Moving to the “Valley of the Sun”? Phoenix, one of the largest cities in Arizona with a population of more than 4.5 million people (according to 2016 US Census estimates) is the place to be. Despite the city’s sometimes scorching hot summers, the state’s capital has exponentially grown in population over the past few years.
Spanning 517 square miles, Phoenix is the second largest growing metropolitan area in the country next to Las Vegas. There are thousands of families, seniors, and college students relocating to Phoenix every year – and with good reason. In 2008, the city was ranked number one for being the nation’s “Largest metro area for recruitment and attraction.” Expansion Management magazine, on the other hand, named Arizona one of the best markets in the nation to attract business expansions and relocation.
Phoenix has been praised by its citizens for years. It is a diverse city with a wide variety of factors that make it an impressive place to live. It’s home to several major sports teams and a mecca for large and small businesses. More importantly, it’s a community that continues to support young adults, families, and seniors. Truly, Phoenix is the city for everyone.
If you’re planning a move to Phoenix, AZ, then you’re going to need to do your due diligence. Our movers in Phoenix have made it a lot easier for you to get to know the community you’ll soon be a part of. Check out our moving guide below:
Chapter 2: Local Utilities
Chapter 3: Useful Phone Numbers
Chapter 4: Cost of Living
Chapter 5: What’s The Weather Like?
Chapter 6: How’s The Food?
Chapter 7: What Are The Locals Like?
Chapter 8: Getting Around – Transportation
Chapter 9: Colleges & Education
Chapter 10: Local Job Market
Chapter 11: Best Places to Live
Chapter 12: Family Fun
Chapter 13: Parks & Landmarks
Chapter 14: Nightlife
Chapter 15: Things to Do
Chapter 16: Additional Reading
Chapter 1
Things to Know
With an average of 16 million tourists each year, Phoenix must be a heck of a place to live. The name Phoenix comes from an ancient story about a bird that lived 600 to 800 years. It builds its nest and burns it, only to have a new young Phoenix rise from the ashes. The mythical bird and ancient story are a true testament to Phoenix’s evolution to where it is today.
The history and heart of what life in Phoenix, Arizona is like can be found in its diverse culture, authentic cuisine, strong communities, and team spirit. If you want to know more about what life is like in Phoenix, Arizona, check out some of the links below:
Chapter 2
Local Utilities
How much will it cost for gas, electric, sewer, and water in Phoenix? According to smartasset.com, the average monthly total for gas, electric, and water in a 915-square foot home would cost $177. Although 14% higher than the national average, there are plenty of ways to save on your utility costs.
The Southwest Gas Corp. is the natural gas supplier for residents in the Phoenix metro area. The electric power supplier in Phoenix is the Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District. Contacting them directly, prior to moving in would be ideal to make sure you don’t arrive at your new place and find yourself in the dark.
You can find many cable, internet, and phone providers in the state’s capital. Consumers can choose packages from service providers that include DirecTV, Dish Network, and Cox Communication. Below are some more general information on setting up utilities in Phoenix, AZ.
Chapter 3
Useful Phone Numbers & Websites in Phoenix
When relocating to a new city or state, knowing who to call and where to go for information is important. Whether you need to contact the police to report a non-emergency problem (602-262-6151) or you need to find out when your trash and recycling schedule is (602-262-7251), having those numbers or sites bookmarked or written down saves you a lot of time and frustration later.
One website you’ll want to keep on hand is the official city of Phoenix website. This site is pretty much the main source for anything you need to know about Phoenix. From paying your water bill online to learning about upcoming events and potential employment, bookmark this website for further research.
Another site worth bookmarking is AZ Central. The AZ Central website is great for finding local news in Phoenix and surrounding cities. Below are links to some important phone numbers to keep on your fridge.
Chapter 4
Cost of Living
So how much does it cost to live in the second largest growing metropolitan area in the country? According to numbeo.com, the average monthly income after taxes in Phoenix is $3,000. Just how far will those dollars stretch? Here is a list of some of the most common expenses and the average cost in Phoenix:
- Monthly rent ranges from $670 – $1550 per month
- Home prices range from $127,000 – $300,000
- Minimal grocery items average about $315 per month
- 81% property taxes
- 59% – 4.54% income tax costs
- $2.067 per gallon for gas
The cost of living in Phoenix will obviously vary depending on where you live in the city. Those closer to the center will pay more while those who opt to live on the outskirts find better deals. Below are some more links to help you factor the cost of living in Phoenix.
Chapter 5
How’s The Weather?
