There are a number of reasons that one may make the decision to move from Canada and the Northern United States to a more Southern locale before purchasing a home. The warmer climates of Florida, Nevada, California, Arizona, and other traditionally warm places are usually a prime factor.
That being said, if you're a snowbird planning for a transition into the state of Arizona (specifically Phoenix), there are a few things you need to know about home ownership and the general area.
Popular Areas To Live
Central Phoenix
The Central Phoenix area is known for its rich arts and culture. It has a good nightlife and is packed with restaurants, clubs, and cool places to spend the day, making it a great place for young adults to take up residence.
Downtown Phoenix
Downtown Phoenix is the city’s go-to area for commerce. In recent years it has expanded, filling with recreational opportunities such as museum touring, food and wine tasting, and shopping.
Scottsdale
While Scottsdale is one of the area's most popular for families to live, it's also one of the most expensive. Explore the area and work with a local realtor to find the right space to call home. There are plenty of condos and townhomes in the area that are in great school districts for the kids. Not to mention, Scottsdale features unparalleled shopping for the whole family.
Home Care in Phoenix
Make use of the cool hours
Home maintenance is a given in Arizona, seeing as 90% of the year houses are subject to extreme heat and drought. This being said, it's a good idea to work on outdoor house maintenance projects during the coolest hours of the day: early morning and after sunset. Avoiding countless hours in the sun is beneficial to your health, helping you to avoid dehydration, sunburns, and heat sickness.
Keep an eye on humidity
Due to hot weather and a prevalent monsoon season, Arizona homes are prone to mold and mildew growth. Here, keeping the humidity in the home in check is crucial. Using a dehumidifier is a great way to keep the levels of humidity within the home under control. Check your pipes often to avoid leaks.
Things To Do In Phoenix
Cobra Arcade Bar
The Cobra Arcade Bar is one of Phoenix's most popular over 21 hangouts. Here, you can play classic arcade games while sipping on tasty cocktails.
Tovrea Castle
Standing like a statue amongst the Arizona desert, Tovrea Castle is a go-to for those first moving to Phoenix. You can schedule a tour or admire the stunning structure from the freeway.
Desert Botanical Garden
A 140-acre desert garden, the Desert Botanical Garden is the best place to admire the city's unique greenery and landscapes. It's a great family activity for young kids to learn about nature. From within the garden, you can witness a number of creatures, take a guided flashlight tour, or hike the garden's self-guided trails.
Roosevelt Row
A frequent recreational area for art-lovers, Roosevelt Row features a variety of spectacular visual displays. You can spend the day going up and down the street, visiting art galleries and admiring street art, visiting indie shops, and trying new food.
What is the busy season like in Phoenix?
The busy season, usually going from November to early May, is due to the ideal weather conditions that can be witnessed within the area. The busiest months are February, March, and April. The season brings thousands of tourists, many of whom enjoy a friendly game of golf.
Tax For Part-Time Residents
Those who live in Arizona only part of the year are still required to submit taxes. Part-time residents have to file tax in Arizona and their state of residency, which often seems as if taxpayers are paying tax twice on one income. However, when it comes to filing within AZ, there are available tax credits that taxpayers can access.
Part-time residents are also subject to income tax on any income that was made within the state, both before and after moving, and while they were physically in the state. In this situation, any individual who is is subject to tax twice on an Arizona income due to the tax laws in their home state might also be eligible for a tax credit.