Call UsFree Rental Analysis
MenuProperty ManagementLeasingReal EstateInvestorsCalifornia to ArizonaAboutContactSearch Listings
MarketsScottsdaleParadise ValleyPhoenixSedonaMesaTempeGilbertChandlerCottonwood & Verde ValleyAll 36 markets →
PortalsOwner LoginTenant Login
CA → AZ Relocation Specialists

California Roots.
Arizona Expertise.

Dual-licensed in CA (CA Broker #01786835) and AZ (Lic. #LC722056000). Dedicated relocation advisory for LA, OC, and Bay Area clients moving to Scottsdale, Sedona, and Phoenix.

CA → AZ Relocation

What We Offer
in CA → AZ Relocation

The California to Arizona migration is one of the defining real estate stories of the last decade — and Barré Properties is uniquely positioned to guide every step of that journey. our designated broker was a California broker before establishing Barré Properties in Arizona in 2020. He holds an active CA broker license, has deep LA market knowledge, and has built a 1,400+ agent referral network spanning Beverly Hills, Calabasas, Westside, and the broader LA luxury market.

our broker made the move from California to Arizona himself, establishing roots here in 2020. He didn't just broker this transition — he lived it. He knows what California buyers are leaving behind, what surprises them about Arizona, and exactly how to navigate the financial, logistical, and emotional dimensions of a cross-state relocation. That personal experience is irreplaceable.

What's Included
  • Free consultation — lifestyle mapping, market selection, timeline
  • Deep-dive education on AZ markets vs your CA starting point
  • CA broker license for properly documented referral coordination
  • End-to-end buyer representation once you arrive in AZ
  • Virtual home tour services for long-distance searching
  • School district, HOA, and community research
  • Cost-of-living comparison and financial planning support
  • Post-closing concierge referrals — contractors, utilities, registration
  • If selling in CA: referral to our vetted CA agent network
  • Ongoing support after you arrive — we want you to love AZ

Questions about your property? We answer the same business day.

Free Rental Analysis
Markets We Serve

CA → AZ Relocation
Coverage Areas

Los Angeles → Scottsdale (most popular route)Beverly Hills / Calabasas → Paradise ValleyLA → Sedona (lifestyle relocation)OC / Bay Area → Phoenix MetroAny CA market → Any AZ market

Barré Properties maintains active presence and deep market knowledge across all of Arizona's premier markets. We don't spread thin — we go deep.

Explore Our Markets →

The Barré Properties Difference

Dual-Licensed AZ & CARare
Third-Generation Expertise20+ Years
Full-Service BrokerageEnd-to-End
Discreet, Owner-First ApproachAlways
Local Market KnowledgeDeep
Transparent, Custom TermsNo Surprises
CA Sale ReferralCoordinated through CA network
ConsultationComplimentary
CA Broker License#01786835 — Active

Every engagement is tailored to your goals. We provide clear, transparent terms with no hidden fees. Speak With Our Team for a personalized consultation →

All rates are subject to negotiation. Every engagement begins with an individual assessment of your property and objectives, and terms are structured to be fair to all parties.

Thinking about moving from California to Arizona? Start with a conversation.

Talk to the Broker480-269-1621
Intro

A Coordinated
Transition

The biggest mistake California exiters make is treating the sale and the purchase as separate, sequential events. With proper coordination, the equity exit in California and the acquisition in Arizona can be managed in parallel — reducing stress, carrying costs, and timing risk.

Because we hold active licenses in both California and Arizona, we can advise on both sides of the move and connect you with the right professionals — tax advisors, movers, and lenders familiar with cross-state transactions.

  • Plan your timing — coordinate the CA sale and AZ purchase so they overlap cleanly
  • Understand residency — consult a tax advisor on establishing Arizona residency and severing CA tax ties
  • Define your AZ target — market, neighborhood, and home profile based on lifestyle and budget
  • Prepare the CA home for sale — staging, pricing, and timing to maximize your equity exit
  • Secure AZ financing or structure a cash purchase from sale proceeds
  • Coordinate the move — logistics, vendors, and settling into your new community
Intro

The California
Exit

California's top marginal income tax rate is the highest in the nation. For high earners and those with significant investment or business income, relocating to Arizona's flat 2.5% income tax can represent dramatic annual savings.

Beyond income tax, the absence of any state estate or inheritance tax in both states is favorable, but Arizona's far lower property tax rate and overall cost of living compound the advantage. For California exiters selling appreciated homes, the equity stretches substantially further in Arizona.

We are real estate professionals, not tax advisors — every situation is different and you should always consult a qualified CPA or tax attorney. But as dual-licensed CA and AZ brokers, we understand this transition intimately and coordinate the California exit and Arizona acquisition in parallel.

