Why So Many Americans Move To Arizona And Not New Mexico

Summary

This video explores the contrasting growth of New Mexico and Arizona over the last century. Despite similar arid landscapes, Arizona has seen significantly more population growth, largely due to its access to the Colorado River and a more comfortable climate, particularly in winter. Phoenix, Arizona's largest city, has flourished with a larger population, a booming economy, and major sports teams, while Albuquerque, New Mexico's largest city, has seen slower growth. The video delves into historical, geographical, and climatic factors contributing to these differences.

Takeaways

• 🏜️ New Mexico and Arizona have a shared history and were once part of the same territory before becoming separate states.
• 🌱 Water availability is a significant factor in the growth disparity between Arizona and New Mexico, with Arizona benefiting more from the Colorado River.
• 🏙️ Phoenix, Arizona, has outpaced Albuquerque, New Mexico, in population growth and economic development, partly due to its more favorable climate and access to water.
• 🌡️ New Mexico's higher elevation leads to colder winters compared to Arizona, which affects its attractiveness to residents, especially 'snowbirds' fleeing colder climates.
• 📈 Arizona's population has grown exponentially more than New Mexico's over the last century, making it the 14th largest state in the US, while New Mexico ranks 36th.
• 🏞️ Despite being predominantly desert states, Arizona and New Mexico have different weather patterns, which influence their respective populations and growth.
• 🏛️ The historical debate over statehood for New Mexico and Arizona was influenced by the demographics and political climate of the time, with New Mexico's Mexican heritage playing a role.
• 🚂 The establishment of the transcontinental railroad and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo were pivotal in shaping the territories that would become New Mexico and Arizona.
• 🌎 The geographical features and climate of each state have had a lasting impact on their development, with Arizona's lower elevation and access to water being advantageous.
• 🌤️ The climate and weather differences between Phoenix and Albuquerque have contributed to the population shift, with Phoenix's milder winters being more appealing.

Q & A

Why is Arizona often preferred over New Mexico for relocation by Americans?

Arizona has experienced more significant growth due to factors such as better water availability, particularly from the Colorado River, and a more comfortable climate, especially in winter, which attracts 'snowbirds' from colder northern cities.

How did the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo impact the territories that became New Mexico and Arizona?

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 resulted in the United States gaining control over a vast territory that included what would become New Mexico and Arizona, among other states.

What was the role of the U.S. Civil War in determining the status of New Mexico and Arizona?

During the U.S. Civil War, there was debate over whether New Mexico would enter the Union as a slave state or a free state. The Union won control of the territory, but the Confederates, based in Texas, continued to claim the southern part of New Mexico as Arizona.

When were New Mexico and Arizona admitted as states, and what were their populations at that time?

New Mexico was admitted as a state on January 6, 1912, with a population of nearly 330,000 people, while Arizona was admitted shortly after on February 14, 1912, with just over 200,000 people.

How does the water availability differ between Arizona and New Mexico, and what is the impact on their growth?

Arizona benefits from multiple water sources, including a sizable portion of the Colorado River delivered by an aqueduct, while New Mexico's largest river, the Rio Grande, is much smaller and has been a subject of legal battles over water rights. This has led to Arizona being able to better support agriculture and population growth.

What is the average elevation of New Mexico and Arizona, and how does it affect their climates?

New Mexico exists at an average elevation of around 5,000 feet above sea level, with Albuquerque at 5,300 feet, while Arizona's average elevation is 4,000 feet, and Phoenix is at just over 1,200 feet. This difference contributes to Albuquerque experiencing colder winters compared to Phoenix, making Arizona more attractive for residents seeking a milder climate.

How has the agricultural industry in Arizona contributed to its population growth?

Arizona's agricultural industry has been able to grow due to better water availability, which in turn attracted more people to support the industry, leading to increased population and economic growth.

What is the current population of New Mexico and Arizona, and how do they rank in terms of state size?

As of the information provided, New Mexico has a population of just over 2.1 million people, making it the 36th largest state, while Arizona has over 7.3 million people, making it the 14th largest state.

How has the historical treatment of former Mexican citizens in New Mexico affected its statehood and growth?

Many of the early residents of New Mexico were former Mexican citizens, and U.S. politicians did not intend to regard them on an equal level with American settlers. This may have contributed to slower statehood and growth compared to other territories.

What are some of the challenges that New Mexico has faced that have contributed to its slower growth compared to Arizona?

New Mexico has faced challenges such as less water availability for agriculture, a colder climate which is less attractive to certain residents, and historical political decisions that have affected its statehood and growth.