As a state capital and one of the most developed cities nationwide, Arizona’s Urban Heart is a fantastic place to call home. Moving to Phoenix will open up various opportunities for you, so it’s perfectly reasonable to be excited about your long-distance relocation. In addition to all the thrill and excitement, you might be somewhat worried, as well. The fear of the unknown is getting in your way of enjoying the upcoming change to the fullest. To help you cope with it, we’ve prepared a quick guide to things you can expect when moving to Phoenix.
Be it because of the weather or thriving economy, many are flocking to Arizona’s capital in search of a better place to live in. According to some recent estimates, more than 200 people relocate here every day! There must be a good enough reason why so many people find this metropolis the right place to call home, right? Let’s look into this matter to help you get some insight into what living in Phoenix is really like.
Moving to Phoenix – What to Expect?
First of all, you should get used to living in the middle of the desert. However, you shouldn’t jump to the wrong conclusion that there’s nothing there. On the contrary – this is a bustling metropolis where you can never run out of things to do and see. It is the fastest-growing city in the US, so you can be sure it has plenty to offer in terms of either personal or professional growth.
You should also expect a multicultural local community. Local people are open and friendly, and everyone is welcome here. If you are wondering about how to meet new neighbors when you move, be sure this will be a lovely experience. And if you need someone to guide you when you first get there, you’ll find some company sooner than you expected.
It is also necessary to mention that Arizona has a specific time zone. It might take you some time to get used to this. Namely, the state does not observe Daylight Saving Time. So, the time in Phoenix from March to November will not be the same as in the rest of the cities within the Mountain Standard Time zone.
Brace Yourself for High Temperatures
When someone mentions the state of Arizona and its capital, the first thing that crosses your mind is probably its scorching heat. No wonder, since it sees as many as 300 sunny days per year. In July and August, the temperature is as high as 100°F or even higher.
It is particularly important to get ready for the hot weather if you’re moving in the summer. When you start packing, remember that you can leave behind most of your winter clothes. But don’t throw away absolutely everything, as winters can be rather chilly.
Speaking of packing, you should also remember that you can ask for packing services if you don’t have the time to deal with it.
Choose the Right Part of the City to Call Home
Before you can start packing your bags, you need to know where exactly you’re going to move. Luckily, there are numerous excellent places to choose from, no matter your preferences and expectations. Whether you’re moving to a city alone, relocating with your entire family, or just moving in with your significant other, you can be sure you’ll find a place that meets your needs.
Naturally, if you’re relocating with kids and you’re looking for peace and safety, moving to the suburbs is always the right way to go. The capital is no exception, as there are plenty of lovely suburban places where you can enjoy the tranquility and have all the amenities you can expect to find in a metropolis.
Best Neighborhoods to Consider
There are various options to meet various expectations and fit different budgets. To help you narrow your choice down, we’ve made a list of some of the best neighborhoods in Phoenix to consider relocating to:
- Ahwatukee Foothills
- Desert View
- Paradise Valley
- Arcadia
- North Gateway
Be Prepared for High Housing Costs
When it comes to looking for your new home, you should know that housing costs are quite high. Of course, if you’re looking for a way to reduce these expenses, it would be a good idea to look for a home somewhere on the outskirts. According to Fox 10 Phoenix, residents spend close to 30% of their income on housing.
Let’s take a look at some numbers to help you decide whether you’d better move to a house or an apartment.
Should You Look for Apartments or Houses When Moving to Phoenix?
According to Numbeo, the rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the center is about $1,300, while the rent for a three-apartment flat downtown is close to $2,000. If this is too much for you, look for a place further from the very center. The rent for a one-bedroom and a three-bedroom flat on the outskirts is $950 and $1,500, respectively. In case you’re thinking about buying, the price per square foot is about $220.
According to Zillow, the median price of homes is about $250,000. When it comes to buying homes, the median price per square foot is about $180.
Getting Around Town Is Easy
There are various ways you can get around. From public transportation and services such as Uber and Lyft to taxis and car rentals – you name it. Whatever you go for, getting around town shouldn’t be a problem due to the city’s grid plan.
In addition to the light rail, bus system, and the rest of the public transportation options, you can also hop on your bike. However, keep in mind that this option is best for those who live in the center, as the 4-mile Bicycle Boulevard stretches through the downtown area.
