Guide to moving to Phoenix

Ah, Phoenix! A city of beautiful desert landscapes, citrus groves and sunny days all-year round is certainly a great place to move to. It is also by no means small. Being the largest city in Arizona and fifth in size in the US, makes Phoenix into a pallet of various different communities and areas that only add to its diversity. However, said diversity also means an abundance of choice when it comes to moving to or within Phoenix.  Therefore, choosing the right neighborhood to fit your specific needs might seem like a daunting task, but worry not, because we’ve put together a Guide to moving to Phoenix to help you with just that.

Things to consider

First things first, whenever planning a move you want to start off with your priorities in mind. No matter if you’re moving to Phoenix to work or to study, a long commute isn’t something you want. Also bear other factors in mind, like leisure time and what kind of a vibe you want your area to have. These are all important in making the final decision. There are other factors too. Here is a rundown of things you should take into consideration when moving to Phoenix:

Distance to your place of occupation

Think about how long you’re willing to spend commuting. Also, consider whether you will be going by car or taking public transport. Like all large cities, Phoenix is not exempt from traffic jams, especially during rush hour. If you will be using your car to get to work or place of study, plan with that in mind. Having two or more people in your car (children of all ages included) will allow you to use the HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes. That is the name for carpool lanes in Arizona. These are reserved Monday through Friday from 6 to 9 a.m. and from 3 to 7 p.m. for a limited array of vehicles, making them less prone to jamming during those hours.

On the other hand, if you decide to take the public transport, Valley Metro, the city’s public transport service, offers a well-developed network of bus and light rail lines, making it a good alternative to driving.  Whichever you choose, avoid having a long commute to your place of work or study. Especially if you intend to commute in rush hour times.

Your preferred leisure activities

Life isn’t all work, everybody needs time off to unwind. However, just as with work, you don’t want to waste your time commuting to your favorite recreational spot. Different areas offer different amenities and every minute you spend getting there is a minute less spent on the thing you really enjoy! So, consider your leisure habits when choosing your new neighborhood. For example, if you love art, places like Downtown Phoenix, home of the Phoenix Art Museum, as well as other art galleries, live acts, and music performances will surely draw you in. There’s also Roosevelt Row, with its craft beer bars and independent film events, it especially appeals to the younger crowd.

Nature lovers, on the other hand, should consider places like Arcadia and Anthem. Arcadia streets are lined with trees and it also offers an easy access to nature trails on Camelback Mountain. Anthem boasts two championship golf courses, several parks, and is well connected to Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve. This makes it perfect for the outdoors types. If shopping is something you enjoy being close to Downtown Phoenix or Scottsdale would make commuting to your favorite stores much easier.

Timing the move

A thing to consider when moving to Phoenix is when will your move be. This is due to the fact that in winter, seasonal residents start moving in, which makes it all the more difficult to find a good mover’s company at that time of the year.  Also because summer is considered off-season for moving, it is cheaper to book a moving company then.

Cost of living

One of the most important things to consider is the rent or house price in the area of your choosing. Not only does it directly affect your budget when moving, but it also influences the general expenses in the area. Luckily there is a wide range of neighborhood in Phoenix with different pricing to choose from. Glendale and Queen Creek fall on the more affordable side of the spectrum. If living in the “Beverly Hills of the Southwest” is appealing to you, Paradise Valley is just that place. Of course being beautiful as it is, it comes with a hefty price tag.

The vibe of the area

Take the time to research what kind of a neighborhood you’re moving to. If you have a family with children or you are a senior you might want to steer clear from the areas close to one of Arizona State University campuses. On the other hand, if you’re part of the young crowd, you might want to be closer to the center of happenings. Especially if you’re moving into Phoenix all alone or without contacts in the city. Being in the hip neighborhood will give you a chance to meet new people, which may become your new friends!

Families with children will find that Arcadia and North Central Phoenix offer some of the best places of education for the kids. They are also very family friendly. Anthem is also considered one of the best places to raise your family. Younger people will probably enjoy Central Phoenix and Roosevelt Row more, as both offer great places to go out and dance the night away. There are some of the more interesting cafes and bars there. North Scottsdale is ideal for seniors, being a more mature neighborhood. Whichever group you’re a part of deciding on a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle will help you deal with the transition more easily. Every move is stressful, so you don’t need additional stress when changing your place of living, especially since the vibe of the area will influence your life daily.

Finally moving to Phoenix

Now you have a general idea what kind of a neighborhood you’re looking. So its time to dive into the specifics. Take the time to plan the move right, as it will make the transition easier. Apart from picking the right location, this includes preparing your items for transportation. Feel free to ask your mover if they offer packing services and liability coverage, as both these things will help you save time and avoid stress. Hope you found our Guide to moving to Phoenix helpful!