azfamily.com News Staff
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PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) – We are lucky to call Arizona home.Our state is home to breathtaking scenery, hiking trails, our pleasant fall, and winters.
We do not have to worry about shoveling snowy roads during the Winter. Some of us use some salt on our margaritas instead of our driveways.
It’s no secret that many of residents have moved here from other states. Though, we still have some good percentage of natives staying here.
Arizona happens to be one of the fastest growing states.
We have compiled a list of states where many Arizona residents come from. There are some few surprises in this list. Let’s start.
California
Yes, residents of our neighboring state, California are moving to Arizona. While we don’t have the beach or Disneyland, we do have lower taxes and gas prices.
According to a recent New York Times study, about nine percent of the people who move here are from California. The good news for Californians is that they can travel by plane or car in between the states. The New York Times also reported that Arizona had experienced growth in recent years thanks to the transplants from California and other western states.
Illinois
They don’t call Phoenix “Chicago of the West” for nothing. According to the statistics, four percent of Arizonans living in Arizona in 2012 are from Illinois. It’s no secret that Chicago has a huge connection to the Valley. Many Chicago businesses have locations in the area. They include Ginos Pizza, Portillos, and Giordano Pizza. According to a New York Times study, Arizona has been a longtime destination for retirees from the Midwest with Illinois leading the way.
Oklahoma
The state of Oklahoma is also bringing residents to our state. Less than one percent of Oklahomans moved to our state in 2012, according to the New York Times report. That percentage is lower than what it was in 1940 when five percent of Oklahoma natives moved to Arizona.
Ohio
While the Arizona connection isn’t as known as those from Illinois, a good percentage of Ohio natives are moving to the Grand Canyon State. About two percent of Ohioans moved to Arizona in 2012.
New Mexico
Our neighbors to the east also have their natives living in Arizona. In 2012, one percent of Arizona residents were born in the New Mexico area. Just like California, New Mexico is just a driving distance away from Arizona. In 2012, less than one percent of Arizona residents were born in other western states.
Texas
A lot of people are moving to the second largest populated state in the country. Some Texans are also deciding to move west and settle in Arizona. About two percent of those born in Texas moved to Arizona in the year 2012. The same NY Times study also reported that less than one percent of Arizona residents were from other southern states.
New York
While New York is over 2,000 miles away from Arizona, the distance isn’t stopping New Yorkers from moving to Arizona. In 2012, three percent of Arizona residents were originally from the New York. Just like those from Illinois, New Yorkers move to Arizona for lower cost of living and the warmer weather. In 2012, about one percent of Arizona residents were born in other northeastern states.
Arizona
While it feels like that most of residents living here are from out-of-state, Arizona natives actually stay here. According to the New York Times report, 38 percent of those residing in Arizona in 2012 were also born here. Arizona natives are still the highest percentage of residents living in this state.
