Should You Head Southwest if You Don't Like the Cold?
- Written by News Co
Snowbirds and young spirits alike flock to states like Arizona and Texas the moment things up north start to dip below forty degrees. These states never seem to get truly cold, and popular media makes it seem like they're always in the middle of summer. Is that true, though? If you're considering a big move South to escape Jack Frost, here are some points to consider.
It Snows In Texas
Of course, if you're looking at El Paso houses for sale, you're not likely to think about snow. The city surprisingly still manages to get three inches of snow every year. Because of global climate change, every season has started to feel more intense, and some cold temperatures are expected. Moving past that, three inches of snow are nothing to those used to the feet and feet of the dreaded stuff every winter! This note is just a precaution; these states also have their form of winter!
The Summers Terrify
If you've spent your whole life in Michigan and are used to 80-degree summers with endless rain, moving to an area like Phoenix, Arizona, may be a massive shock to your system. Not only can summers reach highs of 120 degrees, but they're also rarely any rain until the monsoon season- and even then, it floods so heavily you can't even enjoy it. Summers in the Southwest are as extreme as Winters are up North, and it's vital to know that before making a move.
Change In Expense
Luckily, for those moving South, many are pleased to find the cost of living is lower. You can buy a six-bedroom home in a tiny town like Douglas, Arizona, for less than two hundred thousand dollars- and food and other goods are also incredibly cheap. These savings are a big leaping point that makes people want to make this change. Of course, you'll have to pay more in summer air conditioning and lawn maintenance, but it ends up balanced out with how much heating and winter lawn maintenance can be for Northern homes.
People
No town is perfect. Depending on where you're coming from up North and where you're headed, you may feel some culture shock. If you're moving to Southern Texas, you'll notice people are more hospitable and friendly and will make eye contact and nod as they pass by- though if you're in some parts of New Mexico, you'd be lucky if you could get a stranger to talk to you. Like any part of the country, people are varied and exciting. It would help if you studied up on an area to make sure it matches your personality and beliefs before deciding to move out.
Any cross-country move will force a huge learning curve and a lot of patience from whoever makes the change. Get ready to be flexible, and immerse yourself in a different culture and city than the one you're from. At least you can kiss those snow boots and shovels goodbye!
