Bad Things About Living in Arizona

Living in Arizona

Arizona is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. With a population of close to 9 million people, it is the one of most populous states in the USA. Arizona is home to several major metropolitan areas, including Phoenix, Tucson, and Mesa.

Arizona is known for its desert environment, and also the variety of ecosystems, including mountains, forests, and lakes. There are plenty of attractions to keep tourists entertained, such as the Grand Canyon and Scottsdale. Arizona is a great place to live if you enjoy a wide variety of weather and scenery.

It’s a state full of history and culture, with plenty of outdoor activities to keep you entertained. From skiing in the mountains to fishing on the Arizona River, there is something for everyone in this fascinating state. And if you’re looking for a slower pace, consider settling down in one of Arizona’s many charming small towns.

Reasons you may regret moving to Arizona

Notoriously hot summers

May to mid-November are the terrible months in Arizona. You will experience dry heat. Temperatures are about 95 degrees Fahrenheit at the beginning of May and go up 10 degrees Fahrenheit more in June, and another 10 in July. It stays over 100 degrees Fahrenheit until weeks into November when it starts to recede. Mid-November to January are the best months to live in Arizona. With these temperatures, plan your wardrobe accordingly and make sure you have plenty of water and sunscreen.

Frequent weather events like flash floods and dust storms

Flash floods and dust storms are common in Arizona. Flash floods are caused by snowmelt or heavy rainfall that causes rivers to overflow their banks rapidly. Dust storms are caused by high winds that mix dust and sand together. This can lead to serious health problems, including respiratory problems and eye irritation. Also, both types of storms can cause power outages, injuries, and even death.

Poor education; leading to poor prospects

Arizona is often considered one of the worst states to live in based on a number of factors, including the poor quality of education. According to a recent report by WalletHub, Arizona ranks 47th out of 50 states in terms of the overall quality of education.

WalletHub compared all 50 states and Washington, D.C., across 32 relevant metrics, evaluating performance, funding, safety, class size and instructor credentials.

The state’s public schools are ranked 48th out of 50 in terms of math and science achievement, and its students rank 46th out of 50 in terms of reading proficiency. This lack of success is due, in part, to the fact that Arizona spends less money per student than most other states. This is particularly alarming given that Arizona has been trying to position itself as a high-tech state.

See where Arizona ranks in regard to other aspects such as Healthcare, economy, employment, and higher education, here.

Limited job opportunities, and low wages

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Arizona has an unemployment rate of 4.10%. The average wage in Arizona is only $25,590 a year, which is lower than every other state in the country. The good news is that a lot of companies are looking for people who have the right skills to work remotely, whilst there are always ways to find new opportunities in other states and abroad.

The Windy season, February to July

Winds hit Arizona from February and July with gusts up to 70 mph. In June, the winds get stronger and can reach 80 mph. In July, they can be around 100 mph. These strong winds often cause damage to homes, power lines, cars, businesses, and the environment. The winds are so disruptive that they hinder outdoor activities. Also, during this time, air pollution is highest. Blowing pollen, blowing sand, dust, and microbursts; dealing with this can be hectic.

High housing prices and the real estate bubble is a major crisis

There’s a lot of competition for housing, and a typical property value has increased by 10.6% from October 2021 to October 2022. With the housing crisis and bubble, it means that you often have to pay a premium for a property that’s in demand. Due to rapid growth in the housing market, it is anticipated that mortgage rates will settle around 5.5% by the end of 2023. A single-family home will continue to drive the state’s housing market.

Learn more about property prices in Arizona.

Cohabiting with desert Wildlife, not good for you or your pets!

If you move to Arizona, be sure to encounter mountain lions, coyotes, spiders, snakes, poison toads and scorpions and other predatory wildlife.

The risky valley fever infection

Living in Arizona is associated with a high risk of valley fever. Valley fever is an infection caused by the fungus, Coccidioides immitis. The fungus lives in the soil and grows in warm, dry climates, and people who live in Arizona are more likely to develop valley fever because the air here is drier than elsewhere.

While rare at a national level, Valley fever is common in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Every year, 150,000 people in the U.S. are infected, and Arizona is home to two-thirds of them. Valley fever can cause serious health problems, including pneumonia, meningitis, and death.

The bottom line

In conclusion, living in Arizona has its downsides. It can be hot and dry, windy, with limited job opportunities and poor education systems. Despite these drawbacks, it’s home to so many people and there are plenty of things to do in the area. So, if you’re thinking about moving to Arizona, be sure to weigh all of its pros and cons before making a decision.

8 Bad Things About Living in Arizona | Arizona Facts