Arizona to Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Arizona to Virginia

ConsArizona

• Extreme summer heat
• Chronic drought
• Limited fall colors
• Sparse shade trees
• Dust storms
• High UV exposure
• Scorpions and pests
• Few natural lakes
• Far from ocean
• Car-dependent sprawl
• Limited public transit
• Minimal winter variety
• Long wildfire season
• Far from East Coast

ProsVirginia

• Milder summer highs
• Abundant rainfall
• Vibrant fall foliage
• Lush tree canopy
• No haboobs
• Gentler sun intensity
• Fewer desert critters
• Many lakes, rivers
• Atlantic beaches nearby
• More walkable neighborhoods
• DC Metro access
• Occasional light snow
• Lower wildfire risk
• Near major hubs

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Virginia

• Colder, grayer winters
• High summer humidity
• More cloudy days
• Occasional icy storms
• Seasonal trail closures
• Observes daylight saving
• Muggy summer heat
• Heavy traffic congestion
• Far from Southwest parks
• Less desert scenery
• Hurricane and nor'easters
• Frequent rainy spells
• More ticks, mosquitoes
• Trees block horizons

Arizona

• Mild, sunny winters
• Low humidity
• Endless sunshine
• Minimal snow, ice
• Year-round hiking
• No daylight saving
• Dry heat summers
• Wide-open roads
• Southwest national parks
• Desert landscapes
• Lower hurricane risk
• Fewer rainy days
• Fewer mosquitoes
• Big sky sunsets

Pros of moving from Arizona to Virginia

• Say goodbye to extreme summer heat and hello to milder summer highs
• Look forward to moving away from chronic drought and moving to Virginia with abundant rainfall
• Swap the limited fall colors of Arizona for vibrant fall foliage in Virginia
• Get ready for a lush tree canopy in Virginia

Cons of moving from Arizona to Virginia

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from mild, sunny winters in Arizona to live with colder, grayer winters in Virginia
• You'll lose out on the pro of low humidity and have to settle for the con of high summer humidity
• Time to bid farewell to endless sunshine and get used to more cloudy days in Virginia
• Swap minimal snow and ice for occasional icy storms

Arizona vs. Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Arizona to Virginia, you will be trading the iconic Chimichanga of Arizona for the equally delicious Ham of Virginia. And while the locals in Arizona rave about their flavorful Carne Asada and sumptuous Tacos, Virginia residents know they have tasty Country Ham and Oysters to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Tacos they've grown to love, they can get ready for the BBQ Jackfruit of Virginia. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arizona eateries like Pizzicletta, Baco Cafe, and El Charro Café. After the boxes are unpacked in Virginia, don't wait too long before making your way to Virginia's acclaimed eateries like Lemaire, The Shack, and Zynodoa.

When comparing lifestyles, Virginia shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Arizona. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Virginia compared to what you are used to in Arizona. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Virginia.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arizona and Virginia

• The Spanish Colonial and Pueblo Revival architecture that Arizona is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Virginia.
• Compared to Arizona's real estate listings that commonly reference swimming pools and desert views, Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like hardwood floors and historic details.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Virginia is more walkable than Arizona.
• Virginia is similarly bike-friendly to Arizona.
• Virginia has more of an urban feel than Arizona.
• Virginia housing costs are 10% less expensive than they are in Arizona, with a median home price of $385,780 compared to Arizona’s $430,827.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Virginia have increased by 42% compared to a 63% increase in Arizona.
• Rent in Virginia is 4.36% more affordable than in Arizona.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Arizona and Virginia

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arizona to Virginia. Virginia gets 32% fewer sunshine days than Arizona.
• Virginia has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Arizona.
• Say goodbye to the possible heatwaves and wildfires in Arizona, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and winter storms in Virginia.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Virginia is 17 degrees colder than in Arizona.
• The average winter lows are 16 degrees colder than they are in Arizona.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Virginia. Virginia receives 29 more inches of rain compared to Arizona.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Arizona and Virginia

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Virginia tend to earn about 15% more than in Arizona
• The COLI in Virginia will be 5% lower than what you are used to living in Arizona
• The state income tax in VA is 2-5.75% compared to 2.59-4.5% in AZ
• The affluence in Virginia is comfortable compared to moderate in Arizona
• The poverty level is low in Virginia compared to moderate in Arizona
• In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Arizona and moderate in Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in Arizona vs. Virginia

• Arizona tends to lean traditionally Republican, trending purple in its political climate
• Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state, recently tending Democratic
• Virginia's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian, but with a rich diversity of religions
• Arizona's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as largely Christian, with a growing number of non-affiliated residents

Education Guide When Moving from Arizona to Virginia

How Much Do Arizona to Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 2,070 miles from Arizona to Virginia will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.