Moving to Phoenix

population of phoenix

So what is the population of Phoenix? Phoenix is the 6th most populous city in the US that is growing incessantly. The current population of the city has exceeded 1.6 million people, while the city metropolitan area has become home to over 4.5 million people. The increase in the number of the local residents has been more than 1.5% each year since 2012, while in 2023, Phoenix was ranked the second among the fastest-growing US cities too. 80% of people and companies that move to Arizona head for Phoenix, so the city has made its great contribution to make Arizona the 2nd fastest-growing state in the nation. With such an increase in the number of citizens, it was estimated that Phoenix will be the 4th most populated city in 2023.

What states send Arizona new residents? In fact, if to analyze data by the American Community Survey, the first place by a large margin is taken by California – over 31,500 people left the state within 2022-2023. The state is followed by Washington (over 10,000), Texas (over 9,000), and Illinois (over 8,000). If to speak about areas that provide Phoenix with new residents, the first places in the rating are taken by Tucson, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Seattle. When it comes to Arizona residents, 11% of newly arrived Phoenix residents are native Arizonans. Naturally, Tucson takes the first place, but there are also people moving from Flagstaff, Prescott, Lake Havasu City, Yuma, and others.

At the same time, it is not easy to become a resident of Arizona. How long do you have to live in Arizona to be considered a resident? Well, according to the local law, to become a resident of this state, you need to establish ‘domicile’, live in the state at least for 6 months, and use a local address for different purposes such as voting registration, obtaining driver’s license etc..

reasons to move to phoenix

If you plan moving to Phoenix, Arizona, you might be already aware of some of the benefits you will get living in this city. However, it will be useful for everyone to look through the pros of living in Phoenix as you might learn something new as well. So reasons to move to Phoenix:

• 1. Cost of living
  Is Phoenix a good place to live? Undoubtedly, it is one of the few American metro areas with a rather affordable cost of living. You will not pay more than the national average for groceries, healthcare, transportation. In some cases like with health insurance, it may be even savvier to live in Phoenix. However, a basic list of utilities might cost you 14% more than around the US. Numbeo estimates a minimum amount of food per person in Phoenix at around $305. If to analyze that an average salary in the city is $3,365, eating out is not a problem too. If you are thinking about moving to Phoenix AZ, then the cost of living is one of the advantages of living here.

• 2. Housing and rent
  Naturally, prices for homes in metro areas are always higher than in smaller cities. But Phoenix is the second cheapest city among other metropolitan areas by the cost of housing. The median home price in the city is $241,000. Of course, it is higher than the national one of $216,000. However, the difference is not that critical if to consider that the median household income is about $52,062 and it is constantly growing.
  Rent prices are also close to the national ones. The average Zillow rent price in Phoenix is $1400, while the American average is $1,480. The metro area is a bit more expensive – $1,445.

• 3. Beautiful nature
  Located in the Sonoran Desert, Phoenix has a unique aesthetics in comparison with other cities. It is surrounded by such mountains as the McDowell Mountains, Superstition Mountains, White Tank Mountains, and Sierra Estrella, and the main place of adoration is the Salt River flowing through the city. Phoenix has unforgettable sunsets and multiple natural treasures including Tonto Natural Bridge, Saguaro Lake, Petrified Forest National Park, and others.

• 4. Outdoor activities
  If you prefer an active way of life, Phoenix offers a variety of opportunities to spend time outdoors. There are 189 parks, 200 miles of trails, and thousands of acres of desert preserves to relax in the open air. Mountains offer such great activities as cycling, hiking, climbing, backpacking, horse riding, and even tubing. Lakes and rivers are excellent for swimming, fishing, kayaking, while great outdoor facilities are perfect for going in for sports or playing outdoor games.

• 5. Employment
  Phoenix is considered to be a great place for employment because it is one of the most attractive cities for starting a business. There are over 500 companies with their headquarters in this city. The unemployment rate in Phoenix is 3.8% and the number of jobs in constantly growing with 3.30% increase for the last year. The highest-paid jobs are in such industries as mining and extraction, utilities, technical and professional services, management etc. The top 5 industries are real estate, finance and insurance, manufacturing, retail trade, and healthcare.

