Thinking of moving to Phoenix, AZ?

If a sun-soaked desert life with a vibrant urban scene, a booming job market, beautiful scenery, a vast choice of recreational opportunities, and a cost of living that compares well with other Sunbelt cities is high on your list of must-haves, then Phoenix definitely delivers.

Read on to discover all you need to know about moving to Phoenix.

Cost of Living

Bridle Way, Gilbert, Phoenix

Phoenix’s cost of living is approximately 6% above the U.S. average, but still 10% lower than Arizona’s statewide rate, making it more affordable compared to similar metropolitan areas.

Here’s a breakdown:

Category      Compared to National Avg.
Housing (rent/buy) +16%
Utilities      +7%
Food & Groceries+3–8%
Healthcare –8%
Transportation    +5%
Goods & Services     +2%
  • Rent: A 1‑bed costs approximately $1,400–$1,600, whilst 2‑beds are about $1,800–$2,200 in central Phoenix, but will be slightly cheaper in the suburbs.
  • Buying: Median home prices hover around $535k–$609k
  • Utilities: Expect $150–$250 per month in summer to handle the AC.

Compare the cost of living in your current hometown with Phoenix at www.numbeo.com

You may also like to read: Moving to Another State. In this guide, you will find checklists and tips to make your interstate move easier. 

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Job & Career Opportunities

Banner University Medical Center

Phoenix has become a magnet for growth industries:

  • Tech & Innovation: Now a hub for startups and tech relocation.
  • Healthcare & Education: Banner Health and Arizona State University offer many career opportunities.
  • Finance & Real Estate: The expanding service sector and the real estate boom are fuelling roles in sales, finance, and construction.
  • Tourism & Hospitality: With over 16 million tourists visiting here annually, 500 hotels, and 40 resorts, there are plenty of work opportunities in hospitality.

Unemployment remains low, although wage growth lags behind home prices, meaning competition is stiff even as demand surges.

Remote workers and digital nomads find Phoenix appealing for housing density and tax structures, with no state tax on Social Security, and a flat 2.5% on other retirement income, making it retirement-friendly too.

Browse the job market in Phoenix at www.indeed.com 

You may also like to read: Moving for a Job. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of relocating for work.

Recreation & Things to Do

Phoenix Zoo

You are never going to run out of things to do and places to enjoy when living in Phoenix:

  • Outdoor Adventures: South Mountain Preserve, Sonoran Desert hiking, biking, and climbing trails, and around 189 parks in total
  • Golf: There are over 200 golf courses here
  • Culture: Art galleries, theaters, coffee shops, and a vibrant nightlife in Camelback East and the Melrose District
  • Sports & Events: Catch MLB at Chase Field, NBA at Footprint Center, plus festivals like Scottsdale Fashion Week and Maricopa County Home & Garden Show

Discover the variety of things to do in Phoenix at www.visitphoenix.com 

You may also like to read: Moving After Retirement. Phoenix is a popular place to retire to. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of moving after retirement.

Top-Ranked Districts & Schools

Old Phoenix Union High School
  • Basis Phoenix (grades 5–12): Math proficiency runs about 90%, Reading  about 87%, and is ranked top 1% statewide
  • Phoenix Union Bioscience High School (grades 9–12): Math 85–89%, Reading 80–84%, also top 1%
  • Fireside Elementary: Math 84%, Reading 85%; among Phoenix’s top-performing elementary schools

Charter highlights:

  • Great Hearts Academy: A classical, liberal-arts charter network serving about 30,000 students.
  • Archway Classical Academy Lincoln is ranked #1 in Arizona

Other Notable Public Schools

  • Maryvale High School (PUHSD): 2,685 students, graduation rate 91%, extensive AP/Honors classes, and dual enrollment options
  • Desert Vista & Mountain Pointe High (Kyrene/TUHSD, Ahwatukee): High academic reputation and athletic programs

School Summary:

  • Elite options: Basis Phoenix, BIOScience, Great Hearts charter network.
  • High-performing local schools: Kyrene district’s middle and high schools in Ahwatukee.
  • Strong elementary level: Fireside and others.
  • Access to dual enrollment and AP tracks at schools like Maryvale.

Review all the school rankings in Phoenix at www.greatschools.org 

You may also like to read: Choosing a New School. In this guide, we suggest things to take into consideration when choosing a new school after moving home.

Best Neighborhoods in Phoenix

Here we compare the top Phoenix neighborhoods by resident profile, housing costs, safety, and amenities.

