Phoenix is one of the largest cities in the United States in population and geographical area. It’s a lively place, with a sizable student base, attractive nightlife, and plenty to entertain its residents. If you’re thinking about moving to Phoenix, explore this brief guide to everything you need to know about living in the city.
Most Popular Phoenix Neighborhoods
Fifteen urban communities make up the city of Phoenix, and communities and neighborhoods all have a distinct vibe.
- As the locals call it, “CenPho,” or Central Phoenix, refers to the downtown, midtown, and uptown areas of the city. This district is popular with young professionals and recent graduates, and it’s easy to see why. In addition to many bars, restaurants, and nightlife options, you’ll find a lively cultural scene with plenty of art galleries, music venues, and theaters.
- The hippest parts of CenPho include Roosevelt Row, the central arts district, and Melrose, home to the city’s best vintage shops. CenPho is also Phoenix’s central business district, so if you live here, you’ll reap the benefits of a short commute.
- Ahwatukee Foothills is the southernmost urban community of Phoenix and is popular among people looking for beautiful views and a more suburban atmosphere. It’s a little quieter than the city center, but it’s only 30 minutes by car to downtown Phoenix, and it’s easy to head into the city for dinner or drinks.
- Camelback East tends to attract young families, but it also has an appealing restaurant scene and a range of lovely coffee shops. It’s close enough to the city center for a fast commute and easy access to bustling nightlife, but it also provides residents with more room to breathe and has lower crime rates than downtown Phoenix.
- Arcadia straddles Phoenix and Scottsdale, which means it attracts quite a variety of residents. It’s one of the most sought-after places to live in all of Arizona. From retirees and young families to millennials and college students, you’ll encounter a diverse mix of people here, thanks to Arcadia’s various recreational activities and slower-paced lifestyle.
Job Market
Phoenix has a reasonably stable job market and a relatively low unemployment rate. The largest employers in the area include the state government, Bank of America, Arizona State University, JPMorgan Chase, and various health organizations. Phoenix is also becoming something of a tech hub, with large software companies such as Lyft, GoDaddy, and PayPal beginning to open up branches in the city. Tourism is another lucrative industry; Phoenix attracts approximately 19 million visitors each year.
The citywide average salary currently comes in at $68,000 per year, about 9% higher than the national average.
Cost of Living
Besides its substantial employment opportunities and annual salaries, Phoenix offers a cheaper-than-average cost of living. Housing, utilities, transportation, groceries, and health care all cost less than the national average. The median rental price of a one-bedroom apartment in Phoenix is $1,075 a month, and prices drop even more if you’re happy to share a property with roommates.
The combination of high earnings and low living costs means that Phoenix has started to attract more and more young people, meaning the coolest neighborhoods will probably only get cooler in the years ahead.
Weather
Phoenix sits in the Valley of the Sun. If you live here, you’ll be lucky enough to experience 300 days of sunshine every year. Winters are warm and mild, and you’ll rarely have to deal with snow or difficult winter conditions.
However, during the summer months, you will have to cope with soaring temperatures and regular dust storms, known as “haboobs.” Heatstroke is a common ailment at specific times of the year, so make sure you drink plenty of water and crank up the air conditioning.
Food and Drink
Whether you live in the city center or elsewhere in the larger metropolitan area, you can easily find great Mexican food in Phoenix. This food availability isn’t surprising given the city’s proximity to the Mexican border. Locals regularly indulge in tacos and burritos, and chimichangas are also popular — they’re a Phoenician creation.
If you’re not into Mexican food, don’t worry. The city has been rebranding itself as a bit of a foodie’s paradise in recent years, in part due to its ever-increasing youth population. Whether you’re looking for a killer PB&J burger or an Instagram-worthy ice-cream sandwich, Phoenix has it all. The city also has a fantastic craft beer scene, with more than 100 local breweries in Greater Phoenix. Cheers to that!
Things To Do in Phoenix
You’ll find plenty to keep you entertained in Phoenix. Art lovers can get a culture fix at the Phoenix Art Museum or the Center for Creative Photography, while outdoorsy types can set up home within driving distance of some of the state’s best-known national parks. Why not take a weekend road trip to the Grand Canyon?
You’ll also find beautiful hikes and other fun outdoor activities closer to the city center. South Mountain Park and Preserve and the Estrella Mountain Regional Park are both within a 30-minute drive from downtown Phoenix, or you can head north toward Paradise Valley to tee off at some of the best golf courses in the state.
Phoenix is also home to world-class spa resorts, which all make good use of the surrounding desert environment to provide an ultra-relaxing spa experience. Head out into the wilderness and treat yourself to a day of pampering. There’s a reason we named it one of the best places to live in Arizona.
Getting Around
Public transportation in and around the center of Phoenix is plentiful. You can ride the 20-mile Valley Metro Rail from east of Tempe and Mesa to downtown and Central Phoenix. You can also take a bus through most neighborhoods, although many Phoenix residents prefer to drive. The city covers a vast area, and you might find it takes too long to wait for buses.
If you don’t have access to a car, the city is home to many ride-sharing apps, including Uber and Lyft. You’ll be able to easily hail a ride at any time, day or night.
Living in Phoenix is great. It’s a picturesque city with much to offer — culture, food, gorgeous weather, and plenty of job opportunities. What more could you ask for? Browse thousands of Phoenix apartments for rent on Zumper and find your new home.
Related content
