Moving to Arizona 101

Have you decided to spice up your life a little and live somewhere else? Since you’re reading this, moving to Arizona is already on your list. You’re probably wondering what would it be like to live here.

Sit back, grab a cold drink (just to get used to them), and read all about what’s it like to live in this wonderful state.

The basics

The Valley of the Sun, as it’s called, lies comfortably in the southwest of the USA. Some people call it The Valentine State, due to its statehood day – 14 February. Talk about romance!

Moving to Arizona means you’ll have to get used to a lot of new things, most of them specific to the area. We’re talking bugs here, scorpions, scorching heat, dust. On the other hand, Arizona has so, so much to offer. The Grand Canyon State, anyone? Consider this your guide to living here.

How to – moving to Arizona

You might be coming from far away, in which case organizing everything to the smallest detail will definitely require a lot of work, and some professional help. But if you’re moving to Arizona from somewhere relatively nearby, don’t think you won’t need help anyway. It’s always best to check out your options and find moving assistance for your local relocation.

This way you won’t have to worry you’ve forgotten something important, or that you missed something, realizing it when it’s too late.

Packing before the move – a nightmare?

The mere thought of boxes upon boxes is enough to invoke terror. Look, it doesn’t have to be that way! As always, organizing is everything. Do yourself a favor and accept the fact that you won’t be needing all the stuff you’d been hoarding in your old home for years. Try a tried-and-true system: toss, donate, sell, pack. You can even have some fun and make a yard sale (provided you have a yard). Check out our simple guide to moving out for extra help.

Your move to Arizona – but where?

First of all, it’s a big ol‘ state. By now you probably have an idea where to settle down. In case you still need some info, here are some useful facts:

• City living is what folks opt for. Phoenix, Tucson, Glendale, Scottsdale, pick yours.
• If you choose Phoenix, there are many of the best neighborhoods for families
• to choose from.
• If you’re a smaller town person, there’s plenty to choose from. And the scenery is so worth it!

Once you’ve made your pick, it’s time to find a place. Regardless of the size of your family, and the type of life you lead, don’t worry about whether you’ll manage to find what you’re looking for. Realty prices are just above the average in the country, and this means that, with some smart saving, you’ll do just fine.

You can expect the prices to vary between cities and towns, and the towns are obviously cheaper. Bear in mind that the location matters: the jobs, schools and universities, family activities, even weather is all to be taken into account.

The job market in Arizona

Chances are, you’re moving to Arizona because of a job relocation, or a new job opportunity. In that case, congrats!

If it’s the other way around, and you need a job after you start living here good news. Arizona is known for its progressive stance on the job market. In fact, since the beginning of this century (so, for two decades now), many world’s large companies have decided to move their HQ here. Also, it’s a great place for startup businesses, whether founding one’s own or jumping on the bandwagon and offering your skills to one. It’s important to know how to find a job prior to moving.

Let’s talk about nature

Even if you’ve never seen the Grand Canyon, you’ve definitely heard of it. It’s a famous landmark of nature all Arizonans are proud of.

You must be thinking that moving to Arizona is all about the desert. You’re wrong! All over the state, you can encounter various wonderful nature spots, with greenery and animal life. Many people even take up gardening! The trick is to learn about the land and the type of plants that grow there.

As far as animals are concerned, however beautiful they all may be, Arizona is a home to some potentially dangerous. Venomous centipedes, scorpions that would like to be your roommates, bees, ants, rattlesnakes, the list goes on. If you move to Arizona, being careful not to stumble upon them is a must.

The weather and how to cope with it

The Valley of the Sun really lives up to its name. On the average, the state has around 300 sunny days a year. This means, no worrying about that forgotten umbrella and definitely no snow days out of school. It does rain and snow occasionally, but it’s very rare.

If you’re moving to Arizona from a different climate, it’ll take you some time to get used to this. Some tips are:

• Carry a lot of water at all times. Dehydration is a real problem!
• You might be needing oven mitts to drive.
• Never, ever leave anyone in the car even for a short time. Especially pets and children!
• Expect your air conditioning to be working seven days a week.
• Make sure you have a freezer full of ice packs once you move to Arizona.
• If possible, find a house with a pool in the back yard. You’ll thank us later.

Food

Eager to learn all about the food? You’re in the right place! Arizona showcases a variety of cuisines, with many people saying that it’s the second best place to eat Mexican food.

Let the adventures begin!

When you’ve moved and settled, it’s time to start exploring and experiencing all that life in Arizona has to offer. Due to its geographical position, it’s fairly easy for the people to go on a road trip to California, Mexico, or Las Vegas. So make that road trip playlist as soon as possible!