Whenever most people think about Arizona, they imagine deserts. Arizona is indeed a hot state. It has more sunny days than Hawaii. Nevertheless, its deserts make up only a part of it. 27% of Arizona is covered in forests! The state boasts the largest stand of Ponderosa pine trees in the world.
Have you ever heard of the San Francisco Peaks and Humphreys’ Peak? They too are located in Arizona. Believe it or not, you can go skiing in Flagstaff, Alpine, and Tucson resorts. Yes, it snows in Arizona. So don’t be quick to judge the state by its meridians.
According to Census data, Arizona has been one of the fastest-growing states. In terms of both, numeric and percentage growth. Over the last fiscal year, more than 45,000 people moved to Arizona. The number is about 10,000 more than expected in one year.
In this guide, you will find information about why people move to Arizona, the cost of living, education, and what to do there. You’ll also learn about shipping a car to Arizona and how to find a reliable transporter.
But first, let’s take care of the moving arrangements. The prospect of moving is exciting for many. Still, it’s a disruption in your routine that adds uncalled-for stress, often thanks to things that are beyond your control.
Shipping a Car to Arizona
Drive your car there or ask someone you trust for help
Depending on where you are moving from you should consider the advantages and the disadvantages of each choice you make. If you are currently living close to Arizona you can easily drive the car yourself. Or you can ask a family member or good friend to help you with the task. (As long as you are willing to return the favor one day). If you need to transport your vehicle across the country, for instance, from New York to Arizona, think twice. Especially if you have never driven across the country before.
Hire a drive away company
A drive-away service can be the best solution if you need very fast shipping and door-to-door delivery. Keep in mind, though, that this option will cost you more. Moreover, since the car will be driven and not placed in a trailer, it will be totally exposed to weather and road hazards. There will be wear and tear, and your car’s value will be decreased as the mileage goes up.
Hire an auto transporter
This option is the most popular one among people who are moving across the country. There are many benefits of hiring a professional car hauler: it may be cheaper compared to the options mentioned above. The value of your automobile will not be decreased. And there is no possibility of wear and tear. Furthermore, your car will not be totally exposed to weather and road elements.
How much does it cost to ship a car across the country?
The cost of shipping a vehicle to another state could vary from $200 to as much as $2000. The final cost of shipping a car depends on these main factors:
- The distance and location
- Vehicle make and model
- Vehicle condition: operable or non-operable
- Type of vehicle transport carrier
- Supply and demand
How to find a reliable transporter?
Arizona is a popular destination for snowbirds. Also, it is a haven for classic car collectors. Various classic car auctions and shows are held there. When you need to ship your classic car though, you must find a reliable and trustworthy company. Don’t just go with the first auto shipper that pops up in Google search results. Research as much as you can. Steer clear of car shipping scams. Read online reviews and request multiple quotes before making your final choice.
To make your move easier make sure to choose the right time. In most US states fall and winter are the offseason. In Arizona though, the offseason occurs during the summer months. Winter is one of the busiest seasons. It has extremely high temperatures and deadly heatwaves. No wonder summer is not a popular month for relocation. Hence, it may cost you less to move during the summer. Just remember to always be cautious. Put your health and safety first.
First things first: high well-being rankings
According to a 2016 Huffington Post article, Arizona is one of the top ten happiest states in America. “To rank the states, Gallup-Healthways conducted 177,281 interviews nationwide in 2015, talking to U.S. residents nearly every day. The data measured five elements that make up the well-being: purpose (liking what you do each day and being motivated to achieve your goals), social relationships, financial security, community (liking where you live, feeling safe, and having pride in your community) and physical health.” According to the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index report, Arizona has a well-being index score of 63.
Natural beauty and diverse lifestyle
A lot of people who love natural beauty and the great outdoors find themselves pulled towards the Valley of the Sun. Deserts, ski resorts, deserts again, the Tonto National Forest, the fifth-largest in the United States, are more than enough for anyone who enjoys exploring the outdoors. If you love to hike, ski, swim, and maybe even practice outdoor yoga, you are more than welcomed to become an Arizonian.
Economic and job growth
Arizona’s economy grew significantly during the first half of 2016, but it soon slowed down. As of December 2016, Arizona’s economy “slowed during the summer, with job growth falling back to the national rate. Further, new personal income estimates suggest slower growth early in the year. While Arizona continues to expand at a solid pace, 2016 no longer appears to be the breakout year,” according to Arizona’s Economy, Economic and Business Research Center of the Eller College of Management.
Nevertheless, according to December 2016 data, Arizona’s economy will be shifting into a higher gear in 2017. “Through March, Arizona topped the nation in private-sector job growth, with 3.9 percent,” according to Lee McPheters, director of the JPMorgan Chase Economic Outlook Center at the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. “The state was eighth for population growth in 2015, 14th in personal income growth, and 25th in economic output. These days, Arizona is first in job growth in the sector that includes data centers and other tech work. It is also the first in growth for finance-related work. Largely because of the growing presence of insurance companies. It is seventh for health-care growth and business administration,” McPheters added.
Education
People have also been moving to Arizona for its excellent education opportunities. As of 2017, Arizona State University, University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, Grand Canyon University, Prescott College, University of Advancing Technology, Taliesin, the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, Western International University, Arizona Christian University, and Southwest University of Visual Arts are among the top ten universities in Arizona.
Cost of living
To predict whether the cost of living in Arizona is going to be higher or lower in your particular case, we have to compare it with the state of your current residence. Nevertheless, you should know that the cost of living in Arizona is relatively low compared to the national average. Therefore, it doesn’t really matter where you are relocating from. You will soon find out that housing, rent, transportation, utilities, and food are affordable in the Grand Canyon State. Furthermore, income tax rates there are some of the lowest in the country. They will vary between 2.59% and 4.54% depending on your specific case. Use this calculator to see how much your cost of living will change when you move to Arizona.
What to do and see in Arizona?
Where to start? A lot of people move to Arizona because they are drawn to its many outdoor activities. But If you are moving there for work or to continue your studies, you will have no choice but to adapt to Arizonan’s living style.
Attractions
From Arizona’s part of the Historic Route 66 to the breathtaking Sonoran Desert, mile-wide and 570 feet deep Barringer Meteorite Crater in the middle of the Colorado Plateau, Montezuma Castle National Monument, Desert Botanical Garden, and the world-famous mile-deep panoramic landmark Grand Canyon your options are endless.
Activities
If you also are a wine lover, you would love to hear that your prayers have been answered. You have finally found the perfect place (besides California) that matches your wine-loving soul. Make sure to attend the annual Arizona State Fair that brings together over a million people in Phoenix. The six-day long Scottsdale Culinary Festival, where besides amazing food you will once again have the chance to taste some of Arizona’s best wines, is yet another festival you shouldn’t miss.
The Copper State will never cease to amaze you. That is if you are not against living in a desert (pun intended). But if you want to explore the snowy parts of Arizona or go water rafting in the Colorado River, no one is stopping you. If you ever long for rain, you can always visit London Bridge, if you know what I mean.
Haven’t decided where in Arizona you’d like to settle? Don’t forget to check the list of the best places to live in Arizona. Looking for a professional auto transporter to move your car to Arizona? Call us now to discuss your options and budget. We are here to help you ship your car to Arizona with peace of mind. Thank you!
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