Moving to Arizona from New York or New Jersey usually means more room, a car-based routine and a three-hour time difference for much of the year. Before you trade a winter getaway for a permanent move, compare how ordinary weekdays would work from each home you're considering, and plan the sale back East around the purchase here.
I'm Terry Day, REALTOR® with DeLex Realty. I help buyers relocating from the Northeast figure out which part of the Valley fits their day-to-day life, not just their vacation.
New York or New Jersey to Arizona at a glance
- Phoenix is two hours behind New York in winter and three hours behind during Daylight Saving Time, because Arizona stays on Mountain Standard Time all year.
- Most Valley living is car-based. Valley Metro runs regional buses and light rail, so check routes from any home if transit matters to you.
- Arizona MVD says to register a vehicle from another state as soon as you become a resident.
- Compare the full cost of each home: taxes, insurance, HOA fees and summer utility use.
Think about a normal Tuesday, not a vacation week
A lot of New Yorkers and New Jerseyans get to know Arizona on winter trips: golf, spring training, a resort pool. That's a great start, but a permanent home has to work on regular days. When you tour a neighborhood, drive the trips you'd make every week: grocery store, pharmacy, gym, work or the airport. Do it at the time of day you'd really go.
If you'd like to rely on transit for some trips, Valley Metro runs the regional bus and light rail systems. Check the actual stop and route from the home you're considering. For most buyers, though, a car is part of life here.
Cars, licenses and paperwork
If you didn't need a car in the city, you may need one now. If you're bringing one, Arizona MVD's New to Arizona page says to register it as soon as you become a resident, and some vehicles in the Phoenix metro need an emissions test first. The same page lists what to bring for your Arizona driver license, including the optional Travel ID.
More space, used well
Many buyers from the Northeast are surprised by how much space they can find here. The useful question is whether the space works for you:
- A separate office if you'll keep working remotely.
- Garage space, since many Valley homes don't have basements for storage.
- A covered patio you'll use in summer, not just a big yard.
- Pool or no pool. A pool is great in July, but it comes with upkeep.
The time difference
New York and New Jersey change their clocks twice a year. Most of Arizona doesn't (timeanddate.com explains it). That makes Phoenix two hours behind the East Coast in winter and three hours behind from March to November. If you'll keep an East Coast job, a 9 a.m. meeting in New York is a 6 a.m. meeting in Phoenix for most of the year. Plan your home office with early mornings in mind. More on this in Does Arizona Observe Daylight Saving Time?
Seasonal home or full-time move?
Some buyers start with a winter home and move full time later. Those are two different searches. A seasonal home should be easy to lock up and leave, with someone local to check on it and a plan for the cooling system while you're away. A full-time home needs to work in every season. If you're looking at a 55+ community, read its current age and occupancy rules for the specific home.
Costs and timing
Compare total costs for the actual homes: property tax history, an insurance quote, HOA fees and the utility history. Talk with a tax professional about residency and the sale of your Northeast home. Then decide whether you'll sell first or buy first. Your lender can confirm whether buying first works. Some Valley homes may also have an FHA or VA loan a qualified buyer could assume; see my assumable mortgage homes page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the time difference between Phoenix and New York?
Two hours in winter and three hours during Daylight Saving Time, since Arizona stays on Mountain Standard Time all year.
Do I need a car in Phoenix?
Most residents drive. Valley Metro offers buses and light rail, so if transit matters, check routes from the specific home.
Will I get more space for my money?
Often, but compare actual homes and full ownership costs before deciding.
Should I buy a winter home first?
It can be a good way to test the Valley. Just plan for care and insurance while you're away, and know that a full-time home may need different features.
Ready to compare homes? Call Terry Day at DeLex Realty, 602-483-4665, and let's map out your move from the Northeast.
Planning a move from New York or New Jersey?
Call Terry: 602-483-4665