Here’s a question for you: The last time you met someone new who had never been to Arizona, what was the first question they asked you once they found out you are from our lovely state? Was it something positive, negative, or downright irritating? Stereotypes abound about Arizona, and a whole lot of them are negative. Here are some of the more popular Arizona stereotypes (in no particular order) that really just need to find a final resting place because they are simply untrue:

1. Arizona is one huge, barren desert.

Arizona may be able to boast about being home to four major deserts in the country but it's not like that's the only landscape we have. Arizona has grasslands, forests, wetlands, and tundra. (Yes, really!) However, that's not to say that our deserts are any less impressive. Our deserts are rich, alive, and more biologically diverse than much greener places.

2. The only thing to see in Arizona is the Grand Canyon. And Sedona. And Scottsdale.

Arizona is a big state and we're bound to have something that you enjoy. Enjoy dancing? Art museums? Rock climbing? Wine tasting? We not only have a large number of places that offer these but also plenty of renowned, award-winning attractions.

3. Arizona doesn't have water.

It's true that Arizona does have water problems - we do have very arid environments after all - but don't be fooled. We do have water and as long as we choose to use it sensibly, it is a resource that should be around for a long time.

4. Arizona is filled with old people.

Unless you consider 30-somethings old, this is just a myth that refers to the snowbirds that tend to stay here this time of year. The 2021 Census showed the median age for Arizona was 38.6 and only around 15 percent of the population is over 62. And even if we are popular for having an older population? Read the shirt on the dashing Arizonan above.

5. Arizona is stuck in the Old West.

Here's another popular stereotype that won't go away. There's an idea that Arizona in the 21st century still uses stagecoaches, doesn't have plumbing, and regularly has to protect itself from Old West-style bad guys. Not really, but outsiders can keep thinking about that if they want to.

6. Arizonans are crazy.

This is actually one of those things that pop up when you type the phrase "why is Arizona so" into Google. I'll admit, some Arizonans are pretty nutty (none of you readers, I'm sure) and commit some outrageous acts, but we think for the most part we're pretty normal.

7. Arizona is boring.

We're crazy but boring? I'm not sure how those two can coexist but, as we mentioned earlier, Arizona has a little something for everyone and our state is anything but boring.

8. Everyone in Arizona has a tan.

The answer here is simple. Some people here have less melanin, making them less able to tan. Others wear sunscreen to avoid tanning.

9. Everyone in Arizona has a swimming pool or can swim.

No. In parts of central Phoenix, the only house on the street with a pool hasn't had it filled in years. Other than with lizards and bird droppings.

10. Arizona only has two seasons: hot and not-so-hot.

This one is frustrating, especially for the northern Arizona folks. Arizona does experience seasonal changes and sees snow frequently. In fact, Flagstaff often sees hefty amounts of snow in the winter.

11. Arizonans are undereducated.

OK, Arizona isn't great for public school funding or even hiring qualified people for state education departments. However, our state is home to some of the top-performing schools in the country and renowned universities that are actually less party-oriented than entertainment magazines will have you believe.

Every state has its quirks and funny things they are known for. Some of it may be based on truth, while others are pretty far out there. But it doesn't mean we should define everyone in the state by these stereotypes. What other Arizona stereotypes do you know of that you would like to see an end to? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section!

As long as we are debunking a bunch of myths, here are a few words Arizonans say that you'll only understand if you are from Arizona. Which one do you agree with?