Moving to Phoenix: Everything You Need to Know
If you’ve ever wondered what the fastest-evolving city with the largest population is, look no further than Phoenix. The only state capital with a population of over one million residents, this cultural hub is hugely popular thanks to its vibrant downtown and greater metropolitan area, which includes multiple suburbs—each impressive in their own right.
Before moving to any new city, it’s important to get a lay of the land and become familiar with the area and prepare for the unknown. To get you started, here’s a list of the most important things you need to know when moving to Phoenix.
The Valley
Shortened from the official phrase ‘Valley of the Sun,’ The Valley is the Phoenix metropolitan area made up of Phoenix, East Valley, and West Valley. If you live in Phoenix, you’re still a part of The Valley. Looking to rebrand itself as “PHX East Valley,” the East, which includes suburbs like Apache Junction, Chandler, Gilbert, Guadalupe, Mesa, Tempe, and Queen Creek, continues to focus on investment opportunities along the current and proposed light rail connection to Greater Phoenix. The West, which includes Buckeye, El Mirage, Glendale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Peoria, Surprise, Tolleson, Wickenburg, and Youngtown, also has its focus on growth thanks to new residential communities and rising average income.
Food Scene
If you’re a foodie, chances are you’ve already heard about the buzz-worthy food scene of the Valley. Eateries range from modern and trendy restaurants in restored downtown warehouses to farm-to-table experiences with locally grown produce. You can try exotic and contemporary cuisine or enjoy vegan and organic menus. Needless to say there are hundreds of places to wine and dine in Phoenix.
Not only will you find a variety of restaurants, you’ll also have a vast selection of farmers markets, food trucks, and coffee spots.
Nightlife
Phoenix has numerous opportunities to spend a night out on the town. A rich linup of bars including soccer pubs, underground bars, and themed bars, can be found throughout the city as well as the outlying suburbs.
Transportation
No one likes to commute, and unless you’re job is within biking distance, you’re left with driving as the only option. Luckily, the city has made headlines as one of the ‘Most Iconic City Grids in the World,’ where the streets run north, south, east, and west, with every eight numbered-street equaling exactly one mile, as well as being centrally located to multiple suburbs all within easy access.
Bicyclists rejoice as you have found your community. Walking a big thing here, but bicycling is even bigger. The city has a in-depth bike-share program with over 12,000 members and a Bicycle Master Plan, making it safer and easier for bicyclists to travel throughout the city and make connections to adjacent communities.
Also, this is the age of the light rail and residents are big fans of this system. The Valley Metro is a combination of regional bus, light rail, and paratransit service for commuters. On the receiving end of wide approval, extensions of the light rail are planned for other suburbs.
Art and Culture
Culture and art play a big role in Phoenix, so you’ll find multiple museums, galleries, and theaters for you to soak up the city’s creative scene. The city features many opportunities to view public art in the Roosevelt Row Arts District. Organizations, like The Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture's Grants Program, also support the creation, performance, and exhibition of arts and cultural programs throughout the city.
Weather
Phoenix has some of the best weather around, making it one of the most popular areas to retire in 2017, per Bankrate. Both the young and the young at heart take advantage of the year-round warm weather. And yes, to make up for the almost unbelievably perfect fall, winter, and spring, the summer months can be blistering. Luckily, the city has many ways for locals to stay cool in the heat, and although many outdoor activity schedules are adjusted around the hottest part of the day, there’s always Eegees, a state-wide restaurant chain and local favorite that’s popular for their frozen drinks.
Homestyles
You may be surprised to know that the area is a melting pot of homes with a rich history of innovative architectural styles. Don’t expect to see rows of cookie-cutter developments with underwhelming pastel shades. The city features modern homes mixed in with historic residences, and there are many historic districts where you can view supreme examples of 19th Century and early 20th century architecture.
Outdoor Activities
With over 200 golf courses in the area, Phoenix residents have golfing down to a tee. But that’s not the only sport in the city. State parks offer challenging levels of hiking platforms like the White Tank Mountains, Sierra Estrella, San Tan Mountains, and the McDowell Mountains. Runners and joggers will appreciate the most popular routes already charted by longtime enthusiasts. And rock climbers, equestrian riders, and cyclists share miles of scenic trails in the Sonoran Desert.
Economy
Almost fully recovered from the recession in 2007, job growth in Phoenix has continued to rebound across the board with the fastest rates seen in education and health services; trade, transportation, and utilities; professional and business services; financial activities; and leisure and hospitality.
A large part of the area’s economic abundance comes from the tourism industry. Everything that makes the Phoenix metro area so appealing to its residents is also what makes millions of tourists visit the area each year. In 2016 alone, 43 million people visited the state, spending over $21 billion. It’s no wonder we have over 465 hotels and resorts in the area.
Desert Critters
Understanding that you share your surroundings with plenty of desert-dwelling critters takes some getting used to. Although most are harmless—except for the initial shock when you first encounter one—chances are your interactions will be uneventful. With that being said, there are certain precautions in order to manage pests like rattlesnakes, blister beetles, and scorpions from entering your yard and home.