10 Things You Never Expected to Miss After Leaving Arizona

The Scent of Desert Rain
There’s truly nothing like the aroma that sweeps the air after a summer monsoon—creosote, dust, and rain blending into an unmistakable, nostalgic scent. The “desert rain smell” is a cherished Arizona signature.

Wildly Vibrant Sunrises and Sunsets
Arizona’s skies are famous for their daily masterpieces—fiery reds, electric pinks, and deep purples stretching from horizon to horizon. Once you’ve seen them, no sunrise or sunset elsewhere seems quite as spectacular.

The Joy (and Protection) of Shady Parking
Only after leaving do you realize how much you took for granted the art of parking for shade—choosing a distant spot under a lone mesquite to protect your car from the furnace-like heat. Elsewhere, prime spots are about distance, not shade.

Phenomenal Mexican Food
Whether it’s Sonoran-style hot dogs, street tacos, or classic carne asada, Arizona’s proximity to Mexico means you’re spoiled for world-class cuisine. Move away, and you’ll quickly miss the everyday ease of finding authentic, inexpensive Mexican food.

The Mountain and Desert Landscape
Craggy mountains, winding canyons, oceanic stretches of cacti—Arizona’s rugged scenery leaves a lasting impression. There’s a unique thrill in witnessing water flowing through a usually dry arroyo or hiking beside red rocks.

Endless Outdoor Adventures
With hiking, climbing, biking, paddling, and dispersed camping, Arizona’s access to wild, uncrowded nature is almost unrivaled. Everyday life is infused with opportunity for spontaneous adventure—something you’ll crave after leaving.

Monsoon Storms and Lightning Shows
Arizona’s summer monsoon is drama in the sky: sudden downpours, booming thunder, and lightning that dances across the valley. It’s a seasonal thrill that, surprisingly, you’ll long for in gentler, quieter climates.

The Buzzing Chorus of Cicadas
Many miss the soundtrack of Arizona summers—the cicadas’ relentless buzz, which can be both soothing and deafening as you nurse a cocktail on the patio on a sweltering afternoon.

Embracing Quirky Local Legends
From Sedona’s energy vortexes to tales of haunted mining towns, Arizona’s folklore and sense of the mystical become conversation starters—and a source of genuine nostalgia.

That Peculiar Satisfaction with “Clean” Heat and Blue Skies
There’s a pride in surviving Arizona’s dry, searing heat—especially when you realize how much worse muggy, humid summers feel. The brilliant blue sky, almost every day, becomes a psychological comfort that’s sorely missed.