Myths and Truths about Arizona

What comes to mind when someone says, "Arizona"? Do you think of scorching heat and endless deserts? Do you imagine scenes involving swarms of tumbleweeds blowing past impassive saguaro cacti? Or maybe you've heard only old people live there - except for all the college kids who live in Tempe, home to Arizona State University. Of course, many people have also heard that Arizona is the hottest place on the planet and is running out of water. On top of that, there are no seasons, no culture, there's nothing to do and everyone is from somewhere else. Oh, and don't forget it's a favorite stop for aliens and other intergalactic visitors. Do any of these sound familiar? Sadly, these are only a few of the many myths circulating around regarding Arizona. Unfortunately, a lot of people believe they're true - and that's a shame, because Arizona is actually quite an incredibly diverse state with stunning natural beauty and a nearly endless list of great things to see and do. If you're thinking about moving to Arizona or even just visiting, read on to discover the truth behind some of the more common myths about the Grand Canyon state.

• There are no seasons; it's just hot all the time. It's true that summer temps are usually in the triple digits, but what many people don't realize is even during the hottest summer months, overnight lows are usually in the 70s (degrees Fahrenheit) and a lack of humidity makes the heat more bearable. Afternoon thunderstorms often bring a slight respite from the heat and provide one heck of an amazing show. During the winter months, some parts of the state get several inches of snow, and temps state-wide dip down as low as into the 20s. Spring and fall are generally very temperate, with highs in the 80s. Where you are in the state will largely determine what types of weather and temperatures you'll experience.
• There's nothing but desert. Only the lower third of the state is actually considered desert. There are five separate climate zones in Arizona, ranging from low altitude desert to cold mountainous regions. Within these regions are valleys, mountains, canyons (in addition to the Grand Canyon), rivers, plains and even a forest (it's a petrified forest, but a forest nonetheless). The diversity of terrain and climate is quite broad and truly offers something for everybody.
• All the houses look alike. If you are looking for

news homes in AZ, you'll be happy to discover an extremely wide variety of options. There are beautiful new planned communities, historic neighborhoods, Spanish-style haciendas, modern homes and more. If you can't find something you like, there are plenty of custom build options available.

• There's no culture. In Phoenix alone there museums and art galleries, cultural attractions and festivals, as well as performing arts and theaters. Arizona has an extremely rich history in agriculture and mining, as well as Native American history. Check out the Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights, the Arizona Capitol Museum, the ruins at Casa Grande, or take in a performance at the Arizona Broadway Theatre.
• There's no water. The Colorado River and its numerous tributaries beg to differ. Additionally, there are dozens of lakes, among them Lake Havasu, Lake Mead and Lake Powell. These lakes and rivers offer enough water sports for any enthusiast ranging from white water rafting to house boating.

So be sure to check the above myths at the door and enjoy your stay in this surprisingly wonderful state.

About the Author: Thomas M. Bird is a real estate expert and contributing writer who enjoys helping people discover just how much Arizona has to offer.

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