Considering a Move to Phoenix? Here’s Why People Love It
Why are so many people moving to Phoenix? In a nutshell, an ideal lifestyle, affordable housing options, and job prospects. Life in Phoenix revolves around sunshine and the outdoors. From hiking Camelback Mountain at sunrise to dining on restaurant patios in the middle of winter, the “Valley of the Sun” attracts people looking for a year-round outdoor lifestyle.
Phoenix has also become a popular landing spot for Californians looking to trade the state's sky-high home prices for more affordable and appealing housing options. And, when you add in a lower cost of living compared to many of the country’s metropolitan cities, it’s not hard to understand why so many people are making the move. Maybe Phoenix is your next home base, too.
So whether you’re seeking a modern downtown condo, a family-friendly suburban community, or a custom home with sweeping Sonoran Desert views, Phoenix has it all. Moreover, Phoenix is bustling with great places to work, must-try restaurants, unique boutiques, museums, theaters, shopping experiences, and so much more.
Read on to learn more about why moving to Phoenix could be the right choice for you.
A Little About Phoenix, AZ
There are several factors to consider when deciding where to live. These include access to outdoor activities and the types of sports the weather and geography support. And if you haven’t retired yet, employment opportunities and good public schools are also at the top of the list. Phoenix offers a wide range of housing types and price points. Common architectural styles you can expect to find in Phoenix include:
- Urban condos and townhomes in Downtown Phoenix
- Historic bungalows and modern apartments in the Roosevelt Row (RoHo) neighborhood and arts district.
- Mid-century modern home in the Haver Home District, Paradise Gardens, Windermere, Rancho Ventura, and Star of Paradise neighborhoods.
Retirees and snowbirds looking for master-planned communities will find several to choose from in and around the greater Phoenix area. These neighborhoods are appealing due to built-in parks, trails, community centers, and, oftentimes, golf courses.
There are a whopping 187 public parks in Phoenix, with more than 200 miles of trails for walking, hiking, and biking. For pet lovers, Phoenix Parks and Recreation manages 12 dog parks. If you love golf, Phoenix has five 18-hole championship courses and three 9-hole courses, also managed by the city’s parks and rec department. Clearly, Phoenix is a golf- and dog-loving state.
The Best Time of Year to Move to Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix is located between El Paso, Texas, and Los Angeles, California, and is known as the “Valley of the Sun” because it sees more sunny days than any other big city in the nation. Even though the desert climate brings hotter summers, people are drawn to the area for its mild winters, low humidity, and abundant outdoor lifestyle opportunities.
Summer: If possible, avoid moving to Phoenix during the summer. It's the hottest part of the year, typically from June through September, with average daily high temperatures above 100°F. July is usually the hottest month, with average highs around 106°F.
Winter: Winter is one of the best times to move to Phoenix. The cooler season generally runs from November through February, with average daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to low 70s. January is typically the coldest month, with average lows around 45°F and highs near 67°F.
Rainfall: Phoenix is known for its dry desert climate and receives about 9 inches of rain per year. Be aware of the late summer monsoon season, especially in August, when brief but dramatic thunderstorms can roll through the Valley.
Snow: Very rare. The last time it snowed in Phoenix was 1998. However, you can enjoy a warm desert winter while still being within driving distance of winter recreation at nearby mountain destinations.
Phoenix enjoys sunshine and warm temperatures nearly year-round, giving you plenty of flexibility while avoiding the hottest months to move.
Things to Do in Phoenix, AZ
There is never a shortage of things to do and see in and around Phoenix. Ideally situated in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Phoenix offers a dynamic lifestyle with effortless access to world-class golf, mountain recreation, vibrant arts and culture, and breathtaking desert scenery.
Camelback Mountain: One of the most recognizable landmarks in the Valley, Camelback Mountain, is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Rising 2,704 feet above the desert floor, the mountain offers challenging trails and panoramic views of Phoenix and neighboring Scottsdale. Whether you hike Echo Canyon or Cholla Trail, stay long enough to watch an unforgettable Arizona sunset.
Desert Botanical Garden: Located within Papago Park, the Desert Botanical Garden offers you the opportunity to explore thousands of species of cacti, succulents, and desert wildflowers. The gardens host cool events like Dogs After Dark, sound bath meditations, and ballet performances in a botanical garden.
South Mountain Park and Preserve: South Mountain Park and Preserve is one of the largest municipal parks in the country, featuring more than 50 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Dobbins Lookout offers spectacular views of the city skyline and surrounding desert landscapes.
Heard Museum: Phoenix is rich in culture and history, especially in the art and traditions of the Indigenous peoples of the Southwest. The Heard Museum is one of the nation’s premier museums dedicated to Native American art and culture. Featuring both traditional and contemporary exhibits, the museum provides visitors with a deeper understanding of Arizona’s heritage and creative spirit.
Top Employers in Phoenix, AZ
Finding employment in a new city can be challenging if you’re not already relocating for a job. If so, try expanding your search to the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler metropolitan area. One of the biggest employers in the Phoenix area is Arizona State University, located in Tempe, a suburb of Phoenix.
- Banner Health: One of Arizona’s largest employers and the dominant healthcare system in the Phoenix metro area, with tens of thousands of employees statewide.
- PetSmart: Headquartered in the Phoenix area, and a significant corporate employer.
- Mayo Clinic Arizona: Nationally recognized healthcare employer with major Phoenix-area operations.
- American Express: Phoenix serves as a major hub for operations, technology, and customer service teams.
- Honeywell Aerospace: A longstanding Phoenix employer with significant aerospace and engineering operations.
- TSMC: One of the fastest-growing employers in Phoenix, thanks to massive semiconductor investments and fab expansion.
- Intel Corporation: A major technology and semiconductor employer in the Greater Phoenix region, particularly in nearby Chandler.
Phoenix offers big-city culture, affordability, and an active outdoor lifestyle. With warm weather nearly year-round and easy access to hiking, golf, and desert recreation, it’s easy to see the appeal.
Make Your Move With StorQuest
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