Why People Are Leaving Arizona (And Should You Worry?)

Arizona — with its beautiful landscapes, amazing weather, and world-class golf courses — continues to attract people from across the country. But if you’ve been doing your research, you may have also come across articles, forums, or even social media comments from people who say they’re leaving Arizona. So, is Arizona losing residents in droves? The short answer: no. But like any state, Arizona isn’t for everyone. Let’s talk about the real reasons why some people decide to leave Arizona — and whether it’s something you should be concerned about if you're thinking of moving here.

The Truth Behind the Headlines

First, let’s address the buzz. A lot of online chatter might make it sound like people are fleeing Arizona left and right. The reality? Arizona’s population has been steadily growing for years. According to the 2022 census, over 77,000 people moved into the state. That’s a big number for a state of our size. But it’s true — not everyone stays. Some people leave after realizing Arizona isn’t quite what they expected. Let’s break down why.

1. The Rising Cost of Living

For a long time, Arizona was known as an affordable place to live, especially compared to states like California, Oregon, or Illinois. Our low property taxes and lack of estate tax still make Arizona attractive. But the overall cost of living has climbed significantly. Today, Arizona’s cost of living is about 6% higher than the national average, with certain cities reaching up to 24% higher.

Housing prices have seen the sharpest increase — up 47% since 2020. Many high-income earners relocating from more expensive markets have driven prices up, paying cash for homes and unintentionally squeezing out local buyers who earn lower incomes. While the influx of companies and high-paying jobs has benefited some, not everyone can keep up, leading some longtime residents to seek more affordable housing elsewhere.

2. Overpopulation Concerns

With so many people moving in, some Arizona residents feel like the state is becoming overcrowded. The influx of new residents means more traffic, more housing developments, and ongoing road expansions. For people who fell in love with Arizona for its peace and wide-open spaces, this rapid growth can feel like a loss of what originally drew them here. The scenery is still stunning, but the vibe has changed for some.

3. The Brutal Summer Heat

Let’s be honest — Arizona summers are intense. For many, the heat is the number one reason they decide to leave. If you’ve never experienced a Phoenix summer, picture opening your oven while standing right in front of it — that’s what walking outside feels like some days. While fall, winter, and spring are absolutely beautiful, summers can be oppressive, with temperatures soaring well above 110°F.

Some residents become “snowbirds,” staying here during the cooler months and heading elsewhere for the summer. Others grin and bear it, planning family vacations during the worst of the heat. But for people who can’t handle these extreme summers, Arizona becomes less appealing as a year-round home.

4. Homelessness and Crime Concerns

Homelessness and crime rates have increased, like in many parts of the U.S. While I personally have never felt unsafe living in Scottsdale or Phoenix, and I rarely go into higher-risk areas, it’s still something to be aware of. If safety is a concern for you, always compare crime rates between where you’re coming from and where you’re considering moving to. What may feel “bad” in Arizona could actually be better than your current city — or vice versa.

5. Public School Ratings

Arizona public schools don’t rank as highly on national lists as schools in some other states. But that doesn’t tell the full story. Cities like Chandler, Scottsdale, and Gilbert have excellent school districts with strong academic reputations. Arizona also offers open enrollment, allowing parents to choose schools outside their neighborhood if space is available. Charter schools, private schools, and top-ranked programs like BASIS and Great Hearts offer even more educational options. As with most places, doing your homework on schools is essential.

6. Traffic

For lifelong Arizona residents, the traffic today feels like a far cry from what it used to be. But compared to cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, or San Francisco, traffic in Phoenix and Scottsdale is still quite manageable. If you’re coming from a smaller town, it may feel busy. But for big-city transplants, traffic here can feel refreshingly light. Still, it's one more factor that contributes to people’s overall experience of living here.

Bottomline

Arizona offers incredible opportunities and an amazing lifestyle for many people — myself and my family included. But like anywhere, it’s not perfect, and it’s not for everyone. The key is to visit at different times of year, talk to people who live here, and make sure it fits your lifestyle. And if you’re seriously thinking about relocating, I highly recommend you also read my post, The Top Reasons People Regret Moving to Phoenix, Arizona. It’ll give you even more insight into what you need to know before making your move.

At the end of the day, Arizona can be a wonderful place to call home — as long as you know what you’re signing up for.