Tips for Your Move to Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona is sometimes referred to as the Valley of the Sun. This is for a good reason, as the city enjoys an average of 299 sunny days per year, compared to an average of about 205 for the United States as a whole.
While the city of Phoenix originally got its start as a small agricultural community when Americans from east of the Mississippi arrived in the mid-1800s, today it is known as a hub for technology and education as well as agriculture. Relocating to Phoenix will put you in the heart of Southwest culture. Here is what you need to know about living in Phoenix, AZ.
What to Know When Moving to Phoenix
Living in Phoenix means living in a city with a moderate rate of population and economic growth. It is the only state capital in the United States with more than one million people. The city itself has an estimated population of 1,680,992 as of 2019, making it the fifth most populous city in the United States. The Phoenix metro area is home to an estimated 3,629,114 people. The area's population and rate of growth mean that real estate prices are about 7% higher than average in the Valley Metro and downtown Phoenix compared to the United States as a whole.
The cost of living is also affected by higher-than-average transportation costs in Phoenix. However, you can save money by taking advantage of the city's public transportation, which includes light rail and buses. If you do drive, commuting times are shorter than Los Angeles, New York City and Chicago. The city also has bike lanes if you like biking to work. If you'll be working downtown, take advantage of the 4.6-mile Bicycle Boulevard.
While there are many compelling reasons to move to Phoenix, there are a few drawbacks. For example, summertime high temperatures routinely exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Although it's a "dry" heat, it's still hot. The area gets dust storms, which are also called haboobs. They can obscure the sunlight in the middle of the afternoon.
There is also a monsoon season. The monsoon rains may cause sudden flash flooding, so you'll need a weather app on your smartphone. Mass transit doesn't cover the whole area. Snakes, coyotes and scorpions live in the city, and it's not unusual for people to get scorpions in their houses or garages.
Phoenix Landmarks to Visit
Phoenix has some appealing landmarks to visit when you want to go out for a walk, bike ride or drive. The Arizona Opera Center is a cultural arts center completed in 2013. The Orpheum Theatre is home to the Phoenix Opera and Arizona Ballet. Phoenix has many sports stadiums, including Gammage Auditorium. It was the last public building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Taliesin West was Wright's winter home, and you can walk past it any time. Phoenix Civic Space Park is a two-block park in the heart of downtown Phoenix. The campus of Arizona State University is also worth exploring, and many of the facilities offer public access and tours.
Attractions to Experience in Phoenix
There are many attractions to check out in Phoenix. If you want to know more about the area's native flora, be sure to visit Desert Botanical Garden. It offers gardens, educational exhibits, tours and programming about the area's plant life. You may also want to spend a day at the Phoenix Art Museum or the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, which both feature permanent collections of works done by local artists and Native American artists.
Their changing exhibits have included sculpture, weaving, quilting and metalworking. If you like science or natural history, consider spending a day at the Arizona Science Center or the Pueblo Grande Museum Archaeological Park.
For something different, visit the Musical Instrument Museum, which is home to the world's largest collection of musical instruments. The Heard Museum has a variety of Native American artwork and exhibits as well as collections of jewelry, paintings and more. Phoenix Zoo is the largest privately owned zoo in the United States. The South Mountain Park is the world's highest desert mountain preserve and the largest public park in the USA.
Tips for Moving to Phoenix
When you plan on relocating to Phoenix, there are a few things to do in order to ensure that your move is a success. There are a couple of peak moving times. These are August, November and March. During these times, there will be a higher demand for moving trucks and related services. You'll need to make reservations in advance.
On average, there are 100 days per year hotter than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Moving trucks and concrete will get hot. You'll need to stay well-hydrated on your moving day and take frequent breaks in the shade. If you have asthma, keep your inhaler nearby. The city is seventh highest in the United States for ozone pollution.