Between 2017 and 2018, Phoenix gained 25,288 new residents, making it one of the fastest growing cities in the country. And while this may seem like dust in the wind compared to its already huge population of 1.63 million folks. The Valley offers ample job opportunities in ever-growing industries from aerospace and defense to film and digital media, the weather year-round is hot and dry, and people can enjoy a relatively low cost of living.
Now, if you’re looking to move to Phoenix, you’re in good company. In fact, it’s been said not that many people from Phoenix were not born there. For instance, 19% of its population—roughly 309,000 people—are foreign born. Here are X tips to become a Phoenician in no time.
1. First things first, don’t talk about the heat in Phoenix.
Typically speaking, high moving season is March through May, which is just in time to enjoy the regularly triple digit weather experienced each summer. A sure sign that you’re not from Phoenix will be saying, “At least it’s a dry heat.” But here’s the thing, heat is heat and humidity is humidity. If you must make a comment about it, maybe mention that at least it’s not hot and humid.
And if you do want to find a place to cool off outside, locals love the Encanto Pool as well as the Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center. Don’t expect rain to cool you off, the city gets less than 8 inches a year.
2. Phoenix is The Valley and The Valley is Phoenix
Nicknamed as The Valley of the Sun, Phoenix and its surrounding metropolitan area make up a ton of land space and is home to nearly 4.9 million people. You’ll often hear locals break down the area in terms of valleys. The Valley is Phoenix, while West Valley includes cities such as Gilbert and Buckeye and East Valley covers places such as Tempe and Chandler.
And while we’re on the topic of geography, grow familiar with South Mountain (conveniently located just south of Phoenix.) All the downtown streets run strictly north, south, east, and west. If you ever get a bit lost, look for South Mountain, and it’ll serve as your North Star.
3. These are the places to eat in Phoenix
If you want to be a Phoenician, you ought to eat like one. That being said, here are some places you need to try in Phoenix:
- Cocina Madrigal – Being relatively close to the border, you’re going to get those Mexican flavors and spices everyone is growing to love. You can take a seat by yourself at the bar or bring your whole family. People highly recommend their guacamole.
- The Arrogant Butcher – Offering New American, gastropub, and seafood options, you have your picks of anything from beef short rib stew to oysters.
- Little Miss BBQ – Brisket, pulled pork, and pork ribs? What more do you want when craving some BBQ? Just be sure to save some space for their pecan pie afterward.
4. Learn about Phoenix without looking like a tourist
The Greater Phoenix area has nearly 44 million visitors in 2017, and it’s tourist industry enjoyed about $14 billion in economic impact. That being said, there are going to be a lot of other new people. The only difference between you and them is they plan on leaving and will likely hit all the tourist spots.
To help out those new residents, the city has actually put together a list of local favorites and lesser-known hotspots to checkout. You can checkout Downtown Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row Arts District to explore the creativity of the areas urban core or really get out of town and explore a trail to see Dobbins Lookout or Papago Park.
5. Lastly, know the native wildlife
Phoenix is very much a dessert-like oasis. You’ll find rock lawns, cacti, and plenty of desert animals, reptiles and birds. A common one will be scorpions, and their stings are at best painful and at worst deadly to those who are allergic. Other unfortunately deadly creatures to look out for include black widow spiders, killer bees, and a plethora of venomous snakes.
That being said, the wildlife is not something to be constantly afraid of, just more or less healthily aware of.
These are just a few tips to becoming a local fast in Phoenix, have anymore that you’d like to share? Tell us below!
And while we’re on the topic of living in Phoenix, click here to learn how Phoenix self storage can help you move and live in this amazing city.
