People moving to Phoenix, Arizona, for sunshine and amazing desert landscapes have made it the fifth-largest city in the United States, while the Valley of the Sun, as Greater Phoenix is known, is now the nation’s tenth-largest metro area.
A popular place, no doubt, but is Phoenix a good place to live? Most residents would surely agree. However, to make an informed decision before moving there, let’s first review its top neighborhoods, education opportunities, healthcare and, of course, its housing situation. After all, moving is an important life event for the entire family, so it’s worth going over all the ups and downs of life in Phoenix, AZ before relocating there.
Living in Phoenix, AZ
While the hot desert climate is not for everyone, Phoenix sure knows how to make the most of its record sunny days and close proximity to nature. More than 40,000 acres of mountain preserve land and desert parks welcome those who have a passion for outdoor living, hiking, biking and horseback riding along its over 200 miles of trails.
Once a haven for retirees from northern climes drawn to its mix of affordability and year-round warmth, the cost of living in Phoenix has gone up in recent years due to ballooning housing costs. However, it’s still high on the list for those who value access to fresh and nutritious food, as the city has the second-most vegetable nurseries per capita after Miami. This makes Phoenix an oasis accessible, affordable and high-quality produce, despite being surrounded by deserts.
Easy access to other major cities is another ace that Phoenix has up its sleeve, one that delights young professionals and families looking for a quick weekend getaway to LA, San Diego or Las Vegas.
Phoenix, AZ Weather
Beaming brightly on more than 300 days per year, it almost feels like the sun never leaves Phoenix. This makes temperatures often rocket to well over 100 degrees during July and August, while in the winter months temperatures remain comfortably in the 60s. This delightful winter weather is a big draw, especially when much of the country is bundling up against the cold.
Despite the intense summer heat, the air stays dry, which takes a bit of the edge off the high temperatures, although newly turned Phoenix residents used to NY weather or the like might see it more as living in an air fryer. That being said, air conditioning, constant hydration and sun protection are an absolute must for anyone living in Phoenix.
If you are planning to live in Phoenix for the long-term, you’ll need to get used to the heat—the metro is projected to endure 47 days of the year with temperatures above 110 degrees Fahrenheit by the year 2050.
Phoenix Real Estate
The real estate scene in Phoenix is somewhat competitive, but lately, it’s been giving locals a lot to think about. About 56 percent of Phoenicians own their homes, which is lower than the state and national figures of above 64 percent. Those house-hunting here will find the median home value hovers around $340,000, roughly 20 percent above the U.S. average, while renters should expect to shell out over $1,300 a month on average.
But here’s the real talk about life in Phoenix, AZ: climbing into a new home isn’t as easy as it used to be. Many who snagged homes when prices were lower are now feeling stuck. They dream of upgrading but get cold feet seeing today’s prices and mortgage rates. This makes some folks skip the move and instead squeeze more life out of their current spaces, either transforming nooks and crannies into multi-use spaces or renting self-storage to keep the overflow safe until they are ready to upsize. The supply of new homes is also limited, with regulations taking effect in 2023 to limit the development of new subdivisions that rely on groundwater.
However, not everything’s a bummer. Back in April 2024, Arizona rolled out a new lifeline for first-time homebuyers — the “Arizona is Home” program — aiming to take some of the housing stress off by offering up to $30,000 in down payment help for families earning up to 120 percent of the area’s median income.
Pro tip: To avoid peak pricing, buy your new Phoenix home during the winter months.
Best Phoenix Neighborhoods
Ask any number of people living in Phoenix about the best place to move, and you will get just as many different answers. Here are three possible answers:
- Paradise Valley Village is a peaceful suburban nook in northeast Phoenix, right on Scottsdale’s doorstep. You’ll feel right at home here in suburbia, having all the advantages of city life just a very short drive away.
- Fast-beating Downtown Phoenix, the city’s heart, is booming with art, culture and business, just like young professionals love. If the idea of not visiting the same coffee shop or bar in one week excites you, or if you’re a person who enjoys the spontaneity of stopping by a gallery or catching a live performance, this is your place.
- With breathtaking views of Camelback Mountain and a variety of homes, from the extravagant to the cozy, Camelback East is merely a quick trip from Downtown and Scottsdale. Ideal for those seeking a tranquil yet connected lifestyle, this Phoenix neighborhood offers the best of both worlds.
Phoenix Education
Whatever students are passionate about, Phoenix has something to offer in its 30 districts with over 300 public and over 200 charter and private schools, some of which are recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools.
The quest for challenging academic standards does not end at the primary and secondary levels of education — just a stone’s throw away in Tempe, Arizona State University (ASU) is making waves as the most innovative university in the nation. With nearly 80,000 students, ASU is quite big in shaping a new generation of thinkers and leaders.
