I've never been to AZ or CA. I'd like to see some of each before I croak and head for the lowest circle of Hell. Unfortunately I'm still too broke these days to afford even the bus to Bellingham, WA.
AZ is rugged. You gotta be strong to live here. It's also beautiful, but in a different way. I've always loved Saguaro cactus, but I've learned to love a lot more of the native cacti.
I was used to roses, tulips, daffodils and stuff like that. Can't grow them here. Well, probably this year with the rain and cool weather you could. But no one knows what the weather is going to be.