{"id":19596,"date":"2024-08-22T13:46:28","date_gmt":"2024-08-22T18:46:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/storagecom-blog.local\/?p=19596"},"modified":"2025-08-04T10:50:07","modified_gmt":"2025-08-04T15:50:07","slug":"living-in-phoenix-az","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stg-httpsblogstoragecom-staging.kinsta.cloud\/blog\/living-in-phoenix-az\/","title":{"rendered":"On the Move: Your Guide to Living in Phoenix"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Jim David \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

People moving to Phoenix, Arizona<\/a>, 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\u2019s tenth-largest metro area.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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\u2019s worth going over all the ups and downs of life in Phoenix, AZ<\/a> before relocating there.<\/span><\/p>\n

Living in Phoenix, AZ<\/h2>\n

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<\/span> 200 miles of trails<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/span> ballooning housing costs<\/span><\/a>. However, it\u2019s still high on the list for those who value access to fresh and nutritious food, as the city has the<\/span> second-most vegetable nurseries per capita<\/span><\/a> after Miami. This makes Phoenix an oasis accessible, affordable and high-quality produce, despite being surrounded by deserts.<\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Phoenix, AZ Weather<\/h2>\n
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Kevin Ruck \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are planning to live in Phoenix for the long-term, you’ll need to get used to the heat\u2014the metro is projected to endure 47 days of the year<\/a> with temperatures above 110 degrees Fahrenheit by the year 2050.<\/p>\n

Phoenix Real Estate<\/h2>\n

The real estate scene in Phoenix is somewhat competitive, but lately, it\u2019s been giving locals a lot to think about. About<\/span> 56 percent of Phoenicians own their homes<\/span><\/a>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

But here\u2019s the real talk about life in Phoenix, AZ: climbing into a new home isn\u2019t 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\u2019s 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<\/span> renting self-storage<\/span><\/a> to keep the overflow safe until they are ready to upsize. <\/span>The supply of new homes is also limited, with regulations taking effect in 2023 to limit the development of new subdivisions that rely\u00a0on groundwater<\/a>.<\/p>\n

However, not everything\u2019s a bummer. Back in April 2024, Arizona rolled out a new lifeline for first-time homebuyers \u2014 the \u201c<\/span>Arizona is Home<\/span><\/a>\u201d program \u2014 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\u2019s median income.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pro tip:<\/b> To avoid peak pricing, buy your new Phoenix home during the winter months.<\/span><\/p>\n

Best Phoenix Neighborhoods<\/h2>\n
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Allison H. Smith \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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:<\/span><\/p>\n