If you’re considering moving to Arizona, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind before making the move. As a transplant myself, I have gathered some helpful insights about living in this beautiful state. From the weather to the school system, gun-friendly policies, and food scenes, we’ve covered it all. So, take a deep breath and grab your notebook, because here are the top 15 things that you should know before moving to Arizona.
Driving Few Walkable Neighborhoods:
While some areas are conveniently walkable, you should prepare to drive most places in Arizona. Everything is spread out, and public transportation is not readily available in most areas, so owning a car is essential.
Summer Heat:
Arizona is hot, really hot. The temperature can get up to 120 degrees in the summer, so you’ll want to make sure that you have plenty of sunblock and stay hydrated. It’s recommended that you avoid the outdoors during peak heat hours and avoid extreme activity during these periods.
Monsoons:
Besides the heat, you will also have to deal with equatorial monsoons, which bring thunderstorms, flash floods, and dust storms. These storms can come out of nowhere, and it’s essential to learn about the safety tips that can help you prepare for them.
Creepy Crawlies:
Arizona is known for its scorpions and snakes, so you should keep up with your pest control to ensure they don’t make their way into your home.
Water:
Most of the water in Arizona has a noticeable taste, and you’ll want to purchase an arrow water system. There’s a high chance you won’t like the taste of the tap water, so investing in a water softener and filtration system is highly recommended.
Heat and Damage:
The heat in Arizona can damage many things, including your car’s battery, which is why it’s crucial to take extra precautions for your belongings, such as keeping electronics in a cool, safe place.
School System:
The school year in Arizona typically starts early, around the first week of August for most schools. It’s essential to check the school district’s schedule in your area so that you can plan accordingly.
Gun-Friendly Policies:
Arizona is an open carry state with less regulation when it comes to gun ownership. If you plan to move to Arizona and own guns, you’ll want to be aware of the legal implications and regulations around gun ownership.
Migration:
Arizona’s politics have changed in recent years due to the massive migrations from other western states. We used to be a hard red state, but we have slowly become a swing state. Due to this you will be exposed to people from various cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.
Food:
Phoenix has a vibrant, diverse food scene, offering flavors from around the world, including Arizona’s famous Mexican food cafes, prickly pear margaritas, and other Southwestern cuisines.
Job Market:
Arizona has a robust job market with a growing tech sector and a healthcare industry, making it an excellent place to start or advance your career.
Wineries and Breweries:
We have been known for our wineries throughout the state, but a lot of people don’t realize that Arizona homes several wineries and breweries. This makes it a great place to indulge in local wine and beer.
Sports Culture:
Phoenix offers the Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Suns, and Arizona Diamondbacks for sports enthusiasts. So if you are a sports fan, you’ll have plenty of sports to love and get into.
Art Scene:
Phoenix has a vibrant art community, with plenty of galleries, museums, and cultural events to enjoy. Some of the many exhibits are the Phoenix Art Museum, the Arizona Opera House and the Historic Orpheum Theater!
Easy to Get Around
Arizona’s grid system makes getting around easy to navigate, so you shouldn’t have any difficulty finding your way around. How this works is that all the streets run east to west and have names with North and South. This makes it easy to understand which direction you’re going!
Moving to a new place can be an exciting but daunting experience. It’s vital to be aware of the different aspects of living in a new place to prepare accordingly. Hopefully, this blog post has provided you with valuable insights into life in Arizona, including weather conditions, the water, the school system, gun policies, job opportunities, and entertainment options. Whether you’re moving from out of state, out of the country, or a different city within Arizona, this guide has everything you need to prepare for a successful move.
