Why do homes in Arizona have walls around them?

They were for the protection of livestock or for safety, but they were low walls that you could see over. Phoenix and its environs sort of adapted that style, but there were factors other than keeping the hogs from wandering away.

Why do houses in Arizona have cinder block fences?

Unlike wood, concrete won't rot, doesn't need to be painted and is more stable. It also provides more privacy and insulation. And instead of shipping lumber or stone from elsewhere, masonry blocks could be built locally — with Phoenix being at the forefront in developing such masonry techniques.

Why are there walls around houses in Las Vegas?

Is it for safety reasons? It's for many reasons, really — including the city's layout, land costs, traffic and transience. In the early 1960s, Las Vegas neighborhoods looked much like the rest of the country, according to Robert Fielden, an urban planner who arrived here that decade.

How are houses built in Arizona?

Most Arizona homes are built on a slab

Builders install strong steel cables before pouring concrete, and then apply tension after the concrete has set. The goal is to prevent the cracks that can be caused by soil changes. However, not all homes have these reinforced foundations and, even then, damage can still happen.

What are houses like in Arizona?

Santa Fe Style or Spanish Colonial Style homes are very common in Arizona. These homes usually have small windows, a flat roof of latillas and vigas, and tiles of distinct colors. Arched doorways and wood beams are also present. Hard surface flooring, usually featuring jarred brigs, can be covered by rugs.

Why are Arizona homes stucco?

Stucco is durable, long lasting and good house protection provided it properly applied and maintained.

Why don t houses in Phoenix have basements?

Because the ground doesn't freeze in Phoenix, you only have to dig 18 inches below the surface to pour concrete footing for a house. If you want a basement, you'll have to go out of your way to dig deeper. That's complicated by a common soil phenomena in the state called caliche.

Why do houses in Tucson have walls around them?

In cities such as Santa Fe or Tucson, where there was a strong Spanish influence, there were walls. They were for the protection of livestock or for safety, but they were low walls that you could see over.

What style are homes built in Arizona?

A quintessential Southwest design, the Pueblo Revival style draws inspiration from the original pueblos built throughout both New Mexico and Arizona. Popularized around the beginning of the 20th century, the architecture reflects dwellings built by Pueblo Indians in 750 A.D. and beyond.

Why don t houses have basements in Las Vegas?

Sun Archives. Caliche — the layer of sedimentary rock that loves to mock anyone wielding a shovel in Las Vegas — is the reason basements are a rarity here. Basements require a lot more excavation than your typical pool, according to experts. They are, after all, part of a home's foundation.

Is Las Vegas sinking?

Land subsidence in the Las Vegas area is primarily related to ground-water withdrawal. Although the rate of subsidence has remained relatively constant for the last decade, recent urban development has intensified the occurrence of fissuring and structural damage.

Why are there fences in the desert?

A sand fence or sandbreak, similar to a snow fence, is a barrier used to force windblown, drifting sand to accumulate in a desired place. Sand fences are employed to control erosion, help sand dune stabilization, keep sand off roadways, and to recruit new material in desert areas.

Is cinder block fence cheaper than wood?

Chain-link is generally the least expensive fencing material, in terms of both initial cost and maintenance. Masonry walls are substantially more expensive, while wood fences fall between the other two.

Can you build a wall instead of a fence?

A brick wall may cost more than a fence, but it offers more advantages in the long run. Not only is a wall more visually appealing, but it is also more durable. Depending on your location, you may need planning permission to erect any 2m high or 1m wall on the edge of a public highway.

What is an adobe style home?

Also known as Pueblo-style homes, adobe-style houses are a type of home created by the Pueblo people. Constructed of natural, durable materials and featuring thick walls and flat, rounded roofs, adobe-style homes are ideal for dry and harsh climates like the Southwestern United States.

How is the real estate market in Arizona?

Last year was anything but normal — especially in Arizona's residential real estate market. Median sale prices rose in Phoenix from $325,000 in January 2021 to $404,300 by October, a 24.4% increase, according to real estate website Redfin.

What is a Mediterranean style house?

With ties to historic European architecture, Mediterranean-style homes are reminiscent of sun-soaked, seaside locales. The elegant exteriors often feature elements such as red roof tiles, stucco walls, arches, and enclosed outdoor spaces. These Mediterranean-inspired homes showcase timeless style with global appeal.

What is it like to live in Scottsdale?

Living in Scottsdale

It has an abundance of safe suburban areas, low crime, and some of the best schools in the state. It's also ideal for young adults just starting out. There are plenty of job opportunities, an abundance of nightlife, great dining, and plenty of shopping opportunities.

Does Phoenix observe Daylight Saving Time?

Unlike most of the United States, Arizona does not observe daylight saving time (DST), with the exception of the Navajo Nation, which does observe DST. The Hopi Reservation, which is not part of the Navajo Nation but is geographically surrounded by it, also does not observe DST.

Is fencing cheaper than brick wall?

It's Cheaper (In The Short Term)

One reason you may opt for a fence is that they are generally a lot cheaper. The fencing available from your local supplier will come at various price points and its pretty simple construction means they won't set you back as much as a wall of bricks.

Can you live off grid in Arizona?

Off-grid living is technically legal in Arizona. State laws even encourage some off-grid systems. However, off grid living is highly regulated. You will need a permit for almost everything you want to install or build on your property.

Are basements cooler in Arizona?

Basements tend to be the coolest area of the house, and in Arizona you can't put a price on a cool spot in the summer months! As everyone knows, heat rises, so by eliminating the second story and opting for a basement instead, ones electricity bill would be substantially lower.

Why doesn't az do Daylight Savings?

Arizona was granted an exception to Daylight Saving Time in the late 1900s due to the extreme heat our state experiences. If the Grand Canyon State were to "spring forward," the sun wouldn't set until 9 p.m. during the summer. This would impede nighttime activities as well as push back bedtime for children.