Arizona Living


Arizona Facts: What does "but it's a dry heat" actually mean? Answer: Outdoor activities enjoyed year-round


Climate

If all you know about Arizona's climate is that summer temperatures top 100 degrees, and "it's a dry heat," you've only heard half the story. Indeed, summer temperatures in central and southern Arizona often spike above the century mark, but much of the state experiences pleasant summers, silver-white winters, and perfect 60-to-70-degree average annual temperatures. So despite its hot, hot, hot reputation, Arizona's climate is largely and realistically considered moderate.

Central and southern Arizona including Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tucson areas

With about 325 days of sunshine per year, central and southern Arizona are perfect destinations for sun-seekers. Here, you can golf, hike, bike and play outdoors year-round. With seven months from October through April experiencing daily high temperatures averaging 75 degrees F and five months from May through September averaging a high of 101 degrees F, it's no wonder nearly 230,000 people move to Arizona each year.

Northern and northeastern Arizona including Prescott, Flagstaff, Payson and White Mountains areas

In contrast to the central and southern regions of the state, northern Arizona - marked by mountains, pines and aspen - has a more four-seasons climate. Residents revel in northern Arizona's mildly warm springs and summers, colorful autumns and snowy-white winters. Thanks to high elevations around 7,000 feet, the average annual high temperature in Arizona's mountain region is 61 degrees F, counterbalanced by gorgeous winters that provide about 100 inches of annual snowfall.

Population

According to the 2006 US Census Bureau, Arizona's state population was 6,166,316, with 61.1% of its residents living in Maricopa County (3,768,123 people.) Adults aged 18 to 64 make up 47% of the population, while adults aged 65 and over comprise 12.8% of the people.

About sixty percent (59.7%) of Arizonans are reported as White American, 29.2% are Hispanics or Latino (of any race) 3.8% are African American, 2.4% are Asian American, and 1.7% reported more than one race.

While the Roman Catholic faith is the predominant single church in the state (~25%), 42% fall into evangelical Christian and Protestent faiths, including a 4% share of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons). Jewish people represent 1% of Arizona's religious people, and 22% are non-religious or unaffilitated with a particular religion. The remaining 11% belong to other religions.

Major Attractions

Perhaps the greatest attraction in Arizona - both in land mass, popularity and grandeur - is the Grand Canyon. Located in northern Arizona, the mile-deep, 277-mile long gorge draws nearly five million visitors annually to the lofty rims and world-class whitewater that await the active traveler.

Here are some other attractions worth checking out:

Northern Arizona
  • Riordan Mansion State Park - Flagstaff
  • Oak Creek Canyon and Slide Rock - Sedona
  • Red rocks formations surrounding Sedona
  • Arizona Snowbowl Ski Area - Flagstaff
  • Grand Canyon Skywalk - Peach Springs
  • Grand Canyon Railway - Williams
  • Montezuma's Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments - Camp Verde
  • Revitalized ghost town of Jerome
  • Wupataki National Monument - Flagstaff
  • Petrified Forest National Park - Holbrook
  • Courthouse Square - Prescott
  • Out of Africa Wild Animal Park - Camp Verde
  • Cliff Castle Casino - Camp Verde
Central Arizona
  • Desert Botanical Garden - Scottsdale
  • Phoenix Zoo - Scottsdale
  • Old Town Scottsdale - Scottsdale
  • Phoenix Art Museum - Phoenix
  • Heard Museum - Phoenix and Scottsdale
  • Mill Avenue shopping and dining - Tempe
  • Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West - Scottsdale
  • Lake Pleasant Recreation Area - Phoenix
  • Camelback Mountain - Phoenix
  • Rawhide Western Town - Chandler
  • Phoenix area casinos - Phoenix and Scottsdale
Southern Arizona
  • Kartchner Caverns - southeast of Tucson
  • Saguaro National Park - Tucson
  • Reid Park Zoo - Tucson
  • Town of Tombstone - southeast of Tucson
  • Picacho Peak State Park - Tucson
  • Mount Lemmon Ski Valley - northeast of Tucson
  • Mission San Xavier del Bac - south of Tucson
  • Tucson Botanical Gardens - Tucson

Lifestyle

With a year-round climate and breathtaking scenery in every direction, the predominant common thread in nearly every Arizonan's lifestyle is The Outdoors. Whether its golf, mountain biking, hiking, skiing, boating, birdwatching or running, Arizonans favor active and healthy outdoor pasttimes.

Arizona residents support their active lifestyles with a median household income of $46,693. Nearly a quarter of all Arizonans over age 25 have a Bachelor's degree or higher and spend less than half an hour commuting to and from work. Over 68% of Arizona residents are homeowners (year 2000), and homeowners in the greater Phoenix area enjoy a median home value of $180,000 (as of September 2008)

Perhaps it's the Wild West history, the summer heat or the spirit of Manifest Destiny that makes Arizona's population so laid back, but whatever the cause, the Arizona lifestyle is nothing if not relaxed. A casual manner of dress is noticably apparent in nearly any restaurant around the state, from family-friendly favorites to the fanciest fine dining establishments. Arizona style - from fashion to architecture to interiors - is an eclectic combination of Spanish and desert influence with a contemporary, metropolitan twist.

Nearly everyone you meet in Arizona is "from someplace else." You'll often hear people say that it's rare to find an Arizona native. A mini-melting pot, Arizona is a popular destination for people moving in from Chicago, California, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Canada and Mexico. As a result, Arizona is a tapestry of east coast, west coast and midwestern flavors and traditions; no matter where you're from, you'll feel right at home.

Arts

Arizona is lucky to have two major epicenters for arts and culture. Scottsdale is world-renowned for its myriad art galleries, and Sedona is an art mecca for painters, photographers and potters. Today's artists are inspired by the same breathtaking landscapes and colorful peoples that influenced Arizona's ancient artists - native American Navajo, Hopi, Apache and 18 other tribes.

Industry

For decades, Arizona's industry could be summed up by The Five C's: Copper, Cattle, Cotton, Citrus, and Climate (tourism.) Today, the largest employer is the State of Arizona, while the largest private employer is Wal-Mart. Tourism remains fundamental to Arizona's economy but several high-tech and manufacturing companies are significant employers in the state. Here are some major corporations that have a major presence in Arizona:

  • Apollo Group
  • Allied Waste
  • Arizona Public Service
  • Avnet
  • Banner Health Systems
  • Best Western International
  • CSK Auto
  • Circle K
  • Cold Stone Creamery
  • Dial Corporation
  • Discount Tire Company
  • Fender Musical Instruments
  • Go Daddy
  • Harkins Theaters
  • Insight Enterprises
  • Intel
  • iCrossing
  • Jobing.com
  • Meritage Homes
  • Microchip Technology
  • ON Semiconducter
  • Peter Piper Pizza
  • PetSmart
  • P.F. Chang's China Bistro
  • TASER International
  • U-Haul
  • U.S. Airways
  • Viad Corporation
  • Westcor/Macerich Corporation