Moving from Chicago to The Valley of the Sun
Cold winters drive snowbirds away from their homes and in search of warmer climates. If you are a snowbird or have decided to permanently relocate from Chicago to Arizona, we applaud you for this bold move. The Grand Canyon State is one of the fastest growing in the US and currently has a population of over 7 million people.
Located in the southwestern region, Arizona offers breathtaking landscapes and low cost of living, which in many cases can become one of the main reasons why more and more people are deciding to call the sixth largest state in the US their new home.
With so many sunny days, Arizona’s climate is a complete contrast to that of Chicago. The state has a desert climate with mild winters and hot summers. Don’t be fooled, though! There are parts, especially in the North, where it also snows during winter. But it’s nothing compared to the freezing temperatures of the Windy City.
Economy and Employment
With a diverse, fast-growing economy, many businesses and entrepreneurs flocked to this state in search of new opportunities.
The state’s economy historically used to rely mainly on copper, cotton, cattle, citrus, and tourism.
Nowadays, the 14th most populous state offers great job positions in industries like data mining, IT, Finance, Healthcare, Business Administration, Transportation, and Government sector among others.
However, in today’s job environment, remote work is nothing out of the ordinary, and you don’t have to limit your search geographically.
Housing and Living Costs
The living costs in Arizona including rent, utilities, transportation, and food are relatively low compared to national average and much lower compared to Chicago.
However, the actual living costs will depend a lot on where in Arizona you decide to settle. Phoenix, for example, is 9% cheaper than Chicago and its median housing costs are 8% less expensive. The living costs in some other cities in Arizona are even lower than in Phoenix. Another good example would be Tucson, which is 14% less expensive than Chicago, with median home costs up to 18.9% cheaper.
Arizona’s Attractions
From the Grand Canyon National Park and the Grand Canyon Village, which are great for hiking and rafting, to the Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley Grand Canyon, Skywalk Havasu Falls, Oak Creek Canyon, and Kaibab National Forest, Arizona has one of the most stunning natural landscapes in the country.
With a diverse lifestyle full of energy, the Valley of the Sun is a paradise for everyone who loves outdoor activities such as skiing, swimming, hiking, camping, or barbecuing. All you have to do is make some time to get to know the real Arizona and its magnificent people.
Moving to Arizona with a car
Having a car in Arizona can be more of a necessity than a luxury. The first thing you should do once you move to the Grand Canyon State is register your car. To do so, you will need to submit all the required documents to your local AZ MVD office. Keep in mind that in order to register your out-of-state car with the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), you need to show proof of your car insurance which meets Arizona’s required coverage amounts.