Moving to Phoenix, AZ

It’s no wonder why Phoenix is referred to as the Valley of the Sun: its residents are bathed in sunshine a whopping 85% of days.  And they can feel this sun.  Phoenix is located in a desert valley, where temperatures range from warm to furnace.

Phoenix is more than just a sunny place, though.  It is a burgeoning metropolis.  It’s currently the most populous state capital in the U.S. and is home to major businesses, like the University of Phoenix, and development in vital fields, like solar energy.  It also has many affordable housing options both downtown and in well-established suburban areas.

Phoenix’s Layout

Phoenix is located in the middle of the state in a large valley.  The valley is at the outer reaches of the Sonoran desert, which spans the rest of Southern Arizona and much of Northern Mexico.  Its low elevation brings high temperatures and little rain.  The valley is dotted with (relatively) small mountain ranges and a few reservoirs.

Located in Maricopa County, the Phoenix metropolitan area includes the cities of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe (home to Arizona State University), Glendale, and Chandler.  It is home to 4.1 million people.

Positives of Moving to Phoenix

Sunshine/Dry Air – For those of us who can’t stand gloom or rain, Phoenix is a wonderful option. You’ll wake up and be greeted by the sun on over 300 days a year.  The air is also very dry, which is good for allergies and helps make the high heat more bearable.

Resorts – Central Phoenix and the nearby Scottsdale are famous for their high-end hotels.  World-famous resorts, like the Royal Palms and the Phoenician, feature vibrant golf courses, luxurious pools, relaxing spas, and fine dining. Come here to pamper yourself and bask in the beautiful weather!

Proximity to Nature – Phoenix offers a ton of outdoor activities beyond just floating in the pool.  There are many inspiring hikes to take in the nearby mountain ranges.  Also, there are several major lakes nearby, including Lake Pleasant and Lake Roosevelt, and the Salt River, which is great for a day of lazy tubing.  Finally, nearby mountain towns like Flagstaff, Prescott, and Sedona are great for hiking as well as skiing.

Affordable Housing – Housing in Phoenix is surprisingly affordable. Take advantage of rates on apartments and houses that you won’t be able to find in other major cities. 

Negatives of Moving to Phoenix

Traffic – Phoenix is sometimes called L.A. Junior because of its urban sprawl and stagnating traffic.  The city has a minor public transportation system involving 20 miles of light rail, but the vast majority of residents must drive everywhere.  The city has miles upon miles of highways, but in the heat of rush hour, they get quite packed.

Strip Malls – Because it has grown so fast, from 106,000 in 1950 to 4,100,000 in 2010, Phoenix hasn’t had time to develop the dense infrastructure common to large cities, like San Francisco and New York City.  Instead, it has grown outward and filled in the gaps with strip malls, where most people take care of their daily needs.  In other words, Phoenix is like one very big suburb.

Heat – Phoenix reaches temperatures of above 100 degrees Fahrenheit about five months out of the year. If that sounds excrutiating to you, wait until you find out that July and August see temperatures above 110 degrees Fahrenheit almost every day!  Monsoons can provide some relief, but they don’t come often, and when they do…

Dust Storms – Dust storms (haboobs) are massive clouds of dust and sediment that precede a monsoon or wind storm.  They can reduce visibility, irritate allergies and cake your recently washed car in a thick brown film.

Want to move to Phoenix? Then it’s time to start talking to some Phoenix moving companies. You can do that here: Phoenix movers.