Phoenix, Arizona, known for its stunning desert landscapes and year-round sunshine, is a city that many have come to love. Whether you’re drawn to the idea of endless summer or the prospect of a booming job market, there are a few things you should know before packing your bags. Read on to find out what to expect if you’re considering a move to the Phoenix area in 2024.
You know it from: Raising Arizona, Waiting to Exhale, The Master
Average 1 bedroom rent: $1,312 | Phoenix apartments for rent, Phoenix houses for rent
Average home price: $455,000 | Phoenix homes for sale
Average cost of full-service moving services: $119/hr for 2 movers
Average cost to rent a moving truck: $19 – $39/day
Top industries: Technology, Manufacturing, Bioscience
Move here for: Sunny days, the job market, outdoor recreation
Be sure to bring: Hiking boots, swimsuit, and sunglasses
1. Phoenix is full of incredible desert scenery
Ask most residents what they love about Phoenix and most will tell you it’s the proximity to some unbelievable natural beauty. Nearby Camelback Mountain, South Mountain Park and Piestewa (formerly Squaw) Peak, there’s no shortage of places to hit the trails in the Phoenix area. Papago Park and Desert Botanical Garden are gorgeous parks that are beloved by locals and tourists alike. In the hot summer months, the Salt River in nearby Mesa, is full of bobbing tube flotillas and rafting boats. Phoenix is a popular spot for retirees and the city is home to a remarkable number of golf courses. Which came first, the golf or the retirees? We may never know.
2. The heat is scorching and not to be messed with
Phoenix’s weather is no joke. From May to September, temperatures regularly soar well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. While the dry heat is more tolerable than humid conditions, it’s essential to be prepared for boiling summer days. In Arizona, air conditioning is a necessity and most houses have swimming pools. The upside you ask? Mild, dry winter months, which are perfect for all those hikes and bike rides in the nearby parks.
3. The job market is thriving
The population of Phoenix is rapidly growing, largely due to the job market. Industries like tech, healthcare, and finance are exploding. Major corporations such as Intel, Honeywell, and Banner Health are major employers in the area. Many newcomers to the area have been drawn by the career opportunities or have been transferred to Phoenix for work.
4. Phoenix is getting more expensive
The overall cost of living in Phoenix is 3% higher than the national average. Housing costs make up the bulk of that difference, as they are currently 17% above the national average. Groceries and transportation tend to be slightly higher than the national average. All that AC takes a lot of energy and utilities in Phoenix are slightly below with the national average thankfully. As you might expect for a city in the middle of the Sonoran desert, water is precious and there are stringent regulations around usage.
6. The city is on laid out in a grid but that doesn’t mean it isn’t sprawling
The greater Phoenix area is renown for it’s urban sprawl. And we all know urban sprawl generally means serious traffic. True to form, the city is home to legendary bottlenecks on major highways like I-10 and I-17. Luckily for residents, the city is laid out in a grid system that is easy to navigate. You can drive all the way across the city and its suburbs on one or two streets, from Apache Junction to Sundance and Stetson Valley to Chandler Heights without leaving the grid. The North-South streets are anchored around Central Avenue, which runs through the middle of town. The two streets next to Central Ave on either side are 1st Avenue and 1st Street. Avenues are to the west of Central and streets are to the east. The numbers progressively get higher the further out you are from the center of town. Like their vertical cousins, East-West streets are each a mile apart. However, they aren’t numbered and the names are not in alphabetical order so you’ll just have to memorize them or use GPS.
8. Bring your appetite
The dining scene in Phoenix has a unique desert flair, blending Southwestern, Mexican, and contemporary American cuisines. For an upscale experience, Kai Restaurant offers an exquisite menu inspired by Native American traditions and local ingredients. Pizzeria Bianco is a must-visit for pizza lovers. It’s famous for its wood-fired pies and is often hailed as one of the best pizzerias in the country. Little Miss BBQ serves some of the finest Texas-style barbecue in the region, with brisket that draws lines out the door. The Farm at South Mountain offers a picturesque setting for farm-to-table dining, emphasizing seasonal and locally-sourced produce. Barrio Café is renowned for its inventive Mexican dishes and vibrant murals, providing both a visual and gastronomic feast.
9. Desert wildlife is part of life
Living in Phoenix means sharing your space with desert wildlife, especially in suburban areas and near natural preserves. You’ll see creatures such as lizards, including the common desert spiny lizard and geckos, frequently. Various species of birds, like the cactus wren, quail, and roadrunners, are also common. In the early morning and in the evening, you’re likely to see animals like jackrabbits and coyotes. In terms of wildlife that could be dangerous, you will see rattlesnakes and scorpions. If you’re out in nature, be aware of your surroundings, keep your pets out of desert brush and you should be ok. When outside of the city, you may see javelinas and bobcats as well. Just keep your distance. Remember, these animals are all crucial parts of the desert landscape so try to embrace your new environment while also taking the correct precautions.
11. The arts are alive and well in Phoenix
Phoenix’s arts and culture scene is thriving, with institutions like the Phoenix Art Museum and the Musical Instrument Museum. The Heard Museum is also popular and focuses on Native American art and culture. Roosevelt Row is another great area for art galleries. The First Friday Art Walk is the best time to visit so you can enjoy the food carts and live music. But it’s the festivals that really bring out the culture of the city. The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is a must-see, as are the Dia de Los Meurtos celebrations each fall.
13. Your pup will love Phoenix
Phoenix is a pet-friendly city with numerous dog parks, pet-friendly trails, and businesses that welcome furry friends. Places like Steele Indian School Park and the Echo Mountain Off-Leash Arena offer spaces for pets to play and socialize, making it an ideal city for animal lovers. In the summer it can get hot enough to fry an egg on the street – just think about what that does to tiny dog paws! In the summer, make sure to walk your dogs early in the morning or at night.
14. Life in the desert gets dusty
Unfortunately, Phoenix does experience poor air quality, especially during the summer when dust storms (haboobs) and high ozone levels are common. Many recent transplants to the city express surprise about how much dust accumulates indoors and how bad their allergies are. This is just part of what it means to live in the desert and you will get used to it. That being said, it’s essential to stay informed about air quality alerts, particularly if you have respiratory issues.
15. Weekend in Vegas anyone?
One of Phoenix’s perks is its proximity to some of the most beautiful locations in the country. If you get sick of Papago Park or Camelback Mountain, you’re just a few hours’ drive from places like the Grand Canyon and Sedona. If you’re looking for a weekend of gambling and shows, Vegas is close by as well. Weekend getaways are easy from Phoenix and most locals take full advantage of the surrounding destinations.
Methodology: Average rent prices sourced from Rent.com July 2024. Home prices sourced from Redfin July 2024. Average moving costs sourced from MoveBuddha. Employment data sourced from Venture Cafe Phoenix.