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Living in Phoenix, Arizona:
Tips for Moving and Visiting

38 local experts
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If you've been wondering what it's like to live in or visit Phoenix, the Crowdsourced Explorer community can help. We asked 38 people living in Phoenix what someone who is considering moving to or visiting there should know. Here are their pros and cons, tips, and advice:

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38 comments on “Phoenix”

Unless you live in very specific areas, commuting via public transport is next to impossible. If you don’t like driving, this may not be the place for you.

Housing/rent in the Alhambra neighborhood is cheap but it is not the safest part of town.

As a whole, the food scene is pretty good. From the east coast originally and I have to say that the Mexican food in Phoenix is way way better than the food on the east coast. The cost of living here is higher than you would think. Also Phoenix uses a special blend of gasoline that is costly so gas prices are a little high around here. I am not an Arizona native so I feel I can be blunt.

It gets really hot in Phoenix and I would suggest a windshield sun shade for your car when it’s parked.

The summer months from June to September are very hot, 100+ degree weather. But one can do well if you go from air conditioned house, to car, to air conditioned destination.

Richard, says: 2023

Among several factors, the main thing to consider when moving to Phoenix, Arizona, is the heat. While 8-9 months of the year are almost ideal, June through July is another story altogether. Temperatures easily and regularly reach highs of 110 degrees and above during the summer. If you can stand the heat, you will be in store for a beautiful and diverse desert community unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere in the country.

Adrianna, says: 2020

Phoenix is a sprawling city and will require a vehicle to get around. During much of the year, the weather is agreeable. The summers, however, are extremely hot and temperatures can climb well above 110 degrees. Monsoon flooding also takes some getting used to and visitors need to remember to “turn around, don’t drown.”

Alyssa, says: 2020

Phoenix is the capital of Arizona and is known for its record-breaking heat and low annual rainfall. If you are a pluviophile, then Phoenix, Arizona, may not be the city you want to choose to reside in. There are, however, many other cities in Arizona that may have a more adaptable climate.

Kaitlyn, says: 2020

Although it is incredibly hot in Phoenix, AZ during the summer months, the rest of the year is quite lovely. Not only that, the cost of living here is among the lowest in the country. The public schools don’t typically rate that well in education, but there are plenty of good schools to choose from.

Joseph, says: 2020

Phoenix enjoys year-round sunshine. Phoenix has, on average, 300 days of sunshine. Phoenix also is a mecca for technology related industries providing a wide spectrum of employment opportunities. Because of the enjoyable climate, Phoenix is a leader in the United States for golf courses. There are many multiethnicity restaurants in Phoenix.

Jennie, says: 2020

Someone moving to my city should consider the heat. In Arizona the heat of summer can be quite intense and Phoenix. Being an urban area, more heat is trapped during the day than the surrounding desert landscape. One might also consider the diversity of the people who come from all over the world to live in the Valley of the Sun.

Frances, says: 2020

Any person moving to Phoenix, Arizona should know the high temperatures are very important. In order to live in the desert, one must always remain hydrated. Most people in Arizona can be seen bringing a bottle of water with them everywhere that they go.

Spurgeon, says: 2020

Anyone moving to Phoenix should know how extremely hot it gets during summer. Within a period of six to seven months, the temperature can reach over 100 degrees with or without any humidity present. This desert-like atmosphere can make it extremely difficult for one to travel on foot or by bicycle, especially since the buildings and homes in the city of Phoenix are separated so far apart.

Isaiah, says: 2020

Take it from a Phoenix native: a car is essential for living in this city. Public transportation is limited and not dependable, although it is beginning to improve. With a car, it is much easier to move around town–especially in summer, when it is far too hot to walk anywhere.

Shunti, says: 2020

What they should know about my city before coming here is that, it is a city that is unfortunately a hot city during summers. Although, if the heat is not a problem, then there is much to enjoy within the city, as there are multiple places and spots that people may enjoy as they spend their time here. It is filled with plenty of culture and opportunities.

