1. The Smell of Desert Rain (Creosote After Rain)
- The unique scent that fills the air after a desert rain, especially from creosote bushes, is something many Arizonans deeply miss. It’s a sensory memory that instantly brings people back to the desert.
2. Arizona Sunrises and Sunsets
- Arizona’s sunrises and sunsets are renowned for their vivid, almost surreal colors. Many who move away find that the sky just doesn’t look the same anywhere else, making these daily displays a source of homesickness.
3. Monsoon Season
- The dramatic monsoon storms, with their sudden downpours, lightning, and thunder, are a hallmark of Arizona summers. The experience of watching a storm roll in over the desert is something people often long for after leaving.
4. The Heat-Especially the Dry Heat
- While it can be intense, many miss the sensation of being “baked alive” by the Arizona sun. The dry heat is distinct and, for some, oddly comforting compared to the humidity found elsewhere.
5. Familiar Desert Landscape
- The sight of cacti, mountains, and wide-open desert vistas is unique to Arizona. The ability to see for miles and orient yourself by the mountains is something people miss when surrounded by trees or cityscapes elsewhere.
6. The Buzz of Cicadas
- The sound of cicadas buzzing during the summer is a small but memorable part of Arizona life, often associated with lazy afternoons and backyard relaxation.
7. Local Food Scene
- Arizona offers a wide variety of food, especially Mexican cuisine, that’s hard to find elsewhere. Many miss the abundance of affordable, high-quality options that are available throughout the state.
8. Outdoor Living (Evenings on the Patio)
- Despite the heat, evenings spent outside-often with a drink, watching the sunset or a storm-are a cherished part of Arizona life that people find themselves missing.
9. The Ease of Driving and Road Systems
- Arizona’s grid-like road system and relatively manageable traffic (especially in Phoenix) are appreciated only after experiencing the confusing or congested roads in other cities.
10. The Feeling of Space and Openness
- The vast, open spaces and big skies of Arizona create a sense of freedom and perspective that’s hard to replicate in more densely populated or forested areas.
Sources:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85uuuawYrRA
- https://riddlenationaz.erau.edu/tag/homesick/
- https://www.buzzfeed.com/tomvellner/23-ways-to-feel-a-little-less-homesick
- https://visitusaparks.com/6-things-you-can-only-do-in-superior-arizona/
- https://wisemoveaz.com/moving-to-arizona-what-i-love-and-what-i-hate/