• 6. Good healthcare
  Phoenix can boast lower death indices thanks to a high-quality healthcare system. There are 56 medical centers and hospitals in the metro area, while some of them such as Mayo Clinics and John C. Lincoln North Mountain Hospital have been ranked the best in several nominations.

• 7. Climate and weather
  When it comes to the weather, it is not surprising that there are about 300 sunny days per year in the hot desert climate. Naturally, the temperature may rise over 100 degrees but you can easily bear it because this heat is dry. Such drought prevents from appearing of mold, mildew or car rust as well as minimizes the number of mosquitoes or gnats. Winters are mild and the temperature can drop to 32°F rarely.

• 8. Vibrant arts and culture
  You will always find a good place to enjoy the local culture in Phoenix. You can visit opera, ballet or listen to the symphony orchestra. There are several theatres and impress with the diversity of their performance as well as a vibrant art scene that can be appreciated in local galleries and public places. The city can boast many architectural masterpieces and many museums for people of all ages.

• 9. Numerous events and fiestas
  When you get tired of the local entertainment, it is time to become a regular visitor of other interesting attractions and events. You can visit a zoo, botanical gardens, old castles, and mansions but the most popular destination for Phoenix residents is funny annual events. Who would not like to visit the largest horse show in the world, celebrate the days of Japanese culture or attend a real rodeo? The diversity of local fiestas and events is unbelievable.

• 10. Tasty food
  Phoenix will not disappoint people who love Mexican cuisine as local tacos are considered to be real culinary masterpieces. However, there are many restaurants serving dishes of other countries, so you can taste some exclusive delicacies there too. Some restaurants date back to the previous century including Monti’s La Casa Vieja (opened in the 1890s) and The Stockyards steakhouse (1947). Lovers of gastronomic dishes who moving to Phoenix will definitely like this city.

• 11. Sports
  Phoenix is a sports capital of Arizona because it is home to 4 professional sports leagues. Local sports fans cry for NBA (Suns), NFL (Cardinals), NHL (Coyotes), and MLB (Diamondbacks), while the main sports facility of the city is the D’Backs’ stadium with a retractable roof.
  In addition, Phoenix is a paradise for golf players as there are more than 200 golf courses in the city and the main golf tournament – the Phoenix Open – is held there too.

• 12. Light traffic
  Despite being a large city with hundreds of thousand residents, it still has rather light traffic even in rush hours. The grid road system is rather easy to navigate and it has excellent quality being safe, clean and cared about. Trulia has even called Phoenix one of only 2 US cities with the population over 1 million people where commute time is one of the shortest. Moreover, the city is bike-friendly and has a well-developed light rail system to get to any point in the city quickly. No wonder that traffic is rather light here too.

• 13. Great nightlife
  Every young person might wonder “should I move to Phoenix?”, but not everyone knows that you will never feel dull in this city even at night. There is a variety of nightclubs, upscale lounges, dive bars, and many other attractions to let your hair down. Local pool parties are famous all over the world because here you can wear a swimsuit all year round.

• 14. Tasty coffee
  The capital city of Arizona offers delicious coffee to everyone, so this drink has taken a special place in the everyday life of the residents. It seems that a new coffee shop is opened every month and you can enjoy this drink everywhere.

• 15. Consciousness about environment
  How is it with water in the desert? Undoubtedly, it is a real problem but Phoenicians have solved this problem making canals to the Colorado River. They are very conscious about water use and appreciate every drop of this valuable resource.
  Another way of taking care of the environment is the domination of cyclists in the city. There is even the Grid Bike Share Program for people who prefer riding bikes. Many homeowners try to use solar batteries and other technologies to save energy as well.

• 16. Cheap education
  There are 33 school districts in Phoenix with over 27,000 students studying there and over 1000 schools functioning in the metro area. However, Arizona is ranked 49th in the amount of money spent per every student, so education is one of the cheapest in the US here.
  Moreover, Phoenix offers excellent opportunities to get a university or college degree at Arizona State University, University of Phoenix, Grand Canyon University and others.

• 17. Young median age
  It is great to live in Phoenix because you will be always surrounded by young active people. The median age in the city is 32.9, while the national average is 39.4.

