What Is It Like to Live in the Phoenix Area
Transferring to a new metropolis tin exist scary. The culture, lifestyle, and amenities will vary depending on where you're located—and uprooting these comforts for a new domicile isn't always piece of cake!
That'southward why it's then important to enquiry a metropolis before you accept the plunge.
Fortunately, Phoenix, Arizona, is a cute city with a lot to offering. From its picturesque desert landscapes to its thriving nightlife, this versatile locale has a little something for everyone.
If you're interested in moving to Phoenix, AZ, here are some pros and cons of living in Phoenix:
The pros of living in Phoenix, Arizona
Habitation to 1.63 million people, Phoenix is the largest city in Arizona, and the fifth-largest city in the nation. The surface area spans 517 foursquare miles, making it the largest city in Arizona in terms of land as well.
Besides its spaciousness and vibrant population, at that place are some equally big reasons for what Phoenix is known for and why people are so drawn to this Sonoran desert urban center. The pros of living in Phoenix include:
- Close proximity to nature
- A lively arts district
- Affordable housing
- Growing economic system
- Piece of cake parking
- Mild winters
- Swell neighborhoods
The cons of living in Phoenix, Arizona
While Arizona's capital is certainly a smashing place to live, it's important to consider the following cons of the area likewise, including its:
- Hot summers
- Lower-than-boilerplate income
- Limited public transit
Hither'due south a deeper dive into each of the area'southward pros and cons:
Pro: Close proximity to nature
In many places in the U.Due south., finding a balance of natural dazzler and urban sprawl tin can be difficult—but not in Phoenix.
This city is located in the heart of Arizona's Valley of the Dominicus. Surrounded by towering plateaus, vast canyons, and more cacti than y'all knew existed, the desert is the perfect escape from bustling city life. Whether you want to become golfing or become on a hike, y'all'll exist able to spend enough of quality time outdoors.
Locals take tons of options for exploring this nearby nature, likewise. From climbing Camelback Mount to visiting the Desert Botanical Garden, the list of attractions is seemingly endless.
Con: Hot summers
It probably comes as no surprise that the typical Arizona summer can be hotter than others. With average temperatures rising well above 100° Fahrenheit between June and September, there's a portion of the year where Phoenix's desert climate can be tough to handle.
Of course, this is why virtually all properties in the area come with air conditioning. In a metropolis known for its heat, you can rest bodacious that landlords and property managers are prepared for this type of weather condition.
Pro: A lively arts district
There are plenty of fun things to do in this Arizona metropolis, such every bit visiting the lively fine art commune. Just north of the downtown area, Roosevelt Row is rich in fine fine art, shopping, and amusement. For no cost at all, residents can pursue the unique street fine art that lines this area's buildings.
For a more refined cultural feel, bank check out the Phoenix Fine art Museum on North Central Avenue. Other creative hotspots include the Phoenix Hotel, which features the work of local artists, the MADE Art Boutique, where you can buy locally crafted jewelry and pottery, and FilmBar, a lounge and arthouse that screens indie and foreign films.
The bottom line? If you're looking for a daily dose of culture, Phoenix has enough of ways to become it!
Pro: Low toll of living
According to PayScale, the price of living in Phoenix is approximately 5% lower than the national average. Housing is estimated around 5% lower besides, with utilities and groceries following behind at 4% and five% lower (respectively).
Here's the thing: Compared to rural areas of the county, this area probably won't seem similar an affordable place to live. That being said, Phoenix has infrequent living costs compared to other major cities in the nation.
Permit's take another Western hotspot into consideration: Los Angeles. PayScale reports that the cost of living in Phoenix is a whopping 33.eight% cheaper than Los Angeles, and that number jumps to 58.1% lower for housing costs.
On the East Coast, Phoenix compares to the metropolitan hotspot of New York, NY. The price of living is going to be 58.half dozen% lower than New York, and housing volition be 79.seven% lower.
And so, while metropolis living is never going to be your cheapest option, this Arizona city does offer a tempting balance of affordability and convenience.
Con: Lower-than-average household income
The median household income in the area is reported at $57,957—a flake lower than the national boilerplate of $61,937.
With that in mind, it is important to note that while this Arizona metropolis offers a fairly low cost of living (as mentioned above). So, while the average bacon is a bit lower, y'all shouldn't be too worried about not making plenty money to live comfortably.
