10 Best Reasons to Move to Arizona

1. Sunshine

The Phoenix Valley is known for its sunny, dry climate that spans most of the region. The entire state boasts an average of over 320 days of sunshine each year, which is one of the most popular reasons people move to Arizona.

Wintertime sees lower temperatures that occasionally reach the 30s but blue skies remain and it rarely dips below freezing. Spring and fall in Arizona are both comfortable and offer temperatures that usually range in the seventies or eighties. Needless to say, people living in this state are able to spend plenty of time outside.

While most of the year offers a pleasant climate, Arizona summers can be extremely hot with temperatures often reaching over 100 degrees for long periods of time. One of the most common home features for people living in AZ is swimming pools as the state boasts more pools per capita than any other part of the United States. Overall, the weather is close to perfect for most of the year.

2. Golf, Golf, and More Golf

If you love the game of golf then Arizona is the state for you. When flying into the Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix, lush, green golf courses dot the ground across the entire Valley. The ever-present sunshine provides year-round opportunities to swing a club, if that’s your thing.

The local Waste Management Phoenix Open is known as “The Greatest Show on Grass”. It is held annually in Scottsdale and is attended by crowds of over 700,000 people each year. In 2021, the WM Phoenix Open also raised more than $3.8 million in charity.

3. Best Mexican Food North of the Border

From tacos and burritos to spicy salsa and enchiladas, the southwest cuisine in Arizona is unmatched within the US. Arizona ranks highest in the nation for its love of Mexican food. Chimichangas are a favorite, especially when smothered enchilada style.

Sharing our southern border with Mexico keeps the cuisine authentic and the regional flavors alive. There is a multitude of restaurants to choose from in every city and you will need to ask the locals for their favorite spots. If you’re new in town then check out the best reviews on sites like Yelp and Google.

4. Sports Teams Galore

The Arizona Cardinals from the NFL. The Phoenix Suns from the NBA. The Arizona Diamondbacks from the MLB. The Arizona Coyotes from the NHL.

The Phoenix valley delivers when it comes to offering a plethora of professional and minor league sporting events. Stadiums are found throughout the valley, drawing large crowds year-round for lively competition, well-known mascots, and favorite foods.

MLB Spring Training in Tempe and Mesa offers a great show for fans who come to see their favorite baseball teams during the pre-season. The tickets are affordable and the smaller crowds are manageable. The weather is perfect as long as you stay hydrated and slather yourself in sunscreen before the game.

With a host of reputable Arizona schools, there are also plenty of college games to enjoy during the year. You will see lots of t-shirts with school logos, especially with rivals like Arizona State University (ASU) and the University of Arizona (U of A). Sports bars are filled to capacity all year round with fun bantering and cheering.

5. Outdoor Life

Just an hour's drive from the Phoenix metro area will put you in the mountains or on the shores of a variety of rivers or lakes. On most weekends, you will see sports utility vehicles heading out for all kinds of adventures. Depending on the time of year you will find Arizonans with their kayaks, boats, mountain bikes, trailers, all-terrain vehicles, fishing poles, hunting gear, or skis.

The beautiful red rocks of Sedona are perfect for hiking while driving through Oak Creek Canyon in the fall will let you see beautiful autumn leaves. Flagstaff offers great skiing, pine trees, and robust college campus activities. You can camp along the Mogollon Rim and enjoy fishing, hunting, or a multitude of other outdoor activities.

6. Grand Canyon

Among the most spectacular outdoor attractions in Arizona, the Grand Canyon is one of the world’s natural wonders. While you may just think it’s a big hole in the ground, this massive destination is well worth the trip. There is nothing more amazing than standing on the edge and gazing at the expansive view as you take in the beauties of nature. The canyon can be explored by land, by air, or by water through the Colorado River.

Williams, AZ is a town located along Route 66 just 30 minutes from the canyon. The Grand Canyon Railway is a heritage railroad that carries passengers between Williams and the south rim of the Grand Canyon, providing easy access to the attraction. It is a fun place to visit for families, complete with a western shootout before the train leaves and a train “robbery” during the trip.

7. Great Place for a Career

Forbes magazine listed Arizona as one of the top 5 entrepreneurial states. The cost of living and low business and property taxes make it business-friendly and one more reason to live in Arizona. The state also has a highly-educated population to staff any up-and-coming enterprise.

The top employment industries include education, trade, transportation, health services, government, and leisure or hospitality. The state of Arizona ranks third in the country for job growth. The state offers many advantages with its family-friendly communities, mild weather, and affordable housing.

8. Culturally Classy

What types of cultural events interest you? Ballet, music, theater? Arizona has it all. You can visit Symphony Hall to see the Arizona Opera, Ballet Arizona, or The Phoenix Symphony. The ASU Gammage Center hosts numerous events including concerts, Broadway plays, as well as choral and dance ensembles.

The Herberger Theater is an indoor venue with 3 stages whose mission is to foster the growth of performing arts. And many Arizona high schools have facilities that offer a diverse line-up of artists, theatrical plays, or dance recitals. There is no shortage of places to view your favorite cultural events and another reason why you should relocate to Arizona.

9. Huge Number of Unique Attractions

The list of amazing things to do in Arizona is long and offers something for everyone. The state boasts multiple water parks, The Phoenix Zoo, Botanical Gardens, Schnepf Farms, 5th Ave in Scottsdale, The Olive Mill, Flandau Planetarium, shopping malls, Meteor Crater, The Science Center, Arizona ghost towns, Lowell Observatory, The Biosphere 2, and many, many more.

10. Retire In Comfort

Arizona is a Snowbird's Paradise. If you're approaching retirement age, you'll be pleased to find that Arizona is an excellent destination to retire for a variety of reasons. Many retirees who are still active are drawn to the wide range of outdoor activities available. When you add in the iconic beauty of the desert landscapes and the state's relatively safe cities and villages, it's simple to see why.