The Biermann Family’s Arizona Dream: Why Kim Zolciak is Considering a Move to Scottsdale for Ariana and a Fresh Start

The lives of reality television stars often play out in front of cameras, offering viewers an intimate glimpse into their major life decisions. For Kim Zolciak-Biermann and her vibrant family, featured on Bravo’s hit series Don’t Be Tardy, one such monumental decision involved a potential cross-country move. What began as a family road trip across the United States quickly unveiled a deeper purpose: exploring a permanent relocation to sunny Scottsdale, Arizona, a place the Biermanns affectionately refer to as their “home away from home.” This significant discussion, which aired during the November 24 episode of the show, sent ripples of surprise and excitement through their fanbase, suggesting a dramatic shift from their long-standing roots in Atlanta.

A Road Trip Reveals a Major Life Decision: Trading Atlanta for Arizona?

As the Biermann family caravanned across the vast American landscape, marking the halfway point of their epic road trip on the Nov. 24 episode of Don’t Be Tardy, the journey began to hint at more than just scenic views and family bonding. It became evident that this adventure was also a reconnaissance mission for a potential new chapter. The former Real Housewives of Atlanta star, Kim Zolciak-Biermann, dropped the bombshell news early in the episode, catching many viewers — and even some family members — by surprise. The revelation that Scottsdale, Arizona, might become their new, permanent residence was a significant plot twist, one that had been brewing behind the scenes for quite some time.

The candid conversation unfolded as Kim, known for her outspoken nature, voiced her familiar complaint about the intense heat, remarking on the “110 degrees” expected in Scottsdale. This seemingly casual observation quickly led to a more serious discussion with her eldest daughter, Brielle Biermann. Kim inquired if Brielle had forwarded their real estate agent the curated list of houses they were interested in viewing. “Yes, but let me narrow down a few,” Brielle responded, her tone suggesting this was a well-discussed topic within the family. It was at this point that Kim explicitly articulated the underlying reason for their serious consideration of such a drastic geographical change, setting the stage for one of the most significant family decisions to ever unfold on their reality series.

Scottsdale: More Than Just a Destination, It’s a “Home Away From Home”

Kim’s explanation regarding the allure of Scottsdale painted a clear picture of why this desert oasis held such a special place in their hearts. “Scottsdale has been like our ‘home away from home’ per se, and we’re considering moving to Scottsdale,” Kim stated. This sentiment underscores a long-standing connection to the city, suggesting it wasn’t just a sudden whim but a cherished destination they’ve frequented over the years. The primary catalyst for making this dream a reality, however, centered around Ariana Biermann’s college aspirations. “Especially if Ariana goes to [Arizona State University],” Kim elaborated, highlighting the pivotal role her daughter’s higher education plans played in the family’s potential move. Beyond ASU, other practical and personal reasons contributed to Scottsdale’s appeal. “Our hairdresser is [in Scottsdale]. And we love it in Scottsdale,” Kim added, emphasizing the lifestyle, convenience, and overall positive experiences they associate with the area. This combination of family convenience, a strong personal affinity, and a major life milestone for one of their children made Scottsdale a compelling candidate for their next permanent residence.

Following the significant revelation about their potential move, the Biermann family temporarily shifted gears, embarking on an excursion to explore some local caves. This brief interlude provided a momentary pause from the intense discussions surrounding their future home. However, the seeds of their Arizona aspirations had already been firmly planted. These initial on-screen discussions were later corroborated by external sources, adding weight to the seriousness of their intentions. In January, a source intimately familiar with Kim’s plans revealed to HollywoodLife EXCLUSIVELY that the reality star was indeed moving to Arizona, confirming that she was “ready for a change.” This independent confirmation underscored that the on-screen narrative was deeply rooted in real-life developments, indicating that the family’s contemplation of a move was far from a fleeting thought.

The Driving Force: Ariana’s College & Kim’s Desire for a New Chapter

The motivation behind this potentially life-altering decision was further illuminated by the source close to the family. “The Biermann family plans on moving over the summer or in the late spring to Arizona,” the source detailed at the time, providing a tentative timeline for the relocation. What began as a lighthearted discussion or even a running joke within the family, according to the insider, had “quickly became serious.” This evolution from a casual thought to a concrete plan was largely fueled by Kim’s emotional connection to Ariana’s impending departure for college. “Kim is having a lot of trouble with the idea of Ariana going away to college,” the source explained, highlighting a common parental sentiment. Furthermore, the source added, “she feels like nothing is tying her to Atlanta anymore.” This profound feeling of being unanchored to their long-time Georgia home, coupled with the desire to remain close to Ariana during her college years, served as powerful catalysts for envisioning a new life in Arizona. Scottsdale, with its vibrant lifestyle, proximity to Arizona State University, and established comfort factor for the family, presented itself as the ideal location for this significant fresh start.