In efforts to make higher education more accessible, the Personalized Admissions Project is now in place in Phoenix. It automatically sends letters of college acceptance to high school students who meet university requirements, hence making their journey to college a tad easier. This effort is especially aimed at helping students from underserved communities.
Medical Centers in Phoenix
The competition in healthcare definitely keeps the innovation and patient care bar high among the great medical facilities in Phoenix. Of these, Mayo Clinic-Arizona and St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center stand out the most.
With Mayo Clinic at the top in medical education and leading-edge treatments and ranking in the top 20 hospitals in the nation for most specialties available there, residents just know that they are always in good hands.
As for St. Joseph’s, that is a piece of medical history with a much-appreciated modern twist. Founded all the way back in 1895 by the Sisters of Mercy, what today stands as the oldest hospital in Phoenix has blossomed into a cornerstone of cutting-edge medical care across the Greater Phoenix area.
Phoenix Economy and Employment
Often called the “Silicon Desert,” Phoenix is a platform for innovation and continued development of the startup scene, being the nursery of major tech players such as Intel, Honeywell and Avnet — the third being the highest-ranked Fortune 500 company in the state.
Healthcare is a major player here too, anchored by the renowned institutions mentioned above, as well as Banner Health, one of the best big companies in Phoenix one can work for.
Fueled by sunny skies and breathtaking desert vistas, which draw visitors throughout every month of the year, leisure and hospitality play a big role in the bigger Phoenix picture, although the sector has dropped slightly in the past year.
Thanks to a business-friendly climate, a low unemployment rate (2.8 compared to the national 3.7 in May 2024) and educational powerhouses like Arizona State University churning out skilled professionals, Phoenix’s economic future looks as bright as its skies.
Phoenix Transportation
Phoenix is a city where space is abundant, stretching out in all directions and not typically known for being walkable. However, there are some exceptions. Neighborhoods like Downtown, Garfield and Eastlake Park stand out as more pedestrian-friendly areas. You can even catch the Phoenix DASH, a convenient shuttle available weekdays in Downtown, to move faster around the core of the city without worrying about finding a parking spot.
For wider travels, the Valley Metro system offers over 100 bus routes that crisscross several cities in the Valley. The light rail also provides a reliable line from northwest Phoenix through the college town of Tempe and into east Mesa.
While these options do exist, the layout of Phoenix and mild traffic conditions make driving still a practical option for many residents, so you will have the freedom to get around this expansive city on your own time.
Crime in Phoenix
The crime rate in Phoenix was 33 per 1,000 residents in 2023, over 30 percent more than the state average and 40 percent higher than the national average. Although this may reflect some of the challenges in safety management in a big city, the violent crime rate, at about 7.9 per 1,000, could be a further cause for concern, nearly double the national and state averages.
Due to the city’s vast urban sprawl, crime hotspots are notably scattered across it. However, the area around the I-17 and Indian School/Camelback stands out in terms of violent crimes. At the same time, this is also one of the most densely populated square miles in the city, which clearly influences the crime statistics in the area.
Phoenix Attractions
Those in love with the outdoors realize right away that they do not have to travel far from the city to get a feel of nature. For a little adventure, there’s South Mountain Park — one of the largest municipal parks in the United States —, while Camelback Mountain is perfect for a hike up the trails or just to soak up a stunning Arizona sunset from the top.
In the east part of the city, the Desert Botanical Garden is an astonishing living museum worth exploring bit by bit. Various trails throughout the garden take visitors past historic plant collections, fragrant herbs that awaken the senses and brightly colored wildflowers all the way to the Butterfly Pavilion, home to over 2,000 butterflies native to the Southwest. The nearby Phoenix Zoo is another hit with kids and adults alike.
Note: Life in Phoenix, AZ, would not be complete without checking out the many rodeo events that take place here throughout the year, bringing the Old West to life in a most fun way.
Storage Units in Phoenix
With space in Phoenix now at a premium, smart storage solutions are no longer just nice to have. For many locals, squeezing more life out of every square inch is a necessity, especially when home upgrades feel just out of reach.
Since the sun rules the sky around here, not any storage unit will do — it has to be climate-controlled. In Phoenix’s sizzling heat and bone-dry air, these units work overtime to protect your treasures. Because it’s not just high humidity and mold to fear out in the world, excessive dryness can make wood, fabric and paper brittle beyond saving.
So, if you’re just moving to Phoenix, Arizona, and plan on storing Grandma’s old photo albums or safeguarding your camping gear, a climate-controlled unit will be your secret weapon against the extremes, an ingenious way to extend the life of your possessions and keep your home uncluttered and breathable.
