We can all probably agree that there are some dangers of living in Arizona, right? Arizona is an amazing and beautiful place to live but it doesn’t come without its risks. But, hey, if you like adventure and the prospect of encountering danger, then it may just be the place for you. Still, everyone should be aware of the risks of living in Arizona if they plan on being there. Stay safe, and keep a watchful eye on these 10 Arizona dangers if you plan to move to our beautiful state.

1. Let's start with an easy one: the heat.

Alan Levine/Flickr
In a state that is notorious for extremely hot summers, coming down with a heat-related illness such as heat exhaustion can happen quick. Be prepared for the heat; after all, it's typical Arizona weather.

2. Encountering coyotes, mountain lions, and other predatory wildlife.

CEBImagery/Flickr
Most of Arizona is still quite rural, so you're bound to encounter one of these creatures at least once. However, just remember Arizona's wildlife was here first and you're encroaching on their territory.

3. You may find yourself playing a real life game of “Frogger” with the wildlife, livestock, and stray dogs.

Paul Gorbould/Flickr
If you've been driving along Beeline Highway for the last thirty years, you may have noticed that the deer have become just a little more accommodating to human presence. Sometimes they don't even run back into the woods when a vehicle drives by; some just continue chewing their weeds and twigs on the roadside. However, that doesn't mean one of them won't go dashing across the road. Take care when driving in rural areas.

4. Trying to find cell service in remote parts of the state can be tough.

Arthaey Angosii/Flickr
It's not so bad when you're trying to "unplug" for the weekend but what if an emergency pops up and you have to risk wandering around for a signal? That's just another of the Arizona dangers of which you should be prepared.

5. Flash floods are never fun.

Flickr/Frank Kehren
Well, they may be fun to look at but definitely not to experience first hand. Don't drive in flood-prone areas during a storm and don't think you can outrun the flood. You can't, you won't, and you'll end up on the evening news as someone who had to be saved by public emergency services.

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6. Speaking of rain, driving at all in the rain can be a pretty risky endeavor.

Flickr/Jose Pasillas
Those desert people seem to forget how to drive in the rain. Maybe it's best to stay home.

7. By the way, our water situation isn't that great either.

Frank Serritelli/Flickr
While a big chunk of our water is stored in massive reservoirs, about 40 percent of Arizona's water is sourced from groundwater and that is DIFFICULT to replenish.

8. According to the CDC, firearms may be risky.

Laura Gilmore/Flickr
In a previous study, the CDC listed Arizona's most distinctive cause of death as "discharge of firearms, undetermined intent." Were these accidents, murders, or a warning shot gone wrong? Who knows but here's this: about one-third of Arizonans own a gun and the state sits somewhere in the middle of the statistics list when it comes to gun-related murders in the country. Always practice gun safety and use your noggin before pulling the trigger.

9. Breathing in all that dusty air in Arizona could be bad for your health.

Flickr/Ms. Phoenix
Other than pollution, another potentially risky bit about the air is contracting valley fever. A fungus living in the soil known as Coccidiodes immitis, it can turn into an infection that causes flu-like symptoms when inhaled. Most people don't require much treatment other than rest and fluids but it is possible for the infection to worsen.

10. But despite all of that, you also run the risk of falling in love.

Pieter Edelman/Flickr
If you're wondering "is Arizona a good place to live?" The answer is a resounding, YES! Just be prepared for the typical Arizona weather (HEAT) and be aware of the dangers of living in Arizona and you'll fall in love.

Thankfully, most of these (except, perhaps, number 10) are situations that are entirely preventable. My dad taught me to always practice vigilance and common sense when in the city or in the wilderness, so that’s the best advice I can give you as well, reader.

Do you agree that these are some of the dangers of living in Arizona? What are some other big risks to living in Arizona? Let us know in the comments! Despite the risks, there is a lot to love about the Grand Canyon State, too.

And, if you are like us, we love to wear our Arizona pride. Get yours and show off this great state that we call home.

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Dangers Of Living In Arizona

Leah | February 25, 2021

Is Arizona a good place to live?

Despite some of the risks of living in Arizona, this state is loved by many of its residents for being a great place to live. If you can handle the hot summers, the other seasons give way to beautiful weather that's perfect for outdoor recreation even in the dead of winter. Speaking of outdoor recreation, the landscapes of the Grand Canyon State are stunning and worth exploring. With so many rugged, seemingly untouched natural areas of canyons, rivers, buttes, and mountains, any hiker or otherwise outdoorsy person will easily fall in love with this place.

What are the pros and cons of living in Arizona?

If you're considering moving to Arizona, here are some of the pros and cons to consider about the state. Some pros include the lovely winter weather, beautiful places to visit, thriving urban areas, and plenty of culture to experience. Cons to keep in mind are the exceptionally hot summers, major weather events like dust storms or flash floods, and less-than-ideal pests. Common pests include cockroaches and scorpions - yes, scorpions in your house, though they are usually quite small. Still, be sure to check your shoes for them before putting them on if you live in a scorpion-prone area. I speak from experience!

What is Arizona known for?

There are many things Arizona is known for other than its hot weather and dangerous local wildlife. People love Arizona for its iconic landmarks such as the Grand Canyon and the famous Mitten Buttes. Arizona is also a hotspot for great local cuisine, with most Arizonans having a favorite Mexican restaurant they swear is the best you'll ever have, and they're all right in their own way. Another big part of Arizona is having quite a variety of places to live. Phoenix is one of the biggest cities in the US, giving people the opportunity to live in a massive sprawling city, while also offering smaller cities, towns, and rural communities for all kinds of lifestyles.

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