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Moving to Phoenix: Pros and Cons You Should Know

Long Distance Moving to Phoenix
January 7, 2019

Is moving to Phoenix, Arizona, on your radar? You and over 140,000 other new transplants! With its awe-inspiring natural scenery, diverse entertainment options, and warm climate all year-round, it’s no surprise that Americans flock to this desert oasis from California, Nevada, Texas, Colorado, Washington, and even as far away as Florida. 

Phoenix is currently the fifth largest U.S. city with almost 1.7 million residents. But before you start collecting boxes to pack for a long-distance move, it’s important to consider both the pros and cons of living in Phoenix first. In this guide, we’ll explore what you need to know—from the job market and cost of living in Phoenix, to the climate and the best places to live in Phoenix. So, is the Valley of the Sun right for your new chapter? Let’s find out!

Quick Facts About Moving to Phoenix

  • Population: 1,662,607 (0.76% annual growth)
  • Climate: Desert with long, hot summers and short, mild winters
  • Cost of Living: 4% higher than national average
  • Home Value: $414,797 (1.3% increase from 2023)
  • Cost of Rent: $1,507 per month
  • Median Age: about 35 years old
  • Job Market: 6.3/10 on a nationwide index (slightly above average)
Overhead sign to Phoenix guides drivers to this popular moving destination

8 Pros and Cons of Moving to Phoenix

As with any new destination, moving to Phoenix comes with its own share of benefits and pitfalls. Knowing this ahead of time will help you maintain realistic expectations and make an informed decision about relocating there. We’ll dive into the main pros and cons of living in Phoenix below—starting with the pros, then shifting over to the cons.

1. Pro: Phoenix’s job market is projected to gain momentum 

Living in Phoenix could open the door to a successful career boost. While the local economy took a while to recover post-COVID, forecasts indicate that Arizona will see 102,656 new jobs in 2025—81,541 of which will be in Maricopa County, where Phoenix is located. 

Phoenix’s unemployment rate is currently 5.3 percent—and sure, that sounds high, but it’s also on par with most of the country. Not to mention, the median household income in this city is $81,277, compared to the national average of $75,149.

The Phoenix job market caters to a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, education, tourism, construction, hospitality, and manufacturing. It’s also become a tech hub, thanks to corporations such as Amazon, Intel, GoDaddy, Amkor, and Cox opening offices here.

2. Pro: The Phoenix trail system is a paradise for nature lovers

Metro Phoenix lies within the Salt River Valley, surrounded by mountains on all sides.

 This makes it one of the most sought-after cities for outdoor recreation. Phoenix residents can access over 41,000 acres of desert parks and nature preserves with 200 miles of trails. If you love to hike, boulder, camp, ride horses, or mountain bike, Phoenix has you covered.

If you want to spend hours in nature, explore the numerous trail networks in South Mountain, McDowell Sonoran Preserve, the Superstition Mountains, or Phoenix Mountain Preserve. If you’re looking for a shorter and less strenuous activity that still offers spectacular views, the Desert Botanical Garden is worth visiting. Or if you would rather make a splash, the refreshing Salt River is just a 40-minute drive from downtown Phoenix.

State Farm Stadium showcases Phoenix's vibrant cultural and entertainment scene, a key highlight for those living in Phoenix
3. Pro: Phoenix has a thrilling cultural and entertainment scene

Living in Phoenix means a wide variety of entertainment options, all minutes from your doorstep. There’s always something fun to discover in the Valley of the Sun.

Are you a fan of professional sporting events? Cheer on the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium, the NBA’s Phoenix Suns or the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury at Footprint Center, or the MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.

Do you find inspiration in arts and culture? Attend a live performance at The Arizona Theater Company, visit the Phoenix Art Museum, or peruse the galleries, street murals, and creative markets and boutiques along Roosevelt Row.

Is the path to your heart through your stomach? Take a bite out of Phoenix’s emergent foodie scene with globally inspired flavors. You’ll love the Chinese scallion pancakes at Dim Sum Cafe, the Mexican carnitas and elote at Tacos Chiwas, the Moroccan orange hummus at Alzohour, and the Sonoran hotdog (a local institution) at El Sabroso.

How does a night on the town sound to you? Don’t sleep on this city’s exuberant nightlife, from the unique craft cocktail menu at Highball, to the indie music shows at Valley Bar, to the electric dance floor at Casa Amigos in Old Town Scottsdale. 

4. Pro: The diversity in Phoenix has increased in recent years

Although metro Phoenix has been a historically White area, a recent shift in demographics reflects more racial diversity now than in years past. An increasing number of Hispanic, Black, Asian, and Indigenous residents call Phoenix home, and this city is also launching initiatives to create a safe, accessible, and inclusive atmosphere for everyone.

5. Con: The cost of living in Phoenix is above the national average

From housing and utilities, to groceries and transportation, the cost of living in Phoenix is four percent higher than the national average. In this economy, a single person needs to earn an annual salary of $102,710 to live comfortably in Phoenix, while a family of four needs $238,451. But with that said, it’s still cheaper than some other U.S. cities.

New transplants from California who are used to an even steeper cost of living will likely find the Valley of the Sun more affordable than their previous home. For instance, someone moving to Phoenix from San Francisco will only spend $6,115.90 a month on basic expenses instead of the $10,000 they would have to spend in the Bay Area.  

