My Family Is Moving to Arizona!

My family is moving to Arizona in a few days. We had planned to go for months. And then we couldn’t go. Now, suddenly we are packing our bags. I’ve been suffering from migraine headaches and what I assume are near panic attacks due to all of the stress of preparing for the move and my worries over whether we’re making the right choice. But I’m glad we’re going. I’m ready for a change and a new adventure. If you’re wondering, “Should I move to Arizona?” Then this story might help you decide if life in Arizona is right for you.

Moving to Arizona
Off to pricklier pastures – moving to Arizona (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)

Over 14 years ago I moved to San Diego with my then-fiancé and now husband of many years. We had start-up company dreams and beach wishes. With me entering business school full-time, his lower wage, and the difference in cost of living, we took a 70 percent cut in pay to plow our way out of the snow of Minnesota and into the shores of Southern California.

We’ve clung to the California dream for years. We almost moved away once before, to Silicon Valley or back to Minnesota, whichever job made the offer first. Then my husband’s miracle job swooped in to save us. I couldn’t picture starting my family outside shore-lined San Diego. I had envisioned a beach baby who would giggle at the delight of the ocean at her toes. A few years later, I got her. And then I got my little sand digger boy three years after that.

But here’s the thing. We rarely go to the ocean. Ocean waves in San Diego are too big. The water is too cold. Eventually, the dream job became a nightmare when the economy crashed into a frothy mess. My husband works in the mortgage industry. They’re the first to feel the pain and the last to see relief.

Last year when my family began considering a move, we talked about Portland, Costa Rica, Minnesota, and, yes, Arizona. I lived in the Phoenix area from age 8 to 22, besides one year in Montpellier, France during college.

I swore I’d never go back to hands burnt on a blazing steering wheel and blow drier air blasting from open summer car windows. One day I marched into my husband’s home office and announced, “I can’t live in Arizona. We have to take it off the table.”

But then things changed with his job. We were doing well, making good money, actually SAVING money for the first time in years. Then his company switched sails. They priced themselves out of the market on purpose, afraid of upcoming financial changes.

Suddenly we were bobbing in the sea without a motor. We needed to swim to shore…somewhere where housing is more affordable. Somewhere we could breathe again without swallowing salt water.

Again, I marched, “We need to move to Arizona. It’s the only thing that makes sense.” And it did. My husband could keep his sales territory and commission. We would have more money to spend and save. My parents live in Arizona. So do my brother and his two kids. The Mexican food in Arizona is as good as what you’ll find in Mexico if you ask me. Plus, there’s so much more to do in Phoenix now than when I was growing up. Besides, we’d have a backyard swimming pool. We decided to dive in.

We put our dream house up for sale. For months we prepared our children to leave the only home they’d ever known. Then we hit a reef — no more Arizona. We needed to stay put due to a job change for my husband. With Travel Mamas, I can live anywhere. Him? Not so much. Suddenly, we wanted Arizona ever so much.

For months we searched for an affordable rental home that met our expectations in San Diego, with no luck. And then…a break in the waves. My husband’s new company said we were free to venture to sunnier and more cactus-filled pastures. This was just a couple of weeks ago.

Still, I can’t help but feel it’s not the desert for which we are destined. It’s like we were stuck in the dream of San Diego and Scottsdale is our first step to getting unstuck. Today I told my husband that I see Arizona as a stepping stone and that I cannot picture living the rest of my life in the desert.

I was surprised when he said, “Me neither. I can’t believe I’m moving to Arizona. But it makes sense. We want to live near family. It’s more affordable. This is what we’re doing.”

I asked our two kids, “If it were up to you, and it isn’t, would you rather stay in San Diego or move to Arizona?”

Sea of cholla cactus, Arizona
A sea of cholla cacti (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)

They both answered right away, “Arizona!”

I was shocked. “Why?” I asked.

“Family!” they said.

So off we go to Arizona.

When I close my eyes, I envision rain, green, wet, and trees. That’s where I think I belong. But off we go to the desert.

Off we go on a new, drier adventure. I look forward to sharing our journey with you…cactus thorns, swimming pools, and all!

My kids jumping into our backyard pool in Scottsdale, Arizona (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)
My kids jumping into our backyard pool in Scottsdale, Arizona (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)

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An Update: Where Are We Now?

Want to know more about our move to Arizona and how we settled in? Take a look at this story about adjusting to life in Arizona!

Scottsdale, Arizona sunset
My kids enjoying a Scottsdale sunset (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)

Learn More About Life in Arizona

Discover the best things to do in our hometown of Scottsdale with kids.

For cooler weather and small-town vibes, take a look at this array of things to do in Prescott.

Explore Northern Arizona’s biggest city with this guide to Flagstaff.

Read about Arizona’s #1 tourist attraction with these tips for visiting the Grand Canyon.

Are you considering moving to Arizona, too? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!

