Like many other native Arizonans, I didn’t realize just how great our state is until I left. Once the novelty of a new state (or country) wears off, you realize all the little things you miss about home: the sun, the lack of humidity, the delicious food.
If you’re new to Arizona, though, there are a few things you’ll learn right away about your new home: where are the swarms of bugs, the long stretch of weeks without rain, and how intense that sun can feel. In fact, here are 15 things you’ll probably figure out during your first year here.
- Arizona is the real Sunshine State.
Sheila Sund/Flickr Bring your sunglasses and sunscreen! Yuma is the sunniest place, averaging sunny days at 90% throughout the year. Other places like Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff also have decidedly high percentages for sunny days, ranging from 78 to 85%.
- Whether or not you can cook food by harnessing the power of the sun.
Jen/Flickr Frying an egg on the sidewalk and leaving a tray of raw cookie dough on your dashboard are just a few ways Arizonans have tried to see if our summer heat can also make dinner.
- It really does snow here!
Julius Whittington/Flickr Sometimes, it’s ridiculously deep and sometimes it’s magical enough to make its way into the desert.
- Monsoon season is a big deal.
CEBImagery/Flickr We have heated debates over whether to use “dust storm” or “haboob” and watching the local weather news segment during the summer will tell you just how much we look forward to the summer rains.
- Walking on the dirt or sidewalk in summer is a mistake.
Christopher/Flickr Unless you’re in Flagstaff or Greer, that is. Otherwise, you’ll quickly find out why.
- The same goes for touching anything metallic in summer.
Christa/Flickr Just imagine needing to walk through those doors in the middle of a July afternoon. Would you touch it with your bare hands?
- Dry air is actually pretty awesome.
Kevin Dooley/Flickr When monsoon season hits, it does get a bit humid but definitely nothing like some other parts of the country.
- Arizona has some incredibly diverse landscapes.
Arizona Traveler/Flickr It’s not just desert! You’ll also find forests, marshes, and even a tundra.
- You can enjoy the outdoors the entire year.
Alan Levine/Flickr In the winter months, enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and trail riding in southern Arizona. The same goes for northern Arizona during the summer months.
- The desert landscape has an underrated beauty.
Alan English CPA/Flickr One look at that rugged landscape, spindly plants, and muted colors will tell you something about life’s tenacity.
- You’ll quickly determine just where to find the best Mexican food.
Alan English CPA/Flickr Everyone has their own personal favorite! Where is yours?
- You’ll learn to love the wide, open sky.
Thomas Hawk/Flickr You’ll find towering trees in some areas but, otherwise, you’ll find just how huge the sky is.
- You’ll also learn to love natural silence.
Eric Vondy/Flickr With so many areas uninhabited by people, finding a quiet spot for a moment of solitude isn’t difficult.
- Arizona’s food scene is incredible and growing.
Barry Lancaster/Flickr You’ll find decades-old mom and pop diners, innovative food trucks, award-winning restaurants and wineries. Need we go on?
- You’ll find all kinds of culture and art here.
Grand Canyon National Park/Flickr We have museums, orchestras, festivals, and diverse groups of people. Historically, Arizona’s culture comes from its Indigenous tribes, Mexicans, and early American settlers.
There’s definitely nothing quite like Arizona! What is something you learned after moving (back) to Arizona?
Sheila Sund/Flickr
Bring your sunglasses and sunscreen! Yuma is the sunniest place, averaging sunny days at 90% throughout the year. Other places like Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff also have decidedly high percentages for sunny days, ranging from 78 to 85%.
Jen/Flickr
Frying an egg on the sidewalk and leaving a tray of raw cookie dough on your dashboard are just a few ways Arizonans have tried to see if our summer heat can also make dinner.
Julius Whittington/Flickr
Sometimes, it’s ridiculously deep and sometimes it’s magical enough to make its way into the desert.
CEBImagery/Flickr
We have heated debates over whether to use “dust storm” or “haboob” and watching the local weather news segment during the summer will tell you just how much we look forward to the summer rains.
Christopher/Flickr
Unless you’re in Flagstaff or Greer, that is. Otherwise, you’ll quickly find out why.
Christa/Flickr
Just imagine needing to walk through those doors in the middle of a July afternoon. Would you touch it with your bare hands?
Kevin Dooley/Flickr
When monsoon season hits, it does get a bit humid but definitely nothing like some other parts of the country.
Arizona Traveler/Flickr
It’s not just desert! You’ll also find forests, marshes, and even a tundra.
Alan Levine/Flickr
In the winter months, enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and trail riding in southern Arizona. The same goes for northern Arizona during the summer months.
Alan English CPA/Flickr
One look at that rugged landscape, spindly plants, and muted colors will tell you something about life’s tenacity.
Everyone has their own personal favorite! Where is yours?
Thomas Hawk/Flickr
You’ll find towering trees in some areas but, otherwise, you’ll find just how huge the sky is.
Eric Vondy/Flickr
With so many areas uninhabited by people, finding a quiet spot for a moment of solitude isn’t difficult.
Barry Lancaster/Flickr
You’ll find decades-old mom and pop diners, innovative food trucks, award-winning restaurants and wineries. Need we go on?
Grand Canyon National Park/Flickr
We have museums, orchestras, festivals, and diverse groups of people. Historically, Arizona’s culture comes from its Indigenous tribes, Mexicans, and early American settlers.
If you find yourself missing our state, then read 12 Things People Miss The Most About Arizona When They Leave. You just might find yourself agreeing with these.
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