Moving To Phoenix?
A Few Insider’s Tips .

There is so much more to moving to Phoenix, Arizona than scorching heat, giant saguaro cactus, and desert landscapes. Read on to get an insider’s perspective on why this Southwestern U.S. city is one of the top destinations for transplants of all ages, from far and wide.

If those images come to mind, you wouldn’t be alone. And you wouldn’t be wrong. But bear with us. Phoenix is so much more than that, and it’s quickly becoming one of the most popular destinations for transplants from far and wide. In fact, Phoenix was on of the topped ranked metros on the list of top migration destinations in a 2020.

If you’ve considered moving to Phoenix and the aptly named Valley of the Sun, stick around. We’ve helped hundreds of people relocate to this Arizona hot spot (see what we did there?).

Today we’re giving you the insider’s perspective on the things you should know before moving to Phoenix.

Weather in Phoenix – Can You Stand the Heat?

Ask anyone who has been to Phoenix about the notoriously hot summers, and you’ll probably hear these five words:

“But it’s a dry heat.”

It’s true; the heat in Phoenix really is a dry heat. But dry or not, it can still run anywhere from 110-120 degrees on any given summer day. If you’re wondering what that feels like, just stand in front of a hot convection oven when you open the door.

That whoosh of hot air? That’s what it feels like to open your front door during summer in Phoenix.

But the good news is that Phoenix is built with the heat in mind.

Walk anywhere in Old Town Scottsdale, for example, and you’ll be cooled by a super fine spray of water from restaurant misting systems and high-powered fans. Indoor activities also abound. Most grocery stores and other highly-frequented destinations have either covered parking or strategically placed trees throughout the parking lot. The day you find yourself walking from the end of the lot farthest from the grocery store’s entrance just so you can park under that coveted bit of shade, you’ll know you’re a true Phoenecian. Just remember to keep gloves (or potholders) in your car at all times. Hot steering wheels are a major summer hazard.

Still not sure about those triple digits? Check out these tips for surviving the AZ summer heat.

Monsoons, Flash Floods, and Haboobs… What!

It might seem counterintuitive, but it does, in fact, rain in the desert.

And when it rains, it rains a lot.

The monsoon is a period of time between June and September, during which sudden heavy rainfall and wild lightning storms seem to pop up out of nowhere. They can also be coupled with strong winds and those massive dust walls called Haboobs that roll up from the south.

During the monsoon and any of its accompanying weather-related phenomena, it’s wise to stay indoors and enjoy the show. Flash floods are frequent. Within a matter of minutes, any of the city’s dry washes can suddenly turn into a raging river. If you do happen to be caught on the road during a monsoon storm or haboob, never attempt to cross flooded areas. If visibility becomes limited, pull over with your vehicle’s lights off to prevent any vehicles that may have been following your car’s tail lights from following you off the road.

The Rest Of The Year Is Near Perfection

If you’ve read this far, you may be feeling less than optimistic about the weather in Phoenix. But fear not. Besides the three to four months of summer heat, the rest of the year is simply perfection.

Phoenix’s low humidity means that even temperatures as high as 95-100 can feel quite comfortable. In fact, temperatures below 70 may even feel downright chilly, so be sure not to throw away your winter clothes.

The Phoenix Metro Area Is A Top Destination For Families Nationwide

Did you know that four Phoenix Metro suburbs were ranked on the list of the best places to raise a family in the United States? It’s no surprise to those of us who live here. Those suburbs included Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, and Peoria.

Let’s take a look at a few of the current hotspots for families in and around Phoenix.

Top Phoenix Neighborhoods For Families

Chandler

The Chandler Unified School District has been recognized as one of the top school districts in the Valley and one of the best in the state. While technically its own city, Chandler is home to many young families who also work in Phoenix proper. There is no shortage of activities and attractions for kids and adults alike, from golf courses and casinos to breweries, parks, and shopping.

North 32nd

Located around the intersection of 32nd Street and Shea Rd., this rapidly developing area has become a favorite of families with young kids. In fact, it’s arguably one of the top trick-or-treating destinations in the city. Most homes in the area were built in the ’70s. Still, the area is undergoing a revitalization, with many of the spacious single-level homes in the area being renovated in a trendy, mid century style.

One of the most attractive features of the homes in this area is their sprawling yards – many over a quarter of an acre. Because of its proximity to Shea Rd, the area is sometimes called the “Sheaborhood”. You’ll find hiking and biking trails laced throughout, at least five parks within two square miles, easy access to Highway 51, and major shopping destinations like Costco, Trader Joe’s, Target, and many others just down the street.

More Than Snowbirds… Seniors Love Phoenix Year-Round

Moving to Phoenix is popular among retirees and seniors year-round, thanks to its much lower cost of living compared to other major metropolitan areas. On top of the lower cost of living, Arizona is one of a handful of states that does not tax social security or pension income.

Top Phoenix Area Neighborhoods for Seniors:

Sun City and Sun City West

With housing for all budgets, over 130 chartered clubs, eight golf courses within six square miles, and a near endless list of recreation, fitness, and social activities, Sun City and the neighboring Sun City West is a 55+ community built for active, retired adults.

Carefree

Sitting at an elevation of about 2,400 ft., Carefree, AZ can be up to 5 to 7 degrees cooler than the Phoenix Metro Area’s neighboring towns. This is just one of the many reasons retirees and snowbirds alike have been drawn to this rural, suburban community with serious Sonoran desert vibes. For retirees looking for natural beauty, stunning sunsets, and a healthy dose of peace and tranquility, Carefree, AZ, is the perfect retirement destination.

Young professionals are one of the fastest-growing demographics moving to Phoenix, thanks in part to the boom in tech companies setting up shop in the Valley of the Sun. Many are heading east from California to escape the notoriously high cost-of-living.  Here are a few of the best neighborhoods for young professionals relocating to Phoenix, AZ.