Firstly why Phoenix, Arizona?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Phoenix
• State: Arizona
• Population: 1,690,000 people
• Phoenix’s quick summary would be The state capital known for its sprawling desert landscape and vibrant downtown skyline.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 65,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 60,000 annually
• Net Migration: 5000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 15,000
• Number of Homeless people: 8,000

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it as a major city offers extensive job opportunities and urban living attracting diverse residents

Perk #1: Phoenix Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 34%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 55%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $67,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Phoenix is $67,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $0 neutral cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Phoenix’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 95 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,892
• Property Tax %: 0.66%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,400
• Rent for an average house: $2,500
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Arcadia
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Phoenix, Arcadia, Downtown, North-Phoenix, and probably could include Camelback
• Avg. Age of Homes in Phoenix: 41 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 2.5%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Phoenix’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Phoenix are  Technology, Healthcare, and Education
• Phoenix Job Scene: strong job market with diverse industries including tech and finance
• The General Tech Scene: large tech ecosystem with a focus on fintech, healthcare IT, and software development
• Phoenix Resident’s pay $1,800 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Phoenix: 8.6%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 350 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 54

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Phoenix

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $110 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-10 and I-17 serve as primary routes through the city
• Commute Time: 27 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: evening congestion on Central Avenue
• Transportation Score: 65 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Phoenix: 1,300,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.8
• No. of Car Washes: 22 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Phoenix: azdot.gov/motor-vehicles
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 68 of 100
• Local Airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Phoenix’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Extreme Heat
• General Weather in Phoenix is best described as has very hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F and mild winters with cool nights
• Winter Weather in Phoenix i’d describe as mild and sunny
• Spring Weather in Phoenix can be described as hot and dry
• Summer’s in Phoenix are mostly extremely hot and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Phoenix is usually hot and dry
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 78 days in summer
• Days in a row in Phoenix below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 8 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality affected by heat and high traffic
• Phoenix Winter Air mixed air quality with significant pollution from transportation

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Phoenix Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Phoenix 22
• While the number of trade schools inside Phoenixs’s city limits are 22
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Phoenix Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Phoenix Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Phoenix only Doctors is about 1,700
• Local Hospitals here is  53
• Full-time Phoenix only Police Officers is about 6,000
• Crime Rate Index: 55/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Phoenix’s Monthly utility bill average is $150
• Phoenix’s Monthly Gym Membership: $55
• Phoenix’s Water Quality Score: 65

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Phoenix

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 20 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: big city vibe with a diverse community and many activities
• You might enjoy performances at the Orpheum Theatre
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Phoenix  features an exciting mix of nightlife options ranging from trendy clubs and cocktail lounges to live music venues

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Phoenix

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers a diverse mix of cuisines with many food trucks and fine dining options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 300 scattered around Phoenix
• The Popular Sports Team is Arizona Cardinals
• Top Level Political Climate in Phoenix can be described as urban diversity with a mix of progressive and conservative politics
• Phoenix’s Longer standing religious establishment is First Baptist Church of Phoenix

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Phoenix Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Phoenix has 200 Parks?
• South Mountain Park is Phoenix’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Phoenix Public Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, cycling, and picnicking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Phoenix Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Phoenix can be described as fast-paced city life with access to diverse jobs and entertainment
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Phoenix going to local museums attending festivals playing in parks
• The Cities people commute to from Phoenix are Scottsdale 12 miles away Tempe 11 miles away Mesa 20 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Phoenix or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: evening congestion on Central Avenue. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Phoenix’s Extreme Heat risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Arcadia is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Phoenix are Scottsdale 12 miles away Tempe 11 miles away Mesa 20 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 55 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Phoenix has 0 days in a row below freezing and 78 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Phoenix people have an average (positive or negative) $0 neutral cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   8,000 homeless people living in Phoenix. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general urban diversity with a mix of progressive and conservative politics could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Phoenix.

Retiree & Senior Life in Phoenix

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might be eligible for special property tax exemptions easing housing costs
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Brookdale Phoenix
• Phoenix Senior Center has programs for elder residents including art classes and fitness sessions

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Phoenix, Arizona?

If Phoenix, Arizona ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Phoenix, Arizona, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!