The state of Arizona continues to draw more and more residents leaving California. Moving from the Golden State to the Grand Canyon State comes with a long list of benefits.
Top Benefits Of Moving From California To Arizona
Why is moving from California to Arizona a great decision for your family’s future? Let’s take a look at some of the biggest advantages associated with the valley of the sun.
1. Lower Cost Of Living
Between 1990 and 2000, Arizona was the second fastest-growing state in terms of population, rising by nearly 40 percent during this time. A big part of the high rate of migrations is the affordable housing and top-notch living conditions found in Arizona. Many former California residents say the lower cost of living is the main reason why they moved to the valley.
Average rent and daily living costs are much lower in Arizona than California. For instance, CNN‘s cost of living calculator estimates that a salary of $100,000 in San Francisco will buy you the exact same as a salary of $52,100 in Phoenix.
So, why is this so? It has to do the cost of living rates, which are much lower in Arizona. Groceries, housing, transportation and utility costs are significantly less than in California.
2. Job Opportunities
Arizona doesn’t just have more favorable financial conditions compared to California, it also has seen an explosion of opportunities lately. The state recovered remarkably fast following the Pandemic, adding nearly 250,000 new jobs in the past two years.
The state projects adding more than 700,000 new jobs by the year 2030. The majority of job opportunities will be found in technology, education, financial and health services.
3. Better Income Tax Rates
Single taxpayers in 2022 with incomes of up to $27,272 see a 2.55% income tax rate. Anyone earning more will pay 2.98%. In California, meanwhile, individuals earning between $22,108-$34,892 will pay $348.89 plus 4%. Tax rates increase as the salary tiers rise.
4. Less Traffic
Lengthy commutes and lots of congestion are simply par for the course in California. The TomTom Traffic Index of cities in the U.S. cites Los Angeles as the most congested place at a 27% level. Both San Francisco and San Jose rank high atop the list, as well. Arizona residents will enjoy much less traffic, overall.
5. Sights And Attractions
Some of the biggest reasons why many people move to Arizona are the breathtaking attractions. From the Grand Canyon to the red rocks of Sedona, there is plenty to see and do all across the state. Anyone who loves to swim, hike, fish or camp will be more than happy to call Arizona home.
How Much Does It Cost To Build A House In Arizona?
According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to build a house in Arizona is between $109,208-$459,983. If you are interested in building a slightly larger or small home in Arizona, you can figure out the cost yourself by using the cost per sq ft. The average cost per sq ft to build a home in Arizona is $150 per sq ft.
Should I Move To Arizona Right Now?
One way to make the home buying process a bit easier is to start the process at the right time. In Arizona, unlike several other markets, housing prices and mortgage rates will vary by the month. For example, Arizona housing prices were at the lowest point in the month of May during 2021.
Homes were nearly $40,000 less expensive during that month than any point in the year. November, meanwhile, was the month featuring the highest housing prices. Prices during that month were $40,000 higher than the national average.
In reality, the best time to buy a house truly depends on your specific situation. The first step in the home buying process is getting preapproved by a licensed lender. Don’t hesitate to look around at as many options as possible. Even if you are preapproved, you may still be able to find lower rates that can pay dividends over the life of a loan.
The real estate market is unique in Arizona because of the harsh summers and mild winters. Most potential home buyers will find a better deal in the summer because the area is less desirable during that point in the season. Most parts of the country will hit their lowest housing prices in the winter. In Arizona, though, the exact opposite is true. Also keep in mind that right now Arizona is regarded as a seller’s market, so expect a lot of competition if you are planning to make an offer on a home.
Best Places To Buy A House In Arizona
More and more people are moving to Arizona. From the booming job market to the wonderful winter weather, Arizona is a very desirable place to live. So, which part of Arizona should you move to? Here are a few up and coming cities to consider:
Flagstaff
Flagstaff is located in Northern Arizona, which means its geography is extremely different from much of the state. Instead of deserts and cacti, you can enjoy mountains and greenery in Flagstaff. You also won’t have to deal with harsh summer temperatures, and will get to experience some snowfall. Flagstaff’s population is nearing 70,000 currently.
Chandler
A suburb of Phoenix, Chandler offers a popular historic downtown area. The Chandler area is also home to some of the best golf courses in the entire country.
Tucson
Located a few hours south of Phoenix, Tucson is consistently ranked among the best places to live in the valley of the sun. This area features upscale neighborhoods and lots of diversity at affordable rates.
Paradise Valley
Located just outside of Scottsdale, Paradise Valley has recently become far more than a tourist destination. This city now has a population of more than 15,000 residents thanks to its incredible location and world-class real estate.
Surprise
The population of Surprise grew from 30,000 to more than 117,000 from the years 2000-2010. Not only is Surprise listed as one of the safest cities in Arizona, it also great for families. The highly-regarded Arizona Charter Academy is located in Surprise.
Build a Custom Home In Arizona
Contact Hughes Development today to get an estimate for your home building project. Hughes Development builds custom homes in Mesa, Apache Wells, Mountain Whisper and more areas in Arizona.
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