Arizona’s Population Skyrocketed 304% in 50 Years… 10 Reasons People Love the Grand Canyon State

Arizona is a fantastic place to live. Located in the southwest of the United States, Arizona is an iconic state full of history, nature, and fun. There are a lot of reasons to take the jump and head to the Grand Canyon State.

Since 1970, the population of Arizona has leaped 304%. Under 2 million residents lived in the state in 1970, and as of 2020, the state had just over 7 million residents. As of 2022, the population has continued to grow, looking at almost 7.5 million residents. Arizona has an incredible draw to folks of all ages, and for good reason!

The state of Arizona has a long list of things to offer. For one, its beautiful nature sets the state apart from the rest. While much of the United States is gorgeous, Arizona holds some special treasures within the state bounds. Arizona also offers a great cost of living. For families and retirees, this makes a big impact on the livability of a state.

Overall, Arizona is chock-full of good reasons to make the move to the Copper State. Here’s a list of 10 reasons why people love Arizona!

1. Beautiful Nature

Arizona is home to a long list of breathtaking parks and sights to see. The Grand Canyon State was named such due to its proximity to one of the most beautiful places in the world. However, Arizona has a lot more to offer than just the Grand Canyon. Here are a few of the most stunning natural stops in Arizona.

The Grand Canyon

Of course, the Grand Canyon has to be featured on this list. This national park features layered red rock in a phenomenal, deep canyon that tells the story of millions of years of history. The Grand Canyon holds the record for the world’s largest land gorge, spanning around 277 miles. While the Grand Canyon has an even grander reputation, it’s truly one of those places that deserves all of its accolades. Folks who have visited the Grand Canyon know how special it is.

Saguaro National Park

Arizona is home to more than one national park. Saguaro National Park is another beautiful spot that is worth taking a stop. If you’re considering moving to Arizona, check out Saguaro National Park for a look at the desert climate of the state. This park is located in the southern part of the state and shows off some of the state’s most gorgeous cacti. The park is also home to some amazing history. Visit the petroglyphs in the park for a flashback to the past!

Petrified Forest National Park

A lot of Arizona looks like another planet, especially if you’re coming to the state from the midwest or coastline. But Petrified Forest National Park really looks like Mars! The layered rocks visible at this park are unlike anything else on Earth. The true draw to Petrified Forest is its rich history. The park is home to Triassic fossils that date back millions of years. If you’re looking to learn a bit while you stroll a beautiful park, the Petrified Forest National Park is a great stop for you.

2. Low Taxes

One of the major draws of Arizona is the low taxes. This can entice folks on a budget, business owners, and the wealthy to the state! The income tax brackets for Arizona are fairly low, and one primary difference between Arizona’s taxation and the taxing of other states is a Social Security tax. Arizona does not tax Social Security, making it a great option for retirees.

Folks who live in Arizona can save quite a bit on taxes by moving to the state. As always, be sure to speak with a tax professional to understand the full scope of the differences in Arizona tax policy.

3. Exciting Cities

While Arizona is home to some epic parks, it also has some phenomenal cities. There are metro hubs and small-town areas all around the state, meaning you’ll be sure to find a spot that’s right for you. Whether you’re looking to be in a big city or a little town, Arizona has it all. Here are a few of the best places to live in Arizona:

Scottsdale

Scottsdale is a large city on the east side of the state that is home to just under 300,000 residents. This city is a fantastic option for folks looking to be connected while enjoying nature. Scottsdale offers a desert vibe with great proximity to city perks. There are great hikes around the city (check out Camelback Mountain), but you can also stay in town and enjoy the restaurants and shops.

Tucson

Tucson is located in the southern part of Arizona and is even larger in size. There are over 500,000 residents in the city. It’s known to be a great place to live due to its proximity to beauty and affordable cost of living. Tucson, like much of Arizona, is a great mix of city living and desert life. You can head straight from town to Saguaro National Park in under half an hour!

Phoenix

If a big city is your preferred vibe, Phoenix is an awesome place to land. 1.6 million residents live in the city and each year, more folks are coming to town. Phoenix offers great nightlife, as well as proximity to the natural amenities Arizona has to offer. If you’re looking to be the life of the party, Phoenix is a great place to start.