Side By Side

The
Comparison

Metric
California
Arizona
Top marginal income tax
13.3%
2.5% flat
State estate tax
None (federal only)
None
State inheritance tax
None
None
Effective property tax rate
~0.71% avg
~0.47% avg
Social Security taxed
No
No
General cost of living
Among highest in US
~30% lower (coastal CA)

Figures are illustrative general estimates for orientation only and change over time. Verify all tax and cost figures with a qualified CPA or tax advisor for your specific situation.

Intro

Legacy
Planning

Arizona imposes no state estate tax and no inheritance tax. For families with significant assets, this is a meaningful consideration in choosing where to establish residency — particularly when exiting states with their own estate-level taxes or higher overall tax burdens.

Combined with the absence of a state estate tax, Arizona's low flat income tax and minimal property taxes make it one of the most favorable states in the nation for preserving and transferring wealth across generations.

We want to be clear: we are real estate brokers, not tax or estate-planning advisors. The decisions here are significant and individual — always work with a qualified estate attorney and CPA. What we offer is deep expertise in the real estate side of a high-net-worth relocation, executed with discretion.

  • No Arizona state estate tax — only federal estate tax thresholds apply
  • No Arizona inheritance tax on assets passed to heirs
  • Flat 2.5% state income tax — among the lowest in the nation
  • Effective property tax around 0.47% — well below national averages
  • Social Security income not taxed at the state level
  • A discreet, dual-licensed partner for the real estate side of your move
Intro

Your Equity
Goes Further

Los Angeles homeowners sitting on substantial equity are often surprised by how much further that money stretches in Scottsdale. The same capital that buys a modest property in coastal LA can secure a significantly larger luxury home in North Scottsdale or Paradise Valley.

Layer in the income and property tax savings, lower utility and insurance costs, and the lifestyle dividend of 300+ days of sunshine, and the total picture often favors the move decisively for those not tied to a California location.

As dual-licensed brokers, we help Los Angeles clients manage the equity exit and Scottsdale acquisition as a single coordinated transaction.

Side By Side

The
Comparison

Metric
Los Angeles
Scottsdale
Median luxury home
Significantly higher
More home per dollar
Top income tax rate
13.3%
2.5% flat
Property tax (effective)
~0.71%
~0.47%
Days of sunshine / yr
~280
300+
Private aviation access
Multiple, congested
Scottsdale (SDL)
Overall cost index
Among highest
~30% lower

Figures are illustrative general estimates for orientation only and change over time. Verify all tax and cost figures with a qualified CPA or tax advisor for your specific situation.

Intro

Silicon Valley
to Silicon Desert

The Phoenix metro's emergence as the 'Silicon Desert' — driven by major semiconductor investment and corporate relocations — has accelerated a steady migration from the San Francisco Bay Area to Scottsdale and its surrounding communities.

For Bay Area professionals and families, the math is compelling: dramatically lower housing costs, a flat 2.5% income tax versus California's 13.3% top rate, and a lifestyle of space, sunshine, and outdoor access that the Bay Area's prices increasingly preclude.

We help Bay Area clients translate substantial home equity into significantly more home in Scottsdale, while coordinating the California exit and Arizona purchase as dual-licensed brokers.

  • Trade Bay Area housing costs for far more home in Scottsdale
  • Flat 2.5% AZ income tax vs California's 13.3% top marginal rate
  • The "Silicon Desert" — growing tech and corporate presence in the metro
  • Direct flights and private aviation access via Scottsdale (SDL)
  • A coordinated equity exit and acquisition across both states
  • Discreet, experienced guidance for high-net-worth tech relocations
Intro

Coast to
Canyon

Sedona has long attracted Californians — it's an easy drive or short flight from Los Angeles, yet a world away in pace and landscape. For those seeking nature, wellness, and a more intentional lifestyle, the red rocks offer something the coast can't.

Many LA buyers start with a Sedona second home or investment property — often a short-term rental in the strong tourism market — before transitioning to full-time residency to capture Arizona's tax advantages.

From our licensed office in the Verde Valley, we know the Sedona market intimately and, as dual-licensed CA and AZ brokers, we make the cross-state move seamless.

  • Easy access — a half-day drive or short flight from the LA basin
  • Strong short-term rental market for second-home and investment buyers
  • A wellness, arts, and outdoor lifestyle distinct from coastal California
  • Arizona tax advantages for those establishing full-time residency
  • Local Verde Valley office with deep Sedona market knowledge
  • Dual CA + AZ licensing for a coordinated, low-stress relocation
Why the Move

Chicago to Arizona.

Chicago is a long-standing feeder to Arizona — retirees and remote professionals alike trade harsh winters and a heavy tax burden for year-round sun, more affordable space, and a relaxed outdoor lifestyle.

The Differences

Chicago vs Arizona.

ClimateBrutal winters → no-snow desert winters and superb spring/fall
Housing costGenerally more space for the money
TaxesArizona’s low flat income tax and no transfer tax are a relief versus Illinois
LifestyleIndoor winters → year-round outdoor living
Where People Land

Finding your spot.

