Arizona is a southwestern state in the US known for its four different desert regions. It is an area famous around the world for its impressive landscape, which includes the monumental Grand Canyon. While it attracts infinite numbers of tourists, living in Arizona can be difficult.
Living in Arizona is bad due to high crime rates, a frequently merciless climate, poor air quality, and lower public health funding than average. While these are only some of the reasons to not live in Arizona, those considering it should have an in-depth awareness of these issues.
If you would like to live in Arizona, read on below to find out why this may be a bad idea for you.
Why Living in Arizona Is Bad?
Arizona provides stunning sights and near-constant sunshine. It is popular with visitors from all around the world, but living there requires a thorough consideration of many other factors. Committing to the state on a long-term basis means its disadvantages will be more keenly felt.
Living in Arizona is bad due to two main reasons: the climate and the costs. Most of the issues that affect living in the state are affected by these points of origin. The heat and the monsoon season can take a lot of getting used to, while salaries are low, with costs of living on the rise.
Let’s take a look in more detail at the main problems those moving to Arizona can face across all areas.
The Heat is Unforgiving
While average winter temperatures in Arizona remain mild at a high of 66F, the average temperatures in the summer stay at a high of 100F until September. Snowbirds will feel drawn to living in Arizona, but being exposed to heat for extended periods can be tough.
Those unaccustomed to high temperatures are more at risk of suffering from heat exhaustion or even heat stroke. If you are moving to Arizona from a region with less intense summers, you should make sure to always keep as acclimatized as possible.
The Wildlife Is Very Active
People may be drawn to the Arizona climate, but so is plenty of wildlife. Encounters with coyotes and mountain lions are normal parts of the routine of living in the state. In Arizona, it is very clear that when it comes to territory, the wildlife wins.
On top of the aforementioned animals, you are also likely to catch sight of javelinas, black bears, and deer. Wildlife enthusiasts will be excited at the prospect, but others may wish to exercise caution when going for a hike.
You will also have to prepare for heat-loving bugs and insects. From cockroaches to ticks, bed bugs, wasps, and even tarantulas, Arizona will keep all newcomers on its toes.
Flash Floods Are Common
Flash floods are a recurring problem in Arizona that you are highly likely to face at least once a year. They are impossible to predict, other than always being expected. Flash floods in the state range in damage and cost, but anyone living in Arizona has to be aware of safety measures.
Flash floods need to be taken seriously as an ongoing risk. They can happen only within minutes of the start of a rainstorm and are responsible for a lot of damage. Take special care during hikes in the monsoon season.
Crime Rates Are High
Crime, especially the violent kind, is consistently on the rise in the United States. In Arizona, the violent crime rate is growing quicker than anywhere else in the country. This statistic has gone up by 8.6% from 2019 to 2020.
Violent crime encompasses aggravated assault, sexual assault, murder, and robbery. While this is not prevalent everywhere in the state, taking into account problem areas before moving there is a must.
Living in an unsafe area can certainly ruin the experience, and many households in the state include guns, which can be a change.
Living Is Getting More Expensive
Across Arizona, the salary average trends on the low side. While this was also accompanied by lower living costs in the past, this is no longer the case. The rapid growth of urban areas in Arizona has led to real estate shortages and a constant rise in costs, especially for food and healthcare.
This fast inflation and its consequences are likely to continue, which would affect budget estimates and housing investments. The quality of living in Arizona may be drastically different from one year to another.
The Air Quality Is Poor
The dry, heat desert climate may seem ideal at first glance, but the air quality across the state of Arizona tends to be poor. Allergies flourish thanks to the weather, while pollutants are a constant presence in urban areas.
On top of the pollution, dust, and allergens, there is one more aspect to take into account. Arizona has the majority of cases of valley fever per year in the United States. This fungal infection presents with flu-like symptoms and can be a common occurrence.
Conclusion
Living in Arizona is bad for those who move there without being aware and prepared for what it entails. The climate has a huge impact on the population, and everything is getting more expensive while wages and public health remain underfunded.
