Are you thinking about moving to Phoenix, Arizona? Moving to a new city is a big decision. So, it’s best to do some research so you are prepared and know what to expect.

In this article, we’ll overview some of the main pros and cons of settling down and living in Phoenix. In doing so, we hope you gain the insight and clarity needed to make the best decision possible for you.

The Pros of Living in Phoenix

1. Robust Job Market and Phoenix's Economy

Phoenix, Arizona is a major city with plenty of job opportunities in different sectors such as in healthcare, tourism, technology, defense and manufacturing.

The average worker in Phoenix earns more than $50,000 a year, which is above the national average of the average salary. Coupled with a low cost of living in comparison to other major cities, Phoenix, Arizona scores high in quality of life as the Phoenix economy is thriving, even as the largest city in Arizona.

So, if you're looking for an affordable city, check out Phoenix!

2. Reasonable Cost of Living

If you’re a family of four, you can expect to spend around $3,000 a month in Phoenix. On the other hand, if you’re single, you can get by with $800 worth of spending expenses, which makes city-living a breeze. Residents find food, rent, and living are very affordable.

Depending on where you live, rent prices can vary, but Phoenix is known for its affordable housing. Like, say, Downtown Phoenix is more expensive than the Phoenix metro area.

  • A two-bedroom apartment can be $1,000.
  • A residential property can be around a $300,000 range for 2,000 square feet of space.

As mentioned though, the location of your home will impact the cost of rent. If you move to a nearby suburb such as Chandler or Peoria, the cost of living will be even lower.

3. Plenty of Cultural Activities

In Phoenix, you’ll never be bored as there is local culture to enjoy. Here are a few:

You can go museum-hopping. Here are some popular museums: Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum, Musical Instrument Museum, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, etc.

  • If you dig watching beautiful performances, you can easily spoil yourself with ballet, symphonies, and impressive theater acts.
  • You can go shopping at the malls and shops in Phoenix.
  • You may enjoy the restaurants in Phoenix as the choices are endless.
  • You can get outdoors and to the hiking trails and parks.

4. Golfing Opportunities

Did you know that there are around 200 golf courses in Phoenix?

If you’re an avid golfer, you can easily practice your swings in top quality courses. Some even choose to reside in property locations where golf clubs are part of the amenities.

As a famous golf destination, Phoenix will provide you with lush and scenic views. Some even take it a step further and offer spa treatments! Some of the finest courses in the Phoenix area include:

  • TPC Scottsdale
  • Wickenburg Ranch Golf & Social Club
  • We-Ko-Pa Golf Club
  • Grayhawk Golf Club

5. Easy Access to Major Cities

When you live in Phoenix, you can easily drive your car to major cities, like San Diego and Los Angeles, California. So, if you want to be nearby cities like those, Phoenix is a great option for you!

6. Parking is Easy

In most major cities, like San Diego, San Francisco, or New York City, it's hard to find parking. But in Phoenix, parking is quite simple! There are over 25,000 parking spots in downtown Phoenix alone. Residents can find parking on the street and in public garages around the city.

The Cons of Living in Phoenix

1. Barren-Look in Contrast to Other States

Keep in mind that Arizona is a low desert, so it's a desert climate. It is also prone to dust storms. In fact, living in Phoenix is nearly an endless summer with Phoenix's coldest month being December with temperatures that can still reach up to 66 degress Fahrenheit. If your looking for warmth, Phoenix has great weather for your tastes.

Compared to other states like Oregon and Colorado, lush vegetation is rare in Arizona. You can see plenty of sand, cacti and palm trees in the desert instead. The forest might also look a whole lot different from the other states, but you'll have the beauty of the Sonoran Desert and the Sky Harbor International Airport leaves the world at your fingertips.

If you decide to settle in the city center, it might be tough to see greenery. If you’re someone who likes greenery, this may be a bad location for you since the landscape resembles desert. But, though the green is scarce, you'll see things like the Grand Canyon, Camelback Mountain, hot summers, and average temperatures of over 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Extremely Warm Weather

While some may enjoy the sun and hot weather, the heat in Phoenix can be uncomfortable, especially in the peak of summer. It's one of the hottest places in the world.

A high heat index can expose you to health risks such as sun and heat strokes if you’re not careful as well as dust storms. It’s best to constantly hydrate when you engage in outdoor activities.

Outdoor enthusiasts need to be mindful when living in the largest city in Arizona. Other large cities don't have nearly as much nature.

The coldest month in Phoenix is January. The average low is 46 degrees and the average high is 67.

3. Your Own Transportation is Vital

Since Phoenix is a vast city, and since the heat can be unbearable at times, it’s difficult to get around by foot. This means that if you move here, you’ll likely need to own a car because it’s more convenient.

4. No Season Shifts

In other states, Phoenix residents can enjoy the season shifts from winter, spring, summer and fall.

In Phoenix, however, you have monotonous weather and the climate hardly changes. If you can live with this, then moving to Phoenix, Arizona won’t be a problem.

That said, if you enjoy winter sports and cooler weather, Arizona isn’t the state for you.

5. Crowded City in the Winter Months

Phoenix, Arizona receives a good number of vacationing tourists during the winter months as people leave their colder States. This makes the city crowded and results in more traffic and longer waiting times in restaurants. So, if you don't like traffic and crowded areas, Phoenix may not be for you.

6. Poor-Quality Education

Arizona's education system needs some support. There's a lack of funding and a shortage of teachers. In 2020, Arizona came in last place for education quality.

The good news is that there are initiatives happening to try to improve education funding and resources.

7. Dangeous Wildlife

You may find dangerous wildlife and many dangerous creatures living in and near Phoenix, such as dangerous scorpions, coyotes, and rattlesnakes.

Bottom Line: Living in Phoenix, AZ

There are a series of advantages and disadvantages when it comes to living in Phoenix, Arizona. You can find employment easily and it's more affordable so you'll spend less on living costs. You'll also have access to Arizona State University and are close to Las Vegas. You'll have access to cultural activities and a myriad of golfing courses. That said, Phoenix’s hot climate may be a problem for you.

Now that you know the pros and cons of living in Phoenix, it's time to determine your priorities in order to decide whether life in Phoenix is right for you. This guide to the best neighborhoods in the city is another great place to start.

For further inquiries, please feel free to contact Paramount Realty Real Estate.