I’m not a native Arizonan. But in a state of transplants, my nearly 30 years in the Grand Canyon state often make me feel like an old-timer, with the accompanying insight into the vernacular, culture, and natural treasures.
So, when I noticed that lists were circulating on social media about things people in other states will never say, I thought it would be fun to come up with a list from my adopted home state.
One caveat: Some of these are probably wishful thinking on my part – especially among those recent transplants!
1 What’s that little bird that runs across the road?
It’s a roadrunner, of course.
2 Really? You can fry an egg on the sidewalk? I’ve never heard that.
3 When will I ever see the sun again?
4 Oh look – it’s one of those Sa-G-uaro cactuses.
Those cacti are actually everywhere in southern AZ. (And the G is soft – sa-WAH-ro)
5 Sure, I’ll drive you to the airport. I love Sky Harbor.
6 Why aren’t there more Mexican restaurants to choose from?
7 What’s a snowbird?
8 Wow, it’s 100 degrees. I can’t believe it.
9 Flagstaff is in Arizona; it’s got to be hot there.
At nearly 7,000 feet elevation, Flagstaff’s cool autumn quickly turns into frigid winter.
10 Take the 101 – it’s the least stressful way to go.
11 Guns? I really don’t know anyone who has one.
12 Isn’t the Grand Canyon in Utah? Or Nevada?
It’s not called the “Grand Canyon State” for nothing.
13 Yay! It’s a California license plate.
14 Hiking is just for old people.
The variety of ages (and species) on Arizona’s trails is virtually endless.
15 I don’t get why shade is such a big deal here.
16 Drive to the beach in Mexico? That sounds too risky for me.
The lure of the beaches of Rocky Point is irresistible.
17 When I order iced tea, I expect it to be sweet!
18 Yikes, a lizard. That freaks me out.
Lizards are everywhere. It doesn’t pay to scream every time.
19 Whiskey Row – does that have something to do with alcohol?
Yes, there are a few bars on Whiskey Row.
20 What are all of those businesses with a K and a circle around it?
21 You put gravy on biscuits?
22 This state looks the same everywhere you go.
23 Jerome is a ghost town; it’ll be deserted this weekend, right?
24 It seems like this snow is never going to melt.
Almost before it stops coming down, it seems, the snow begins to disappear.
25 Javelinas are so cute!
26 We can save some time by driving to Flagstaff through Oak Creek Canyon.
27 Sedona is this state’s best-kept secret.
Mention you’re from Arizona virtually anywhere in the world, and people will bring up Sedona.
28 My car doesn’t really need air conditioning. I never use it anyway.
29 Practically everybody I know was born and raised here in Arizona.
30 The Grand Canyon is an overrated hole in the ground.
Enough said!
31 Flip-flops in February? Don’t be silly.
32 Allergies? What allergies?
33 How can you get in the Christmas spirit without snow?
34 The Wildcats – is that a sports team?
35 Shouldn’t the San Francisco Peaks be in California?
The U.S. Forest Service says the name dates back to the early Franciscan Friars who named the mountains after Saint Francis of Assisi.
NearandFarAZ 
Love this one. Thanks Cindy for the enjoyable blogs.
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Thanks, Kristy! It’s been a lot of fun. Glad to hear you’re enjoying them. 🙂
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Oh this is such a delightful post. Thank you for sharing.
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