future for the state as a whole.
For blue-collar workers, there are abundant job opportunities, especially in construction, with numerous ongoing projects in Arizona. Hands-on jobs are plentiful, particularly in remote areas where affordable land and housing options are more prevalent.
4. Attractions
Arizona boasts stunning natural landscapes and a plethora of exciting activities to enjoy. Here are some of the top attractions and activities in the state.
Hiking - Sedona and Tucson offer some of the most beautiful desert landscapes for hiking
Golfing - Arizona is a premier golfing destination
Water Parks - Cooling off at a water park is a fantastic way to spend a summer day
Wine Tasting - Arizona boasts a thriving wine culture scene
Shopping - Scottsdale features upscale stores with luxury offerings
Grand Canyon - A must-visit destination in Arizona
Boating - Lake Havasu is popular for boating and parties
Cuisine - Phoenix offers a diverse culinary scene, especially renowned for Mexican cuisine
Hoover Dam - A remarkable site to explore
Tombstone - A historic western town with rich heritage
Petrified Forest - A vast national park featuring unique petrified trees
Antelope Canyon - Known for its stunning beauty, a popular photography spot
Fishing - Arizona offers numerous lakes and streams for excellent fishing opportunities
Hunting - Hunting options include black bears, white-tailed deer, bighorn sheep, elk, mountain lions, and more
And More - The list of attractions goes on and on
Cost of Living
Tucson, AZ, ranks as the fourth lowest cost of living city in the nation according to move.org. However, many cities in Arizona offer a great cost of living compared to their counterparts.
While taxes are moderately assessed compared to other states, Arizona provides a significant social security retirement benefit by not taxing social security income, unlike many other states. Property taxes are capped, starting at a low rate depending on the county, and as property values rise, a capped level can be reached, ensuring stable taxes in subsequent years.
Considering the income potential, affordable housing, and tax advantages, the overall tax burden in Arizona is reasonable given the state's offerings.