Nicole, says: 2020

We have very hot summers, however the people are warm and friendly. Phoenix has a poverty rate of about 33 percent fueled by high rates of alcoholism and drug addiction. Many areas are undergoing gentrification, so it is not unusual to see nice homes right across the street from smaller shack like houses. Downtown Phoenix creates an even greater puzzle; expensive luxury high rise apartments looking down on homeless people sleeping under benches.

Tamera, says: 2020

If moving to Phoenix, be aware of the heat. This year is on track to become one of the hottest summers in history. If you have any pets, plan to keep them in the house during the day.

Before moving to Phoenix, one must first consider the weather. With temperatures that reach 110 degrees during summer, this weather isn’t ideal for everyone. Another important factor would be job locations. Although Phoenix has a number of highways that allow its residents an easy commute between cities, it’s also a metropolis with 1.66 million people. Sometimes, there’s just no way to beat traffic here.

Caralee, says: 2020

If moving to Phoenix, it might be helpful to know this major city is known for extreme temperatures in summer. A normal day in June can have a high temperature of 120 degrees or more. If you prefer a mild climate and a chance of snow, Phoenix may not be the city for you!

There are many advantages and disadvantages to living in Phoenix, Arizona. One advantage is that there are many activities here. You can take an hour’s drive up north to Flagstaff, Arizona to cool down during the harsh Phoenix summer. In Phoenix, you can also enjoy the various water parks and lakes, such as the Salt Lake in Scottsdale, Arizona. A disadvantage of living in Phoenix, is you have to deal with the harsh weather we have during summer where it can reach up to 110 for a few consecutive weeks.

Shaneada, says: 2020

Phoenix is one of the largest cities in the United States, yet there are mountainous parks within this sprawling metropolis in which one can enjoy desert wildlife, natural beauty, and solitude. In the hot summer, night hiking is both popular and safe. Although “it’s a dry heat,” as locals say, July temperatures often exceed 110 F. If you’re moving to Phoenix, choose a home with a swimming pool!

I am from Phoenix, Arizona. We are one of the hottest states in the world. On average, our summers can reach up to 100 degrees. The climate is very dry. There are plenty of outdoor activities you can do while staying hydrated.

Kelsey, says: 2020

Although Phoenix, Arizona, is one of the largest US cities, it’s unique in its characteristics and layout. Phoenix is extremely spread out, and reads more like a giant suburb than a typical city environment. Secondly, public transportation options are limited to only certain areas. Since mass transit options here rely heavily on a bus system, expect to add lots of travel time and bus changes to your trip itinerary. The unique Sonoran Desert climate is unlike that of other major US cities, and forces its residents and visitors to adapt in different ways.

Kirstin, says: 2020

Someone moving to Phoenix Arizona should know the state possesses tremendous heat waves in summer that are almost unbearable despite all measure to stay indoors as much as possible in summer. The heat that is produced from the sun compounded with the heat from the asphalt produces an almost un-livable terrain. The heat in Arizona during summer is important to consider before making one’s final decision regarding place.

Sharon, says: 2020

People should know Phoenix is incredibly hot. The weather in the state is no laughing matter. If a driver isn’t careful, he can easily burn himself on the seat belt when first entering the car. the driver must wait several minutes after starting the car before touching the steering wheel.

Phoenix is a wonderful place. Although the heat can be an issue for some, winters make up for it. Snowbirds from all across the country come to stay for the winter because of the beautiful weather. It is one of the best cities in the United States.

Melissa, says: 2020

Although Phoenix has lovely weather for eight months out of the year, potential residents need to consider the extreme heat of the four summer. Daytime highs from May to August hit anywhere from 100 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Admittedly, Phoenix experiences a dry heat, which many prefer to humid heat. Ultimately, whether encountering dry or humid heat, potential residents of Phoenix must account for the extreme weather when considering whether to call the city their home.