A charming Phoenix, Arizona neighborhood
6. Con: Phoenix has an expensive housing and rental market

A single-family home in Phoenix costs $414,797 — that’s a 1.3 percent increase from the median sale price of $396,203 back in 2023. The Phoenix housing market is also more expensive than the current national average of $359,099. Despite those high costs, local real estate brokers predict more inventory to choose from, with almost 82 percent more listings since 2023. So, if you’re on the hunt for a new home in Phoenix, at least you’ll have options.

Not quite ready to purchase a house? The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is $1,507 a month, compared to the national average of $1,748. Of course, rent can also fluctuate significantly based on the part of town you live in. Some Phoenix neighborhoods like Alhambra, North Mountain Village, and East Phoenix are on the cheaper side ($1,257, $1,314, and $1,444 a month, respectively). But on the other end, Sonoran Foothills, Desert View, and Downtown Phoenix will set you back $1,791, $1,857, and $1,986 a month, respectively. 

7. Con: The weather and climate in Phoenix can be quite intense

Phoenix is located in the Sonoran Desert, which gives it an arid climate with about 300 days of sunshine each year (no wonder it’s known as the Valley of the Sun!). Winter in Phoenix is mild, with temperatures between 45–60 degrees, while summers are extremely hot, often sweltering in the triple digits. Some afternoons can even reach 110–115 degrees.

Phoenix receives less than 10 inches of annual rain during the monsoon season from June to September. These summer monsoons can also spawn haboobs, massive dust storms with wind gusts up to 30–60 miles per hour. Desert climates are intense, so as you consider which time of year to move, take the seasonal weather into account. 

8. Con: Phoenix’s crime rate is higher than other large metro areas

While crime rates in Phoenix were about 28 percent lower in 2024 than the previous year, 13,529 violent crimes and 47,904 property crimes occur each year, which is higher than most U.S. cities and other parts of Arizona. With that said, criminal activity is generally focused in certain pockets of the downtown core, so just be mindful if you’re there after dark. The safest neighborhoods are Gilbert, Sonoran Foothills, and North Phoenix.

Living in Phoenix offers unmatched outdoor adventures, from local trails to the Grand Canyon just a few hours away

The Best Places to Live in Phoenix

Overall, Phoenix is a good place to live with many desirable selling points to offer new residents moving from all over the country. The outdoor recreation is unmatched, with a plethora of nature activities around the city limits — plus access to three National Parks (Saguaro, Grand Canyon, and Petrified Forest) just a few hours away. 

And that only scratches the surface of all there is to do here. Whether you’re in the mood for a sports game, a cultural exhibition, or a unique chef-driven meal, this vibrant desert jewel has you covered. So, what are the best places to live in Phoenix? Here’s a quick rundown of three neighborhoods, full of charm and character, to set your sights on.  

Camelback East

Less than 10 miles from downtown, Camelback East fuses together urban convenience with lush scenic landscapes. Nestled between Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak, this neighborhood boasts some of the city’s most famous hiking trails. 

It’s also home to the Biltmore Fashion Park, an open-air retail center with more than 60 specialty boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Camelback East offers numerous housing options, too — from high-rise condos to mid-century modern bungalows — which makes it an ideal spot for both families and young professionals alike.

Sonoran Foothills

Sonoran Foothills stands out as one of Phoenix’s most upscale neighborhoods, with a prime location overlooking the Sonoran Desert Preserve. This master-planned community offers luxe amenities, including a resort-style pool area, volleyball, tennis, and basketball courts, and 36 miles of trails right outside your front door. 

If you’re in search of an active community for retirement, Sonoran Foothills provides a close-knit atmosphere with fun social events such as holiday celebrations, food truck nights, and local farmers markets. This neighborhood is also conveniently situated just off the I-17 freeway for a seamless commute to downtown, while the family-oriented activities, safe gated environment, and top-rated school district make it an excellent place to raise kids. 

Central City

Located in the bustling core of downtown Phoenix, Central City is a hip, diverse neighborhood with an eclectic foodie scene, dynamic arts and culture, trendy nightlife hotspots, and a thriving business district. Here, residents can enjoy walkable access to sought-after attractions like the Phoenix Art Museum, Chase Field, and Roosevelt Row. 

Central City offers an authentic urban living experience with sleek high-rise condos, lofts, and apartments in close proximity to the Light Rail, this area’s main public transit network.

Due to its revitalized job market, young professionals flock to this neighborhood, but it also attracts creative types with offerings such as the First Friday Art Walk each month. Many students opt to live here as well, considering that Arizona State University’s downtown campus and University of Arizona’s medical college are both in the heart of City Center.

Make Your Move to Phoenix with Colonial Van Lines

Bottom line: Is Phoenix a good place to live? If you’re into picturesque nature views or a thrilling entertainment scene, and the extreme weather or inflated housing market aren’t deal breakers for you, then moving to Phoenix is worth it. And if you’re from an area like California with a more expensive cost of living, you’re sure to love it here.

Streamline your long-distance move with the help of Colonial Van Lines. After 50 years of interstate moving and with our full-service experience, we’ll take care of all the logistics for you  so you can focus on settling into this sunny desert oasis. Call us for a free quote as you embark on your next adventure of living in Phoenix, Arizona.

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