Moving to Arizona

Jobs, Outdoors, and Unexpected Friction

Pro: The Job Market’s Better Than You Might Expect

Arizona doesn’t always make the headlines for booming economies, but quietly, over the past few years, it’s become something of a magnet—especially for people in tech, healthcare, education, and even remote work.

Phoenix in particular has seen a surge in companies setting up regional headquarters or satellite campuses. Intel’s expansion out in Chandler? Huge. Then there’s the semiconductor sector, aerospace, solar energy startups, and a growing biotech presence. It’s not just desert and golf courses anymore.

And even if you’re not in those industries, the job market in 2025 feels… approachable. It’s not hyper-competitive like New York or San Francisco, where you need five interviews to maybe land something decent. It’s more grounded. Especially in fields like healthcare, logistics, and education, you’ll find options.

One thing worth noting: wages aren’t always aligned with housing costs. It’s improving, but the gap still exists in places like Phoenix and Scottsdale. You might land a great role but still feel a little squeezed when rent or mortgage payments kick in. It’s something people don’t always mention upfront.

Con: Traffic and Infrastructure — It’s Not What It Used to Be

This catches people off guard. You move here expecting wide roads and short commutes, and then… you hit the I-10 at 4:30 p.m.

Phoenix traffic, in particular, has gotten worse. Not quite L.A. level (yet), but it’s creeping in that direction. More people are moving in, more construction zones are popping up, and public transit? It’s limited. There’s the light rail, sure, but it doesn’t reach as far as you’d hope unless you’re near downtown or Tempe.

And suburban sprawl? That’s real. If you buy in Mesa or Goodyear, for example, your “quick drive” into the city center might not feel quick at all. Google Maps may lie to you in off-hours, but at rush hour, it tells the truth—and it’s not kind.

The roads are big, yes. But they’re full. That’s the twist.

Pro: Outdoor Life Here Is… a Whole Vibe

Let’s shift gears a little. If you’re even slightly into nature, Arizona spoils you.

We’re talking day hikes with panoramic canyon views. Sunrise runs on desert trails. Weekends in Sedona or Flagstaff that feel like quick little resets from regular life. And then there’s the Grand Canyon—obviously—and lesser-known gems like Saguaro National Park or the Superstition Mountains. You could live here for years and still find new trails to wander.

Plus, there’s something about the dry air that feels good on your skin. Maybe not in July, when you feel like a baked potato in the sun, but for most of the year, it’s crisp. Healing, even. A lot of people who suffer from joint issues or chronic inflammation say they feel better here. It’s anecdotal, yes—but not rare.

Just, you know… hydrate. Constantly.

Con: Air Quality Isn’t Always Great

Here’s something that gets glossed over sometimes: the air in Arizona isn’t always as fresh as the scenery makes it look. Especially in the Phoenix metro area, air pollution and ozone levels can spike, particularly during hot summers.

Dust storms — or “haboobs” — are dramatic and a bit thrilling to watch if you’re inside. But they’re also packed with particulates that aren’t great for your lungs. Combine that with wildfire smoke drifting in from other states and a growing number of cars on the road, and you get a few months out of the year where the air quality index gets dicey.

If you have asthma or any respiratory issues, this might not be a small concern.

Culture, Community, and the Question of “Belonging”

Pro: A Mix of Cultures and Transplants — You’re Not Alone

One of the first things people notice after moving to Arizona is how many people aren’t originally from Arizona.

You’ll hear it in coffee shop lines and grocery store small talk. “We just moved from Colorado.” “Came out from Chicago last year.” “Left L.A. and haven’t looked back.” It creates this kind of shared energy—a low-level understanding that most folks here are figuring it out at the same time.

And that’s kind of comforting. You don’t walk into a tight-knit town where everyone went to high school together and already has a dinner group. Instead, you find people who are open to new friendships, new routines. Everyone’s new-ish. Everyone’s adjusting.

That openness, in turn, brings a blend of cultures. Food, festivals, language, ideas—it’s layered. Phoenix especially has become a bit of a cultural melting pot, and Tucson has long celebrated its Mexican and Indigenous heritage in everything from street murals to local music.

It’s not perfect diversity, of course. And in some suburbs, it feels less blended. But overall, Arizona in 2025 feels more welcoming than you might expect.

Con: Schools Can Be Hit or Miss

If you’ve got school-age kids, this one’s going to matter. Arizona’s public school system has been in flux for a while. In 2025, it’s still… complicated.

Some districts are doing great—Scottsdale Unified, Chandler, Gilbert. There are charter schools too, some of which are exceptional. And private options exist if you can swing the cost.

But statewide, funding has been a chronic issue. Teacher shortages persist. Class sizes run large in many areas. And test scores? They’ve improved in some pockets, but not across the board.

The takeaway? Where you live in Arizona matters a lot when it comes to education. Two neighborhoods 10 minutes apart can be worlds different in terms of school performance.

So if you’re moving with kids, do more than glance at GreatSchools scores. Visit campuses. Read local forums. Talk to parents. You’ll get a more honest picture that way.