1. Ahwatukee Foothills

  • Best for: Families, outdoor lovers.
  • Median home price: $495k–$515k; rent averages $1,568 per month
  • Safety: Safer than 73% of the city
  • Local schools: Kyrene district + Desert Vista/Mountain Pointe; highly rated.
  • Lifestyle: Numerous parks, trails, golf, good local shops, and restaurants.

2. Camelback East

  • Best For: Young professionals and nightlife fans.
  • Median Home price:  $326K; rent averages $1,162
  • Safety: Safer than 40% of the city
  • Living style: Trendy restaurants, bars, Biltmore Fashion Park, Papago Park

3. Encanto (Midtown/Alhambra)

  • Best for: Singles and professionals.
  • Median Home price: $281k; rent averages $1,042
  • Safety: Lower; only safer than 13% of the city
  • Perks: Walkable, historic homes, parks; near Phoenix College, Uptown farmer’s markets

4. North Gateway / Desert Ridge

  • Best for: Outdoorsy types and families.
  • Median Home price: $368k; rent averages $1,623
  • Safety: Safer than 87% of the city.
  • Features: Master-planned design, shopping, amenities, hiking

5. Paradise Valley

  • Best for: Ultra-wealthy families & retirees.
  • Median home price: $3.25M
  • Safety: High
  • Amenities: Private golf courses, luxury, resort-like living

6. Arcadia & Biltmore

  • Best For: Foodies, professionals, families.
  • Median Home price: Arcadia $1.235M; Biltmore $1.15M
  • Lifestyle: Mid-century charm, scenic canal trails, top eateries, golf, and shopping

7. Gilbert (Suburb, 22 mi SE)

  • Best for: Families, snowbirds.
  • Median home price: $550k; townhomes from $300k
  • Education: Top public schools and Scottsdale USD for the Paradise Valley area
  • Lifestyle: 300 days of sunshine, parks, future surf park, and rapid development

How to Choose

Budget:

  • Under $600K: Ahwatukee, North Gateway, Encanto, Camelback East.
  • $1M+ for upscale lifestyle: Arcadia/Biltmore.
  • $3M+ for ultra-luxury: Paradise Valley.
  • Gilbert blends affordability with suburbs and top schools.

Safety & Family Needs:

  • Highest-ranked for safety and schools: Ahwatukee, North Gateway, Gilbert, Arcadia/Biltmore.
  • Urban, affordable, but less safe: Encanto.

Lifestyle:

  • Hiking and trails:  Ahwatukee, North Gateway.
  • Restaurants, bars, urban energy: Camelback East, Arcadia, Encanto.
  • Resort-style family living: Paradise Valley.
  • Suburban town-life: Gilbert.

Education:

  • Elite public: Kyrene district (Ahwatukee), Scottsdale USD (Paradise Valley area), Gilbert schools (Gilbert).
  • Top charters: Basis Phoenix, Bioscience, Great Hearts Academies.
  • Highly-rated suburban schools: Chandler & Peoria

Discover more about the different neighborhoods in Phoenix at www.niche.com 

You may also like to read: How to Choose the Best Neighborhood to Live In. In this guide, we suggest things to take into consideration when choosing which neighborhood to move to.

Things to Consider Before Moving to Phoenix

Dust storms are frequent
  • Public transportation is not as good as in many other cities, and Phoenix is a sprawling city, so if you don’t drive, choose your neighborhood carefully
  • Consider the heat in relation to everyday living (not just doing things, but also the cost of running your AC constantly, for example) and health concerns, especially if you have respiratory issues.  
  • Dust storms are common between June to September
  • Consider the impact of climate change when choosing a desert state
  • Choose your neighborhood wisely, as crime rates vary wildly
  • The weather is fairly consistent, so if you like seasons, you will be disappointed
  • With deserts come rattlesnakes and scorpions

You may also like to read: Where to Move to Avoid Climate Change. In this guide, we suggest things to take into consideration when thinking about where to live and what effect climate change will have on that place.

Should I Move to Phoenix?

About 50,000 Americans a year choose to move to Phoenix. With a high quality of life, endless outdoor and recreational choices, the city’s stunning natural beauty, and the sun-filled climate, it is easy to see why.

As with anywhere you are thinking of moving, do as much research as you can, visit often, and, if possible, rent a home so that you get to know the different neighborhoods before deciding which one is right for you.

Good luck with your move to Phoenix! Be sure to visit our home moving blog, which is packed with guides to make every aspect of your home move easier, cheaper, and safer.

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