Thinking about moving to Phoenix?
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- Phoenix At-a-glance
- What it’s like to live in Phoenix
- Cost of living in Phoenix
- Economy and job outlook in Phoenix
- Real estate in Phoenix
- The top neighborhoods in Phoenix
- How to get around in Phoenix
- School and education snapshot
- Weather and climate in Phoenix
- 10 Can’t miss things to do in Phoenix
Phoenix At-A-Glance
Nestled in the heart of scenic Arizona, Phoenix is aptly called the “Valley of the Sun.” With over 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s a sun-worshiper’s paradise. Considered one of the most diverse cities in Arizona, Phoenix is renowned for its luxurious resorts, meticulously maintained golf courses and abundance of outdoor activities.
With a population of 1.7 million, Phoenix was recently crowned the “Most Popular Migration Destination” for a good reason. Its job market is exploding, and the city offers its residents an exceptional quality of life with attractions and amenities galore. From world-class spas to first-rate museums to “Have I died and gone to heaven?” tacos, Phoenix truly has something for everyone.
Phoenix Essential Resources
City of Phoenix website Everything you need to know about living in Phoenix. Chock full of useful resources, including information about the City of Phoenix government, calendars of city meetings and events, important city terminology and more. Voter registration Register to vote in the state of Arizona. Vehicle registration and license Everything you need to […]
Day-To-Day Life in This Desert Paradise
If cities had their own theme song, Phoenix’s would likely be The Merrymen’s “Feeling Hot Hot Hot!” This scorching city consistently tops lists for the nation’s most sweltering temperatures, with over 100 days each year of temperatures over 100 degrees. On the bright side, if you settle down here, you can be active outdoors 365 days a year.
Yes, Phoenix’s heat is world-famous, but there is so much more to this dynamic desert town.
Incredible Outdoor Adventures: Phoenix’s one-two punch of warm weather and breathtaking beauty makes it a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking is far and away the most beloved physical pursuit, but golfing, cycling, kayaking and fishing are also popular.
An Impressive Arts Scene: Phoenix’s arts scene ranges from world-class institutes like the Heard Museum to edgy street art and eclectic annual arts festivals like the popular Phoenix Art Walk.
Culinary Delights Galore: Phoenix is a foodie haven emphasizing farm-to-table fare and boasts an envious food truck scene. When it’s time to wash down your delicious Phoenix food, you’ll have plenty of options thanks to the city’s thriving wine and coffee culture.
Talented Teams: Boasting teams in all four major professional sports leagues, the NFL (Arizona Cardinals), the NHL (Arizona Coyotes), the NBA (Phoenix Suns) and the MLB (Arizona Diamondbacks), you can root for the home team all year long.
Pinch-Yourself Sunsets: No, you’re not dreaming, and yes, they are always that beautiful. Phoenix’s remarkable sunrises and sunsets ensure that even amateur photographers capture frame-worthy shots.
Living in The Valley of the Sun Comes with a Price
Arizona’s tax system is made up of several taxes, including a 2.5% individual income tax, a 4.9% corporate income tax rate, and an 8.37% combined state and local sales tax rate.
Compared to other large cities, Phoenix is relatively affordable. However, if you decide to move here, prepare to pay more for things like housing, utilities and transportation.
According to Payscale, this is what you can expect to pay for some everyday expenses in the city:
- A home: $559,132
- Rent: $1,700/month
- Energy bill: $181.59/month
- Phone bill: $195.36/month
- Gas: $3.62/gallon
- Milk: $2.42
- Doctor’s visit: $116.67
Phoenix’s thriving economy and rapid population growth have led to an increase in housing costs, which are around 24 percent higher than the national average. Before deciding where to live, newcomers need to consider the affordability of neighborhoods, especially given the city’s median household income of around $65,000. Paradise Valley and Scottsdale offer high-end homes but at a premium price. On the other hand, South Mountain and Maryvale are a few of the more affordable areas.
A Hotspot for Finding Jobs & Building Businesses
Phoenix boasts a robust and diverse economy. With an unemployment rate lower than the national average, it’s an attractive destination for job seekers and businesses. You’ll find several Fortune 500 companies in town, along with plenty of tech startups. Phoenix is often ranked as one of the best places in the country to start a business, thanks to its supportive business environment and a growing number of resources and incentives for entrepreneurs.
A few of the top industries in town include education, hospitality, financial services, and trade/transportation/utilities. For young professionals seeking employment opportunities, Phoenix offers a range of options with top employers such as the State of Arizona, Wal-mart Stores Inc., and Banner Health.
Navigating Phoenix’s Real Estate Market
Phoenix’s strong job market and growing population have driven the demand for housing. However, houses here are relatively affordable compared to many other major cities. The median home price sits at around $464,900.
Currently, 64 percent of homes are owner-occupied, and 36 percent are renter-occupied. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,400, a studio apartment is $1,245, and you can expect to pay around $1,700 for two bedrooms.