Top Schools in Arizona (2025 Edition)

One of the first things people ask when thinking about a move to Arizona — especially if they’ve got kids — is: What are the schools like?

The answer? It depends. A lot.

Arizona’s education system has been all over the map in recent years. On paper, statewide rankings haven’t always impressed — funding issues, teacher turnover, and large class sizes have been a thing. But if you zoom in, school by school, district by district, you’ll find some truly excellent options. Especially in suburban areas where communities are growing, parents are engaged, and local governments invest in education.

Let’s break it down realistically. Not every school is a home run, but some are absolutely worth considering.

Top Public School Districts in Arizona

These districts consistently get high marks for academics, extracurriculars, and college prep. If you’re relocating and schools are high priority, these names should be on your radar:

1. Chandler Unified School District (CUSD)

Southeast Phoenix Metro

This district often ranks #1 or close to it. High graduation rates, strong AP programs, competitive sports, and robust STEM offerings. CUSD serves neighborhoods that are family-heavy and growing fast — and their schools are keeping up.

Highlights: Hamilton High School, Basha High, and a strong focus on science and technology.

2. Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD)

Scottsdale, Paradise Valley

Affluent areas, well-funded schools, and a focus on the arts, athletics, and college readiness. SUSD schools aren’t just academically solid — they also feel polished, well-run, and offer that “safe community” vibe many parents are after.

Highlights: Arcadia High School, Desert Mountain High, and Chaparral High School.

3. Gilbert Public Schools

East of Phoenix

Known for balanced, well-managed schools with great academic outcomes. Gilbert’s population boom has led to newer campuses and competitive programming — plus, a strong sense of community pride that feeds into the schools themselves.

Highlights: Highland High, Mesquite High, and several top-rated elementary schools.

4. Catalina Foothills School District

Tucson area

If you’re heading south instead of settling in Phoenix, this district is a gem. Smaller than metro-area giants, but with consistently high performance — especially in reading, math, and college readiness.

Highlights: Catalina Foothills High School is a standout with a reputation for strong academics and innovation.

5. Vail School District

Southeast Tucson

Underrated but rising fast. This district is doing a lot with modest funding — focusing on teacher training, tech integration, and small-school feel. It’s one of those districts where parents tend to get very involved, which often makes all the difference.

Highlights: Empire High School (known for its digital curriculum), Vail Academy & High School.

And What About Charter and Private Options?

Arizona is one of the most charter-friendly states in the U.S., which means a lot of alternatives exist outside the traditional public system. Some are excellent. Others… not so much. Due diligence is key.

Notable Charter Schools:

• BASIS Charter Schools (multiple locations): Regularly ranked among the best high schools in the country. Rigor is high. So is the homework load. But results are impressive.
• Great Hearts Academies: Classical education model with a focus on liberal arts. Popular with families looking for structure and academic depth.
• Arizona College Prep (Chandler): Another strong charter offering a rigorous college-prep experience.

Private Schools:

Plentiful in areas like Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. Expect tuition between $10,000 and $25,000 per year depending on grade level. Top names include Brophy College Prep (boys), Xavier College Prep (girls), and Phoenix Country Day.

One Quick Word of Advice

If school quality is a non-negotiable for your move, don’t just rely on district names or GreatSchools ratings. Visit campuses. Talk to parents. Scroll local Facebook groups or Reddit threads — they’ll give you the real story.

Because in Arizona, the right school can be five minutes from a not-so-great one. The difference? Sometimes night and day.

Pro: The Lifestyle Shift Can Be… Kind of Magical

This one’s more abstract, but it’s real. People move to Arizona for tangible reasons—weather, housing, taxes. But many stay because something shifts in them once they’re here.

There’s space. And not just physically, although that’s part of it. There’s mental space too. Fewer people honking. More sky to look at. Hikes where your phone doesn’t buzz. Restaurants with patios open ten months of the year. Even errands feel less like a battle and more like, well, just a thing you do.

For people coming from fast-paced, high-cost cities, that difference settles in slowly. One day you realize you’re not rushing anymore. You’re not as tense. You’ve stopped measuring your day by how “productive” you were.

It’s not a fix-all. It doesn’t solve everything. But it does something.

Con: Some People Never Quite Settle In

This part’s hard to talk about, but important.

Not everyone adjusts to Arizona’s rhythm. For all the beauty and opportunity, some folks just… don’t click with it. Maybe it’s the heat. Maybe it’s the politics. Maybe it’s just that they never stop missing trees or the ocean or real autumn.

Sometimes you move and wait for that “home” feeling to arrive—and it never quite does. That’s okay. It happens. Arizona doesn’t try too hard to be what it’s not. That’s a strength, but it can also feel a little cold (figuratively speaking) if you’re craving a certain kind of rootedness.

There’s no way to predict it. Some people visit once and fall in love. Others live here five years and never unpack emotionally. It’s not about Arizona being good or bad—it’s about whether it feels like yours.

The Numbers That Matter (And a Few That Might Surprise You)

Pro: Still Cheaper Than California — and Then Some

Let’s start with the most common motivator: cost.

If you’re coming from California, Washington, or most of the Northeast, Arizona still feels like a bargain. Not as cheap as it used to be, sure. But compared to median home prices in San Diego or Seattle? It’s night and day.

