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Best
known for its views of the Grand
Canyon, its "painted" desert landscape and
colorful sunsets, Arizona is one of the Four Corner states
in the U.S. southwest bordering New
Mexico, Utah, Nevada and Southern California.
Only a
small percentage of Arizona's 118,000 square miles is privately
owned. The majority of land falls under government jurisdiction
as either national forests, parks, or Indian reservations.
The last
of the lower 48 states to be admitted to the Union, Arizona
officially became a state on February 14, 1912. Today, the
state government is Arizona's largest employer, while Wal-Mart
is the largest private employer with tens of thousands of
workers statewide.
The hi-tech
sector accounts for the rest of the primary employment scene
in Arizona led by software and computers, electronics components, and
telecommunications. Other strong job markets within Arizona include education and health services.
Meanwhile, a booming multi-million dollar tourism and hotel industry is under threat by a backlash of sentiment against the state government's passage of Arizona SB 1070, promoting what is perceived to be draconian laws to keep illegal immigrants out of the state.
Quality-of-life statistics for Arizona
Arizona demographics
:(Arizona
Census Data)
Major cities: Phoenix (capital), Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe,
Sun City
Population : 6,166,318
White : 87.4%
American Indian: 5.1%
Black, African American : 3.6%
Hispanic : 28.5%
High school graduates : 81.0%
Bachelor's degree or higher : 23.5%
Arizona cost of living: While Arizona sales taxes are on a par with
Eastern states, property taxes throughout Arizona are much
lower, dropping further traveling away from Phoenix and
other larger cities.
The one surprise for many Americans
relocating to Arizona is the imposition of the "car
tax" which unlike many states, is not a set amount,
but 1.5% of the car's worth and possibly totaling several hundred
dollars made payable upon registration.
Arizona housing & real estate:
Home ownership rate : 68.0%
Average home price: $233,782
Average travel time to work : 25 minutes
also see Zillow
- Arizona Real Estate
Arizona Personal Income Taxes: Arixona levies personal income tax in 5 brackets ranging from 3 percent to 5 percent depending on income and filing status. Residents must complete returns on Form 140 by April 15.
Arizona schools
: Compared to the national average, recent data shows Arizona ranking 40th in the nation in math and reading scores. Arizona also underperforms in education spending per capita than many other states. As is the case in other parts of the country, better schools are usually found in and around larger cities, although that may vary even by neighborhood. For more information on school rankings also see: AZ Learns
Arizona weather
: Ranging from hot desert to cold mountains, Arizona
usually holds national record for extremes in hot and cold
temperatures throughout the year. The hottest temperature
in Arizona was 128 degrees recorded in Lake Havasu City
in 1994. The lowest recorded temperature was -40 at Hawley
Lake in 1971.
Arizona crime statistics : see Arizona
Crime Rates
also
see -> AZ Tourist Attractions | Arizona
Eviction Laws | Arizona
Taxes
Arizona
Kids Party Locations | Arizona Wedding Reception Halls
More
about moving to Arizona around the Web:
Relocation
Guide to the Greater Phoenix Area - Like it says, with a complete guide to moving to Phoenix
and the Valley area with information on house & job hunting,
commuter info, plus guides to local culture, travel &
tourism.
Relocation and New to Phoenix - Moving to Phoenix - About.com guide with a complete library of information including estimated expenses, where to find a job, schools, plus related pictures and resources.
Arizona
Life - Relocating to Arizona - Portal to information
on housing, transportation, schools, government services and
related guides for those planning to move or retire to Arizona.
Arizona
real estate, apartments & job classifieds:
Phoenix
: AZ
Central
Tucson
: Arizona
Daily Star
Flagstaff
: Arizona
Daily Sun |