You Can Rely on Public Transportation, but We Suggest You Ship Your Car
Even though many locals still rely on public transportation, driving is still the more popular way of getting around town. Just remember to park somewhere in the shade.
We suppose that you don’t really want to drive all the way to Arizona just so you can have your car there. So, you’re wondering how to transport a car out of state. It’s quite simple, in fact – ask for auto transport services and have your vehicle delivered straight at your new address. All you should do is prepare your car for shipping and leave the rest to the experts.
Is It Expensive to Live in Phoenix?
One of the most important things to check out about the area you’re relocating to is how expensive it is. When it comes to the cost of living in Phoenix, you should be prepared for rather high expenses. Housing isn’t the only thing that you should save up some money for. However, when compared to other popular cities around countries, such as New York, LA, or San Francisco, it’s rather affordable. So, it all depends on where you’re coming from.
The Cost of Living in Phoenix Is Somewhat Lower Than the National Average
If you’re relocating from a smaller town, this metropolis will probably seem quite expensive. However, you should know that the cost of living is still 5% lower than the national average. The data on Numbeo suggests that a four-member family spends about $3,000 per month without rent, while a single person spends at least $1,000, again, without rent. To live comfortably, you should make about $86,500 per year.
Moving to Phoenix Without a Job Might Not Be a Good Idea
Considering the somewhat high cost of living, moving to Phoenix without a job might not be worth the risk. Even though there are plenty of job opportunities out there, it’s always better to land a job before you settle in and not worry about it. Plus, it might take you some time to find a well-paid job that will allow you to live comfortably. So, do start looking for employment well in advance.
Where to Look for a Job Before You Move
If you’re thinking about how to get a job before you move, there’s no need to worry about anything. With the unemployment rate of 5%, this metropolis is a great place to look for a job. To be on the safe side, it would be best to first consider some of the top employers, including the following:
- State of Arizona
- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
- Banner Health
- Wells Fargo
- Bank of America
Best Things to Do When You Start Exploring the Area
Did you know that over 16 million tourists visit this capital every year? It is full of attractions and fantastic things to do. If you want to enjoy the culture, there are plenty of museums and art galleries to visit. If you feel like painting the town red, be sure you check out the city’s vibrant nightlife scene. There are also various music festivals and food events all year long.
And if you’re moving with pets, you’ll be happy to hear that this is one of the most pet-friendly cities you could choose. So, there are plenty of great pet-friendly activities for you to enjoy, too.
Don’t mind the heat? Here’s what you can do to spend your free time outside.
Our List of Fun Things to Do If You Like Spending Your Time Outside
Exploring the magnificent outdoor escapes is, without a doubt, among the best things to do in Phoenix. Let’s take a look at some of the many fun outdoor adventures you can enjoy here:
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Mountain biking
- Horseback riding
- Rock climbing
- Fishing
When you’re not really up for an adventure, you can simply have a picnic in South Mountain Park. If it’s too hot, you can always relax at water parks or head down to the Salt River.
Enjoy Delicious Food
In addition to the hot weather, the state capital is also known for its excellent food, especially Mexican. It’s often said that you can find the best Mexican food north of Tijuana. But even if you’re not much of a fan of tacos and other Mexican signature dishes, you’ll have plenty of other culinary delights to enjoy in diverse restaurants.
Check out Some of the Top-Ranked Restaurants
There are many top-notch eateries worth visiting. To help you narrow your choice down, we will list some of the absolute best restaurants in Phoenix, including the following:
- Persepshen
- Chula Seafood Uptown
- Pane Bianco Van Buren
- Saint Pasta
- Century Grand
Is Moving to Phoenix a Good Idea?
Relocating to the capital of Arizona is, without a doubt, an excellent idea. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of the fastest-growing city in the nation with so many amazing outdoor adventures and quite affordable everyday expenses? And let’s not forget the great number of employment opportunities. Living in this metropolis comes with a range of benefits. You just need to decide if what it offers meets your needs and expectations.
When the time comes to start getting organized to move, remember that there’s no room for panic. If you can’t handle it all by yourself, there’s no reason to worry – turn to professional Phoenix long-distance movers for help. They can provide you with various moving services to ease your relocation as much as possible. If you have some extra stuff you don’t need right away, you can also ask for storage. If you don’t need them at all, you can donate unwanted items before you move.
As you can see, there’s always a solution to any possible move-related problem you might encounter. So, don’t waste your time worrying but start looking forward to your new life in Arizona’s capital and cultural hub.