Why So Many People Are Moving From California to Arizona
Why So Many People Are Moving From California to Arizona
California has established itself as one of the most popular states in the US. People from all walks of life come to this attractive state for a host of different reasons. From beautiful weather and coastal cities to attractive job opportunities and stunning national parks, there are a lot of reasons one would consider heading to California. However, in recent years, there’s been a surge of people transitioning from this seemingly coastal paradise to Arizona. Let’s find out why.
1. It’s more affordable.
California has earned a reputation for being incredibly expensive. As more people and businesses (tech companies especially) flock to the Golden State, the average cost of living inevitably rises. This has led to a mini-exodus of people of all ages fleeing these growing prices as California continues to become more populous. When comparing the capital cities, it’s clear that Arizona is significantly cheaper to live than California on nearly every metric.
2. You don’t sacrifice nice weather.
One of the best perks of moving to California is the weather. Clear skies, warm temperatures, and the occasional ocean breeze (if you’re close enough) are just a few of the highlights of the Californian climate. Unfortunately for this western state, there’s a more affordable neighbor right next door that has just as nice weather: Arizona. There’s a reason this is a popular state for snowbirds and retirees. Those who fell in love with California for the weather but can’t stand the cost of living can easily move to AZ without sacrificing any of the nice weather.
3. It’s less populated.
Los Angeles has more than twice the population of Phoenix. This disparity is even greater when comparing the overall population of California to Arizona, roughly 39 million and 7 million, respectively. If you’re someone who doesn’t enjoy congested cities, impenetrable rush-hour traffic, and even pollution, then Arizona is a no-brainer compared to California.
4. Lower-income tax.
California’s income tax ranges from 1% to 12.3%. Compared with Arizona’s significantly lower range of 2.59% to 4.50%, it’s clear why people would flock to the Grand Canyon State if they want to hold onto more of their earnings. Whether saving up for retirement, taking care of a new family, or just graduating from school, every penny you can hold onto is going to make a big difference in terms of saving. It seems Arizona has California beat in this department.
5. Better housing market.
Housing is one of the most important factors that people considering before moving. As a life-time investment, finding an affordable home is key. The trend we’ve seen with California being more expensive than Arizona is perhaps best exemplified when comparing the housing market in each state. The average home in CA costs an astonishing $440,000. In contrast, the average home in Arizona costs around $299,900, according to Zillow.
While there are many economic, social, political, and even personal reasons why a person might move from California to Arizona, we’ve highlighted some of the more apparent reasons here. If you’re thinking about making the move, be sure to give us a call to talk about your options. Having a reputable real estate agent on your side can make the transition that much easier.
