Is the call of the wild desert tugging at your San Diego seaside soul? Wondering if Arizona is a place that you could call home? My name is Madison Wetter and I'm a Cave Creek, Arizona resident and Realtor. If you're considering a relocation from San Deigo to Cave Creek, I'm here to give you all of the information you need when it comes to deciding whether you can give the ocean life up for the small-town desert lifestyle that Arizona has to offer.
I'm not going to sugarcoat it - the two places are VERY different. Each offers something unique that speaks to a wide array of people. But, if you're into adventure, affordability, and a small-town feel, Arizona (and specifically Cave Creek) might be a place you'll want to call home.
So, why do people relocate from San Diego to Cave Creek?
Here are a few of the reasons people from San Diego love calling Arizona home.
Cost of Living
The average cost per square foot of a home in Arizona is about one third that of San Diego's. So, you'll be sure to get more bang for you buck when it comes to buying a home here. On top of that, most of the single-family homes come with ample yard space - something that comes at a premium in San Diego. Additionally, state income tax, property tax, and sales tax are significantly lower in Arizona compared to California.
Surrounded by Nature
If the calm of a cool desert morning with deer at your door and coyote howling in the distance is how you like to enjoy your morning cup of coffee, Cave Creek has it. Cave Creek also has dozens of hiking trails right in our backyard and two lakes for boating and bathing are just a 30 minute's drive away.
Small Town Charm
Cave Creek is not about fancy city lights. In fact, most nights you'll hear soft guitar in the background from Janey's nightly music. There are Friday night rodeos and great places to sip and savor a nice glass of wine on weekend nights. But don't worry, drive 20 minutes south of here and you have all of the amenities and nightlife that Scottsdale has to offer. Oh, did I mention our main town district in Cave Creek only has one stop sign? California traffic will not be something you see up in this neighborhood!
If you move from San Diego to Cave Creek, what will you miss?
It's not all sunshine and rainbows here in Arizona and, I'm guessing, that if you leave your sea and sunshine behind, there are a few things you're going to miss.
Your Perfect Temperatures
Fall, winter, spring - all AMAZING times to live in Arizona. Summer, on the other hand, cannot hold a candle to San Diego's amazing climate. Here we crank the AC, seek out the shade, and complain non-stop about how stinking hot it is. Summer evenings brings some respite but it's still not easy living.
Access to Vibrant Cultural Experiences
Don't get me wrong, we have them! But you're probably going to drive 20-30 minutes to access great museums, concerts, and the theatre. One amazing thing about Cave Creek is that we do have a lot of mom-and-pop businesses and art galleries that add vibrant flair to the community and bring their own cultural offerings.
Not Needing A Car
Depending on where you live in San Diego, you might not need a car. And, walking to your gym or favorite restaurant might be something that you'll miss in Arizona. We are a car dependent state and almost any place you want to get to requires a vehicle.
Did I Mention the Ocean?
Not to shock you but, Arizona does not have an ocean. Bummer, right? We do have many nearby lakes and rivers that people love to frequent in the summer for a quick cool off but you'll have to drive to Mexico or, you guessed it, San Diego to find the perfect beach.
Ultimately Cave Creek is a town of endless possibility. If you're ready to switch your flip flops for cowboy boots, crave adventure under the Arizona sun, and want a community that feels like family, this small western town just might be your next home!
Well, what are you thinking? Are you up for making the switch? There are a lot of pros and cons to living in each destination. As a Cave Creek resident I can say that there is so much that makes this town a special place to live. If you're thinking of making the switch I am here as your local guide to help make the processes as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Please don't ever hesitate to reach out!
