If you’re looking to relocate to a place where you’ll really have room to breathe, Arizona can be perfect. Covering almost 300,000km sq, yet with a population of less than 7.5 million, the wide-open spaces are clearly an attractive escape from the overcrowded urban rat-race. But it’s not only about having room to breathe and pursuing a stress-free, healthier lifestyle. Arizona is one of the most affordable states in the country, with a fascinating culture and varied landscape. Here are just some of the things to love about living there
#1. Outdoor Lifestyle
If you want to live a more outdoor lifestyle, with endless opportunities to pursue outdoor activities, there’s no place like Arizona.
Of course, Arizona is home to one of the world’s most famous and astonishing natural landscapes – the Grand Canyon, full of hiking trails and opportunities for adventure. It’s not only for the ultra-fit, the famous Rim Trail is mainly level, or you can opt for the experience of traveling by mule. Other options include cycle paths and overnight backpacking.
In Arizona, you’ll find far more than an arid desert landscape. Head north for some skiing on the 12000ft peaks. Resorts such as Sunrise Park (the largest), Snowbowl, or Mt Lemon (only an hour’s drive from Tucson) are fun and informal.
If golf is more your thing, Arizona is the place for you, with five of the USA’s top golf courses located in the state. The mecca for the sport is Scottsdale, which features three of them, among many other top-rated venues you can try. Others include the Forest Highlands Club in Flagstaff, which sits at 7,000ft, and the famous Stone Canyon Club, in Oro Valley, north of Tucson, which is considered the ultimate in desert course design
The options for outdoor sports are truly endless, whether you’re into white-water rafting on the Colorado River, mountain climbing, skydiving, or even wingsuit flying, you’ll be able to practice whatever activity appeals to you. What’s wingsuit flying, you ask? Wearing a special ‘flying squirrel’-like suit, flyers throw themselves out of a helicopter at 7,500 ft and land safely – always with 2 parachutes ready in case they’re needed!
If an outdoor lifestyle appeals to you, but all this sounds too exhausting, don’t worry. Most Arizona home builders understand the need to enjoy fresh air and sunshine, and that’s why most properties will feature an outdoor pool and relaxing outdoor space, to soak up the sun, do your aqua-aerobics, or just enjoy socializing.
#2. Climate
Another great reason to relocate to Arizona is the wonderful weather. Typically, the state has around 320 days of sun per year.
Many people have the misconception that it’s mainly desert. While this is true of the south and west of Arizona, which are mainly arid, at higher altitudes in the north and east the climate is cooler and more alpine.
In the south, summers are extremely hot, although monsoons are common towards the end of the season.
If you’re concerned that year-round sunshine and high temperatures could get boring after a few seasons, no need to worry. Every part of Arizona does experience snowfall – even up to 50 to 100 inches deep in the Grand Canyon! So there are plenty of opportunities to play in the snow, even if you’re not a skier. And if you’re a photographer, the possibilities for amazing and unexpected views are endless.
#3. History and Culture
Arizona has a unique culture and history to be explored and enjoyed by its resident as well as tourists.
Although it joined the Union in 1912, its reputation as the quintessential Wild West had already been enshrined in popular culture, due to the arrival of Wyatt Earp in the mining town of Tombstone. Not only was it the birthplace of legends, but these were also immortalized by Hollywood, as Sedona became the location of choice for a host of iconic Westerns. The Western Spirit Museum in Scottsdale provides a wealth of amazing artifacts and information.
Whether you want to explore the ancient Native American cliff dwellings at the Canyon de Chelly National Monument or contemplate the modern engineering marvel that is the Hoover Dam, you’ll never run out of fun and fascinating places to visit. London Bridge, in Lake Havasu City, is worth a visit for the novelty.
#4. Natural Beauty
If you love nature, you’ll be enchanted by Arizona’s spectacular sunsets and scenery. From the desert in the south to the high plateaus of the northeast, and the pine, fir, and spruce forests of the far north, you’ll be able to choose the location that delights you.
Among the must-sees are the Arizona Crater, 19 miles west of Winslow: created by a meteorite collision over 50,000 years ago, this amazing feature is 4000ft in diameter and is among the best-preserved in the world. Or head northeast to marvel at the petrified forest in Navajo and Apache counties, or visit the spectacular Havasupai waterfalls in the Grand Canyon.
#5. Vibrant Cities
Despite the stunning scenery Arizona isn’t only about the wilderness and natural pursuits- there are plenty of great cities and towns to choose from for your relocation.
Phoenix, Arizona’s rapidly expanding capital is culturally diverse with a youthful and energetic vibe. The suburb of Tempe, home to the University of Arizona, is within 20 minutes has plenty of scope for outdoor activities. Scottsdale, upmarket and slightly eccentric has great shopping and restaurants. If you’re looking for a more ‘boho’ atmosphere, Chandler, cosmopolitan yet family-friendly, may fit your lifestyle.
With its fantastic climate, natural attractions, and first-rate places to live Arizona has something for everyone. Unsurprisingly, it’s considered one of the best places to live and work in the USA. We hope this brief overview has given a taste of what’s on offer and will motivate you to find out more.