• 18. Extensive American heritage
  Moving to Arizona you can learn much about the history of the country you live in.
  Phoenix is proud of its long Native American heritage. You can learn more about it in the Heard Museum that has an exhibition of Native American art. There you can see a full Navajo hogan, their traditional homes, jewelry, arts etc.

REASONS NOT TO MOVE to Phoenix

Having analyzed the reasons why move to Phoenix is the right solution, it is worth considering the negative features of this city. Every person should be prepared for the challenges awaiting him or her at the new place of living. Reasons not to move to Phoenix:

• 1. Wildlife
  It is important to remember that Phoenix is a desert, first of all, so it has a respective flora and fauna. If you have not lived in the desert before, you might be terrified by the wildlife to come across here. These are coyotes, desert tortoises, scorpions, chuckwallas, wild pigs, Gila monsters, and a big number of snakes. Some of them are not afraid of the city bustle and become the guests of your home.

• 2. Prickly plants
  Though Phoenix may seem a very green city, most of the wild plants growing here are prickly. You can see many cacti and other similar plants here, so avoid walking barefoot here too.

• 3. Taxes
  Though living in Phoenix is not very expensive, you must be prepared to give a part of your income for the sake of the city and state. If income tax in Phoenix is a bit lower than the US average – 4.2%, the sales tax rate for the city is even higher – 8.6%.

• 4. Many tourists
  Have you ever lived in the city with the population over a million? In fact, people are everywhere there, but how will you react when their number increases greatly because of the arrival of tourists? Many people are attracted by luxurious golf courses and exciting casinos, so over 16 million people visit the city annually.

• 5. Oppressive summer sun and droughts
  Though the local climate is dry and sunny, there is another side of the medal too. Sometimes the sun can be really oppressive and you run out of the moisture very quickly. It means that a bottle of water is a necessity here no matter where you go. Moreover, such a dry climate can lead to occasional dust storms and monsoons too.

• 6. Air quality
  It is not surprising to learn that big cities have much more polluted air than rural areas, but the location of Phoenix makes the situation even worse. Being a desert city surrounded by mountains leads to the creation of so-called the “Brown Cloud.” It influences the quality of the air and a necessity to hide on Ozone Alert Days several times in a year.

• 7. Crime rate
  Unfortunately, you cannot feel absolutely safe living in Phoenix. Whether it is an Old West mentality or rather permissive gun laws, but there is a big problem with fraud and violent crime in the whole state. It has even taken the first place nationwide in such crimes as identity theft and kidnapping. The total crime rate for 1,000 residents is 44.81, while the number of violent crimes was over 12,000 and property crimes – over 60,000 last year.

• 8. No walking
  When you arrive in Phoenix, you will not see many people walking in the streets. In fact, according to CREUA study, Phoenix takes the 29th place among 30 metro areas in walkability.

• 9. Conservative
  Moving to Phoenix area with rather liberal views can be a problem because the whole state and the city as well are solid-red. Probably, your liberal views won’t be shared here.

• 10. Low-quality tap water
  It is natural that water is of high value in the desert and being delivered through so many canals and purified for local residents, it is still very hard. You should not drink tap water not only because it is disgusting but also not to have health issues.

• 11. Suburban feel
  It is difficult to explain what exactly makes Phoenix feel suburban, but living there you may come to the conclusion that it does not look like other metro areas. There is a faceless downtown, many privately owned homes spread, lack of bright colors, so it looks different from other urban areas.

Best places to live in Phoenix

Moving to Phoenix you need to choose the best places to live in Phoenix in advance. The city is very spread, so you should think of how long it will take you to get to work and consider the difference in home prices as it can be very impressive. Other factors to consider are safety and the presence of basic facilities. We have prepared the top 5 best Phoenix neighborhoods to consider for a living.

• 1. Ahwatukee
  It is one of the best neighborhoods in Phoenix featuring a suburban feel. There are detached houses predominantly and many parks to go for a walk. Schools are rated high there, but the cost of homes in higher and the crime situation is not pleasing as well.

• 2. Gilbert
  Being a more affordable area than Ahwatukee, Gilbert is one of the highest-ranked neighborhoods in Phoenix. There are great public schools, coffee shops, parks as well as places to eat – it has been called one of the top 5 foodie neighborhoods.

