California and Arizona might be neighbors, but there’s a lot that sets these two states apart. It’s no secret that each year thousands of people make the move from California to Arizona to take advantage of the Grand Canyon State’s warm weather, incredible scenery, and affordable cost of living. Arizona is packed with amenities including access to outdoor recreation, exciting nightlife, great restaurants, and low housing costs.

While there is plenty to offer in Arizona, moving from one state to another is a big undertaking and one that requires a great deal of preparation. To help you better prepare for your move, let’s take a closer look at everything Arizona has to offer as well as a moving checklist to help you stay organized throughout the moving process.

 What are the Benefits of Moving from California to Arizona?

California might be the most populated state in the U.S. but every year more than 30,000 people leave the Golden State and head to Arizona. Why do so many people make the move from California to Arizona? You will be surprised to learn of the many benefits of this relocation.

Cost of Living

For starters, the cost of living is much higher in California. While it may be a desirable place to live, many people simply can not afford the high cost of living. Overall, the cost of living in California is about 30% higher than Arizona, but that number climbs much higher for cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. The biggest factor in the cost of living difference is rental and housing costs, which are drastically higher in California. In addition to cheaper housing, Arizona residents will save money on groceries, transportation, utilities, and entertainment.

Lower Taxes

The tax rates also differ greatly between these two states. California’s state income tax is 9.3% which is almost twice as much as Arizona’s which is 4.54%. Furthermore, sales tax in California is 7.25% compared to 6.6% in Arizona.

Desirable Weather

If you are someone that loves waking up to sunshine, Arizona is the place for you. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, you will enjoy more sunny days in Arizona than any other state. While the summers can get quite hot, the humidity levels are very low, which makes the warm weather tolerable.

Outdoor Activities

Arizona’s diverse landscape, which consists of plains, deserts, canyons, and mountains, provides residents with easy access to a number of outdoor activities. It is one of the best places in the country for hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and rafting. Other exciting activities include rafting, hot-air ballooning, horseback riding, and even skydiving. Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Flagstaff are also premiere golf destinations. Arizona is also home to the Grand Canyon National Park, Red Rock State Park, and a number of other magnificent parks. Perhaps the most famous, the Grand Canyon National Park attracts nearly 6 million visitors each year and ranks as the second most popular national park in the country.

Easy Transportation

Many of California’s larger cities are also known for having major traffic and congestion problems. Arizona, however, is quite the opposite. Even Phoenix has considerably less traffic than most California cities and parking is never a problem. When you compare the traffic and transportation of the two states, there’s no question that Arizona wins hands down.

Most Popular Cities to Live in Arizona

Phoenix

Phoenix is the capital of Arizona and is a city rich in culture and packed with stunning scenery. Nicknamed the “Valley of the Sun,” Phoenix receives more sunshine than any other metro area in the country. The year-round warmth and sunshine makes it easy for residents to enjoy the outdoors. The city also boasts a thriving job market along with a relatively low cost of living. Residents can experience the thrill of big city amenities in downtown Phoenix including modern office buildings, professional sports teams, and upscale shopping, while surrounding suburbs are the perfect place for families to enjoy a sense of community.

Tucson

Warm weather, sunny skies, and cactus-filled landscapes are just a few of the reasons so many people are drawn to this beautiful city. It is literally surrounded by mountains, providing residents with a gorgeous backdrop as well as opportunities for hiking and rock climbing. The mountains also offer some spectacular sunsets. As the home of the University of Arizona, the city’s collegiate pride runs deep and the city comes together to cheer for their hometown team. Tucson is also extremely affordable, with a cost of living that is 8% below the national average. Housing costs are nearly 25% lower than the national average, making Tucson both beautiful and affordable.

Scottsdale

Scottsdale is a beautiful city known for its great weather, abundance of outdoor activities, great restaurants, and many attractions. Given that it is warm and sunny throughout the year, Scottsdale offers the perfect climate to enjoy outdoor activities. It is also a great place to raise a family thanks to its abundance of safe suburban neighborhoods, low crime rates, and some of the top rated schools in the state.

How Much Does it Cost to Move from California to Arizona?

You might be wondering how much a long distance move from California to Arizona will cost you. The fact is, there are a number of factors that go into determining the cost of a move and the cost will vary based on these factors. Among the biggest factors in determining price is whether or not you hire professional movers or move yourself. Other factors that can impact the price include the number of items you are moving, the time of year of your move,and the exact distance of the move.

The most expensive option when moving is to hire a full service moving company. Though this can be a convenient option, it could also end up costing you thousands more than other moving options. A better option would be to consider renting a portable storage unit. This option will not only save you a great deal of money, but you get the best of both worlds when it comes to transporting your belongings. You have the freedom and flexibility to pack at your own pace, but you have the convenience of having the storage company transport your belongings safely to your new home.

Long-Distance Moving Checklist

Moving from one state to another is quite a job and there is so much involved in the process. Unlike moving across town, you don’t have the luxury of making multiple trips. Thus, you need to be fully prepared and organized in order to ensure a seamless transition. Below are just a few things you will need to include on your long-distance moving checklist.

• ●Decide which items to take: This is the time to sort through your belongings and get rid of any unwanted items. The less you take, the easier it will be to pack.
• ●Gather your packing supplies: Prior to packing, make sure you have gathered all necessary supplies including boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and packing tape.
• ●Pack in advance: Don’t wait until the last minute to get started packing. This is the most tedious part of the process and should be done well in advance.
• ●Confirm arrangements with the moving or storage company: Be sure you reserve your movers or portable storage units well in advance.
• ●Change your address: Be sure and file a change of address with the post office and arrange to have your mail forwarded to your new address.
• ●Contact utility and service companies: Prior to moving day, be sure and contact your utility company, internet service provider, cable company, and any other service providers to have your services turned off at your old address and turned on at your new one.