Pull out the sunscreen, shorts, and bathing suits. Phoenix can get scorching hot. While the winter averages in the 60s, you can expect the summers to reach 99 degrees and hotter. Hope you love that dry, desert heat! In fact, out of 365 days of the year, you can expect temperatures in the 80s on at least 232 of them. Wondering when you’ll see rain? The city only gets about 9-15 inches of precipitation each year. So those who enjoy the warm, dry, and sunny days will find Phoenix right up their alley.
How hot will it be on your moving day? Check out the weather and forecast links we’ve found for you below:
Chapter 6
How’s The Food?
Much like its terrain, Phoenix is well-known for its diverse restaurants and dining options to appeal to any foodie. Phoenix is mostly known for its authentic Southwestern and Mexican dishes, from top restaurants like Vincent’s Market Bistro to the Rancho Pinot Grill. However, you can also find flavor-packed dishes including Asian, Mediterranean, Italian, and good old-fashioned American food.
Alice Cooperstown for instance is a great place to stop if you’re into classic American dishes. From great tasting barbecue to juicy burgers, and everything in between, your taste buds won’t be disappointed. There’s also some very popular restaurants including Beckett’s Table, The Stand, Pig & Pickle, and Short Leash Hot Dogs, just to name a few.
You can learn more about the diverse cuisines to be found in Phoenix by clicking on the links below:
Chapter 7
What Are The Locals Like?
With more than a million residents within the city limits, you’ll find a diverse set of people within your community. Although a city for all ages, the median age for male and female in the city of Phoenix is 32 years old. The population is very diverse with 65% Caucasians, 40% of Hispanic or Latino descent, and more than 20% African American or another race.
Here are some fun facts about Phoenicians:
- They love being fit. You’ll find a ton of health clubs in the area as the community strong believes in staying fit.
- They love their coffee. Didn’t know coffee was big in Phoenix? Locals have raved that its coffee is one of the best in the country.
- The locals love authentic Mexican food.
- They enjoy road trips. With neighbors like California and Las Vegas, who can blame them?
- They love volunteering.
- Just about everyone has a pool in their backyard. It gets seriously hot.
Learn more about Phoenix locals by checking out the links listed below:
Chapter 8
Transportation
There’s nothing worse than not knowing how to get around in an unfamiliar place. Whether you need to legally register as a resident in Phoenix or you need to hop on a bus, train, or airplane, knowing how to maneuver through the city is ideal. The great news is, it’s easy to get around Phoenix.
For those who don’t have a license or prefer public transportation, you have the Valley Metro Bus and Train. The Valley Metro Train & Bus fare is $2.00 for 1 ride or $64.00 for a month pass.
If you simply need to update your license and registration, head to the local DMV office. You’ll only have to update your license once as Phoenix doesn’t require license renewal until the age of 65. You’ll just need proof of identity and residence with you, and pay the predetermined fee.
Here’s some more information on getting around Phoenix:
- City of Phoenix Transportation
- Getting Around Phoenix | Maps & Trail Guides
- Valley Metro
- Phoenix Arizona MVD Office Locations & Hours
And if you no longer need your vehicle and could use some extra money check out our friends Junk Car Medics in Phoenix.
Chapter 10
Local Job Market
The great thing about moving to a big city like Phoenix is that there’s no shortage of employment opportunities. From working in local retail stores to Fortune 500 companies or even starting your very own business, finding employment in Phoenix won’t be as hard as it is in other parts of the country.
With a 4.2% unemployment rate, Phoenix is finally on track to improve after the recession. They have jobs in all industries including management, finance, computer & mathematics, architecture and engineering, community and social services, retail, legal, education, and healthcare. Some of the major companies in Phoenix include: The State of Arizona, City of Phoenix, Wal-Mart, Bank of America, US Postal Service, and more.
Chapter 9
Colleges & Education
The city of Phoenix takes education and higher learning seriously. Comprising 30 school districts, including 325 public schools and 200 charter and private schools, the city is a great location for those looking for a better education for their children. Universities, colleges, trade schools, and technical schools are also numerous in Phoenix, which helps to drive up the economy.
The city creates programs that assist both teachers and students in cultivating a better learning environment and experience. As a result, the Arizona Department of Education notes that the students scored higher than the national average on the SAT college readiness exam during the 2011-12 schoolyear. In fact, according to the US Census Bureau, approximately 80% of the population holds a high school diploma while 26% have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Here’s some more information on education in Phoenix:
Chapter 11
Best Places to Live
Phoenix, AZ has a population of about 1.5 million people. There are 15 distinct Phoenix neighborhoods that you can live or start a business in. The area you choose will greatly depend on what you’re looking for in affordability, safety, education, and employment. The top 3 neighborhoods in Phoenix are:
- Arcadia – most popular because of its location. It provides an urban lifestyle with a rural feel which many residents like.