Chicago movers gravitate to the East and West Valleys for value and newer homes, Scottsdale for lifestyle, and Sun City-style active-adult communities for retirement — plus the Verde Valley for a milder four-season feel.

Chicago to Arizona FAQ

Relocation questions, answered.

Is Arizona a good move from Chicago?

For many, yes — you trade harsh winters and a high tax burden for sun, more affordable space, and year-round outdoor living.

How much warmer is Arizona than Chicago?

Dramatically — the low desert essentially skips winter, with mild, snow-free cool seasons and hot summers.

Moving From Chicago?

We’ll handle it.

From first virtual tour to keys, our designated broker makes an out-of-state move simple.

Why the Move

Denver to Arizona.

Denver and Arizona share an active, outdoor-minded culture, which makes the move feel natural — but Arizona adds warmer winters, no-snow living in the low desert, and often better housing value, while the high country (Sedona, Verde Valley) offers four-season air at elevation.

The Differences

Denver vs Arizona.

ClimateCold, snowy winters → mild low-desert winters; or four-season high desert up north
Housing costOften better value than metro Denver for comparable homes
OutdoorsMountains and snow → desert trails, red rocks, and year-round golf
Income taxBoth modest; Arizona’s flat rate is competitive
Where People Land

Finding your spot.

Denver transplants who want elevation and four seasons often love Sedona and the Verde Valley; those prioritizing jobs and schools land in the East Valley or Scottsdale, where the outdoor lifestyle continues year-round.

Denver to Arizona FAQ

Relocation questions, answered.

Is Arizona warmer than Denver?

Yes — the low desert has mild, snow-free winters, while northern Arizona (Sedona, Verde Valley) offers a milder four-season climate than Denver.

Where do Denver transplants move in Arizona?

Commonly Sedona and the Verde Valley for elevation and four seasons, or the East Valley and Scottsdale for jobs, schools, and amenities.

Moving From Denver?

We’ll handle it.

From first virtual tour to keys, our designated broker makes an out-of-state move simple.

Why the Move

Seattle to Arizona.

Seattle transplants are a growing share of Arizona buyers, drawn by sunshine, lower housing costs, no-snow winters, and a friendlier tax picture. The lifestyle shift is real — from rain and density to desert light and space.

The Differences

Seattle vs Arizona.

ClimateGray and wet → sunny and dry; trade rain for triple-digit summers and superb winters
Housing costGenerally well below Seattle for comparable space
Income taxArizona’s flat state income tax is low; Washington has none but higher housing offsets it
PaceDense and rainy → spread-out, outdoor, sun-driven
Where People Land

Finding your spot.

Seattle movers often land in the East Valley (Gilbert, Chandler) for schools and tech, North Scottsdale for lifestyle, or the Verde Valley and Sedona for a milder, four-season high-desert climate that feels less extreme than Phoenix in summer.

Seattle to Arizona FAQ

Relocation questions, answered.

Is Arizona cheaper than Seattle?

Housing is generally more affordable for comparable space, and Arizona’s living costs tend to run below Seattle’s.

How is Arizona’s weather compared to Seattle?

Far sunnier and drier — you trade Seattle’s rain and gray for hot summers and exceptional fall-through-spring weather.

Moving From Seattle?

We’ll handle it.

From first virtual tour to keys, our designated broker makes an out-of-state move simple.

Overview

The Migration
Reshaping the Southwest

The movement of residents and capital from California to Arizona is one of the defining demographic trends of the decade. The drivers are clear: a flat 2.5% income tax versus California's 13.3% top rate, property taxes roughly a third lower, no estate tax, and luxury home values that let California equity stretch dramatically further.

Arizona offers space, sunshine, and a lower cost of living without sacrificing the amenities affluent buyers expect. As dual-licensed CA and AZ brokers, we sit at the center of this migration — managing both sides of the move for clients making the leap.

Side By Side

The
Comparison

Factor
California
Arizona
Top income tax
13.3%
2.5% flat
Effective property tax
~0.71%
~0.47%
Estate / inheritance tax
None / None
None / None
Luxury home value
Premium pricing
More home per dollar
Cost of living
Among highest in US
~30% lower (vs coastal)
Climate
Coastal, mild
300+ sunny days

Market figures are general estimates for orientation and change frequently. Contact us for current, property-specific data.

The Verdict

How to
Decide

Arizona wins decisively on taxes, property costs, and overall cost of living.

California retains coastal lifestyle and climate appeal for those tied to it.

For buyers not bound to a CA location, the financial case for Arizona is compelling — and we manage the entire transition.

Get In Touch

Get Your Free
Consultation.

Our team responds the same business day — no runaround.

B&C
Message Received

Thank You for
Reaching Out.

Our team will respond quickly — typically within a few hours during business hours.

AZ Broker #BR721911000 · AZ Entity #LC722056000 · CA Broker #01786835 · Barré & Company Realty LLC
Free Download
Free Relocation Guide
Download our California-to-Arizona relocation guide.
Download PDF ↓