Situated in the southwest corner of the United States, Arizona is known for its hot climate and unique desert landscape. Whether you’re purchasing your first home or buying an investment property, there are a few things you should be aware of before moving to the Grand Canyon State. In this blog post, we’ll go over some tips for owning a home in Arizona, what you should know before moving there, and home design tips to keep your new place comfortable all year long.
Why Move To Arizona?
There are many reasons why people choose to move to Arizona. The state has a diverse landscape, from rugged mountains to desert plains. It also boasts a variety of activities and attractions, including hiking, camping, skiing, and horseback riding.
For those who love the outdoors, Arizona is a paradise. The state is home to several national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest National Park, and Saguaro National Park.
Arizona is also a great place to retire. The state has a large retiree population who enjoy the warm weather and low property taxes. In addition, Arizona is home to several major cities, including Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff. Each of these cities offers its unique blend of culture and opportunity. And for those who love quaint small towns, Sedona and Jerome are definitely worth a visit.
What To Know Before Moving To AZ
If you’re considering moving to Arizona, you should know a few things before making the big decision. First, the climate is desert-like, which means hot summers and mild winters. The average high temperature in July is 104 degrees, meaning you’ll need to find ways to stay cool.
If you don’t like the heat, you may want to consider moving to Arizona during the winter months. The state is a popular destination for snowbirds, who flock there to escape the cold weather up north.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Arizona is a dry state. It receives very little rainfall, so you’ll need to be prepared for drought conditions. This means conserving water whenever possible and having a plan in place in case of a fire.
If you’re considering buying property in Arizona, you should also be aware of current real estate conditions. Since the state’s property tax rate is 0.62% – well below the national average – it is a popular destination for investors. This has caused home prices to rise in recent years, so it’s important to look at housing market predictions for Arizona before making any decisions.
Design Tips For Your Arizona Home
Once you’ve decided to move to Arizona and have found the perfect place to call home, it’s time to start thinking about design. Here are a few design tips that will help you keep your home comfortable all year long:
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Prioritize Energy Efficiency Throughout Your Home
As we mentioned, Arizona is hot and dry. Your home will need to be designed with energy efficiency in mind. Look for ways to keep the heat out, like installing solar screens or tinted windows. You should also consider investing in a whole-house fan, which can help circulate air and keep your home cool. It is also best to use energy-efficient appliances like a tankless water heater. Since energy companies charge high rates during the summer, this will help you save money on your utility bills.
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Install Solar Panels
If you don’t purchase a home with an installed solar power system, you should consider doing it yourself. Solar panels are a great way to offset Arizona’s high energy costs. There are several other benefits to installing solar on your roof:
- Increased property value: Since they’re in high demand (and costly to install), solar panels can significantly increase the value of your home.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Solar energy is a clean and renewable resource. By installing solar panels, you’ll be doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint.
- Complete control over your electricity: By generating your own power, you’ll no longer be at the mercy of the local utility company.
- Tax credits and incentives: The state and federal governments offer several tax credits and incentives for installing solar panels.
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Embrace Desert Landscaping
Not only is desert landscaping beautiful, but it’s also functional. Native plants are adapted to the climate and require very little water. This will help you save money on your water bill and reduce your water usage. Plus, these additions will help you embrace the overall desert aesthetic in your home.
Cacti and succulents are popular choices for desert landscaping. They come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors, so you can create a unique and beautiful landscape. Another aspect of desert landscaping is using rocks and gravel. This type of ground cover is low maintenance and will help keep your yard cool. It also requires no water, unlike grass lawns.
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Decorate Your Home With Desert-Inspired Colors
The desert landscape is full of beautiful colors, and you can bring these hues into your home with your decor. To create a desert-inspired color palette, start with neutrals like beige, taupe, and white. Then, add pops of color with shades of blue, green, and purple.
You can also embrace the desert sunset with a color scheme of orange, pink, and red. When it comes to patterns, look for geometric shapes and southwestern-inspired designs. For texture, woven fabrics, wood furniture, and metal accents will add dimension to your space.
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Go For A Modern Interior Design
Desert architecture is all about modernism. From the clean lines of mid-century modern homes to the more contemporary designs of today, there are endless possibilities for modernizing your home. When it comes to your interior design, look for ways to bring in natural light. Large windows and skylights are excellent ways to do this. You can also use mirrors to reflect light and make your space feel brighter and bigger.
Another hallmark of desert design is an indoor-outdoor connection. Many homes in Arizona have large patios or courtyards that can be used for entertaining or relaxing. If you have the space, consider adding a fire pit or outdoor kitchen. These features will extend your living space and allow you to enjoy the beautiful weather all year long.
Endnote
These are just a few tips to help you get started on your desert home. By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stylish and functional space that embraces the best of Arizona living.
