Arizona is commonly known as the “Valley of the Sun” with over 300 days of sunshine a year. There are so many sunny days in Arizona that Phoenix has more sunshine days per year than any other metropolitan area in the country. In other words, if you suffer from Seasonal affective disorder, Arizona might be the state for you.

The seasons are shorter and milder in Arizona (except perhaps for summer) — Arizona has an early spring with flowers blooming as early as January. Even the slightly chillier winter months won’t last long.

Let’s find out what it’s like to live in Arizona by comparing some of its major pros and cons.

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The Pros of Living in Arizona

1. It is always warm in Arizona. The absence of harsh winters is one of the benefits of living in Arizona. The state has warm winters, and there’s plenty of sunshine throughout the year.
2. The cost of living is reasonable. The cost of living in Arizona is 5% lesser than the national average – the median home price is around $330,344.
3. Arizona’s economy is booming. Arizona’s booming economy contributes to many job opportunities. The cost of living remains low despite that. The state also ranks high in healthcare and infrastructure.
4. Arizona is naturally scenic. From Flagstaff to Sedona, to Phoenix, to Tucson — Arizona has an amazing array of breathtaking sights and experiences. And if you venture further south, you’ll find that Arizona still retains the charm of the old Wild West.
5. There’s a lot of adventure and cultural activities. Options for hiking, biking, golfing, camping, and many other adventure activities are plenty, and cultural activities are unlimited. You could fill your year’s calendar with them.
6. The food is exceptional. Probably the best-kept secrets of Arizona — you can’t go wrong with the food; especially if you love spicy food. Arizona was the birthplace of the chimichangas and with its proximity to Mexico, you know we have bangin’ Mexican food. Not only that, there are tons of delicious cuisines ranging from Greek to Vietnamese, to Indian. You’ll even find some amazing vegan restaurants such as our favorite, Green!

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The Cons of Living in Arizona

1. The summers can be rough. In the summer, the temperature will hover around 90oF and may reach 120oF. You will need sunscreen, sunglasses, and umbrellas to venture out to avoid health hazards. However, most Arizonians would tell you — it’s just a matter of jumping from a climate-controlled location to another climate-controlled location. In all honesty, when you live here, the heat becomes something you ignore. That is, once September rolls around. Then you start to get sick of the heat and long for fall temperatures.
2. Flash flooding can occur. Monsoons bring half of the annual rainfall from mid-June to September when flash flooding is common and can make driving a tedious task. The ground in Arizona is hard and doesn’t soak up water easily, so even a little rainfall can be responsible for a flash flood.
3. There are many creatures that shouldn’t be touched. Venomous creatures roam the state. You will find scorpions or black widows in your home if you live in an area prone to them. If you want more information about what it’s like living with scorpions, check out this article about a local’s relationship with the bark scorpion. Tarantulas, giant lizards, and rattlesnakes may show up if you’re venturing out into more remote areas. Tarantulas tend to show up in places like Tucson and Prescott — less so in Phoenix. The good news is, though they can look frightening, tarantulas are extremely docile and not dangerous.
4. Haboobs can strike across the state at any time of the year. You cannot avoid dust storms, but unless they go through your house, you shouldn’t worry. The main concern is to avoid driving during a haboob.
5. There’s heavy traffic, especially in winters. Although the infrastructure in Arizona is quite well designed, the roads can get very congested very quickly. In winter, when thousands of snowbirds and college students migrate to Arizona, the traffic situation worsens.

Currently, Arizona is one of the most sought-after destinations in the US for good reasons. Living in the state may have its downsides like any other state, but we love it here, and we’re proud to call it home.

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