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Moving to Phoenix in 2025?
Complete Moving Guide
This is a complete guide for Moving to Phoenix.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Phoenix.
Planning to move to Phoenix?
A new city can bring up new challenges and excitement. Before you move to Phoenix learn about it in detail. The city is known for its hot, arid climate where summers can be extremely hot and temperatures can go up to 100 oF. The cost of living in Phoenix is lower compared to other major cities. Despite increasing housing rates, there are affordable options in the city. Arizona is a tax-friendly state with no state income tax. Water conservation is crucial in Phoenix due to the arid climate. The city is car-dependent with limited public transportation options. Phoenix is culturally diverse with distinct amenities.
Quick Facts of Phoenix
Top reasons to move to Phoenix
Pros & Cons of Living in Phoenix
Best Neighborhoods in the Phoenix
Cost of living in Phoenix
Phoenix job market
Major industries in Phoenix
Top Career Options in Phoenix
Best things to do in Phoenix
Education System in Phoenix
Type of insurance required in Phoenix
Taxes in Phoenix
Quick Facts about Phoenix
Let us explore some interesting facts about Phoenix-
- Phoenix is known as the “Valley of the Sun” because it receives more sunshine than any other major city in the US.
- The city was once home to the Hohokam people, an advanced civilization that built extensive canal systems.
- Phoenix is the state capital of Arizona.
- This is one of the fastest-growing cities in the US.
- The city is home to iconic landmarks like the Desert Botanical Garden, the Heard Museum, and the Phoenix Zoo.
- Unlike most of the US, Phoenix does not observe Daylight Saving Time.
- The Camelback Mountain is an iconic mountain shaped like a kneeling camel. It is a popular hiking destination.
- Arizona has no state income tax which makes it a tax-friendly state.
Top reasons to move to Phoenix
Moving to a new city means you find it beneficial in many ways. So, before you move to Phoenix, explore the valid reasons to move there-
- Cost of Living- The city offers a lower cost of living compared to many other major cities.
- Job Market—Phoenix is an emerging major tech hub with a diverse range of industries. The city has several attractive companies and welcomes talented professionals.
- Outdoor recreation- The city enjoys sunshine throughout the year and offers endless outdoor opportunities. There are options for hiking, biking, golfing, and swimming.
- Culture—The city is a melting pot of cultures, as people here are from all over the world. Cultural diversity can be enjoyed through various cuisines and thriving art and music scenes.
- Taxes- Arizona is a tax-friendly state with no state income tax.
- Sense of Community- The residents are warm and friendly. There are local clubs, organizations, and events to connect with the locals.
Pros & Cons of Living in Phoenix
Relocation means you move to a new city with some best features and some flaws. So, before you move to Phoenix, explore all the pros and cons of living there-
Pros of living in Phoenix | Cons of living in Phoenix |
---|---|
The city enjoys sunny weather most of the year | Summers can be extremely hot with temperature often exceeding 100°F |
Phoenix offers a more affordable cost of living | Water conservation is crucial due to arid climate |
There is no state income tax | Mostly relies on car as public transportation options are limited |
Phoenix has growing economy and job market | Traffic congestion can be an issue during rush hours |
There are a strong sense of community and people are friendly | The air quality is affected by dust and pollution, especially during summer |
Numerous options for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, swimming and more | Be prepared for encounters with desert wildlife |
Best Neighborhoods in Phoenix
A neighborhood is the first place where you find new friends and raise your family. Finding a perfect neighborhood is essential if you want to be stress-free as soon as you move into the new city. Here, we have listed some of the best neighborhoods-
- Ahwatukee Foothills- This is a family-friendly neighborhood with excellent schools, a comfortable atmosphere, and beautiful mountain views.
- North Phoenix- This area is a family-friendly neighborhood with large homes, good schools, and a variety of amenities.
- Downtown Phoenix- This is a vibrant and trendy neighborhood with modern high-rise and historic buildings. The neighborhood has a thriving art and culture scene.
- North Scottsdale- An upscale neighborhood known for its golf courses and luxurious homes. There are options for high-end shopping.
- Sun City- This is a popular retirement community with a wide range of amenities. There are golf courses, social clubs, and a swimming pool.
