Relocation guide
Moving to Lake Havasu City
Visiting for a long weekend and living here in August are two different things. This guide is for people planning to make Lake Havasu home.
Short answer
Moving to Lake Havasu full time means choosing a home for daily life, not for weekends. Put shade, cooling, storage and your everyday drive ahead of being near the busiest ramps. If you have only been here in spring or fall, spend a week in July before you buy.
The year in Lake Havasu, season by season
| Season | What it is like | What it means for a homeowner |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | Mild, sunny days and cool nights. Seasonal residents arrive. | Busiest time for restaurants and services. Pools need a heater to be usable. |
| Spring | Warm days. Boating season begins. Big event weekends. | Traffic near ramps and the channel on weekends. Many homes are listed. |
| Summer | Highs above 110 degrees are normal. Lake days start early and end late. | Cooling runs hard. Shade, insulation and a working AC matter most now. |
| Fall | Water stays warm as the air cools. Crowds thin. | Many locals call it the best stretch of the year. |
Living with the heat
People do live here happily all year. They plan for summer in specific ways.
- Air conditioning is equipment, not a comfort. Ask the age of every unit. Have them inspected by an HVAC company during your inspection period.
- Shade decides how much of the yard you use. Deep covered patios and east-facing backyards get more use in summer than open west-facing ones.
- The garage gets hot. If you will work in it or store things that do not like heat, look for insulation and a mini-split, or budget to add them.
- A pool changes summer. Read the pool home guide before deciding whether to buy one or build one.
- Errands move to the morning. So does yard work, walking the dog and washing the boat.
Everyday life
Lake Havasu City is a full-service small city. Most daily needs are a short drive along State Route 95 or McCulloch Boulevard.
- Shopping. Grocery stores and national retailers are spread along State Route 95, with The Shops at Lake Havasu on the north side.
- Medical care. Havasu Regional Medical Center is the local hospital. For some specialists, residents travel to Las Vegas or Phoenix. If you see a specialist now, check what is available here before you move.
- Schools. The Lake Havasu Unified School District serves the city, and there are charter and private options. Visit and ask your own questions. Attendance boundaries can change, so confirm the assigned schools for any address with the district.
- Travel. Most people fly from Las Vegas or Phoenix.
- Outdoors. The lake, the Bridgewater Channel, Rotary Park, SARA Park and miles of desert trails. Off-road areas such as Standard Wash are south of the city.
Choosing where to live full time
Weekend buyers ask how far the ramp is. Full-time buyers should also ask these.
- How long is the drive to the grocery store, the pharmacy and the doctor you would use?
- How steep is the street? You will drive it every day.
- Which way does the backyard face?
- Is there an HOA, and do its rules fit how you live?
- What is next to and behind the lot, and could that change?
- If you want one level and few steps, does the lot's slope allow that?
The Lake Havasu neighborhoods guide compares the main areas and communities.
Costs to budget
Paige will not hand you a made-up average. Ask for actual figures on any home you are serious about.
- Electricity. Ask the seller for 12 months of bills. Summer months will be the highest.
- Property tax. Look up the parcel on the Mohave County Assessor and Treasurer sites. Make sure a home you will live in is classed as a primary residence.
- Home insurance. Quote it during the inspection period.
- HOA dues, if any.
- Pool and yard care.
- Vehicle and boat registration in Arizona.
Becoming an Arizona resident
These are the usual steps. Each agency sets its own rules and deadlines, so check with them directly.
- Driver license and vehicle registration. Through the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division.
- Boat registration. Through the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
- Voter registration, if you choose to register.
- Insurance. Move auto, boat and home policies to Arizona.
- Property classification. Tell the Mohave County Assessor the home is your primary residence.
- Taxes. Talk with a tax professional about your move date and the state you are leaving. This matters most for people leaving California. See moving to Lake Havasu from California.
Test it before you commit
If your whole picture of Lake Havasu comes from spring weekends, fill in the rest first.
- Come in July or August. Stay a week. Run errands at 3 p.m.
- Spend a normal Tuesday. Not a holiday weekend.
- Drive your routes. From the neighborhoods you like to the store, the ramp and the highway.
- Visit homes at different times. Morning light and late-afternoon sun tell different stories.
Selling where you are and buying here
Most people moving here have a home to sell first. There are a few ways to line up the two.
- Sell first, then buy. The cleanest offer here. You may need a short-term place to land.
- Buy first, then sell. Possible if you can carry both for a while. Ask your lender what that takes.
- Make your purchase depend on your sale. Sellers accept this sometimes. It depends on the home and the market at that moment.
Tell Paige which one you are leaning toward. It changes how she would write the offer and which homes are realistic.
Questions buyers ask
How hot does Lake Havasu City get in summer?
Very hot. Afternoon highs above 110 degrees are normal from June into September, and some days go well past that. People who live here year-round shift outdoor time to early morning and evening, and plan their homes around shade and cooling.
Does Lake Havasu City have a commercial airport?
The city airport mainly serves private and charter aircraft. Most residents fly out of Las Vegas or Phoenix, each roughly a two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half hour drive. Check current schedules, because regional service changes.
Are homes in Lake Havasu on sewer or septic?
Most homes inside the city are connected to the city sewer system. Some properties outside the city limits use septic. It is a standard thing to confirm for any home, and it should be stated in the seller's disclosures.
When do I have to get an Arizona driver license?
Arizona expects new residents to get a license and register vehicles once they become residents, which includes working here, enrolling children in school or staying for an extended period. The Arizona MVD lists the exact rules.
Should I rent before I buy?
It can be a smart step if you have never spent a summer here or are unsure which side of town fits you. Rentals can be limited, so start looking early. A week-long summer stay is a lighter way to test the same thing.
Does Arizona have a state income tax?
Yes. Arizona currently taxes income at a flat rate of 2.5 percent. Your overall tax picture depends on your income sources and the state you are leaving, so review it with a tax professional.