According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Phoenix was the fastest-growing big city in the entire country between 2010 and 2020. With incredible weather, a strong economy, and incredible opportunities to experience both city-life and the natural world, it’s no wonder so many people are moving to Phoenix.

Whether you’re first-time home buyers or you’re no stranger to the process of buying property, there are some things you’ll want to know about the Valley of the Sun.

Are you looking for some more information about what to expect when you’re relocating to Phoenix?

Let’s check out everything you need to know.

Moving to Phoenix: Neighborhoods You Should Know About

First time home buyers in Phoenix have a wide variety of neighborhoods to choose from. Whether you want a spot in the world that’s bustling and urban or a bit quieter, there’s something for everyone here.

Some of the most popular neighborhoods in Phoenix include:

• Arcadia: A quieter neighborhood that’s only fifteen minutes from the airport and boasts both green spaces and city amenities
• Roosevelt Row: Hip and eclectic, this is a great place for people who want to feel like they’re surrounded by art and culture
• Downtown: The heart of the city, perfect for anyone who wants a truly urban feel complete with skyscrapers, museums, shopping, and more

Other popular neighborhoods and areas include Scottsdale, the Willo Historic District, Paradise Valley, Encanto, and Tempe (which is technically a different city, but worth mentioning for anyone who wants that college town feel.)

What’s the Economy Like in Phoenix?

According to the economic forecaster from Arizona State University, the Phoenix economy ranks third for job growth nationwide in the professional/technical and transportation/warehousing industries. Increasingly moving away from a reliance on real estate, the economy of Phoenix is becoming increasingly diverse.

There are four Fortune 500 companies in Phoenix, which are PetSmart, Republic Servies, Freeport-McMoRan, and Avnet. Other major employers include Honeywell’s Aerospace division, Intel, American Express, U-Haul, Best Western, and more. Some other popular places to work in the city include the Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Shamrock Foods, and Maricopa County.

Do I Need a Car in Phoenix?

If you’re shopping for Phoenix homes for sale and you don’t have a car, you don’t necessarily need to run out and buy one. However, you’ll definitely want to incorporate your desire to rely on public transportation into your neighborhood selection. Some good choices for getting by without a car include downtown, Tempe, Old Town Scottsdale, and Glendale.

What Is There to Do in Phoenix?

When you’re moving to Phoenix you’re probably wondering what the heck people do out there in the desert all day. Actually, there are tons of great activities to engage in regardless of whether you’re single, you have a big family, or anything in between.

Natural Beauty

One of the things you’ll want to check out right away after moving to Phoenix is just how expansive your opportunities are to get outside and explore the great outdoors. There are several trails, parks, and scenic vistas that you can enjoy near to the city, or you can go on a bigger trip to check out the world-famous Grand Canyon.

In central Phoenix, you’ll want to visit Encanto Park. With more than 200 acres of land, this is a great place to go swimming, boating, or golfing.

Are you wondering where you can see a view of the area? Head over to South Mountain Park and Preserve, where there are 50 miles of trails and tons of roads for either driving or biking. Dobbins Lookout is the highest point in the park, where you can see the entire city. Great for mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking, South Mountain Park and Preserve is both a historical landmark and a natural wonder.

If you’re more into sports than hiking in nature, you’ll want to check out Roadrunner Park. Complete with amenities like soccer fields, baseball diamonds, and tennis courts, there’s even a weekly local farmers market here on Saturdays.

Nightlife and Entertainment

After a full day of exploring all that Phoenix has to offer, it’s time to let loose and check out some of the nightlife and entertainment Phoenix has to offer. Whether you want to dance the night away at the Crescent Ballroom, soak in a more east-coast atmosphere at the Merc Bar, or hang out in a classic dive like the Valley Bar, Phoenix has a little bit of everything.

Still not convinced that Phoenix is the right place for you? Check out this article about the five reasons to move to Phoenix.

Real Estate in Phoenix

Whether you’re interested in buying a rental property in Phoenix or you’re looking for Phoenix homes for sale in your family, the real estate market in AZ is hot, hot, hot. That being said, as a very spread out city, there is something for everyone here. We specialize in helping people buy & sell Arizona property and are here to help you no matter what you’re looking for.

Buy & Sell Arizona Property With Mahody Realty

It’s no surprise that Phoenix has been the fastest growing big city in the U.S. With other major metropolises becoming unlivably expensive (think NYC and San Franciscio) and people increasingly working remotely, many Americans are choosing to live in warmer, more affordable, and less dense cities. Phoenix offers a little something for everyone, whether you’re a nature lover, a club hopper, a foodie, or a sports fan.

Are you considering moving to Phoenix? If so, contact us today.