Welcome to Arizona – the land of endless sunsets, desert landscapes, and where you can fry an egg on the sidewalk in July (but you probably wouldn’t). Whether you’re a born-and-bred Arizonan or a transplant who’s finally learned the difference between a saguaro and a cholla, if you’ve done these 12 things, congratulations – you’ve officially earned your Arizona local badge. Grab a glass of iced tea (or margarita, no judgment) and see how many of these you’ve crossed off.
Lived Through a Monsoon and Loved It
You’ve braved the intense wind, rain, and lightning in a monsoon like it’s just a casual Wednesday. And yes, you totally love the smell of wet pavement afterward.
Gone to a Spring Training Game and Had a Blast
You didn’t even care if you knew the rules – you just went for the snacks, the sun, and the vibe. Bonus points if you had a beer in one hand and a hot dog in the other.
Been to the Grand Canyon and Took the Mandatory ‘I Was Here’ Photo
You stood at the edge, took a selfie, and silently thought, “Yeah, I’m a part of something bigger than myself now.”
Walked in 110° Heat and Acted Like It Was No Big Deal
You’ve lived in the desert long enough to know that the sun may try to kill you, but you’ve learned to walk through it like a true local, pretending the heat isn’t slowly turning you into a human puddle.
Had a Wild Encounter with a Cactus (And Lived to Tell the Tale)
Whether you tripped over one, got too close for comfort, or had a brush with a jumping cholla, you’ve felt the pain and walked away with a new level of respect for desert plants.
Grown Used to Scorpions as Roommates
You’ve definitely shared your space with a scorpion or two (or ten) and learned that “Oh, there’s one under the couch” is just part of life here.
Said “It’s a Dry Heat” Way Too Often
You’ve used this phrase to justify the unbearable temperatures, and somehow, you’ve convinced others that it makes sense.
Stopped at a Roadside Stand for Fresh Cactus Fruit
You’re not afraid to try anything once, and if it involves local produce or something weird from the desert, you’re all in. Plus, you’ll never forget the first time you tried prickly pear.
Gone Hiking in the Desert Like a Total Pro
Hiking in Arizona’s deserts isn’t for the faint of heart, but you’ve tackled trails like Camelback or Piestewa Peak and lived to tell the tale. Water? You’ve got it – but more importantly, you’ve got that local grit.
Been to a Fiesta and Got Confused by the Sizzling Fajitas Sounding Like a Fire
At first, you thought the sizzle was some sort of emergency, but then you realized it’s just the fajitas coming to your table. Welcome to Arizona – where food sounds like it might catch fire but is actually delicious.
Tried to Avoid a Flash Flood and Failed (But Made It Anyway)
You’ve been in your car when that crazy desert rainstorm hit and the streets turned into rivers. But somehow, you made it out with only a little splash on your shoes.
Witnessed a Desert Sunset That Made You Believe in Magic
The sky lit up in hues of purple, orange, and pink, and for a brief moment, you understood why everyone says Arizona sunsets are the best thing on Earth.
If you’ve checked off more than half of these, congratulations – you’ve embraced the true Arizona lifestyle. From monsoons to scorching heat and sunsets that make you feel like you’re in a painting, you’re no longer just visiting – you’re a local. Welcome to Arizona, where the desert might try to kill you, but it’ll also keep you coming back for more.
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