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103 Comments

  1. I was so happy to find this post…even though it is a bit dated 🙂
    I’m a single parent in FL of two kids, ages 10 and 12. I’m looking at next step job opportunities and I got a call from a very attractive company in Scottsdale. I’m getting ready to have my third interview and probably have a couple more after that but they will want the person on site within 60 days of hire.
    I spent summers in AZ as a kid and have made a couple trips as an adult…never been to Scottsdale though. Any tips you have on best places to look to live, advanced schools (both of my kids are gifted AP) would be great!

    1. Also any tips for active families; best things to check out like the arts, museums, parks, etc. I’ll need plenty to help get the kids excited if this works out 🙂

      1. The Musical Instrument Museum is quite impressive for kids and adults alike: https://travelmamas.com/musical-instrument-museum-tour-the-world-through-music/. Your kids are getting a little old for the McCorkmick-Stillman Railroad Park, with its ride-on train, carousel and two super fun playgrounds, but my kids (ages 9 and 12) still like to visit a few times each year. Odyssey Aquarium recently opened near Butterfly Wonderland. There are all sorts of fun things to do in the same complex, like a mirror maze, arcade and polar bar (where you don puffy coats and sip drinks for adults and kids) in a room made of ice. The Arizona Museum of Natural History features gold-panning, animatronic dinosaurs on a cliff that “floods” with rushing water every 23 minutes, and more for families. Glow Putt offers indoor glow-in-the-dark mini golf – a great way to get out of the heat in summer. There are lots of water parks and arcades in Arizona, too. I really should write a round-up of fun things to do in Scottsdale and Phoenix with kids! Here are more stories about things to do in Arizona: https://travelmamas.com/destinations/#Arizona

    1. Hi Cheryl – Health insurance is typically offered through your employer and plans vary depending on how much your company covers, etc. As for car insurance, I honestly don’t remember there being a big change one way or the other when we moved here. Pretty much everything is less expensive in Arizona than in San Diego. (The only exception is Pilates, which is very expensive in Scottsdale for some reason!)

  2. Hi Colleen, I’m having all sorts of scare I hear so many good things and bad about Arizona my in laws just moved out there and me and my husband want to move out there we live in California as well but I’ve lived here pretty much all my life but it’s becoming so expensive for us and we’ll Arizona housing seems like a great option for us but I’m just scared for my kids schooling I have a 6 year old and a 3 year old and a baby I know I’ve seen that housing is cheaper but then the utilities can rank up almost making it same living as California I’ve been trying to do my research I visited for the first time and I loved it I’m just scared that it won’t be a great option in the end. I just want to be in a safe place and where ppl aren’t so mean because Im scared my daughter getting bullied by kids out there I had to move her schools out here because the school had so many mean kids I’m just scared to move from what I’m used to I guess and being in a new state and not making the right choice but my husband is all for it any advice what to do I feel like I’m in a tug or war with myself. Thank u!

    1. Hi Cheryl – Our utility bills actually went DOWN when we moved from San Diego to Scottsdale. Of course, our house is 1,500-square-feet smaller than our San Diego house, which plays a role. But mostly, the utility companies just charge less here. We had to run our air conditioner in San Diego because we had terrible air flow and didn’t live close enough to the beach to get any ocean breezes. My best advice would be to buy a new, efficient air conditioner. My brother lives here and recently replaced his old a/c unit, and has seen a significant decrease in his monthly bills. I do feel like the kids in Scottsdale are a little bit tougher than the kids were in San Diego, but that depends quite a bit on your neighborhood and school. My kids had a bit of a tough time adjusting to their new schools when we first moved here, but now they both have tons of friends and are very happy. Moving to a different state is a difficult decision, but really the worry over making the decision is worse than the actual move, in my opinion. I’d go for it! You may regret never taking a chance and going for it. If you don’t like it, you can always move back but at least you’ll know!

  3. I know this was a post from years ago but we’re from Orange County, CA and preparing to move to Scottsdale and I’m just nervous where I really want to focus my efforts of zip codes, neighborhoods, etc that are best for our growing family. Any suggestions from you would be lovely as I’m so nervous since I don’t know the areas! We’ve looked at scottsdale ranch area, Grayhawk and the in-between areas between those 2 but I don’t feel I got a large enough tour of great housing neighborhoods. Any insight for me by chance??

    1. Hi Kaylin,

      A lot depends on how much you want to spend, of course. Anything is North Scottsdale is great, with lots of good schools in the area. I love Grayhawk and had considered moving there – it’s more green that most of Scottsdale with plenty of Palo Verde trees and new houses. McDowell Mountain Ranch is right near the McDowell Mountains and offers a community center and pools plus lots of hiking trails. Scottsdale Ranch is lovely with manmade lakes throughout the community. If you want a really large lot (acre+), check out 85260 zipcode.

      I hope that helps!