It is crucial for viewers and fans to understand the timeline disparity inherent in reality television production. The discussions about moving, as showcased in the November 24 episode of Don’t Be Tardy, occurred during filming back in June 2019, more than a year before the episode actually aired. This temporal gap means that the conversations viewers were watching were already historical by the time they hit the screens. Our source confirmed the serious progression of the move a few months later, in January 2020, offering a more current perspective at the time of their exclusive report. This also meant that by the time the episode aired, the family had already progressed significantly in their plans. Adding to the intrigue, next week’s episode was poised to finally unveil the collection of stunning Scottsdale properties the Biermanns were actively considering for purchase, providing tangible evidence of their commitment to this ambitious move and giving fans a visual tour of their potential new “home away from home.”

The Unforeseen Obstacle: How the Pandemic Altered Their Arizona Plans

However, as with countless plans worldwide in 2020, the global COVID-19 pandemic introduced an unprecedented level of uncertainty, significantly impacting the Biermann family’s well-laid relocation scheme. In May 2020, renowned Bravo executive and host Andy Cohen directly addressed the lingering question with Kim Zolciak-Biermann during a live appearance. Her response indicated that the move, which had seemed so definite just months prior, had been placed on hold, largely due to the evolving challenges presented by the pandemic. Kim explained the predicament regarding Ariana’s college education: “[Ariana]’s enrolled in ASU right now, but we may pull her from that, she might go to Georgia [State University] just to figure out kind of this whole corona – why am I gonna pay 50,000 dollars for her to just do it, you know, on the computer in Arizona? It doesn’t make sense.”

This candid admission highlighted the practical and financial considerations many families faced during that period. The value proposition of paying out-of-state tuition for an online learning experience, rather than an immersive on-campus one, became questionable. Kim’s dilemma resonated with parents everywhere grappling with similar choices for their college-bound children. The desire for Ariana to experience the full college life, rather than being confined to remote learning, was a major factor in reconsidering the Arizona State University option. This pivot, even if temporary, meant that the primary driver for the family’s move to Scottsdale – Ariana’s enrollment in ASU – was now less certain. The dream of a new life in Arizona, tied so closely to Ariana’s academic journey, became entangled in the complexities of global health crises and educational adaptations. Kim succinctly summarized their predicament, stating, “We’re, like, up in the air. I think a lot of people are up in the air.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulated the widespread uncertainty and the feeling of having major life plans suspended indefinitely, a relatable experience for millions during those tumultuous months.

The Biermann Family’s Evolving Journey: Atlanta, Arizona, and Beyond

The Biermann family’s journey from contemplating a major move to Scottsdale, Arizona, to navigating the unpredictable landscape of a global pandemic, offers a compelling narrative of adaptation and resilience. What began as an exciting prospect driven by Ariana’s college ambitions and the family’s love for their “home away from home” ultimately became a poignant reflection of the unprecedented challenges faced by individuals and families worldwide. The decision to potentially relocate was deeply personal, stemming from Kim’s desire to remain close to her daughter and embark on a new adventure free from the ties she felt were fading in Atlanta. Scottsdale offered the promise of a vibrant lifestyle, a new community, and the perfect setting for Ariana’s academic pursuits at ASU.

However, the realities of the pandemic forced a re-evaluation of these aspirations, highlighting the difficult choices many had to make concerning education, finances, and geographical stability. The Biermanns’ story, played out on Don’t Be Tardy, serves as a testament to how quickly plans can change and how personal decisions are often influenced by larger, global events. While the exact outcome of their move remains fluid, their candidness about the process, the excitement, and the subsequent complications, provides an authentic look into the lives of a family navigating significant life transitions under the public eye. Whether they ultimately settle in the desert sun of Arizona or continue their journey from their Atlanta base, the Biermanns’ story continues to captivate, reminding us that life is an ever-evolving narrative.

For those eager to follow every twist and turn in the Biermann family’s ongoing saga, including their ultimate decision regarding Atlanta versus Arizona, new episodes of Don’t Be Tardy air Tuesdays at 10pm on Bravo. Tune in to witness their adventures, decisions, and the unpredictable realities of their captivating lives.