Desert vs. Beach

Although completely different, California and Arizona are both wonderful states to reside in. I have lived in both states, and love them both. California is beautiful with beaches, bridges and big cities. Arizona has gorgeous mountains and rivers. Both states have vastly different weather and terrain, cost of living, and quality of schools and their accomodations. Arizona's population grows in the winter when "snowbirds" migrate to the nice calm and cool weather. In Maricopa county, which covers the entire Phoenix Metropolitan area of Arizona in which I grew up, the weather is very predictable throughout the year. It is a popular state in winter because there are not any storms that pass through and temperatures do not get very cold. The coldest temperature Maricopa had reached was 26 degrees in December. Unlike most other places, in Maricopa, rain is rare, and snow is unheard of. During the summer that population dwindles back to its normal numbers. Snowbirds leave back to their home states to get out of the heat. Summer temperatures can reach up to 122 degrees! A vacation to Arizona during the Summer must be carefully planned if you are not used to these high temperatures. Summer is also "monsoon season". Monsoons bring bursts of heavy rain from the Gulfs of Mexico and California. Arizona gets over half of its rain from monsoon season. But monsoon season also brings "haboobs" which are heavy dust storms which you can hardly see through. Although it can be troublesome or even scary while driving, it is quite an experience to go thru a haboob. The mountains surround you in every direction covered in wildlife and cactus as the amazing sunsets linger over them in swirls of purple, pink, and orange hues. California also has beautiful sunsets, my favorites are over the green rolling hills or the big city buildings. The annual average temperature in Contra Costa County, Californina is much cooler than Arizona at about 60 degrees. Summer temperatures stay anywhere