Arizona remains a southwestern state in the U.S., is best known for the breathtaking Grand Canyon, the mile-deep abyss carved by the Colorado River. Flagstaff, a ponderosa pine-covered mountain town, is a major gateway to the Grand Canyon. Other natural sites include Saguaro National Park, protecting the cactus-filled Sonoran Desert landscape. Tucson is University of Arizona territory and home to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Arizona is the sixth biggest state physically and is perhaps famously known for its hot climate and geography. Southern Arizona emphasizes a warm desert climate, while northern Arizona is full of forests, canyons, and mountain ranges.

There are numerous national parks, monuments, and forests in the state, including the Grand Canyon. An excellent economy plus a reasonably low cost of living in Arizona makes for a pretty good mix. Innovation and plenty of job opportunities are plentiful. But, it only goes so far if where you’re living costs you an arm and a leg. And housing in Arizona is just slightly above the national average.

Arizona’s population in 2021 is estimated to be 7.2 million, ranks 14th populous state in the United States. Its area is 113,990 sq miles (295,234 sq km) ranks 6th largest. The state capital is Phoenix, and the other top cities of Arizona are Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, and Glendale. In June 2020, home prices in Arizona were more than $385,000—which is nearly 13% higher than the national median of almost $342,000.

Meanwhile, the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment was about 1% lower than the national cost of $1,200. Soak up the sun at many waterparks such as Six Flags, Big Surf, Golfland Sunsplash, and Hurricane Harbor Phoenix. Get your heart racing at an Indoor Skydiving facility and travel the Sonoran Desert with Arizona Outdoor adventures, Desert Wolf Tours, and more guide tour companies.