Considering a move to Phoenix? You’re in for a treat with its sunny weather, endless outdoor activities, and diverse scenery that’s more than just desert landscapes. From enjoying professional sports and world-class golf to exploring stunning natural wonders like the Grand Canyon, there’s never a dull moment.
This article will guide you through the many pros of living in Phoenix, like its colorful food scene and affordable housing, while also touching on some cons, such as the summer heat and local wildlife, offering a comprehensive look at what life in Phoenix has to offer.
Weather: (It’s Hot)
The weather is a big reason why a lot of people move to Phoenix. For about eight months of the year, it’s sunny and warm, which is just perfect. Sure, it gets hot in the summer, but there are plenty of lakes and rivers around, and many houses have their own pool to cool off in.
And if you’re not a fan of the heat, you can always drive a couple of hours north where it’s cooler – places like Payson or Flagstaff are not too far and it can be about 30 degrees cooler there.
This is a huge plus compared to living up in the Pacific Northwest, where escaping the cold meant having to fly somewhere warmer. Here, a short drive can bring you to a completely different climate, which is pretty awesome.
Outdoor Recreation: Lockdown Is Over, Go Outside
With so much sun, Phoenix is an outdoorsman’s paradise. You’ll be hard-pressed to find outdoor activities that you can’t do here.
Here is a list of some of the more popular things to do:
- Hiking: Abundant trails range from urban paths in Phoenix, like Camelback Mountain, to the scenic Superstition and Santan Mountains.
- Mountain Biking: Access to amazing trails with stunning views, plus unique night rides in the summer to escape the heat.
- Boating: Numerous lakes near Phoenix provide perfect spots for cooling off during hot days.
- Camping: Plenty of camping opportunities are available almost all year, with beautiful spots to connect with nature.
- ATV Riding and Off-Roading: Popular activities in the desert areas around Phoenix.
- Golf: A haven for golfers with hundreds of courses, enabling play throughout the year and offering cooler temperatures and discounted rates on summer mornings.
Scenery: Surprisingly Great Views
Arizona is so much more than just deserts. You can head north to see amazing pine forests in Show Low, Pine Top, and Flagstaff, plus cool lakes and rivers. Ever seen those red cliffs in Western movies? That’s Monument Valley! Places like the Wave and Antelope Canyon are super cool, but you’ll need a permit.
Also, check out Horseshoe Bend and Sedona – tourists love Sedona all year. And don’t forget the Grand Canyon, one of the world’s wonders – it’s a must-see!
Entertainment: A Hub For Sports
There is so much going on, that it’s almost impossible to run out of things to do, no matter what you’re into.
- Sports Galore: Pro football, basketball, baseball, and hockey are all here, including big events like the Super Bowl and the Fiesta Bowl.
- Golf Fans: The Phoenix Open is more like a huge party than just a golf tournament.
- NASCAR: Racing enthusiasts have events to look forward to as well.
- Not Just Sports: There are concerts by big-name artists, theaters, museums, and lots of family activities.
Food: Big City Means Big Eats
Phoenix is a hot spot for some great food. Obviously, the Mexican food is top-notch – seriously, some of the best in the country. But Phoenix has a huge mix of cultures, which means you can find all kinds of delicious dishes from around the world. So, no matter what you love to eat, there’s a good chance you’ll find something that’s just right for you.
Nearby entertainment: Ready For A Road Trip?
Phoenix is actually very close to some exciting places to visit, most being only about a 5-hour drive.
Here are some of the cool places to go near Phoenix:
- Vegas: Only about a five-hour drive from Phoenix, perfect for a quick getaway.
- LA and Disneyland: Popular for weekend family trips, also around a five-hour drive.
- San Diego: Beautiful beaches are just six hours away by car.
Rocky Point, Mexico: A closer, warmer beach option, just four hours away. Don’t forget your passport. (Yes it’s safe!).
Infrastructure: Relatively New Buildings
A big plus for many people is that the city is very well put together. The roads and freeways are huge, making it easy to zip around quickly to wherever you need to go. Plus, everything’s pretty modern and well-kept, especially in the suburbs which have mostly been built up in the last 20 years. So, you’ll find that not only is everything in great condition, but it’s also really clean.
Not A Big City Feel: (That Means It’s Clean)
Phoenix doesn’t have some of the bigger problems you see in other big cities, especially on the West Coast. Like any city, they have some homeless folks, but it’s not to the extent of what you might see in places like California, Oregon, and Washington. Phoenix is fairly clean, without lots of weed and liquor stores on every corner. Public spaces like parks and streets are well-maintained and not littered with trash.
Traffic is surprisingly manageable too. There’s the usual city traffic (It’s a city of nearly 5 million, after all) but nothing like the gridlock you’d experience in LA or Seattle. The freeways are designed well, helping keep traffic flowing smoothly.
And let’s talk about housing costs. Compared to big cities like LA, San Francisco, or Seattle, buying a home here is way more affordable. The average home in Phoenix is around $450,000, which is a steal compared to those other places.
Even in upscale areas like Scottsdale, you’re getting a lot more for your money. So, while housing prices have gone up, it’s still a pretty sweet deal for anyone moving from pricier cities.
Cons: Nobodies Perfect
The heat is definitely something to talk about here. But having a pool or access to one, plus the nearby lakes and rivers, makes the heat much more manageable. Plus, you’ll get a bit of relief during monsoon season in the summer with its rain and cooler storms, though it does bring some humidity.
Another thing you might notice is the air quality can dip sometimes, especially when there’s no breeze to clear the smog from cars. It’s not a constant problem, but it’s something to be aware of.
Now, about the local flora and fauna – many of our plants are gorgeous but watch out, they’re also quite pokey and not kid-friendly. And yes, they’ve got critters like bugs and snakes, with scorpions being the main creepy-crawlies to look out for. They’re not as scary as they seem, though, and good pest control usually keeps them at bay.
Lastly, the driving here can be a bit wild with folks zooming past on the freeways. But if you’re not into fast-paced freeway driving, our surface streets are a great alternative, thanks to a simple grid layout that makes getting around pretty easy. Just stay alert and you’ll be fine navigating around.
Conclusion
Moving to Phoenix brings a blend of sunny weather, diverse landscapes, and a variety of activities that make it an attractive destination for many. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures in the numerous trails and lakes, engaging in sports and entertainment, or exploring the rich food scene, Phoenix has something to offer for everyone.
This article has taken you through the highlights of living in Phoenix, from its affordable housing and well-designed infrastructure to the considerations of summer heat and local wildlife, providing a comprehensive overview of life in this exciting city.