      Best wishes with the move,
      Colleen

      1. Hello
        My husband, two kids and I are moving to Chandler mid August. I was born and raised in Sonora Mexico but married and moved to Massachusetts.
        After 17 years I decided to be closer to home and family.
        I am still nervous with the move. I just want my kids to be happy.
        I am still researching Hancock Elementary in Chandler. My kids are 6 and 8 years old. Do you know anything about Chandler school system?
        I am stressed out that my kids will start school a month later but due to work schedule we are not able to move sooner.
        Any advice will help.
        Thanks!!
        Ana

  4. Hey there, my family of 6 is debating a move to The metro area of Phoenix from Denver. We worry about the scorpions and deadly wildlife there. Yes each state has things that can kill you, but Arizona is full of them. What areas do you suggest to see less of these things in your home? It has gotten so expensive in Colorado (rental $1500 plus more a month), to buy is dang near impossible and financially, change is needed. We are tired of working to live with no room for much play. We have a disabled child who receives Medicaid due to his disability. However, Arizona isn’t ass well rounded with “giving ” to programs for disabled there in Arizona. I can’t help but to be worried about it, but the other side of me doesn’t want to hold our family back with the mundane life we have here in Colorado. Any advice?

    1. Heather –

      I can understand your interest in moving to Arizona as well as your worries.

      I do not have a disabled child but I can tell you that Arizona has been a predominately Republican state for many years, where the focus has been on helping businesses rather than on helping individuals or families with special needs. That seems to be changing, though, and now Arizona is a decidedly purple state.

      When it comes to scary things that can kill you, I really don’t think Arizona is any scarier than the rest. I lived in Minnesota for years and had to run to the basement (if I had one…living in an apartment, I didn’t) for cover. That was terrifying. In Southern California, we had a couple of tsunami warnings and we had to pack up and flee forest fires a few times. We had a ton of brown recluse spiders (and zillions of eggs!) in our tiny San Diego backyard. Yes, we have scorpions here, but we get sprayed monthly for them. There are also rattlesnakes, but we had those in San Diego, too.

      If you want to avoid the dangers of the desert, get yourself a good exterminator, close your garage door to not let rattlesnakes in during warmer months, and stay off desert trails during spring and fall when the rattlesnakes are about. (They hibernate in winter and don’t go out during high heat or they’d shrivel up and die.) I stick to paved paths during these months. Shake out your shoes and any clothing on the floor before putting them on to get rid of scorpions. Always wear shoes or slippers in the house – most people who get stung by scorpions get stung on their feet.

      You will encounter more desert life like scorpions, rattlesnakes, coyotes, bobcats and mountain lions if you live in more wild areas just as you’ll experience more tick and bears in forests than in cities. Living near the mountains increases wildlife encounters too. This also means more viewings of roadrunners, Gambel’s quail, hummingbirds, ground squirrels, and rabbits. You take the good with the bad.

      Good luck in making your decision. I say, go for it!

    2. Heather-
      My family is considering moving to Arizona and I have a special needs son. I’m curious about your experience with moving and any challenges with getting Medicaid and services for you special needs child.

      Julie

  5. I am born and lived in san diego for a long time, until we had to move when the economy hit to corpus Christie tx we were there for 8 years I would never in my life would do that again I hated the 8 years we live there, after our kids graduated high school they we agreed to move back to san diego 2.5 years ago we rent a small townhouse for $2700 its so hard to save money to buy a house. what I miss the most in TX was my big house and I could afford to take long vacation with my family, now that we in san diego we haven’t taken a vacation. since both of our family live in san diego, we thought moving to Arizona it close enough to go back and forth, the cost of living and housing is very low. I’m not much of a beach bum or a suffer I don’t go to the beach or tan, but I do love a good food and yes I will miss los angles only because they have everything and its only 2 hours away with traffic.

    I work in the healthcare but I work at home so I can move to any state. my husband work there are only a few state we can move to. Arizona was the only one I would consider right now vs Utah, Colorado, Nevada and Texas. but his company is in phoenix, everyone I know say’s to look in scottdale or prescot erea. how far are this area to phoenix? I’ve never visited Arizona in my life the only thing we ever did was when we 1st moved to TX we drove through AZ in December it had snow.

    1. I haven’t been to Prescott in years but I remember it as a really sweet mountain town. It has cooler weather than Scottsdale but is much less cosmopolitan and much further from a real airport. Scottsdale is probably the most expensive area in all of Arizona (with Sedona being the exception, maybe). We never get snow in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area but the more northern areas like Prescott, Sedona, and Flagstaff do. According to Mapquest, Prescott is about a 2-hour drive from Scottsdale. Scottsdale is full of restaurants, spas, resorts and shopping. It really depends on if you want a small town/mountain life or a cosmopolitan/desert life. Good luck with your decision!

  6. I am going thru this right now!! Moving from LA to Arizona, I think Scottsdale. My boy is 5 and we need to get him into an elementary school to start kindergarten. Any advice or recommendations please.
    We are feeling very scared!! Any advice is heatedly appreciated

    1. Sally – Don’t be scared! Truly, worrying about the move is worse than the actual move. Rip off that band-aid and embrace your new life in Arizona. There will be an adjustment period, of course, but you all will get settled in and figure out how to enjoy life in the desert just like my family has. Cave Creek, Fountain Hills and Scottsdale all have good school districts with the schools in the city of Phoenix getting lower ratings. Take a look at Zillow for additional information about schools in the Phoenix Area: https://www.zillow.com/phoenix-az/schools/