Moving to The Grand Canyon State
We all thrive for a better life, a better financial situation, a better house, a better place to live, and so on. That is why it’s no wonder thousands of people move from one city to another, from one country to another, from one continent to another, every single day. The great weather sometimes is a huge factor, but so are job growth, rising economy, affordable housing and cost of living, great education opportunities, and other factors that a state such as Arizona offers.
Illinois is a beautiful state located in the Midwestern region of the United States. This great state is also the 6th-most populous one in the US. Arizona, even though it is the 6th largest state in terms of area, it ranks as the 14th most populous one. The Grand Canyon State experienced a 6.8% growth in population from 2010 to 2015 and nowadays welcomes hundreds of newcomers every day. Currently, over 7 million people call Arizona home.
With so many sunny days to offer, Arizona’s climate differs a lot from the Illinois weather. The climate in Illinois varies from humid continental (hot, humid summers and cold winters) to humid subtropical (with moderate winters). Arizona has a desert climate with mild winters and hot summers, but the state also receives snowfall from time to time. This usually happens in the Northern part of Arizona during the winter season. Moreover, even though Arizona is well known for its deserts, large parts of the state are covered by forests as well.
Economy and Employment
Historically, the economy of Arizona has been mainly based on copper, cotton, cattle, citrus, and climate (tourism). Nowadays, the state has a diverse economy that is mainly fueled by data mining, IT, Finance, Insurance, healthcare, business administration, transportation, and government sectors. Arizona’s economy is one of the most thriving ones in the US that is growing at a faster rate than the United States.
As mentioned in the beginning, the state’s job growth and its rich economy are some of the reasons why a high number of people have decided to create a new life in Arizona and find a job they love.
Housing and Living Cost
Located in the southwestern region, Arizona offers low housing and livings costs as well as low-income tax rates, which very often “persuade” people to move from wherever they are located to the fast-growing state of Arizona. Rent, utilities, transportation, food, and other monthly costs, are lower than the national average and much lower than in Illinois.
The living costs in Phoenix, for example, are 10% cheaper than Chicago and its median home costs are 8% less expensive. The living costs in other Arizona cities can be even cheaper than in Phoenix. A good example of that would be Tucson, which is 14% less expensive than Chicago, with median home costs that can go up to 26% cheaper.
Arizona’s Attractions
With a busy art scene and numerous national parks, museums, and forests, Arizona has lots of attractions you can visit as soon as you settle there. The Grand Canyon National Park and the Grand Canyon Village are perfect for hiking and rafting. The Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley Grand Canyon, Skywalk Havasu Falls, Oak Creek Canyon, and Kaibab National Forest are also some of the most stunning natural beauties in the United States.
Prepare to change your lifestyle a lot and become an outdoorsy person (if you are not already) once you become an Arizona resident.
Moving to Arizona with a car
Moving to Arizona with a car is a great idea. You will need at least one to move around on your own schedule. The first thing you should do once you establish your move, is to get your out-of-state car registered with the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). To do so, prepare and submit all the required documents to your local AZ MVD office in person.