Apartments for Rent in Arizona

Arizona

Arizona apartments have increasingly filled with retirees and those who are seeking a warm, dry climate in recent years. Although people of all ages enjoy the year-round warmth of this desert climate, it has become a haven for anyone seeking to escape the bitter cold and heavy snowfalls of northern states. The summers are exceptionally hot (with temperatures above 100 degrees for weeks at a time) while the winters are mild and dry. For those with allergies and arthritis it has the perfect weather.

Arizona has the third-highest population of Native Americans in the country, with some still living on reservations but most of the younger generation finding apartments in Arizona or bordering California closer to the large cities where employment is more plentiful.

The economy of Arizona still relies heavily on mining – 1/3 of the world's copper comes from Arizona, as well as gold and silver. Newer employers include the government, Wal-Mart and various software and computer manufacturers. Tourism is also important because of the number of Indian Reservations, the Grand Canyon and native artists.

Outdoor Attractions

Apartments in Arizona are almost all found in the major cities such as Phoenix, Flagstaff and Tucson. This isn't surprising since only 15% of the land is privately owned. The remainder of the state is dedicated to state or federal parks and forests and protected Indian Reservations. The vast expanse of open country includes the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest and the Painted Desert, home to an incredible array of desert flora and fauna.

Hiking, camping and rock climbing are at their most extreme in Arizona, with some of the most challenging terrains in the country. The Colorado River is popular for whitewater rafting and fishing.

In Arizona, apartments are snapped up quickly along the many major golf courses scattered across the state. Retirees and those who stay for the winter months then return to their northern homes love enjoying Arizona apartment living for six months out of the year. A popular spectator sport is baseball – over a dozen Major League teams have their spring training camps in Arizona.

Colleges and Universities

The state of Arizona oversees three major universities: Arizona State, Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona. Apartments are plentiful near all three of these campuses, but these tend to be small and older. Smaller schools include Prescott College, Ottawa University and the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The Thunderbird School of Global Management is part of a network of international schools that has campuses throughout Europe.

Real Estate and Housing

Because the demand for attractive Arizona apartments is steadily rising along with the population, prices have gone up in recent years. The cost of an Arizona apartment in the city is about 10% higher than all but the most expensive cities in other states. To save money, consider looking at rentals outside of city limits with a small commute. Prices drop rapidly as you move away from downtown areas.