7 Places In Arizona That’ll Make You Wish You Lived Underground

I know it's pretty darn chilly now, but remember how just a few weeks ago plenty of people around the state were still roasting under triple-digit temperatures? Those hot summers make a lot of people wonder why there aren't more homes with basements around the state. Sure, the reason has something to do with unstable dirt, but wouldn't it be nice to escape underground for parts of the summer? If you've ever wanted to do just that, here is some inspiration to get you started.

1. Let's start this list with a few places we are already familiar with that set the inspiration for living underground. First up, Colossal Cave near Vail.

Aside from hanging out in a friend's really cool basement rec room, my first experience underground was when I visited Colossal Cave in 1996. With the various cave formations and the inner temperatures at a steady 70 degrees year-round, it's not hard to find why some people would want to spend time underground. The bat guano, though, may might be an issue.

Location: Colossal Cave is located at 16721 East Old Spanish Trail in Vail.

2. Lava River Cave is an option for those who prefer much more chilly temperatures.

Located a few miles west of the San Francisco Peaks, Lava River Cave is essentially a mile-long tube that acted as a volcanic vent about 700,000 years ago. However, hot lava will be the last thing on your mind when you visit. The temperatures average 42 degrees and can even drop low enough to form ice in summer. What better place to spend your summers?

Location: Lava River Cave is located in Coconino National Forest. From US Route 180, exit at Forest Route 245 and drive 3 miles to Forest Route 171. Drive 1 miles south to reach the cave.

3. Want to test out sleeping in a cave? You can make that happen at Grand Canyon Caverns.

Here's proof that you could actually live underground if you so choose. Grand Canyon Caverns also has a hotel room located within the cave, although it will cost you. However, if you are set on wanting to live underground, the price may not do much to dissuade you.

Location: Grand Canyon Caverns is located in Peach Springs, between Kingman and Seligman. From Interstate 40, exit onto Route 66 and drive a short distance to the caverns.

4. If holing up in a bunker-like home is a little more your style, then Titan Missile Museum is the place in state to go for ideas.

For those craving a more post-apocalyptic environment, finding an empty bunker or old missile silo for sale is another option. These places have plenty of protection underground from whatever you may need protection from. You can opt for an extensive tour that really goes through everything in the old silo, which measures at 5 hours in length. Plus, if you get to leave up the warning sign, you don't have to worry about solicitors knocking at your door.

Location: Titan Missile Museum is located at 1580 West Duval Mine Road in Green Valley.

5. Hopefully those got your imagination rolling. Now check out a few examples of actual houses inspired by these places! We'll start with this amazing cave house in Bisbee.

6. Another example is this home that you wouldn't be able to see until you actually stumbled on it in Mohave Valley.

An interesting donut shape sitting under 4.5 acres, this home is actually still on the market!

7. Finally, let's take a look at a beautiful example of a underground home you can actually visit: Paolo Soleri's Cosanti home, studio, and gallery in Paradise Valley.

This is about as close as you can get to finding a Hobbit house in the state. The "Earth House" sits partially underground and the natural insulation allows the temperatures to remain stable and comfortable. The area is available for tours Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm and on Sundays from 11am to 5pm.

Other than the searing temperatures, what would prompt you to live underground?