Phoenix is a sprawling metropolitan area, full of culture and life. It is an excellent example of what we mean when we call this country a “melting pot.” If you choose to live here, you will be rewarded with rich experiences and new opportunities. Nevertheless, you should also know that Phoenix has its downsides. It is one of the hottest cities to live in, reaching triple-digit temperatures for an average of six months out of the year. It also has an extremely high crime rate. Urban life is exciting and fulfilling, but sometimes dangerous. However, if the hustle-and-bustle sounds exciting, Phoenix just might be the place for you.

Someone moving to Phoenix should know following the infamous four months of scorching heat, residents enjoy eight months of paradise. Our mild Winters and early Springs more than compensate for a few months of air-conditioned home confinement. Most recent transplants agree that Phoenix is a delightful place.

If one moves to Phoenix, Arizona, it is crucial to be prepared for the extreme heat. Although the locals from Arizona try to explain that the heat is tolerable because it is a dry heat, it is still one of the hottest places to live in the country. At 120 degrees Fahrenheit, it feels like you are sitting in an oven, no matter how low the humidity is.

Carrie, says: 2020

If you are planning to Phoenix, Arizona know the weather. The weather can reach 120 degrees, and it will mostly be in 110’s. However, the house prices are cheaper than cities like Los Angeles, or New York. You should also know that some companies and stores from other states may be not be present in Arizona.

Sophia, says: 2020

For one, this is Phoenix, Arizona. It is hot, dry and it is always very bright out. Good housing at a decent price is difficult to find here and there are a lot of homeless people walking around. It isn’t always their fault though, some of them have mental illnesses that are not getting treated correctly.

Phoenix is excruciatingly hot in summer time; so hot in fact, most people cannot stand to live here for the season and live in a different city instead. They travel between two cities throughout the year to avoid the heat but enjoy the cool winters.

Samantha, says: 2020

Phoenix weather is beautiful in winter, but summers can be brutal. On the plus side, however, is our relatively low humidity. Phoenicians love to brag during summer that “it’s a dry heat”, and that is certainly true, because once you’ve experienced high humidity, you can certainly appreciate the relative lack of moisture in Phoenix.

Lawrence, says: 2020

Phoenix is a desert, so it is no surprise that it is hot and dry most of the year. Having water on hand at all times is of the essence. However, most do not realize freezing temperatures are common in winter. While most plants can survive the intense extremes in the weather, it is important to plan ahead.

Esperanza, says: 2020

It is considerably warm throughout the year, particularly in summer. The city is sprawling, and each city’s ‘vibe’ is different; you’ll want to consider what kind of vibe you want. Transportation is relatively easy without a car if you live in an urban area. Children in school should be wary of the school district they are in as some are better than others; make sure research is done first!

Selina, says: 2020

The hot weather in Phoenix lasts thru October. The misperception from tourists that visiting Phoenix in September should be cooler which it is not. Another misperception is that Phoenix cools off in the Summer because of the mountains that surround Phoenix but that is not the case it only decreases by about 10-15 degrees from 115 degrees or less.

Charles, says: 2020

Phoenix is a beautiful place from October through May. While often criticized for the extreme heat in summer, most of the time, the weather is quite pleasant. However, July can be very humid due to monsoon season, and August is often downright miserable, so make sure your new residence has a well-maintained air conditioning unit.

Phoenix, Arizona, is full of rocks, dirt and mountainous trails. Because of the landscape, the city attracts hikers and bikers. The city is famous for its “desert landscaping.” Unfortunately, good Mexican food is not easy to find. There are many Native American tribes that dwell in the agricultural parts of the city.

Phoenix is the fifth largest city in the United States. This is a place where different racial groups can be studied up-close, such as Mexicans and Native Americans. During summer it can get extremely hot such as 105-120 degrees. Swimming is a very popular sport from May through September, due to the excessive heat.

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