Phoenix offers desert living with a civilized edge, perfect if you want to experience the best of Arizona or need to work in the area. If you’re not familiar with our city, we have put this little guide together to give you an idea of what you have in store. We hope it helps!
Downtown is where the tall buildings are and where many companies have their offices. After a period of stagnation in the 1980s, the area is being regenerated to attract new businesses and residents. That regeneration includes new shopping malls, office buildings and an increased police presence.
Phoenix has agricultural roots, so grew gradually over time. The various areas of the city have their own culture and their own features and benefits. Tempe, is the college town with a young demographic and lots of coffee shops and galleries.
Mesa, Gilbert and Chandler are established family communities, with Mesa being the center for the Mormon community in the city. Gilbert is more affluent, so the property prices reflect that, while Chandler is predominantly single family homes.
Northern and Southern Phoenix are poorer areas that are slowly being regenerated. There is a good mix of established communities with many working families, as well as some poor areas.
Phoenix is very car oriented, meaning you really need your own to get around. The bu
s and METRO system are limited and offer a poor range considering the size of the city. There is no Amtrak rail link here, they are mainly local, but the city is well served by by Sky Harbor International Airport.
The main challenge for anyone new to Phoenix, or Arizona is the desert climate. For most of the year, it’s lovely, with long sunny days and a balmy heat that makes being outdoors a pleasure. However, from mid-May to mid-September it gets a little hot with highs of over 115 degrees.
You need to be prepared to cope with those kinds of temperatures if you’re to survive and thrive here. AC is a must in cars and homes if you’re to live in Phoenix.
Phoenix has quite a few high tech industries which offer decent employment prospects for those living here. Healthcare and retirement care are also big employers. As the administrative center for Arizona there are a few government jobs to be had too.
If you’re looking to move or work in Phoenix, this overview should give you enough to make an informed decision. When it comes to moving and you need somewhere to rent, Travelers Haven has that covered too.
We can provide high quality, low cost furnished housing for stays of a month or more. Contact us to learn more.