DataUSA also reports a 2.22% income increment for the city over the by twelvemonth. If these trends continue, residents tin expect forward to college salaries in the coming years!
Pro: Growing economy
Phoenix has a number of large industries that contribute to the city's booming economy, pregnant at that place are plenty of job opportunities. Some major areas of employment include:
- Aircraft parts
- Electronic equipment
- Agricultural chemicals
- Radios
- Air workout equipment
- Leather
- Native American art
The metropolis is likewise home to several Fortune 500 companies, including Avnet, Freeport-McMoRan, Republic Services, Magellan Wellness, and Sprouts Farmers Market. Arizona's capital is also abode to over a third of its entire labor force, making it the epicenter of the state's economy and chore market.
Pro: Parking is a breeze
Phoenix is definitely a car possessor's dream location. This area is much more than relaxed when compared to the limited parking options in major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, or New York.
Virtually homes will come with a driveway or garage that offers complimentary parking, simply fifty-fifty the areas that don't are fairly like shooting fish in a barrel to navigate. With more than than 25,000 parking spaces in Downtown Phoenix alone, you'll have plenty of options for storing your vehicle. At that place is also affordable metered parking, public garages, and surface lots throughout the city that many people take advantage of.
Con: Limited public transit
While this isn't to say there'south no public transit in the urban center of Phoenix, the areas with these services are fairly limited.
The Valley Metro Department of Transportation has ii main options when it comes to public transit: bus routes and the metro runway. Bus routes tin can be establish only within the downtown area, while the metro rail is a flake more than widespread (28.2 miles, to be exact). On the light runway, you lot can jump around to areas such as Tempe and Mesa.
In general, yet, having a machine is recommended if y'all plan on living here long-term. Certain communities are considered walkable, as well—but not if you're trying to make it. Having a car also ways being able to take advantage of nearby attractions like Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon!
Pro: Mild winters
If yous're tired of the snow, ice, and frigid temperatures that come up with Northern winters, the Phoenix expanse may be the perfect identify to telephone call home.
Phoenix's coldest month is January, with average daytime lows of 46° Fahrenheit (and daytime highs of 67° Fahrenheit). The city gets under a single inch of precipitation, so pelting and snow won't exist a problem, either. This is why this Arizona city is known for having 300 days of sunshine, which is much higher than the national average of 205.
Pro: Bully neighborhoods
The Phoenix metropolitan area is rich with diverse and interesting neighborhoods, which gives locals lots of options when choosing where to alive. Some of the best neighborhoods in Phoenix for residents include:
- Paradise Valley: Oft referred to as the "Beverly Hills of the Southwest," this rural area is home to multi-meg-dollar homes and plenty of infinite to go effectually. Don't worry, though—Paradise Valley isn't too rural. The area's glamorous shops and restaurants are all located on the lively N. Scottsdale Route. Paradise Valley likewise boasts three different golf courses and x resorts and spas, and so you'll never run out of relaxing activities while you're here.
- Downtown Phoenix: If y'all're looking for nightlife, shopping, and amusement, Downtown Phoenix is the place to be. Locals tin bask a testify at the Comerica Theater, hit the dance floor at the Dwntwn nightclub, or grab a succulent Japanese-Latin fusion dish at Kaizen. Downtown Phoenix is made upwardly of high-rise apartments and smaller buildings, so you'll accept a choice of where to alive, besides.
- Downtown Scottsdale: Although technically its own city, Scottsdale is considered a part of the Phoenix metropolitan area. For a lively neighborhood that's slightly more residential, Downtown Scottsdale is highly recommended. This area is known for its youthful population, gorgeous waterfront views, and plenty of luxury shopping centers.
Country in a cracking apartment in Phoenix, AZ
Weighing the pros and cons of a potential new city is never like shooting fish in a barrel. Only thankfully, Phoenix's pros greatly outweigh its cons!
If you're thinking about moving to the area, Landing offers fully furnished apartments in Phoenix, all with flexible charter terms that make moving easy. Scan our bachelor apartments in Phoenix, or contact u.s. to acquire more near what a Landing membership tin practice for you!
Almost the author
Bri Hand
Source: https://www.hellolanding.com/blog/living-in-phoenix-pros-and-cons/