Moving From Wisconsin to Arizona

There are many differences between Wisconsin and Arizona. Wisconsin, a Midwest staple known for its harsh winters and fried cheese curds, shares very few similarities with the sunny and warm state of Arizona.

If you’re looking to move from Wisconsin to Arizona, you should consider the benefits, costs, and logistics of making your way out West!

Benefits of Moving From Wisconsin to Arizona

If you’re looking for plenty of sunshine and winter temperatures of 70,° Arizona may be a good fit for you. However, the climate can vary from one region to another. Though many people think of Arizona as a desert state, Arizona provides some of the most majestic mountain towns in all of the United States.

Cities in the North—such as gorgeous Flagstaff—actually averages 81” of snow every year. With a diverse climate and topography, Arizona is home to different cities that offer a variety of natural and manmade attractions, as well as dynamic job markets.

Arizona is home to over 200 named mountain ranges and three of the most widely recognized national parks in the country. Metropolitan cities, such as Tucson and Phoenix, continue to grow in popularity and attraction.

In the spring, Major League Baseball hosts the Cactus League, a yearly training that travels to six cities across the state. From natural beauty to nightlife and baseball to the Grand Canyon, Arizona offers an array of benefits only found in the Western plains.

Cost of Moving From Wisconsin to Arizona

Arizona has been growing rapidly in popularity and population. With this growth, the state has seen an increase in the average cost of living. However, Arizona’s cost of living remains 5% less than the national average.

The average home cost is 48% cheaper in Milwaukee, WI, compared to Phoenix, AZ, so you may be in store for a slight increase in housing and utility expenses. Moving can also involve additional costs that depend on factors like the size of your household or the belongings you want to take with you. The average cost of a move from Wisconsin to Arizona is around $4,059.96.

If you’re looking to move West, Arizona offers a more affordable option compared to neighboring states. With a remarkable expansion in recent years, Arizona’s job growth ranked second in the country in 2019.

With solid job growth, a lower than average cost of living, and various attractive city destinations within the state, the move from the Midwest to Arizona may not be out of reach for those looking for an affordable option.

Most Popular Cities in Arizona

Arizona is one of the top states when it comes to popular growth, and a lot of new residents choose to live in one of the state’s vibrant cities.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a growing metropolis that has seen a lot of change over the last decade. The capital of Arizona, Phoenix, has a population of 1.7 million. Phoenix is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. In fact, with its tremendous growth, Phoenix is now the fifth most populous city in the country.

With this renaissance comes amazing entertainment and recreation options. From the famous Heard and Musical Instrument Museums to a one-of-a-kind Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix offers plenty of cultural activities. If nightlife is more your style, Roosevelt Row has a plethora of dive bars and boozy movie theatres.

With the great outdoors nearby and a bustling downtown scene, Phoenix offers a mid-size city feel with plenty of outdoor getaways worthy of praise.

Tucson

Tucson is home to the University of Arizona, and its population is around 553,000 residents. Located in the southeasternmost region of the state, Tucson is nestled between the Saguaro National Park and the Tucson Mountain Park.

Tucson offers an urban feel but life at a slower pace compared to larger cities like Phoenix. With the world-class Reid Park Zoo and a unique miniatures museum, this family-friendly town feels warm and welcoming!

When it comes to nightlife, the University of Arizona brings to life the best facets of any college town. Fourth Avenue, Downtown, and University Drive all offer fun and lively campus-focused bars and restaurants. Tucson is a college town that is also family-friendly.

Flagstaff

Flagstaff remains one of the most picturesque cities in America. Nestled between ponderosa pine forests, beautiful mountains, and stretches of desert, this little Arizona town puts a new twist on the typical small college town.

Home to Northern Arizona University, this college town has winter skiing at the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort. The city is adjacent to the Wupatki National Monument, which houses several Native American pueblo sites. Activities include cliff jumping and natural springs at Sycamore Creek.

A haven for those who love the outdoors, Flagstaff has approximately 75,000 residents in its small community. For those looking to capture all the best parts of Arizona in one place, Flagstaff may be an ideal choice for you!

Scottsdale

The Eastern side of Arizona is home to Scottsdale, a desert-dwelling community that has experienced rapid population growth over the past years. Known for its spa retreats and immaculate golf courses, Scottsdale has become a hub for tourists and bachelor or bachelorette parties.

If you head downtown, you’ll find historic buildings in the old town neighborhood and many monuments dedicated to Scottsdale’s very own Frank Lloyd Wright. You’ll find winding hiking trails and beautiful open landscapes if you head north.

One of the warmer Arizona cities, Scottsdale has also become a hub for retirees looking to escape harsh winters.

Tempe

Located east of Phoenix, Tempe, is home to 178,000 residents. It’s also home to Arizona State University, a higher education institution that has contributed to establishing the city’s reputation as a fun and artsy town with plenty of outdoor activities.

Just north of the downtown area, you’ll find Tempe Town Lake and Beach Park. Filled with park goers and water enthusiasts, Tempe Town Lake is a hotspot during warm days in Tempe. If you’re looking for some indoor fun, the Arts Center of the Arizona State University’s campus designed by Frank Lloyd attracts world-renowned shows and acts.

Spring baseball games at Tempe Diablo Stadium and shopping at the nearly hundred boutique and retail stores downtown are other popular activities.

Gilbert

Gilbert is a lesser-known city in Arizona that is also growing in popularity. Located southeast of Phoenix in Maricopa County, it’s the sixth-largest municipality in Arizona and well worth a mention.

The Heritage District is located in downtown Gilbert and is home to a Mainstreet that is full of vibrant restaurants and easy-living social watering holes. If you’re looking for a blast from the past, Agritopia is a unique community filled with pedestrian-friendly paths, well-manicured houses with picket fences, and a local farm designed to sustain the community.

Gilbert has developed into one of the hippest and innovative cities in all of Arizona.

How to Move From Wisconsin to Arizona

Start by researching different cities and choosing one that is a good match for the kind of lifestyle you’re looking for. Once that decision is made, the logistics of moving becomes much simpler. Each city in Arizona is different, and each offers a variety of benefits. Understanding where you want to live in Arizona is crucial!

If you’re moving without a new job or you’re retiring, visiting Arizona and experiencing different cities for yourself over a long weekend may help you find the right fit.

The next step is dealing with the logistics. Have you sold your home? Have you found a new home? Do you know where you will be working? How are your personal belongings being shipped to Arizona?

Allied can help with the logistics of moving to Arizona. Allied Van Lines specializes in long-distance moving and will provide you with the peace of mind you need to start your new life out West!