- North Tempe – Located near Arizona State University, North Tempe is a great place for those who don’t want cookie cutter homes.
- North Central Phoenix – If you want to live among the who’s who in Phoenix, then North Central Phoenix is the neighborhood for you. Home to the Mayor Phil Gordon and former home to John McCain you can only imagine what the real estate goes for in this neighborhood.
For more information on Phoenix Neighborhoods click on the links listed below:
Chapter 12
Family Fun
Enjoying fun-filled weekends with the kids is easy when you live in a city like Phoenix. There are all types of activities to keep them entertained. Many of the family attractions and events for children within the community are affordable or free of charge, so the entire family can get out and have a great time without breaking the bank. Some of the most popular things to do in Phoenix with the kids includes:
- Phoenix Zoo
- Phoenix Art Museum
- Challenger Space Center Arizona
- Sea Life Arizona
- Odysea Aquarium
- Wet n’ Wild Water Park
This is only the tip of the iceberg. From free public pools to free community festivals, parks, and trails, there’s no telling what new adventures your family could embark on upon moving to Phoenix.
Chapter 13
Parks and Landmarks
Like most metropolitan areas in the US, Phoenix is home to many historical buildings, landmarks, and parks. These landmarks are frequently visited by Phoenicians and tourists and help to define the history, culture, and art of Phoenix and the country. Below are a few of the most famed parks and landmarks:
Popular landmarks
- Hyatt Regency Phoenix
- South Mountain Towers Phoenix
- Fountain Hills Fountain
- Phoenix Seed and Feed Warehouse
- Carnegie Library
Popular Parks & Gardens
- Desert Botanical Gardens
- Civic Space Park
- Encanto Park
- Camelback Mountain
- Arizona Center for Nature Conservation
Visit each of these parks and landmarks with your family to learn more about what makes the city of Phoenix, AZ so great. There are a lot more historical buildings, landmarks, parks, and gardens for you to explore. We’ve gathered some links for you below:
Chapter 14
Nightlife
Kids aren’t the only ones who can have fun in Phoenix. When it comes to date night, girl’s night out, or a night out with the guys, there’s no telling what you can get into. From great beer and billiards games in tiny holes in the wall to dance clubs, lounges, live shows and comedy clubs, there’s something to keep everyone entertained.
Some of the most popular places to hang out in Phoenix are:
- Stand Up Live Comedy Theater
- Crescent Ballroom
- Lucky Strike
- Merc Bar
- Culinary Dropout at the Yard
- The Mint Ultra Lounge
- World of Beer
The fun doesn’t stop there. Here are some more great hangout spots for late night fun in Phoenix:
Chapter 15
Things to Do
What could there possibly be to do in the desert? Phoenix, Arizona might be known for hot temperatures and a dry climate, but there’s certainly a lot to do. Phoenix can best be described as a large city with a diverse atmosphere and culture. There are a lot of historical attractions, neighborhoods, and a host of facilities to explore within the city limits.
Whether you enjoy being outdoors hiking, golfing, and riding bikes or you enjoy being indoors exploring historical artifacts and art, you’ll find it here in Phoenix. We couldn’t decide which things were the best so we just gathered a bunch of information on things to do in Phoenix.
Chapter 16
Additional Reading
Phoenix is one of the country’s largest growing metropolitan areas. It is home to millions of residents, businesses, historical landmarks, sports teams, and the like. Although known for being hot during the summer, Phoenix has a lot of outdoor activities, park, and recreational facilities for families to enjoy during the cooler seasons.
Historical neighborhoods, top-notch school districts, and some of the country’s most popular colleges and universities, the list goes on and on. A great nightlife and plenty of things to do, Phoenix is a great place to live, learn, work, and play. Below are a few more links to information on what to expect when moving to Phoenix, AZ.
Closing
We hope we’ve provided you with a wealth of information on moving to Phoenix. There’s a lot to take in, but we’re sure you’ll love the city of Phoenix just as much as we do. If you found this moving guide useful, don’t hesitate to share it with your friends and family.
Make sure to check our other moving guides: moving to Glendale, moving to Tucson, moving to Scottsdale, moving to Mesa, and moving to El Paso.