Where Are The Amish Communities in Arizona?

The Old Older Amish have a surprising presence in the Grand Canyon State, even though there are no Amish settlements there.

👍 Why Do The Amish Go to Arizona?

While the Amish don't live in Arizona, that doesn't mean they are not there. The Amsh have long been drawn to Mexico for non-traditional and cheaper medical care than they can get in the USA. While Tijuana across from San Diego is a popular crossing, so are many of the less congested crossings in Arizona. So a few of the reasons why you might see the Amish in Arizon include:

• on the way to or from Mexico for Medical care
• visiting the Grand Canyon
• wintering in the warmth of Arizona.

👎 Why the Amish Do Not Live in Arizona?

There are several reasons why Amish communities have not taken root in Arizona. Among them:

the heat: temperature scan scorch into the 110s here in the summer with regularity. The Amish, who don't use electricity, would cook in these conditions. This alone is probably a disqualifier.

distance: While the Amish presence is increasing the American West, Arizona is still pretty far removed from sizable Amish communities elsewhere. And considering how family-focused Amish culture is, the distance is a disqualifier.

limited agriculture: The Amish aren't as dependent on farming as they used to be, but many still are and farming in the Arizona sun is not for the faint of heart.

🗺️ The One Place Some Amish Have Lived in Arizona?

Sunnyslope. Sunnyslope is an enclave of Phoenix and is home to the First Mennonite Church of Sunnyslope which has deep roots in the area, having been started in the 1940s. Many of the church members dress Plainly and, for a time, the Sunnyslope community drew Amish "snowbirds" from Montana who wished to escape the harsh winters. It seemed like Sunnyslope might become a "Pinecraft - West". Pinecraft, Florida, is an Amish enclave that Amish snowbirds from the east often visit. But the Amish population in the west is far smaller and Sunnyslope just hasn't caught on, although you will might find the occasional Amish visitor to the area.

⛪ Mennonites in Arizona

In addition to Sunnyslope, there is the The La Palma Mennonite Church, which was formed in 2017 and includes about 12 families

🛒 Amish Businesses in Arizona

I have not been able to locate any Amish businesses in Arizona, which isn't surprising because there are not an Amish that live in Arizona. I thought, though, that maybe there was a Mennonite bulk food store/bakery somewhere, but I can't find any sign of one now.

There was an interesting article in a local newspaper describing a Mennonite woman who bakes from scratch and sells the goodies at local craft fair. And she also, it sounds like, bakes some bread for sale out of her home. Her baking traditions come from the same Amish culinary history, so that might be your best bet in Arizona.

There are some businesses that purport to sell Amish-made furniture, but I can't vouch or verify so I have not included any here yet.

If you know of any other Amish or Mennonite businesses in Arizona, let us know!