If you’re looking for a place to call home that is full of art, culture, history, and entertainment, look no further than Phoenix! From the vibrant contemporary art scene to the cool shops and boutiques to its picturesque palm trees swaying in a warm breeze, there’s so much to love about the Valley of the Sun. This is exactly why we’ve put together a comprehensive Phoenix city guide that will have you feeling like a local in no time!
Overview & History of Phoenix
Shaped by an eclectic array of ancient people, immigrants, and settlers, Phoenix is a city that continues to grow, innovate, and thrive. During the 1950s, Phoenix had an area of approximately 17.1 miles, with roughly 100,000 residents. Today, Phoenix has a population of more than 1.5 million people, making it the most populous capital city in the United States.
Cost of Living in Phoenix
Taking a good, hard look at the cost of living in any city that you’re considering calling home is crucial. It gives you a sense of your day-to-day expenses and how you can hopefully prosper in your new home. Fortunately, the cost of living in Phoenix is 5% below the national average, with housing prices averaging $300,000 and the median rent prices averaging $1,000. Utilities and transportation costs are also lower, ranking 4% and 8% below the national average, respectively.
Here are some helpful breakdowns to give you an idea of actual costs:
Meal for one at inexpensive restaurant: $12
Cup of coffee: $4.16
Gallon of milk: $ 2.63
Dozen eggs: $2.13
One-way bus ticket (local transport): $2
Gallon of gas: $2.89
Movie ticket: $12
Beer (1 pint): $5
The Job Market in Phoenix
Whether you are relocating for work or hoping to explore a new career path, the job market is another important piece of the puzzle when moving to a new city. The job market in Phoenix is steady and well positioned to grow in the future. Industries that are growing the fastest are healthcare services, fintech, professional and business services, leisure, and hospitality. The unparalleled quality of life in Phoenix is a major draw for young professionals, as well as the big businesses they work for.
Major employers in the area include: Arizona State University, Apollo Group Inc., JPMorgan Chase & Co., State of Arizona, Banner Health, City of Phoenix, and US Airways.
Popular Neighborhoods
If you’re serious about making a move to Phoenix, then it’s time to take a closer look at some of the popular neighborhoods in the area to figure out which could be best suited for you! We always recommend planning a visit before your big move to discover the best fit!
Downtown Phoenix: This vibrant hub is home to all things arts, entertainment, and cultural diversity. Its variety of commercial mixed-use buildings provides ample apartment spaces paired with an ideal proximity to sporting events, concerts, nightlife, and theater. Additionally, there’s a great light rail to get you around and save you money on gas. This area is perfect for young professionals looking for a taste of true Phoenix flair.
Roosevelt Row: A popular area due to its proximity to the Roosevelt Row Arts District and serving as a link between downtown and several adjacent suburbs, RoRo (as dubbed by locals) boasts trendy eateries, chic bars, and several live music venues. If you’re into indie films, art murals, craft cocktails, and innovative art galleries, this is the neighborhood for you!
Arcadia: This area is part of both Phoenix and Scottsdale, and sits on former citrus groves. Its leafy streets are home to some of the best dining and shopping in all of Phoenix. With its incredible walkability, culture, and landscaping, it’s a great place for outdoor enthusiasts, as it’s close to the popular Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area.
Glendale: Situated snugly in the northwestern quadrant of the Phoenix metro area, Glendale has grown into a thriving mini-metropolis. It has shopping, sports, and history galore! Many historic homes in the area have been converted into specialty shops, cafes, restaurants, and antique stores. It also houses the State Farm Stadium, where Arizona’s NFL team, the Cardinals, play.
Entertainment & Culture
Phoenix has plenty to offer when it comes to entertainment and culture. For outdoor enthusiasts, regular hikes up the red rocks of Camelback Mountain are a must. For foodies, authentic cuisine abounds, like the unbeatable Mexican dishes served up at Tacos Chiwas or the nationally acclaimed pizza at Pizzeria Bianco. If you’re into the art scene, you’ll enjoy a stroll through Bentley Gallery, a popular gallery for quirky and contemporary art. If live music is your jam, you’ll love standing stage-side at Crescent Ballroom or Ak-Chin Pavilion, the most famous amphitheater in Phoenix. And for sports fanatics, in addition to having an NFL team in the city, the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes play at the Gila River Arena. Whatever pastime favorites you enjoy, there’s no question that Phoenix has you covered!
Why So Many People Are Moving to Phoenix
Folks in Phoenix work hard and play hard, and there are many opportunities to hike, mountain bike, and more.
Art lovers can explore the city’s many museums, including the Phoenix Art Museum, Pueblo Grande Museum, and Arizona Science Center. They can dance until dawn in the evening at The Duce, Blue Martini Lounge, Valley Bar, and many other popular venues.
Of course, it is always nice to get out of town, no matter where you live. The astounding beauty of the Grand Canyon is just four hours away, as are Page and Lake Havasu. There is also Sedona, the Saguaro National Park, Flagstaff, and Tucson just a couple of hours down the road.
Phoenix is great for families and perfect for retirees. It is the type of city ideal for raising children and optimal for enjoying the peace of your golden years. It is a city whose nightlife is as hot as a summer day but also a city that is warm and comfortable most of the year.
What are you waiting for? Let Black Tie Moving help you get settled into your Phoenix home!
Nearby Areas We Serve
And if Phoenix isn’t your cup of tea, the great news is that there are plenty of other places in Arizona that we can help you discover. Black Tie Moving serves clients throughout the state, including:
- Apache Junction
- Cave Creek
- Chandler
- Deer Valley
- Fountain Hills
- Glendale
- Gold Canyon
- Goodyear
- Litchfield Park
- Mesa
- Queen Creek
- Scottsdale
- Surprise
- Tempe
- Tucson
Black Tie Moving can help you make your move when you’re ready to get on the road. Our moving specialists are experts at getting you where you want to go quickly and efficiently. We are pleased to help you settle into your new life in Phoenix, Chandler, Deer Valley, and more!
Moving to Phoenix
We hope this Phoenix city guide has helped you get to know Phoenix a little more — and perhaps you’re ready to make the move and become the next full-time Phoenix resident!
Wherever you may be moving from, Black Tie Moving is ready to help make your move to Phoenix an unforgettable VIP experience! We offer comprehensive concierge moving services and can even supply quality packing and supplies to make your transition super easy!
Thinking of moving to Phoenix? Give our team of local, industry-leading movers a call today at (407) 287-6293 and get a FREE quote on your moving costs! We would love to help with your move from start to finish and treat you like a rock star every step of the way!
