Phoenix, Arizona is the economic engine of the American Southwest. Approximately 1.4 million people live in the state capital, which is known for its year-round sunny, dry weather. The Greater Phoenix population of 4.95 million people makes the metropolitan area the 12th largest in the country.
Before your move to the Valley of the Sun, you might be asking yourself a variety of questions: What will it cost to live in Phoenix? What is there to do? How can I enjoy its key attractions?
Here’s what you need to know about moving to Phoenix.
1. Cost of Living
Compared to many other major cities, Phoenix is a reasonably affordable place in which to live. For example, in a 2021 list of the U.S. cities with the lowest cost of living, Phoenix ranked 44 out of the 74 cities listed.
According to August 2022, data from Zumper, rents average $1,450 for a one-bedroom apartment. The average rental cost for a studio apartment is $1,250, while the average two-bedroom apartment rents for $1,705. Recent rent increases are consistent with those in many of America’s metro areas. To a degree, they also reflect an increase in the number of Phoenix-area luxury apartment communities.
2. Employment Opportunities
Steady growth means myriad employment opportunities for current residents as well as those new to the region. The City of Phoenix website notes that Honeywell employs more than 6,200 workers in the aerospace sector. American Express employs another 5,880. Bank of America and Wells Fargo are other major employers in the financial sector. More than 800 employees work at GoDaddy’s corporate headquarters in nearby Tempe.
What about getting to and from work? The average commute time of 24.8 minutes is on par with many major metropolitan areas. It is also significantly less than Los Angeles and Chicago. Valley Metro operates a network of buses, streetcars, and light rail.
Corporations count on easy access to Phoenix via Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. It offers the convenience of nonstop service to 139 destinations in four countries. American Airlines flies to 101 destinations while Southwest flies to 60.
3. Sports, Culture, and Outdoor Experiences
Phoenix is home to the NBA’s Phoenix Suns and the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals. The MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks play home games at Chase Field. State Farm Stadium, home of the Cardinals, will host Super Bowl LVII in February 2023.
The Musical Instrument Museum is unique among museums. Displays span 200 countries and 6,000 years of humanity’s quest for rhythm and harmony. The Phoenix Art Museum’s highlights include noteworthy collections of Modern, Asian, and European art. The Heard Museum is home to one of America’s most comprehensive displays of American Indian art.
The Phoenix Zoo is one of the nation’s largest non-profit zoos. Mountain lions and jaguars will take up residence in the new $3.2 million Big Cats of Arizona habitat. Predator Passage is an expansion of the zoo’s Africa Trail. Camelback Mountain is one of the area’s most scenic hiking destinations. From the summit, at an elevation of 2704 feet, you’ll savor panoramic views of the valley below. Bobby’s Rock Trail is perfect for beginners, while the 1.2-mile Echo Canyon Trail is a steep, arduous route.
Papago Park hosts the 140-acre Desert Botanical Garden. Themed collections include Baja, South America, and Australia. The Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve is north of Phoenix. Along the quarter-mile trail, you’ll find more than 1,500 petroglyphs etched on the rocks. Some are more than 5,000 years old. View the prehistoric Hohokam ruins at the Pueblo Grande Museum and Archeology Park.
Butterfly Wonderland’s rainforest paradise is quite a surprise in the Arizona desert. The conservatory is home to thousands of butterflies representing 70+ global species. Visitors engage in everything from butterfly photography to mediation classes.
4. Dining in Phoenix
Valley residents who delight in culinary variety will never tire of sampling the dozens of quality restaurants. Here are some examples.
Barrio Café Gran Reserva serves some of the best Mexican food in Phoenix. Savor entrees representing various regions of Mexico. For a more communal dining experience, consider the six-course tasting menu. Midtown’s Ocotillo features an American menu with an undeniably Southwestern influence. Relax amid modern architecture complemented by native desert flora. Outdoor spaces include the mesquite terrace, chef’s garden, beer garden, and Lucy’s lawn.
Glai Baan offers everything from salted crab papaya salad to panang curry with braised beef. What started out as a Midtown bungalow is now a lively destination for Thai cuisine. For Italian fine dining, try Tratto, from James Beard Award winning chef Chris Bianco. Repeat diners will appreciate the ever-changing menu. Tratto is open evenings from Wednesday to Sunday.
5. Phoenix Schools and Universities
The Valley of the Sun is home to several exceptional schools and universities. In fact, U.S. News ranks several Phoenix-area high schools as being among the best in the nation. When it comes to higher education, Arizona State University ranks high for its innovation, sustainability, and global impact. U.S. News lists ASU’s undergraduate teaching program among the nation’s top 10. As of fall 2020, ASU’s undergraduate enrollment exceeds 63,000. This large enrollment allows for a vast array of academic programs and extracurricular programs.
Senita on Cave Creek: Luxury Apartment Living
Senita on Cave Creek is a 15-building, 240-unit luxury rental community situated between Desert Peak and Mountaingate North. It is a newer development completed in 2018. Renters select from one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, and 10-floor plans. Community amenities include a swimming pool, 24-hour fitness center, and bark park. Residents enjoy ready access to downtown Phoenix, which is only 25 minutes away.
About Draper and Kramer
Draper and Kramer is a full-service real estate firm founded in 1893. D&K’s luxury apartment communities are located from Illinois to Missouri and from Texas to Arizona. Visit our website to browse our entire inventory of luxury apartment rentals today.