• 3. Paradise Valley
  Being the wealthiest municipality in the state, it offers a very high level of life too. Homes are evaluated at the median home cost of the city here, while the variety of amenities will not leave anyone indifferent. There are many attractions and opportunities for outdoor activities too.

• 4. Biltmore
  This is a prestigious area in Phoenix that is also a financial center of the city. There is a famous Arizona Biltmore Hotel, many restaurants and cafes, and an open-air shopping center located there.

• 5. Coronado
  Located close to the center, the area offers access to three main highways and is home to hundreds of small businesses thriving here. It has a long history but offers modern facilities to its residents. It consists of 3 small neighborhoods with over 5,000 households.

worst neighborhoods in phoenix

Naturally, every city has some neighborhoods that do not seem appealing for a living. Phoenix is not an exception, so we advise people planning a relocation to Phoenix, AZ avoid the following districts. Study worst neighborhoods in Phoenix before moving.

• 1. Central City
  The area does not offer many jobs, so the unemployment rate here is higher – 7.5%. It is not considered safe and affordable too.

• 2. Maryvale
  The neighborhood shows average data of all the factors that influence the quality of life. It is not very expensive and has basic amenities, while the number of jobs and crime rate are mediocre.

• 3. Estrella
  Being one of the least densely populated districts its negative features are a lower number of jobs and safety issues.

• 4. South Mountain
  This Phoenix neighborhood is also not densely populated. It is not absolutely safe and many people have difficulty in finding jobs there too.

• 5. Alahambra
  Living in this area is one of the most insecure ones. Moreover, it is densely populated so there are troubles with finding a job. Despite these features, home prices are not low as well.

BEST PLACES TO WORK IN PHOENIX

Employment has always been a driving factor for moving. Being a popular destination for companies moving to Phoenix, the city has been ranked one of the best for opening business. Considering the main industries people are employed in, the first place is taken by healthcare and social assistance (12.2%), retail trade (11.6%), and accommodation and food services (8.7%). Government jobs are also very developed in the city taking fourth place by generating GDP, it is very important to study the best places to work in Phoenix in advance.
If jobs are one of the reasons to move to Phoenix, the top largest employers of Arizona state include:

• Banner Health – healthcare industry with over 39,000 employees.

• Wal-Mart Stores Inc. – retail trade with over 34,000 employees.

• Kroger Co. – groceries stores with over 16,000 employees.

• McDonald’s – fast food sphere with over 15,000 employees.

• Wells Fargo & Co. – financial services with over 15,000 employees.

• Albertson’s – groceries stores with over 14,000 employees.

• Intel Corp. – technology manufacturing with over 11,000 employees.

tips for moving to phoenix

Every person who wants to moving to Phoenix, AZ, should be aware of the basic rules of how to make this process smooth and stress-free. Learn several useful tips on how to make moving to Arizona more efficient.

• Choose any season for relocation except for summer;

• Get prepared to the heat: pack for the heat, dress for the heat and schedule your move to avoid extreme temperatures;

• Create a moving checklist to ensure that everything was delivered to a new home;

• Change your driver’s license, register for voting and your vehicle in DMV office immediately after arrival;

• Learn your trash and recycling schedule.

JOB MARKET IN PHOENIX

Phoenix, Arizona has one of the best overall climates in the United States, and thus tourism is one of the primary industries in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Approximately 45 million visitors come to Phoenix, Arizona every year for leisure. Also, Phoenix is gradually becoming a popular place for technology companies and financial institutions. So what is it job market in Phoenix? Wells Fargo, American Express, and JP Morgan Chase & Co. employ many people in Phoenix, Arizona. Some of the largest employers in Phoenix include Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Dignity Health, and Banner Health. Honeywell and Amazon are also two of the largest employers in Phoenix, Arizona. The unemployment rate in Phoenix, Arizona is nearly the same as the national unemployment rate.
The average annual salary in Phoenix, Arizona is approximately $52,000. The national average annual salary is $53,000. Unemployment in Phoenix, Arizona currently sits at 7.4% and the national unemployment rate is 8.1%.
The population of Phoenix, Arizona is approximately 1.6 million people. Arizona is expected to add over three hundred thousand jobs in the coming years. The job market in Arizona overall has a positive outlook, and Phoenix is the center of economic activity in the state. Health, Technology, Energy, and Construction are four of the most active markets in Phoenix, Arizona. These economic sectors will experience rapid growth in Phoenix during the coming years. Major Fortune 500 companies are also in Phoenix. These include Avnet, Freport-McMoran, Republic Services, Magellan Health, and Sprouts Farmers Markets.