- Paradise Valley- This is an exclusive neighborhood with lush landscaping and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Arcadia- This is a historic neighborhood with tree-lined streets and a strong sense of community.
- Chandler- This is a family-friendly city with good neighborhoods good schools and plenty of parks.
Cost of living in Phoenix
The cost of living is an important factor to consider while planning to move to a new city. The cost of living in Phoenix is lower than the national average but it can vary depending on your lifestyle and specific neighborhood. Here is the breakdown for the cost of living in Phoenix-
Category | Phoenix |
---|---|
One-bedroom apartment (city center) | $1,652 |
One-bedroom apartment (outside center) | $1,387 |
Three-bedroom apartment (city center) | $2,608 |
Three-bedroom apartment (outside center) | $2,256 |
Meal, inexpensive restaurant | $20 |
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant | $80 |
Monthly pass (regular price) | $62 |
Basic (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 915 sq ft apartment | $246 |
Mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data | $69 |
Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) | $74.37 |
Housing Market in Phoenix
The housing market in Phoenix has been quite dynamic in recent years. There has been a steady increase in house prices in Phoenix. There has been an increase in the inventory giving more options to the buyers. The median sale price for a home in Phoenix is around $450,000.
Average rental cost in Phoenix
The average rental price in Phoenix ranges between $1,110-$2,250. The rental price depends on the type of house and neighborhood.
Job Market in Phoenix
The job market in Phoenix is robust and continues to grow. There has been significant growth in the job market particularly in sectors like technology, healthcare, and finance. Before you move to Phoenix, explore the job market and learn about the best opportunities.
Top Career Options in Phoenix
Before you move to Phoenix, learn about the top career opportunities with their average salary, entry-level salary, and number of employees. Here are the details-
Job Title | Average Salary | Entry-Level Salary | Number of Employees |
---|---|---|---|
Anesthesiologist | $313,002 | $158,000 | 370 |
Oncologist | $269,250 | $141,000 | 410 |
Operator and Truck Driver | $256,280 | $138,000 | 2,190 |
Hospitalist Physician | $254,250 | $181,000 | 1,030 |
President/Chief Executive Officer | $250,476 | $137,000 | 2,890 |
Resident Physician in Radiology | $248,777 | $134,000 | 380 |
Obstetrics Gynecology Physician | $244,765 | $126,000 | 410 |
Psychiatrist | $237,255 | $137,000 | 180 |
General Dentist | $174,420 | $88,520 | 1,860 |
Software Engineer | $91,001 | $71,000 | 38,120 |
Median Salary in Phoenix
The median salary in Phoenix is around $72,092.
Major Industries in Phoenix
The following are the major industries in Phoenix-
- Technology
- Healthcare
- Aerospace and Defense
- Semiconductors
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Manufacturing
- Finance and Insurance
Education System in Phoenix
A good school or college is important to ensure a secure future for your children. Before you move to Phoenix, explore some of the best schools, colleges, and universities.
Elementary Schools in Phoenix |
---|
ASU Preparatory Academy |
Basis Charter School |
Great Hearts Academies |
Kyrene School Districts |
Pinnacle High School |
Middle Schools in Phoenix |
---|
ASU Prep Academy Phoenix Middle School |
Madison No. 1 Middle School |
Sonoran Science Academy Phoenix Middle School |
Great Hearts Academies Glendale Prep |
Basis Phoenix Central Middle School |
High Schools in Phoenix |
---|
ASU Preparatory Academy Phoenix High School |
Basis Phoenix |
Tempe Preparatory Academy |
Pinnacle High School |
Hamilton High School |
Colleges and Universities in Phoenix |
---|
Arizona State University (ASU) |
Grand Canyon University (GCU) |
University of Phoenix |
Ottawa University |
Arizona Christian University |
Transportation & Navigation in Phoenix
Learning about the transportation and navigation of the city is essential to ensure an easy transition. The traffic conditions explored in this section of our moving guide-
Personal Transportation- The city is primarily a car-centric but there are several other options to get around.
Public Transportation- The regional public transportation system operated by Valley Metro manages buses and light rail trains throughout Phoenix. There are ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. Ride-sharing taxis are easy to find.
Navigation- Several GPS apps can help navigate the city like Google Maps and Waze.