As of 2025, the median home price in Arizona is around $370,000, with metro Phoenix and Scottsdale on the higher end and cities like Tucson, Prescott, and parts of the East Valley still offering some affordable options—if you hunt a bit.

Rent? That’s climbed too. But you’ll still likely pay 20–30% less than in major coastal metros. It’s just… not “cheap” anymore. That narrative’s expired. It’s more like moderately affordable, depending on your income.

Con: The Gap Between Income and Expenses

Here’s the twist. While housing costs are still better than in pricier states, wages in Arizona haven’t kept up at the same pace.

The median household income in 2025 is roughly $73,000, which—depending on your lifestyle and whether you’re renting or buying—can either be perfectly fine or a little tight. Especially if you’ve got kids, debt, or a single income.

The takeaway? Don’t just look at home prices. Budget out the full picture. Food, utilities, car insurance (which runs high in Phoenix for some reason), and healthcare all add up.

Here’s a breakdown of cost-of-living index numbers (U.S. average = 100):

• Housing: 94
• Utilities: 102
• Groceries: 98
• Transportation: 101
• Healthcare: 95
• Overall: 97

So yes—Arizona is still slightly below the national average. But barely. The gap is closing.

Pro: Tax-Friendly (Mostly)

Arizona isn’t a tax haven, but it’s also not trying to squeeze you dry. State income taxes are modest (with flat rates now in place), and Social Security isn’t taxed, which is a win if you’re retiring or semi-retired.

Sales tax varies by city and county but averages about 8.4%, and property taxes are refreshingly low—usually less than 1% of your home’s value. That’s a breath of fresh air if you’re coming from states where property taxes are the size of car payments.

Still, factor in things like vehicle registration (which is more expensive than people expect) and higher-than-average water bills, especially in summer. You’ll see it all even out in strange ways.

Cost of Moving to Arizona

Now, let’s talk logistics. Because the cost of getting to Arizona matters just as much as the cost of living there.

If you’re planning a state-to-state move, Lift & Shift Movers is a top pick in 2025. They specialize in long-distance relocations, especially from California, Texas, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada. And they’ve got that rare combo of professionalism and transparency that makes them easy to trust.

Estimated Move Costs:

Optional add-ons:

• Packing services: $300–$900
• Storage: Based on volume and duration (custom quote)

Lift & Shift gives clear quotes, doesn’t ghost you mid-move, and actually shows up on time. It’s… refreshing. And in an industry known for headaches, that kind of reliability is worth something.

The Final Weigh-In — Is Arizona Right for You?

So, you’ve looked at the weather. The jobs. The air quality. The culture shift. The moving costs. You’ve probably felt excited at points and hesitant at others — which makes sense. Big moves are rarely clear-cut. There’s always that murky middle ground where everything sounds mostly great, but not without a few caveats.

Let’s try to clear that fog just a little.

Arizona Might Be a Great Fit If…

You’re done with cold weather. Or crowded cities. Or long commutes that steal two hours from your life every day. Maybe you’re craving space. Or peace. Or just a change that feels different — but not chaotic.

If that’s where your head’s at, Arizona can feel like a reset button. It offers something a lot of places can’t: year-round sun, mountains within driving distance, neighborhoods where neighbors still wave hello, and housing that doesn’t require a six-figure salary (well, depending on the ZIP code).

It’s also ideal if you’re working remotely. You get warm weather, decent infrastructure, a lower cost of living, and no pressure to cram into a coastal city to feel “connected.” And if you’re nearing retirement? Even better. The tax setup and climate lean strongly in your favor.

Arizona Might Be a Tougher Sell If…

You thrive on cultural density — museums on every corner, nightlife that never ends, transit that takes you anywhere. You won’t find that here. Not really. Phoenix is growing fast, but it’s still not New York. Or even Denver.

Also, if heat truly drains you — like, physically or emotionally — the summers may tip the scale. They’re long. And intense. And not everyone adapts.

Add to that the occasional air quality alerts, limited public transportation, and school inconsistencies, and it’s clear: Arizona asks you to make trade-offs. For some, those are minor. For others, they’re dealbreakers.

And Then There’s That Intangible “Feel”

Some places just feel right. Others don’t. It’s hard to measure that until you’re here.

You might walk through Old Town Scottsdale and think, Yep. This is it. Or you might spend a week in Mesa, sweating through your shirt, missing your favorite coffee shop back home, wondering why you ever packed up.

There’s no perfect move. Just better fits. Arizona, for all its contrasts, might be yours — or maybe not. But if you’re even considering it, that says something. You’re open to change. That’s not small.

One Last Thought

I’ve heard people say that Arizona “grows on you.” At first, it’s the views. Then it’s the pace. And somewhere along the way, it’s the mornings — the ones where the sky turns that pale pink-orange and everything feels still. Quiet. Possible.

You might miss things from where you came. People. Food. Shade. But you might find new things here that stick with you longer than you expect.

And if not? Arizona isn’t going anywhere. It’ll still be here — wide open, warm, a little wild — waiting.