Phoenix has evolved from a retirement destination to a city that offers great job opportunities, good schools, and excellent quality of life. There’s a lot to do in Phoenix in terms of entertainment and cultural activities, and it’s also an annual destination for gem and mineral shows and events. The desert and southern end of the Rocky Mountains are in Phoenix’s backyard, while destinations such as the Grand Canyon and Meteor Crater Natural Landmark are found in the northern end of the state.
There’s a lot to like about living in Phoenix, but you want to consider the pros and cons of making a move to the city. Here’s a look at the good and not-so-good aspects of Phoenix, AZ.
Pros: Quality employment options for skilled workers
Phoenix is home to Fortune 500 companies, many of which occupy the aerospace industry, and Intel is building a chip foundry in nearby Chandler. Other companies that are looking to expand their operations in the Phoenix area include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Nikola Corporation, Lucid Motors, and Electrameccanica.
A study released in 2019 by the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity projects the addition of 721,689 jobs between 2020 and 2030, particularly in education and health services. Currently, the average annual salary in Phoenix, AZ, is $73,000, and software engineering is the most popular occupation.
Cons: Low pay for lesser skills
Even though Phoenix is shaping up to be a destination for high-tech industries, your job prospects and salary are lower if you’re not in the tech industry. There are plenty of jobs to be had across the spectrum, but the pay for the lower end isn’t all that great.
Pros: It’s easy to get around Phoenix in a car
Phoenix has wide-open boulevards and Interstate-10, a major east-west interstate highway, running through it. You can get to nearby cities such as Tucson in about two hours to the south and the western edge of California in about the same amount of time. If you enjoy international travel, you can reach northern Mexico in a few hours.
Cons: Minimal public transit
Phoenix has a reasonable public transit system that consists of a light rail system and bus routes that reach most of the popular destinations in the metro area. The issue is that public transit isn’t very robust when it comes to getting people to where they need to go, and it’s more of a park-and-ride arrangement than it is comprehensive. You’ll need to own a car to get from your residence unless you’re living in an apartment in an area with good connections for public transit.
Pros: A rich cultural and art scene
Phoenix has a love affair with the arts, and you’ll find a lot of variety when it comes to entertainment, fine art, jewelry, and boutiques. You’ll find these shopping destinations in Roosevelt Row located to the north of downtown. The Phoenix Art Museum and Arizona Science Center are great for spending the day out, as are the Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix Zoo.
Cons: Winter crowds also come to Phoenix for the arts
Phoenix and the surrounding area have long been a place for people to own second homes to escape Northern winters. What this means is that the roads and popular destinations become more crowded, making it more difficult to enjoy arts and culture as a resident. Locals often forego making visits to their favorite destination because they’re crowded and harder to access.
Pros: Great weather year-round
Arizona is desert country which means low or no humidity, no snow outside of freak weather events, and the winters are warm. Combine this with the incredible nature and scenery that surrounds the area, and it makes Phoenix an outdoor lovers’ paradise. It’s worth noting that high winds can stir up a weather event known as a haboob, which consists of a high cloud of sand that passes through the city.
Cons: It’s hot in the summer
Phoenix is located closer to the equator and receives intense sunlight throughout the year. Summer is the hottest month with temperatures regularly rising over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Residents tend to stay indoors during the summer, something that’s the exact opposite of staying indoors during a Northern winter.
Pros: Plenty of great neighborhoods to live in
Phoenix has a downtown core that’s surrounded by suburban-like neighborhoods. The city saw its residential boom happen after World War II as returning soldiers wanted homes to raise their family in. These subdivisions are full of modest homes that are designed for easy living in the Arizona climate. They’re also stable, as the homes offer the amenities a family needs as everyone goes through the phases of life. Single-family home rentals are plentiful, but not everyone wants to rent one.
For those who are looking for a particular way of life, an apartment offers flexibility in terms of living space and location. Apartment buildings that range from modern to vintage are located throughout Phoenix and can easily meet just about every lifestyle need and budget.
FAQ: Living in Phoenix
Phoenix has awesome weather during most of the year, lots of opportunities to explore the city and the surrounding landscape, and easy access to other major cities in Arizona and the Southwest in general.
Yes, moving to Phoenix is a good idea, especially if you want to live in a city that has excellent employment options and a thriving arts, music, and cultural scene.
It’s true that the western US is having difficulty with an ongoing drought and depletion of its water reserves. It’s also difficult to predict if these patterns will change in the near future. However, the water issues don’t really affect the overall quality of life in Phoenix.
Final thoughts
Phoenix has a lot to offer to its residents in terms of employment, housing options, entertainment, culture, and more. It has a storied history and heritage, but the city looks forward to a bright and promising future. Moving to Phoenix has the potential to be one of the best decisions you’ll make in your lifetime.
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