If you have a thing for a sunny place with affordable living costs, then Phoenix is the perfect city for you.
Phoenix, Arizona, is the most populous city in Arizona. With the median age of its residents being 33.5, this city is more than just a retirees paradise. With more productive residents, moving to Phoenix may bring you closer to more job and business opportunities.
Before you pack your bags, here are some practical tips to inform you about what it is like living in Phoenix, Arizona. You will find out about Phoenix cost of living, things to do in the city, and other helpful information that will help you prepare for your relocation.
1. Get To Know What It Is Like Living In Phoenix
Valley Of The Sun
Phoenix weather is not warm, it is hot. True to its nickname “valley of the sun”, Phoenix is a hot and sunny city for most of the year. It does not even rain that much, only about eight inches per year.
During springs and winters, the temperature is around 70°F. The temperature can rise significantly in the summers. It is not unusual for the temperature to rise beyond 100°F in the summers.
Besides the hot temperature, Phoenix residents are familiar with dust storms and thunderstorms. So, you should take precautions when the storms are in the forecast.
The “Greater” Phoenix
The Greater Phoenix is the whole area of Phoenix, Arizona. Geographically, Phoenix is a large city. There is Downtown Phoenix and surrounding valleys.
Waste Management Phoenix
There is specific waste management in Phoenix. Each neighbourhood has a different garbage collection day.
Make sure to ask your landlord or neighbour about the garbage day.
There is also a service bill that includes collecting solid waste, repairing and replacing containers, dead animal pickup, enforcement, recycling, and green organics collection.
2. Living In Phoenix, Arizona, Is Affordable
The overall Phoenix cost of living is 5% lower than the national average. The transportation expenses, including gas price, is 8% lower than the national average.
On average, people in Phoenix spend $2,700 on their monthly expenses. The affordability makes Phoenix a perfect place for anyone, from business owners and young professionals to retirees.
If you plan to retire in this city, consider investing in a home. It is because the property taxes in Phoenix are lower than the national average. Along with Orlando, Phoenix makes an ideal retirement location.
3. Everybody Loves Reasonable Rent And House Price
The housing prices in Phoenix are reasonable. According to Payscale, the median home price in Phenix is $330,344. If you plan to rent an apartment unit, the median rent price is $1,035 per month.
If you are living in Phoenix, you can also find a variety of housing options. There are single-family residences, townhouses, and condos. For the retirees, market condos with one or two-bedroom are preferable.
4. Find Your Best Neighbourhoods!
One of the most essential things about moving to a new city is where you’ll be living. Which neighbourhood has the amenities you need? Which neighbourhood is nearer to your workplace or your relatives? Or perhaps which neighbourhood has good schools for your children? So, for your reference, here’s some information about the three best neighbourhoods in Phoenix.
Roosevelt Row
This neighbourhood is pedestrian-friendly. Roosevelt Row is an art district in Phoenix, and it is one of the favourite places for the locals to visit.
There are locally-owned shops and boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, and art galleries. You can also volunteer in community events. This way, you can get closer to your neighbours and make friends.
Tempe
Tempe is a college town. It is home to one of the largest universities in the states, Arizona State University.
This neighbourhood provides various amenities for its 160,000 residents such as the local businesses, schools, parks, and even charging stations for cars.
One of the recreational activities in this neighbourhood is visiting Tempe Town Lake. This two-mile lake is one of the most visited attractions in Arizona. It also functions as flood protection for the community.
Mesa
Living in Mesa will give you the benefit of living in a metropolitan while still having a suburban neighbourhood. Mesa is also close to an international airport, the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.
Another benefit of living in Mesa is the proximity to the city attractions, such as the Superstition Mountains and Salt River. These are the places to do outdoor water activities on your off days.
5. Know The Phoenix Job Market
Phoenix has a place for anyone, no matter their education or skill background. The major industries in Phoenix are hospitality, electronics and semiconductor manufacturing, business service and back-office, and aerospace.
Other industries that provide more job opportunities are retail, construction, healthcare, utilities, agriculture, oil and gas, and transportation.
If you have the skill and experience in one of these industries, you can start planning your career in Phoenix. It is always best to move once you have a job. Even so, there is nothing wrong with taking the leap of faith and moving to Phoenix while you are still in the job market.
6. Get Around The City
Phoenix is not a walkable city. The local residents use public transportation or their own cars to get around the city.
You can go to your destination around the city with light rail transportation or metro bus service. If you live near downtown Phoenix, there is a Bicycle Boulevard area with a bike lane. Hence, you can commute around the area safely by bike.
If you plan to own a car, Phoenix has a well-planned road system. Therefore, driving around Phoenix is not too much of a hassle.
7. Never Get Bored Once You Are Living In Phoenix
There are a lot of things to do when you are living in Phoenix, Arizona. The fun sides of Phoenix are the nightlife, outdoor recreations, art galleries, and museums. Below are some cool things you can do in Phoenix.
Visit Desert Botanical Garden
One of the most iconic spots in Phoenix is Desert Botanical Garden. This is a conservation and research centre that displays the beauty of desert flora and fauna.
