Arizona, the “Grand Canyon State”, is located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the Western United States and of the Mountain West states. It is the sixth largest. Its capital and largest city is Phoenix. Arizona is one of the Four Corners states. It has borders with New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, California, and Mexico, and one point in common with the southwestern corner of Colorado. Arizona’s border with Mexico is 389 miles long, on the northern border of the Mexican state of Sonora and Baja, California. Arizona is noted for its desert climate and dust storms in its southern half, with very hot summers and mild winters. During the winter, you can drive north for two hours and play in the snow and ski all day up in the mountains. Then, in the afternoon drive to Scottsdale and go play golf, where it’s nice and chilly, but devoid of snow.
Keep in mind, though that Arizona is truly a desert. If you’re used to rainy or wet weather, prepare yourself for the adjustment. It may not be at the forefront of your mind if your move is for work or personal reasons. But, you should consider the climate of a new place, as odd as it may seem to some. Maybe you’re from an equally hot state, but take into account that you’re most likely moving from a place with a higher humidity index. Living in a hot place is no joke – make sure you’re ready for the dry heat that can reach 113 degrees or higher in the summer, months without rain, sandstorms and the like. It’s an adjustment surely, but the beauty of the state makes up for it.
You’ll never stop being amazed by Arizona – whether it’s a day taking in the landscape or an evening enjoying the nightlife. This state is home to the Grand Canyon National Park, after all. Nearly two billion years of Earth’s geological history have been exposed in the depths of the canyon cut from the Colorado River’s channels. It’s one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World for good reason. In addition to the Grand Canyon, take a dip under the Havasupai Falls or Keyhole Sink, explore the winding waters of Glen Canyon or go white water rafting in the Colorado River. Almost a quarter of Arizona is made up of Indian reservations which serve as a home of various Native American tribes. Phoenix’s nightlife scene has seen a resurgence in recent years, making it’s downtown area the place to be. The street art and pop up parks embrace the unused spaces. That said, Arizona is still a state to live for those more inclined to an outdoor lifestyle.
Arizona is one of only two states that does not observe Daylight Savings Time, so you’re not going to have to worry about losing an hour of sleep or remembering to reset the clock in your car. With the exception of the Navajo Nation, the state observes Mountain Standard Time year round.
Arizona is a right to work state, which means that no person can be denied the ability to obtain employment because they don’t belong to a labor organization. Arizona’s per capita income is $49,271, ranking 29th in the U.S. The average cost of a home is $187,000, putting it below other states. It’s average cost of living is ranked as the 15th in the country. Arizona state law requires hourly workers be paid above the federal minimum wage. This makes the minimum wage is at $8.05 an hour, with the minimum tipped wage at $3.00 an hour and the minimum cash wage at $5.05 an hour. Taking into account the decent cost of living, this makes Arizona one of the more affordable places in the US.
The public transport system is just as prevalent in Arizona as in any other major metropolitan area. The major cities are all served by public bus systems as well as Amtrak and other railways. These options are especially available in areas with higher education as college students don’t always have immediate access to cars. There are six major US interstates and and ten US routes through out the state, Phoenix having the most extensive highway system.
Arizona’s education system ranks averagely with the rest of the US. There are about 220 different school districts overseen by the Arizona Board of Education. There are three major public universities in state, the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University, with an additional twenty-three private universities and twenty one community colleges.
The state of Arizona is home to some of the most beautiful desert terrain. With all of the familiar amenities of major metro life while still managing to appeal to the more outdoor prone. With the Grand Canyon as this state’s major tourist attraction, the incredible beauty is sure to capture your attention.