This time of year, there are more than a few Arizona’s questioning their decision to call the Valley of the Sun their home. Let’s face it: it’s HOT here in the summer. Really hot. Yet people continue to move here and love calling Arizona their home. Sometimes we forget just how lucky we are to live in one of the most beautiful, unique and diverse states in the country. Here’s why living in Arizona is like no other state.
We’re more than a desert
People who don’t live in Arizona assume we’re one big desert, but that’s not true! Arizona has some of the most beautiful mountains, rivers and lakes in the country. Some of the Valley’s best lakes are within city limits or close by to enjoy all year round. If you’re a skier, ski towns like Flagstaff are beautiful, with many skiing options to choose from. And if kayaking or canoeing is more your style, we have rivers such as the Salt River that promises stunning views and heart pounding adventure.
We have one of the seven wonders of the natural world
Visitors come from all over the world to visit the Grand Canyon but guess what? It’s in our backyard! While many people limit themselves to looking at the canyon from the rim, others choose to hike trails down into the gorge. For those not inclined to hike, mules are available to ride to the bottom. You can even raft down the canyon. While native Arizona’s sometimes forget about the Grand Canyon, it’s a breathtaking attraction not to be missed!
We have spring training
Here’s another example of a fantastic feature that people come from all over the country to see, and it’s right around the corner for most of us here in AZ! Spring training season is one of the busiest times of year for Arizona and with good reason! The Cactus League alone has ten spring training locations across Maricopa county and every year, thousands of spring visitors, or “snowbirds” pour into Arizona to catch a few ballgames to watch their favorite teams play.
We don’t move (our clocks) for anybody
Unlike most other states, we don’t “spring forward” or “fall back”; in other words, we don’t observe daylight savings time. Except for the Navajo nation, we don’t change our clock. In 1968, the state legislature decided it was best for Arizona to opt out of the Uniform Time Act of 1966. As a matter of fact, we have our own time zone because of this choice!
We have awesome wineries
Another well-kept secret is the fact that Arizona is fast becoming a world-renowned winemaking state. There was a time when Arizonans looking to sip and swirl had to pack their bags and go to California, but now we have amazing wineries right here! We have three wine-growing regions, Sonoita, Verde Valley, and Willcox, and all are an easy drive from the Valley of the Sun. Check out the AZ wine map to see them all.
We don’t do lawns
Actually, plenty of people still grow beautiful, lush green lawns but if you’re an AZ transplant and have decided mowing a lawn is no longer for you, you’re in good company! Arizona loves its legacy of being a desert community, and the trend continues to retain the desert look and do away with lush, green, water-consuming lawns.
We put on a great light show
Arizona is known for having some of the most spectacular lightning storms in the country. Again, people come from all over the country to study our storms, and to photograph them. As the Arizona monsoon sets up each summer, the rising air over the desert feeds vigorous thunderstorms that release dramatic bolts of lightning. While it might seem like a good idea to sit outside and watch, it’s best to take cover and watch nature’s light show from a safe place.
These are just a few reasons why living in Arizona is like no other state. If you’re considering making Arizona your permanent home, and looking at homes for sale in the west valley, don’t hesitate to contact us for local market information. We’ll help you find the right home with most of your wish list items.