Coming to this place will be a lovely memory for you and the whole family. You can enjoy various species of plants, such as cactus and wildflowers.
The best spot that you have to visit in this place is the Butterfly Pavilion. This is where you can see various flowers with thousands of butterflies. Not only does it look beautiful, but you can also learn more about their life cycle.
Enjoy Glendale Glitters Spectacular Weekend
Who says Phoenix does not have attractions for December?
The Winter holiday in Phoenix can be festive and spectacular at Glendale Glitters Spectacular Weekend. There will be Christmas lights decorations, concerts, and food stalls. The good news is, there is no admission fee.
It will be a lovely evening walk along the street on a winter night where you can gather with the locals to celebrate the holiday.
Papago Park
If you are looking for a nearby outdoor adventure place, you can visit Papago Park. The must-visit site in this park is the Hole-in-the-Rock trail.
The views that you will get from the rock chamber are nearby lagoons and the distant downtown Phoenix and Tempe skyline.
Phoenix Art Museum
Visiting museums is not a boring activity. Phoenix Art Museum is the place to appreciate art in its many forms.
There are exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, installations, and even music performances during special events.
You can have unlimited admissions and many more benefits by joining the membership of this art museum. So, if you enjoy artwork, joining a membership or subscribing to a plan is a wise decision.
8. Grab Some Food!
In Phoenix, you can grab the best food that will not mess with your budget. Some of the recommended dishes are Mexican food, pizza, grilled meat, and pastries.
One of the recommended places to visit is The Original Carolina’s Mexican Food. It is a dining place with Mexican home food. Some of the menus you should try are tacos, burros, flautas, chimichangas, tostadas, and tamales.
Another restaurant that you should visit is a pizza joint, Stumpy’s. They serve pizza in various flavours. There are also homemade Italian dinners, such as meatballs, lasagna, and baked ziti.
Of course, you can explore more dining places in Phoenix. You will not run out of options when it comes to the best eating spots in Phoenix.
9. Be Practical When You’re Moving To Phoenix, Arizona
When moving, you want it to be practical and seamless. Therefore, we have these three main tips to make your relocation process less stressful.
Pack Less
Take note of what you can bring and what you can’t. Make this list at least two or three months before moving, so you have time to donate or sell your used belongings.
Also, keep in mind to list your important documents and check them before packing. Make sure you have all the documents you need, especially when you are moving from overseas.
Get Everything Ready Before You Hop On The Plane
Find a home several months before your move. You can look it up online or ask your employer for recommendations. If you have a local acquaintance, you can ask them for recommendations that fit your needs and budget.
Before the day of the move, make sure to call your real estate agent and employer to inform your arrival. This heads-up will give them some time to prepare any documents or things before you arrive.
If you’re moving with school-age children, make sure to contact the school office to make the transfer seamless.
Hire A Mover Company
Be more practical by not carrying heavy luggage with you on the plane. Contact a professional, like Sanelo, to pick up your belongings and deliver them to Phoenix for you. It is better to contact Sanelo one or two months before your moving trip, so you can arrange a better shipment plan with us.
Whether you move from another city or country, you can consult Sanelo about your needs and moving plan. After that, you can start a quote with us!
Conclusion About Moving To Phoenix
Moving to Phoenix can be the best plan for you during productive time and retirement. This city is affordable for many people. You will also have a variety of housing options at reasonable prices.
Living in Phoenix, Arizona, can be challenging due to its hot temperature. On the bright side, this weather allows you to do outdoor activities all year. All you need to do is just gear yourself up with water and sunscreen.
Phoenix also offers job opportunities in various sectors. You can start or advance your career here. This city is also perfect for starting your business, especially those related to utility repair, beverage shops, and daycare services.
Make a list of things you will take with you to Phoenix. Contact the people that are related to your relocation process, like your real estate agent and employer.
By contacting them beforehand, they will have time to prepare the essential things before your arrival. Besides that, they can also remind you about the precautions to take before moving to Phoenix.
To have a seamless moving process, contact Sanelo to assist you with your belonging shipment. By doing this, you do not need to carry a lot during your trip to Phoenix, Arizona.
Check out these guides for more information about cities near Phoenix, Arizona:
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving To Phoenix
Do I Need A New Driving License When Moving To Phoenix?
Yes, you will be needing a new driving license if you move to Phoenix. If you are working and live in Arizona, you are required to have an Arizona Driver’s License.
What Salary Do I Need To Live Comfortably In Phoenix, Arizona?
According to BestPlaces, the median annual income for a Phoenix resident is $24,057 while the median household income is $46,881 a year.
How Far Ahead Should I Contact Sanelo Before Moving?
It is best to engage Sanelo about one or two months before moving. By doing this, we can provide better service to give you a stress-free moving experience.
How Does Sanelo Ensure The Safety Of My Package During The Shipment?
Sanelo will enrol you into our shipment protection designed to be adaptable for any moving situation and item, including clothes, electronics, wine, or even fine arts.
If sunny and warm cities are your dream home, you can check our other information about moving to San Diego or Fresno, California.