4. Great Weather

Arizona is known for its phenomenal weather. Phoenix is the sunniest city in the entire nation! 86% of the days are sunny in Phoenix, and the rest of the state is shining, too. While Arizona gets extremely warm in the summertime, much of the year is more temperate. For New Englanders or folks from northern states, Arizona winters are going to be an intense respite from the tough snows and freezing temperatures! The average daytime temperature in February is around 70 degrees. No more suffering through the winter!

The great weather makes Arizona a fantastic choice for multiple demographics. Families can hike and play outside all year round. Retirees can safely navigate sidewalks and roads without fear of snow. While the heat can be intense, there are a lot of benefits.

5. Ditch Daylight Savings Time

Daylight Savings Time is a confusing timekeeping principle that has been around for over a hundred years. For folks looking to simplify their calendar, head to Arizona! Arizona doesn’t use Daylight Savings Time at all. That means, during some portions of the year, Arizona will have the same time as Colorado, and at some times, it will be an hour off.

While that added layer could be confusing if you work globally, ditching Daylight Savings saves a lot of hassle. No more forcing your children to adjust their sleep schedules in the middle of the school year!

6. Low Cost of Living

Compared to many states in America, Arizona has a phenomenal cost of living. Housing costs are fairly cheap, as well as gasoline and groceries. The tax policies of Arizona aid in producing a lower cost of living as well. When you’re considering spots in the southwest to head toward, Arizona is one of the cheapest.

Also, consider this: for great cities with lovely weather and gorgeous nearby nature, some of the most expensive states in America come to mind. Colorado and California, to name a few, offer all the amenities Arizona offers at a much higher cost! Arizona offers some of the greatest bang for your buck, which is another reason so many people are moving to the state.

7. Unmatched Sunsets

While this might be a small detail, it’s a piece of beauty that will impact your life on the daily. Arizona is home to some of the most beautiful sunsets in America. The sprawling desert terrain towards the west makes Arizona a great place to see the sun go down. Much of the West is full of mountains that block the view of the sunset. Arizona’s terrain makes the sun clear as day as it tucks under the curve of the Earth. Check out some stunning sunsets every night when you move to the Copper State!

8. Interesting History

Arizona has a rich and interesting history. If you want to travel back millions of years, there are parks and areas home to fossils and petroglyphs that tell the tale of prehistoric life on Arizona’s land. More recently, Arizona was a Spanish and Mexican territory. This ownership informed Arizona’s culture and art scene. The state didn’t become a state until 1912, in fact! So it’s spent a lot of time being impacted by other cultures and countries.

Additionally, Arizona has historically been a hub for many different sorts of resources. From copper to cattle, Arizona has been a valuable and interesting place for many years.

9. Plenty of Jobs

When folks think about making a cross-country move, one point of hesitation is often work. Despite the global burst of remote gigs in 2020, most jobs have gone back to the office, so it’s important to move to a place with growth. Arizona’s job market has been buzzing! And not just in Phoenix. Many cities around the state have plenty of employment opportunities.

Because the state is home to so many high-end resorts, Arizona is a great place for employees in the tourism and hospitality industries. As the state continues to grow, however, more and more employees in many industries will be necessary to meet the needs of the population.

10. Safe and Fun Retirement

Finally, Arizona is one of the best states in the country to retire. There are quite a few reasons this is the case. First and foremost, tax policy makes Arizona one of the cheapest places to retire. Social Security isn’t taxed in the state, so retirees can keep more of what they collect. However, some other retirement plans are taxed, so be sure to speak with a tax professional.

Arizona is also a very safe place to retire because of the weather. The warm weather keeps the roads and sidewalks from icing over, so elderly folks with limited mobility will not have to fear slipping and falling on icy roads. Additionally, Arizona is home to a large community of retirees, so it’s easy to make friends and enjoy the later years!

Arizona has a lot to offer. There’s a reason its population has continued to grow at such a buzzing rate. From great weather to a reasonable cost of living to amazing sights at every corner, Arizona is a stellar place to live. The young and the old can enjoy the sun and the beauty that Arizona has to offer!

Pack your bags and head to the Grand Canyon State for a fulfilling new adventure.