Moving From the Midwest to Scottsdale: Taxes, Weather, Cost of Living & Lifestyle Compared
Relocating to Arizona Brent Votroubek June 24, 2026
Relocating to Arizona Brent Votroubek June 24, 2026
If you're living in Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Omaha, Des Moines, Detroit, Cleveland, or another Midwest city and wondering whether Scottsdale is worth the move, you're asking the same question many of my clients ask every year.
Most people initially start looking because they're tired of the winters.
The snow.
The gray skies.
The cold temperatures.
The endless shoveling.
But after running the numbers, many discover the move is about much more than weather.
It's about lifestyle, taxes, outdoor living, and having more control over how you spend your time.
As a Scottsdale real estate advisor, I help Midwest buyers relocate to Arizona every month. Here's what you should know before making the move.
Scottsdale has become one of the most popular relocation destinations for people leaving the Midwest.
The biggest reasons include:
For many buyers, Scottsdale offers a lifestyle that's difficult to replicate in colder climates.
Scottsdale enjoys approximately:
From October through May, many residents spend much of their time outdoors.
Activities include:
In cities like Chicago, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Omaha, Des Moines...
Winter often means:
For many Midwest transplants, the ability to enjoy outdoor activities throughout the winter becomes one of the biggest lifestyle upgrades.
One of the most significant financial advantages of relocating to Arizona is property taxes.
Illinois consistently ranks among the highest property tax states in America.
Homeowners often pay close to 2% of their home's value annually in property taxes.
Wisconsin property taxes are also relatively high, often approaching 1.8% depending on location.
Minnesota homeowners frequently face property tax rates well above the national average.
Arizona property taxes are generally much lower.
Many Scottsdale homeowners experience effective tax rates around 0.3% of property value.
On a $500,000 home:
Illinois: Approximately $9,500 annually
Scottsdale: Approximately $1,500 annually
That difference can potentially save thousands of dollars every year.
Another reason many professionals and retirees consider Arizona is the state's flat income tax structure.
Illinois: 4.95%
Michigan: 4.25%
Wisconsin: Up to approximately 7.65%
Minnesota: Up to nearly 10%
Arizona: Flat 2.5%
For higher-income households, those savings can become meaningful over time.
Yes. In most cases, home prices in Scottsdale are significantly higher than many Midwest markets.
Depending on location and property type, Scottsdale homes often command premium pricing due to:
Many Midwest cities offer larger homes and lower purchase prices.
However, many buyers find themselves evaluating more than just square footage.
The question often becomes:
Would you rather have a larger house or a lifestyle that allows you to enjoy being outside most of the year?
For many Scottsdale transplants, the answer becomes clear after experiencing their first winter in Arizona.
Different neighborhoods appeal to different buyers.
Ideal for:
Popular for:
Known for:
Offers:
Popular among:
Not every buyer wants Scottsdale's price point.
Many Midwest buyers also consider:
Offers:
Known for:
Popular because of:
These communities often provide a balance between affordability and lifestyle.
Healthcare becomes increasingly important for many relocating buyers.
Scottsdale is home to nationally recognized healthcare providers including:
Many retirees cite healthcare access as a major factor in their relocation decision.
Another overlooked advantage is Scottsdale's accessibility.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport offers:
Many Midwest transplants appreciate how easy it remains to visit family and friends back home.
When I ask clients what surprised them most after moving, the answers are often similar.
They love:
☀️ Sunshine
⛳ Year-round golf
🥾 Winter hiking
🍽 Outdoor dining
✈ Easy travel
🏥 Strong healthcare options
🤝 Meeting other transplants
Most importantly, they love not planning their lives around the weather.
Many Chicago residents relocate to Scottsdale because of the weather, lower property taxes, outdoor lifestyle, and retirement opportunities.
While Scottsdale home prices are generally higher, Arizona often offers lower property taxes and lower state income taxes.
Retirees are attracted by sunshine, golf, healthcare access, outdoor recreation, and favorable tax conditions.
The most common concerns include higher home prices and extremely hot summer temperatures.
For many buyers seeking better weather and an active outdoor lifestyle, Scottsdale provides benefits that are difficult to find in colder climates.
Every relocation decision is different.
Some buyers prioritize lower taxes.
Others focus on weather.
Others want golf, hiking, healthcare, or retirement planning.
The key is understanding how Scottsdale fits your lifestyle goals—not just comparing home prices.
If you're considering moving from Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Omaha, Des Moines, Detroit, Cleveland, or anywhere else in the Midwest, taking time to understand the neighborhoods, costs, and lifestyle options can help you make a more confident decision.
The right move isn't just about where you live.
It's about how you want to live.
Watch this video where I break down what Midwest buyers need to know before moving to Scottsdale, including weather, property taxes, state income taxes, home prices, lifestyle differences, and the trade-offs that come with making the move.
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Relocating to Arizona
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