advertisement
9 September 2024
Arizona historically has had the reputation of being a ‘transplant’ state—meaning a person dares to live in a place that is hotter than the sun and quickly bounces. It turns out that Arizona is actually one of the stickiest states! A report conducted by the Dallas Fed in 2021 found that 71.5% of native-born residents still lived in Arizona, which ties it with Michigan in the top 10 ‘stickiest’ states.
In contrast, the least sticky states have much lower retention rates, often around 50%. Wyoming, which has the lowest retention rate, saw an out-migration percentage of over 60% in 2021. The bottom 10 states, in terms of stickiness, show little regional overlap.
The concept of “stickiness,” measured by the percentage of native-born residents still living in their home state, can reflect broader economic conditions. States with higher stickiness often have favorable economic environments, abundant job opportunities, reasonable housing costs, and lower tax burdens. The Dallas Fed’s report, based on American Community Survey data, shows that stickiness is influenced by various factors, including weather, economic stability, and the presence of major population centers.
Interestingly, while warmer climates might explain the higher rankings for states like Arizona, California, and Florida, this is not the sole factor. States like Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, with less appealing weather, also make the list of stickiest states. Furthermore, the presence of major metropolitan areas appears to contribute to higher stickiness; the five stickiest states collectively boast 15 metro areas with populations of over 1 million.
Arizona’s growing economic opportunities, particularly in Phoenix’s tech sector, have contributed to its increasing stickiness. Despite being labeled a transplant state, Arizona’s economic vitality and lower tax burden (ranked 17th lowest overall) have encouraged many to put down roots. However, housing affordability remains a mixed bag. Although affordable housing has traditionally driven growth, recent data shows Arizona’s median home price at $443,000—the 16th highest in the U.S.—and the average rent at $1,619, ranking 21st highest, according to Bankrate.com and RentCafe.
advertisement
Nestled into a towering limestone cliff in central Arizona, Montezuma Castle National Monument is one of the best-preserved ancient dwellings in North America. Despite its name, the site has nothing to do with the Aztec ruler Montezuma. Instead, it stands as a remarkable testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the Indigenous people who lived in the Verde Valley centuries before European explorers arrived. Today, Montezuma Castle National Monument offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Arizona’s rich cultural history and remains one of the state’s most popular historic attractions. advertisement What Is Montezuma Castle? Montezuma Castle is a five-story cliff
Tucked away in the remote landscapes of northern Arizona, Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness is one of the most spectacular and least crowded outdoor destinations in the Southwest. Known for its towering sandstone walls, colorful rock formations, winding slot canyons, and breathtaking desert scenery, this wilderness area offers an unforgettable experience for hikers, backpackers, photographers, and nature lovers. If you are looking for an adventure beyond Arizona’s more famous parks and attractions, Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness deserves a spot on your travel list. advertisement Where Is Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness? The wilderness area spans portions of northern Arizona and southern Utah,
When most people think of Flagstaff, Arizona, they picture cool mountain air, pine forests, and easy access to some of the Southwest’s most beautiful landscapes. What many do not realize is that this mountain town has also played a remarkable role in humanity’s exploration of space. For more than a century, Flagstaff has been at the forefront of astronomy and planetary science. From the discovery of Pluto to helping astronauts prepare for the Moon, the city has earned a reputation as one of the most important locations in the history of space study. advertisement The Birth of Astronomy in Flagstaff
Today, Mill Avenue is known as the heart of Downtown Tempe. Lined with restaurants, shops, nightlife, and entertainment venues, it attracts students, residents, and visitors from across Arizona. But long before it became a popular destination, Mill Avenue played a central role in the founding and growth of Tempe itself. The story of Mill Avenue is closely tied to agriculture, transportation, Arizona State University, and the evolution of Tempe from a small farming community into one of Arizona’s most vibrant cities. advertisement The Early Days: Hayden’s Ferry and Agriculture The history of Mill Avenue begins in the late 1800s. Following
