A lot of people have something to say about Arizona and its people. But they are all primarily based on stereotypes and myths propagated through lack of factual information. Here are some of the most common misconceptions about Arizona.

1. It’s boring. Arizona summers are notoriously hot, but there are still plenty of things to do that don’t require a lot of planning or money. Arizona has the world’s largest laser tag arena. TechShop, a DIY gathering place for artists, tinkerers, veterans, engineers, and anyone looking to learn a new skill, partnered with Arizona State University in Chandler, Arizona. In the East Valley, TechShop members and students can learn everything from welding to using a 3-D printer! Do you like sports? There are Spring Training games every year all over town, so you can see your home team from the East Coast.

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2. It’s a dead desert. One-third of the state is desert, while the rest showcases a thriving ecosystem of plants and animals, a buzzing city, and quaint towns. Cities range from Flagstaff, a cozy ski town, to Sedona with beautiful skyscraping red rocks, to Phoenix with a bustling food scene and an energizing nightlife.
3. The heat is unbearable. Summers in Arizona can reach a high of 107°F/42°C. It gets hot but not entirely intolerable if you know how to adapt to it. The rest of the year has very comfortable temperatures, like a mild fall day.
4. It has no culture and history. Casa Grande, the Tumacacori National Monument, the San Xavier del Bac Mission, and many historic buildings would say otherwise. Arizonans have a rich and varied culture that speaks directly to their sense of community and culture. Downtown Phoenix is not the only place filled with creativity and events; Chandler, Scottsdale, Tucson, Flagstaff, and Tempe each offer their own artistic, culinary, and social activities.
5. It’s bland. Arizona is not just a giant desert; it is also home to diverse cultures evident in its art, food, and people.
6. The population is old. Phoenix’s younger population has quadrupled since 2008! The state of Arizona is becoming a more popular destination for young families and college students.
7. Everyone’s sunburned or tan. Most locals know to stay indoors and stay protected to avoid the impacts of the harsh summer sun.

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8. The food lacks diversity. Boasting a population of diverse cultural backgrounds, local restaurants offer a wide range of cuisines. Tucson took the title of UNESCO’s City of Gastronomy in 2015.
9. It’s made up of country folks. Phoenix is a thriving metropolis. It is one of the biggest and fastest-growing ones in the US. Even the most rural populations enjoy a comfortable modern life.
10. It never rains in Arizona. Despite having roughly 296 sunny days each year, Phoenix does get its fair share of monsoon showers and even a little hail or snow in the winter! Average winter temperature hovers around 50-70%, so you won’t have to shovel off your driveway unless you live up north near Prescott or Flagstaff. Doesn’t that sound great?

Don’t judge a place before you visit it. The culture, the opportunities, the place, the weather, and the people are just some of the things Arizona is proud of besides the Grand Canyon.

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