Why Arizona's Dry Heat Feels Different From Humid Climates

I've lived in a lot of places over the years, but Arizona is still my favorite place to call home.

Every state has its quirks, and no place is perfect, but the list of things in the plus column outweighs the bad, I think. For example, I don’t even own a snow shovel, and the mountains are breathtaking, no matter how many times I’ve seen them.

The Grand Canyon State gives us plenty to love, even though a few things might make us roll our eyes from time to time.

I certainly don’t hate the endless sunshine, but I don’t like what it’s doing to the hood of my car or my patio furniture.

Person shoveling snow in a winter landscape — Nope. Not in my part of Arizona!! | Photo by Tsimur Asayonak on Unsplash

Love It: It's a Dry Heat

If you've spent even one summer in a humid state, you've probably heard us say with pride: "But it's a dry heat."

And honestly? They're right.

I know, I know, 105 degrees is still hot; I’m not gonna argue that point. But I'll take Arizona's dry heat over walking outside and immediately feeling like I’m covered in a wet blanket. At least here, stepping into the shade actually helps. Plus, your hair has a fighting chance of behaving itself.

silhouette of mountains under orange sky — Photo by Andrey Grinkevich on Unsplash

Hate It: The Dry Skin Struggle

Unfortunately, that famous dry heat comes with a price.

Arizona air doesn't just dry out the landscape. It dries out everything. Your skin, lips, hands, elbows, and occasionally your soul.

Living here means moisturizer isn't a luxury. It's survival equipment. If you forget to apply lotion for a few days, it won’t take long to realize you need to invest in the best lotion you can afford and reapply it often.

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a patio with a couch, table and chairs — Photo by Philipp Wüthrich on Unsplash

Love It: Nearly Endless Sunny Days

One of the best parts of living in Arizona is all the sunshine.

I’ve lived in states that spend months covered under cloudy skies, while Arizona residents bask in clear blue skies and bright sunny days. Whether you're hiking, golfing, gardening, or just finding excuses to be outside, the weather makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors most of the year.

It's hard to complain when winter feels more like spring.

a large cactus in the middle of a field — Photo by Mimi Di Cianni on Unsplash

Hate It: The Sun Destroys Everything

The same sunshine we love can also be pretty rude.

Leave something outside long enough and the Arizona sun will eventually win. Patio furniture bleaches white, no matter what color it starts out as. Car dashboards crack. Plastic gets brittle. Paint peels. Even those "weather-resistant" items wave the white flag after a few summers.

grayscale photo of leafless trees — Photo by William Krause on Unsplash

The sun gives us gorgeous days, but it also keeps us on a first-name basis with replacement costs.

Arizona has its challenges, but I’ll still choose it every time. The sunshine, scenery, and unique lifestyle make the occasional inconvenience worth it.

Here is a list of things we love and hate about living in Arizona. How many do you agree with?

11 Things We Love and Hate About Living in Arizona

There's a lot to love about living in Arizona. People around the world have relocated here for the weather, the beauty, and the history.

There are also some things about living in The 'Zone that aren't so great. We held an informal poll and asked what you LOVE and what you HATE about living in Arizona.

Gallery Credit: Val Davidson/TSM