No matter where you live in the United States, there are going to be some perks that come with the location you choose. Whether it’s the climate, transportation, culture or economy, every city has unique characteristics that settlers have learned to appreciate. However, there are some big advantages that come with owning a home in Arizona.
1. The Cost of Living is a Perk in Itself.
When it comes to buying a home, Phoenix, Arizona is the place to do it. Aside from boasting low property taxes, The Greater Phoenix Economic Council shows that Arizona has a median home price of $321,000. This is far below the national average and why a lot of families are moving here from neighboring states like California. Besides housing prices, the cost of living in the Phoenix metropolitan area is lower than the national average as well. This number includes expenses like housing, groceries, utilities, transportation and healthcare.
Let’s compare and contrast a little to give you some perspective. According to Bank Rate, the cost of living in the Denver metropolitan area is 14.3% higher than people who own a home in Phoenix, Arizona. If you happen to be looking at the LA area, it’s 46.3% higher. While the Arizonan landscape is certainly different than Colorado and California, the state offers tons of things to do. From Spring Training to hiking to festivals, the Valley of the Sun has you covered throughout the year. Arizona isn’t lacking in events and activities for young people, the elderly, singles and families. With a lower cost of living, residents are able to enjoy entertainment at relatively affordable prices.
2. The Resale Market Has a Promising Future.
Homeownership is on the rise. Commercial and residential improvements have improved the quality of options over the years and the city is now flourishing with a ton of purchase opportunities.
Real estate prices are also rising. This has been very beneficial for Arizona homeowners that waited through the crash. It’s safe to say they are cashing in now. According to the Phoenix Business Journal, resale prices have been outpacing the national average significantly. Due to the demand for housing and flight from neighboring states, Phoenix is now one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation according to Forbes.
While the real estate market has seen a big increase in home values, experts don’t expect the market to take a turn. What does this mean for you? Buying a home in Arizona will likely place you in a position to garner a solid return on your residential investment when you’re ready to sell the house.
3. Friendly Weather Helps Maintain Your Home.
Owning a home in a place where it feels like you’re on vacation 8 months out of the year is great, but the Arizona weather doesn’t only benefit the residents. The sunshine and dry air also help maintain your home. Without snow and ice, you don’t have to worry about dealing with damage to roofs and pipes. If you’ve lived in colder climates, you know how this can be a royal pain to deal with. Most of the state of Arizona rarely sees snow, and the temps typically stay above freezing throughout the year.
Arizona homeowners don’t have to worry so much about home maintenance when the weather makes it easy on them, saving time and money. Preparing for winter or spring thunderstorms can take up a lot of resources. Instead of cleaning gutters and investing in weather stripping, Arizonans are able to easily enjoy the great outdoors.
Keep in mind that while you don’t need to worry about winter damage, it doesn’t mean you aren’t required to maintain your home. As a certified home inspection company, we have seen many problems that could have been prevented with basic home care. Inspecting roofs, servicing your HVAC systems (especially the AC) and decluttering after the monsoon season are great ways to stay on top of home maintenance.
4. Opportunities for Fun in Every Season.
While the Arizonan landscape is certainly different than Colorado and California, the state offers tons of things to do. From Spring Training to hiking to festivals, the Valley of the Sun has you covered throughout the year. Arizona isn’t lacking in events and activities for young people, the elderly, singles and families. With a lower cost of living, residents are able to enjoy entertainment at relatively affordable prices.
While the amazing weather provides endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, it doesn’t mean you have to leave your house for enjoyment. The ability to be outside for the majority of the year allows you to create wonderful outdoor landscapes that fit your lifestyle. Whether you want an Arizona room, outdoor fireplace, swimming pool, an exterior kitchen or lush landscaping, the options are endless.
Getting creative with outdoor living spaces is also an option in the desert. Low maintenance turf (for mini-golf!), beautiful gazebos, desert gardens, and water features can add to the element of your backyard space. The Arizona weather lends itself to custom exteriors that you can enjoy year-round!
If you are considering a home in the Phoenix area, we want to reassure you that you’ve chosen a great place to live. If you are considering a property, Hunter Home Inspections can help you make an informed decision with a pre-purchase home inspection. We can also take a look at the condition of pools and spas on the property. From the cost of living to weather-related perks, there aren’t many things that are better than Arizona homeownership!
