6 Reasons to
Move to Arizona .

More and more people are moving to Arizona for its sunny weather, affordable living, and job opportunities. Whether it’s for work, a change of pace, or the desert atmosphere, it’s no wonder so many are deciding to make the move to Arizona.

Affordable Living

From affordable housing to the cost of everyday essentials, your dollar goes a lot further in Arizona. In fact, The Grand Canyon State is ranked as the third most affordable state to live — and that’s just one of the reasons to live in Arizona.

Home prices are much lower than other popular states, too. For example, you’ll pay around $535,915 for a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in Phoenix. That same home is upward of $1.1 million in San Diego. Also, with a housing index of 112 (just above the national average of 100), Phoenix is slightly more expensive than some cities but far more affordable than major hubs.

While that might raise an eyebrow, Arizona’s lower-than-average utility costs, reasonable property taxes, and competitive grocery prices make Arizona a pretty affordable place to live. Major cities like San Francisco or New York have housing indices that soar well above 200, so when it comes down to it, Phoenix’s 112 kind of feels like a bargain.

Economic Opportunities

The Arizona job market is steady. And growing. Phoenix ranks near the top when compared to other big cities. From 2018 to 2023, Phoenix’s job growth was 14% — one of the largest increases across large U.S. cities. Like Phoenix, the Tucson job market is expected to grow, notably in the tech sector.

For decades, Arizona has been a hub for economic opportunity. Today, some of the biggest names in major industries, from technology and healthcare to manufacturing, have decided to call Arizona home. Intel, GoDaddy, Banner Health, Aetna Health, Honeywell Aerospace, Waymo, and PayPal have a big presence in Arizona. These industry leaders are driving innovation, which is shaping the state’s future and creating jobs for Arizonans.

Sunny and Warm Climate

While Arizona does get its fair share of wintertime snowfall, mostly in the northern part of the state — about 15 inches, if you’re counting — most of the state has an arid climate.

For cities like Phoenix and Tucson, that means warm and sunny, with 300 days of sunshine annually. Phoenix has the most sunny days of any U.S. city — they don’t call the Phoenix Metro the Valley of the Sun for nothing.

Arizona is one of the most popular snowbird destinations in the country for one big reason: the weather. The sunny forecasts are a huge draw for folks who flock to the state from colder climates. Arizona’s sunny, dry climate makes it easy to enjoy year-round outdoor activities, providing benefits like better fitness, more vitamin D, and relief for respiratory conditions like asthma.

Rich Natural Landscapes

Don’t think Arizona is all work and no play. Arizona is basically one big playground for hikers, bikers, and fans of the outdoors.

Arizona is home to 22 national parks, including Grand Canyon National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country. Most of Arizona’s scenic destinations are just a short drive from the top cities in Arizona to live — Phoenix, Tucson, Sedona, and Flagstaff.

In Phoenix, hikers can summit multiple mountains in a single day. From Camelback Mountain to Piestewa Peak, opportunities for outdoor adventures absolutely abound. Other local hiking spots include South Mountain Park and Preserve — recognized as a Phoenix Point of Pride and one of the largest urban parks in North America — and Lost Dutchman State Park, where you can camp under the scenic Superstition Mountains.

Saguaro National Park, Catalina State Park, and Chiricahua National Monument are all just a short trip from downtown Tucson. In Sedona, you can explore Red Rock State Park and hike around the iconic Bell Rock. If it’s winter recreation you’re after, head to Flagstaff and test out the slopes at Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort.

Cultural and Urban Appeal

When it comes to cultural diversity, Phoenix stacks up with other major U.S. cities, offering a diverse mix of traditions and cultural influences. Many of these cultural locales are easily accessible on public transportation, via the Valley Metro Light Rail.

Arizona is home to the Southwest’s largest art museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, where you can see everything from ancient objects to contemporary masterpieces. The Desert Botanical Garden, more of a living museum, showcases over 50,000 unique desert plants. For a deeper dive into the art of the Indigenous cultures of the Southwest, the Heard Museum is a must-visit.

There are also dozens of award-winning restaurants, from old favorites like Pizzeria Bianco to hot newcomers like Valentine. For serious foodies, there’s no better place to eat than Tucson. In 2015, Tucson made history as the first U.S. city to receive the prestigious City of Gastronomy designation.

Family-Friendly Environment

Looking for even more reasons to move to Arizona? Across the state, families can enjoy events like the Arizona State Fair and Tucson Meet Yourself. Exploring the Phoenix Zoo, having a picnic at Encanto Park, and making discoveries at the Arizona Science Center are some of the top family-friendly things to do in Arizona.

When it comes to education, the Scottsdale Unified School District is recognized for its college prep courses and high test scores. And for college-bound students, the University of Arizona is a top choice, especially for space and health research.

Pros and Cons of Living in Arizona

Is Arizona a good place to live? The Grand Canyon State is a great place to live — offering affordable housing, economic opportunities, desert landscapes, cultural diversity, and great weather, with just a few things to keep in mind before contacting professional movers and fully settling into life in Arizona.

The state has a lot to offer, but no place is perfect. For newcomers, the intense summer heat and the likelihood of encounters with snakes and javelinas (good reasons to work with a professional moving service) will take some getting used to. And although the state has made strides to improve its schools and family-oriented living, there’s still work to be done in those areas.

Why Move to Arizona?

Arizona’s got a lot going for it: great weather, affordable living, and a booming job market. Cities like Phoenix and Tucson are some of the best Arizona cities to live in, offering something for everyone. If you’re thinking about a move, Arizona might be just what you’re looking for — start your moving inventory checklist today.