what is the climate in phoenix arizona

What is the climate in Phoenix Arizona? Phoenix, Arizona has dry and hot summer, cool winters, and clear weather all year long. The average temperature varies from forty-five degrees to one hundred and seven degrees. The temperature in Phoenix rarely goes below thirty-seven degrees or above one hundred and twelve degrees.
August contains the most days each year when Phoenix is likely to see rainfall. In the month of August an average of 5.5 days will have a minimum of 0.4 inches of rain. The dry season in Phoenix runs from March to early July and this period of time contains the fewest number of wet days in Phoenix.
Arizona is drier than other states in the nation. Approximately one-half of Arizona is semi-arid, one-third is arid, and the remaining portion of the state is humid. The Colorado Plateau contains frigid winters and an arid climate. The temperatures in Flagstaff are lower than temperatures in Phoenix.
Arizona has areas of humid climate due to the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau. Streams add to the atmospheric moisture and produce cooler temperatures compared with nearby deserts.

cost of living in phoenix

The cost of living in Phoenix, Arizona is approximately five percent lower than the national average. Many factors affect the cost of living, including an individual’s salary, the local real estate market, and the presence or absence of specific market conditions.
The median home price in Phoenix, Arizona is $330,344. Housing expenses in Phoenix, Arizona are approximately five percent lower than the national average. Also, utility prices are approximately four percent lower than the national average. Gas prices and bus prices in Phoenix, Arizona are also lower than the national average.
The median rent for a one bedroom apartment in Phoenix, Arizona is $1,035 per month. The average energy bill cost is $161.12 per month and the average phone bill is $171.75 per month. Grocery prices in Phoenix are lower than the national average. The cost of prescription drugs and other medical treatment may factor into the total cost of living depending on an individual’s medical condition. However, the cost of living in Phoenix, Arizona is generally lower than the national average.

LIVING IN PHOENIX

Do you love being in the desert? Do you prefer hot or cold weather? The following details will be relevant to help you learn what to expect as you adapt to living in Phoenix, Arizona.
Approximately sixteen million people visit Phoenix, Arizona every year. Some visitors end up falling in love with Phoenix and moving to the city permanently. Phoenix does contain many residents who migrated to the area from out-of-state. Home to approximately 1.5 million people, Phoenix is a large city and offers many positive elements that continue attracting prospective residents year after year.
Life in Phoenix is different in one obvious way: Arizona is one of the few states that does not recognize daylight savings time. Arizona goes by Mountain Standard Time all year long. Many citrus trees grow in Phoenix and the evening sunsets are otherworldly.
However, the desert does not come without predators and dangerous animals. Scorpions, coyotes, and rattlesnakes are all present in the Phoenix area. Summertime in Phoenix is scorching hot, with temperatures rising to 110 degrees on particularly hot days.
It is essential for residents to have access to an automobile in Phoenix. A light rail and bus system provides access to public transportation, but these options are limited, and to really explore the city you must use an automobile.
If you live close enough to your employer you can ride a bicycle to work. Bicycle Boulevard is a popular thoroughfare than contains 4.5 miles of bike lanes that allow cyclists to move quickly through Downtown Phoenix.
Driving in Phoenix is not difficult, and long traffic lanes and massive congestion are not a part of life in Phoenix thanks to the grid system on which the city streets are based. Traffic congestion does increase during the winter due to seasonal residents arriving between November and February.
When you moving to Phoenix you will likely visit Downtown. Some of the most popular and diverse neighborhoods in Phoenix are located in the Downtown area. You can find shops, businesses, art galleries, and restaurants in Downtown Phoenix. Some popular neighborhoods near Downtown Phoenix include Arcadia, Greater Coronado, Grand, and Roosevelt Row.
Four main suburbs offer access to Phoenix but are located further away from the city. These suburbs include Glendale, Gilbert, Tempe, and Mesa.