Moving to a new area can be scary if you’re unfamiliar with it. Living in the southeast US is something to get used to, with its particular weather and massively impressive landscapes.
When you’re looking at Mesa apartments for rent or considering a home in Tempe, keep these things in mind before you move to the Grand Canyon State.
Its population is diverse.
Arizona is the sixth-largest state in the nation and has within it a varied population. Nearly 30 percent of inhabitants speak a language other than English, including Chinese, Navajo, and Spanish. This falls above the national average of 22 %.
It’s got spectacular views.
The landscape of the state runs the gamut from desert, to mountains, to metropolitan areas.
Its most noted natural attraction is the Grand Canyon and its layered red rock formations that show millions of years of geological history.
Overall, the state has 22 national parks and monuments and 35 state parks and natural areas to enjoy.
There is also the Hoover Dam, Sedona Red Rocks, and Monument Valley.
Its Native heritage is rich.
The area is steeped in Native history, much of which can still be seen today. The Heard Museum of American Indian Art & History is a wonderful place to educate yourself on the land’s original inhabitants. You can also check out ancient Pueblo cliff dwellings or the Navajo National Monument.
The cost of living is affordable.
Prices always depend on where you live, but Arizona as a whole is affordable for the average person.
In looking at home prices, utility expenses, grocery bills, and other living factors, the cost of living is 5 percent below the national average.
The average salary is $59,000. Rent typically costs $1,180 for a two-bedroom apartment in a place like Phoenix and $1,590 for the same in a city like Scottsdale.
It’s got a great job market.
Arizona’s job market is particularly good for those in the tech industry. Companies like Apple, Uber, and Lyft have offices there.
There are also corporate headquarters for PetSmart and U-Haul, and an opportunity to work in higher education because of the presence of Arizona State University and the University of Arizona.
The mining and copper industry also has a huge impact on the state. In 2018 66 percent of the country’s copper came from Arizona.
Traffic sucks.
With highly populated areas comes traffic, particularly for those areas with a booming tourism scene.
Thanks to the addition of out-of-staters, Arizona’s traffic gets jammed up more often than not. People aren’t just commuting to work, but heading out for nature walks or tours of the area.
The entertainment scene is lively.
There’s a lot to do in Arizona, from hiking trails in the temperate weather to catching a show at a local entertainment venue.
There are many festivals throughout the state, like the Summer Ends Music Festival in Tempe or the Festival of the Arts in Phoenix.
The temperatures are pretty great year-round, but with that comes dryness and dust thanks to the desert terrain.
Dust storms are typically seen in the summer months.
