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16 December 2024
Many Americans are busy planning Christmas celebrations with the holiday season upon us. However, people across the country are seeking ways to enjoy the festivities without overspending. A study conducted by WalletHub ranked the best cities in the U.S. for affordable and festive Christmas celebrations, and several cities in Arizona made the list.
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According to the study, Phoenix ranks #30, Scottsdale #38, and Tucson #48 among the most Christmas-friendly cities in the U.S. Meanwhile, smaller cities like Gilbert (#83), Mesa (#84), Chandler (#88), and Glendale (#90) also made the list.
The rankings were based on factors like holiday traditions, affordability, shopping opportunities, and overall festive atmosphere. Despite being one of the more affordable cities for Christmas, Phoenix stands out with a rich selection of holiday events and opportunities for savings, particularly for families looking to enjoy the season without the financial strain.
Tucson, Arizona, is one of the top cities when it comes to Christmas tree farms per capita. Ranked #3 nationwide, followed up by Gilbert (#5), Tucson is known for its numerous local tree farms, making it easier for residents to get into the holiday spirit with a real Christmas tree, supporting local businesses, and enjoying a festive atmosphere at an affordable price.
When it comes to gift shopping, Arizona is a mixed bag. While Gilbert ranks low for the number of gift shops per capita, Phoenix ranks high with many toy stores and hobby shops. Phoenix (#5) provides shoppers with a variety of local stores, offering a more personalized shopping experience than large chain stores. Whether looking for toys, crafts, or unique gifts, Arizona’s stores cater to a range of budgets and interests, making it a perfect destination for holiday shopping.
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If you want to make your Arizona Christmas celebration more affordable, here are a few tips:
By following a few simple tips, residents can make their holiday celebrations merry and bright without stressing their finances.
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Arizona may have seen some relief in median rents from the end of 2023 to 2024, with some cities experiencing drops of up to 10% due to more available housing and the departure of pandemic-era residents. However, despite these decreases, the state remains relatively expensive in terms of housing. Arizona ranks higher in housing affordability than the rest of the nation. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, Arizona has the 14th highest housing wage in the U.S. This is the average amount an individual must earn to afford a “modest” one-bedroom apartment. Why Is Living Alone in Arizona
When it comes to iconic desert landscapes, both Joshua Tree National Park and Saguaro National Park stand out for their unique features. While both are desert regions with distinctive plant life—Joshua Trees and Saguaro Cacti—they each offer vastly different experiences in terms of scenery, wildlife, and overall ambiance. For anyone who’s already visited Joshua Tree and is considering a trip to Saguaro, here’s how the two compare. Joshua Trees vs. Saguaro Cacti Joshua Tree is known for its granite outcrops and expansive, rugged landscapes. The park’s namesake Joshua Trees—strange and otherworldly—dot the Mojave Desert, creating a scene filled with grandeur.
Arizona, particularly the Valley, is home to a vibrant pizza scene, from classic New York-style slices to deep-dish masterpieces. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, finding the best pizza in Phoenix and its surrounding areas can be a delightful (albeit deliciously difficult) task. Here’s a rundown of some of the most beloved pizzerias in the Valley, according to the locals. advertisement 1. The Red Devil A favorite for many, The Red Devil has been serving up delicious pizza and wings since the early 1960s. Known for its consistently great quality, the original location at 30th Street and McDowell is
Arizona’s growth in both population and diversity over the past few decades has brought both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. As the state continues to evolve, the focus shifts not just on how many people live here, but on who they are and what that means for the future. With a rapidly changing demographic landscape, Arizona finds itself at a crossroads: Can it evolve into a competitive, high-skill economy, or will it fall back on its reliance on low-wage industries? advertisement Changing Demographics: Arizona’s New Face Arizona’s population is becoming more diverse, younger, and older at the same time. Between
