Moving to the Grand Canyon State
Located in the southwestern region of the US, the fast-growing state of Arizona is part of the Western and the Mountain states as well. If you’re drawn to its beautiful mountains, breathtaking landscapes, low cost of living, and the abundance of sunny days, you are not alone.
Thousands of people have decided to make Arizona their new home contributing to the state’s population growth. Between the year 2010 and 2015, its population grew by 6.8%. Currently, over 7 million people reside in Arizona making the 6th largest state in the nation the 14th most populous.
Compared to Florida’s humid subtropical climate with high humidity, Arizona has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters in its southern part and moderate summer temperatures with snowy winters in its northern part.
Even though Arizona is well known for its hot climate and deserts, large parts of the state are covered by forests and its climate varies a lot depending on which part of Arizona you decide to move. Unlike in Florida, tornadoes and hurricanes are less likely to occur in Arizona.
Economy and Job Growth
Arizona has one of the most thriving economies in the US with a GSP (Gross State Product) that grew by 3.1% from the Q2 of 2016 to the Q2 of 2017. Compared to US GDP which grew by 2.8% during the same period of time, Arizona’s economy is growing even faster. And that is one of the reasons why a great number of people decide to move to Arizona every day. Historically, the economy of Arizona has relied largely on the five C’s – copper, cotton, cattle, citrus, and climate.
Currently, its economy is diverse and offers plenty of job opportunities in data mining, IT, finance, insurance, health-care, business administration, transportation, and government sectors. Its unemployment rate has also gone down in the past years. In March 2016, the unemployment rate was 5.4%, while in December 2017 it dropped to 4.5%.
Housing and Living Costs
Living costs in Arizona are relatively low compared to the national average with affordable housing, rent, transportation, utilities, and food prices. The income tax rates are also some of the lowest in the country. Housing and living costs depend a lot on where in Florida are you moving from and where you are relocating in Arizona. Living costs in Orlando, for example, can be up to 3% less expensive, while median house costs are 17% cheaper in Orlando.
Arizona Attractions
The natural beauty of Arizona and the diverse lifestyle are yet some other reasons why people are deciding to call it their new home. The Valley of the Sun with its deserts and ski resorts is great for outdoor lovers. Also, you wouldn’t want to skip the Tonto National Forest, Pueblo cliff, the Heard Museum of American Indian Art & History, among other attractions. In the process of becoming an Arizonian, you will start to love hiking, swimming, skiing, barbecuing, and even learn outdoor yoga if you are eager.
Enjoy the state’s busy art scene and its numerous national parks, museums, forests, and so on once you settle and you will never regret leaving Florida. Happy moving and car shipping!