Things to do in Phoenix
The best way to connect with the neighborhood, people and city is by exploring it. When you reach Phoenix you can do the following things-
- Plan a hike to Camelback Mountain to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city.
- Visit South Mountain Park which offers hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
- Soar above the city and experience breathtaking views in a Hot Air Balloon Ride.
- Go kayaking on Saguaro Lake and enjoy the beauty of the lake.
- Encounter a variety of animals at Phoenix Zoo.
- Visit the vibrant downtown area and explore art galleries, museums, and historic buildings.
- Explore the fascinating world of musical instruments at the Musical Instrument Museum.
- Phoenix is a golfer’s paradise with numerous world-class golf courses
Taxes in Phoenix
When you move to Phoenix, you pay taxes for various goods and services. Here are the details about the taxes applicable in Phoenix-
Income Tax- Arizona is a tax-friendly state with state income tax.
Sales Tax- Arizona has a sales tax rate of 5.6%, Maricopa County has an additional sales tax of 0.7% and the City of Phoenix has an additional sales tax of 2.3%. Thus, the combined sales tax rate of 8.6% for most purchases.
Property Tax- The property taxes in Arizona are relatively low compared to other states. The tax rate varies depending on the specific property type and location.
Excise Taxes- Some taxes are levied on specific goods and services in Phoenix like gasoline, cigarettes, and alcohol.
Vehicle Registration Fees- There are fees for registering a vehicle in Arizona vary depending on the type of vehicle and its age.
Insurance required in Phoenix
Insurance is required to protect belongings and valuables while you move. Each state in the US has laws about buying insurance as some of the insurances are mandatory while some are optional-
Auto Insurance- This is mandatory insurance for all drivers in Arizona. Here is a breakdown of minimum liability coverage-
• $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person
• $50,000 per accident
• $15,000 in property damage liability coverage
Renters Insurance- This is mandatory insurance in Arizona. If you rent a house or apartment in Phoenix this will cover your belongings in case of theft, fire, and other natural disasters.
Homeowners Insurance- This is not mandatory by law, but this will protect your home from damage caused by fire, theft, and other covered events.
Health Insurance- This insurance is not required legally, but it is recommended as it covers medical expenses.
Life Insurance- This will provide financial security to your family in the event of your untimely death.
Disability Insurance- This insurance can help you replace your income if you are unable to work due to injury or illness.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.
State Moving Guides
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
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- Washington D.C.
Movers By State
- Alabama, AL
- Alaska, AK
- Arizona, AZ
- Arkansas, AR
- California, CA
- Colorado, CO
- Connecticut, CT
- Delaware, DE
- Florida, FL
- Georgia, GA
- Hawaii, HI
- Idaho, ID
- Illinois, IL
- Indiana, IN
- Iowa, IA
- Kansas, KS
- Kentucky, KY
- Louisiana, LA
- Maine, ME
- Maryland, MD
- Massachusetts, MA
- Michigan, MI
- Minnesota, MN
- Mississippi, MS
- Missouri, MO
- Montana, MT
- Nebraska, NE
- Nevada, NV
- New Hampshire, NH
- New Jersey, NJ
- New Mexico, NM
- New York, NY
- North Carolina, NC
- North Dakota, ND
- Ohio, OH
- Oklahoma, OK
- Oregon, OR
- Pennsylvania, PA
- Rhode Island, RI
- South Carolina, SC
- South Dakota, SD
- Tennessee, TN
- Texas, TX
- Utah, UT
- Vermont, VT
- Virginia, VA
- Washington, DC
- West Virginia, WV
- Wisconsin, WI
- Wyoming, WY
Cities Moving Guides
- Los Angeles
- Atlanta
- San Francisco
- New York
- Dallas
- Houston
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Miami
- Orlando
- Austin
- San Diego
- San Jose
- Greenville
- Charlottesville
- St. Augustine
- Chattanooga
- Billings
- Wilmington
- Fort Myers
- Decatur
- Burlington
- Cheyenne
- Asheville
- Boulder
- Little Rock
- The Villages
- Cary
- Conroe
- Baton Rouge
- Reno
- Port St. Lucie
- Sarasota
- Tampa
- Naples
- Fayetteville
- Ocala
- York
- Brownsville
- Denver
- Charleston
- Phoenix
