10 Things to Know Before Moving to Phoenix, AZ
Thinking of relocating to Phoenix? That’s exciting. But before loading the truck, and rent your storage unit in Phoenix, AZ here are ten things you really should know.
1. The Weather Will Test You (Especially Summer)
Phoenix has a desert climate that demands respect. On average there are 111 days per year with high temperatures of at least 100 °F. Among those, about 21 days exceed 110 °F.
In 2024, Phoenix endured a record 113 straight days above 100 °F. And in 2023 the city recorded 54 days above 110 °F, including 31 consecutive days at that level.
The hot season runs from late May to late September when daily highs often stay well above 98 °F. Even nights offer little relief. The number of nights with minimum temperatures above 90 °F has increased dramatically over the decades.
If you plan to move here, expect to live by the clock: run errands early, rest in shade midday, and always keep water handy.
2. Cost of Living Is Higher Than You May Expect
Phoenix no longer feels like a cheap city. Overall cost of living is 6.5 percent higher than the national average. Housing is the biggest expense. Housing costs are about 16 percent higher than the U.S. average. The median rent for a two-bedroom home is about 1,770 dollars per month. The median home sale price sits near 448,000 dollars, down slightly from last year. Zillow’s data shows average home values around 407,500 dollars, a modest drop of roughly 4.6 percent year over year.
Utilities are about 7 percent above average and groceries sit around 3 percent higher. Energy bills soar in summer since your air conditioner will run nonstop. A backup fan isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.
3. The Job Market Grows but Is Uneven
Phoenix’s economy continues to expand in healthcare, education, logistics, professional services, and technology. Major employers include Banner Health, Amazon, Honeywell, and Arizona State University.
Job growth is healthy, yet some manufacturing and information sectors are slowing. Unemployment has hovered near 4 percent, up slightly from previous years.
Because new residents keep arriving, job competition can be fierce. Those with specialized skills, flexibility, and networking know-how tend to do best.
4. Migration Drives Population Growth
Phoenix is booming. The metro area now has more than 4.8 million people and the city itself has about 1.66 million residents.
Between 2023 and 2024, the metro grew by roughly 85,000 people, a growth rate around 1.7 percent. Migration fuels nearly all of that.
Phoenix still loses residents too, about 90,000 leave for other metros annually, but new arrivals outweigh departures, keeping growth steady.
The result is a rapidly changing city where new construction, traffic, and opportunity all rise together.
5. Be Prepared for Traffic and Sprawl
Phoenix covers a massive area, and most people depend on cars. Public transportation includes buses and a light rail system, but it serves only certain corridors.
Commuting times vary. A “short” drive can easily stretch to 45 minutes in traffic, especially during rush hour.
If you move here, choose a home close to your job or within reach of good road connections. Otherwise, you’ll get to know your car’s interior very well.
6. Water Is Precious
Phoenix is in the middle of a desert. Water isn’t taken for granted—it’s managed, stored, and reused carefully. The city depends on the Colorado River, local groundwater, and reclaimed water systems.
Long dry spells have become more common, and drought continues to stress supplies across the region. Landscaping regulations encourage xeriscaping, which uses native desert plants and minimal water instead of grass lawns.
You’ll see gravel yards, cactus gardens, and irrigation drip lines everywhere. The less water you use, the more local you’ll feel.
7. Dust Storms and Heat Hazards
Every summer, massive dust storms sweep across the valley. Visibility drops instantly, winds howl, and your car will need another wash.
Wildfire smoke from nearby regions often drifts into the metro area, making some summer days unpleasant for anyone with asthma or allergies.
Stay hydrated, stay indoors during extreme heat, and never underestimate the Arizona sun.
8. You’ll Discover the Desert Outdoors
When temperatures drop, Phoenix becomes an outdoor playground. Spring and fall are gorgeous, with cool mornings and comfortable afternoons.
Residents hike Camelback Mountain, South Mountain, and the Superstition Mountains, kayak along the Salt River, or plan weekend getaways to Sedona and Flagstaff.
The arts and culture scene keeps growing, from the murals in Roosevelt Row to concerts downtown. Sports fans have plenty to cheer for too, with the Suns, Cardinals, and Diamondbacks all calling Phoenix home.
9. Schools, Health, and Quality of Life Tradeoffs
Public school quality varies across the metro area. Suburbs such as Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Chandler often rank well, while some urban districts face resource challenges. Charter and private schools are common alternatives.
Healthcare access is strong. Major systems like Banner Health and HonorHealth serve the region, and new clinics open each year.
Still, heat can strain local emergency services. Cooling centers operate in many neighborhoods, but it’s always best to plan your day around the weather.
Phoenix offers a high quality of life for those who adapt to the rhythm of desert living: early mornings, quiet afternoons, and late evening activity.
10. What It Feels Like and What You Should Do Before Moving
Moving to Phoenix is an adventure in adaptation. You’ll learn to check the forecast not for rain but for survival.
It’s a city that rewards preparation. Sunsets are breathtaking, winters are easy, and opportunities are growing across every field.
Before you move:
- Visit both in winter and in summer to understand the contrast.
- Research neighborhoods by commute time, not just price.
- Secure a job or stable income before arrival.
- Plan for higher electricity bills.
- Learn water conservation habits early.
- Avoid moving in peak summer months if possible.
If you respect the heat and pace yourself, you’ll see why so many people decide to call the desert home.
Moving to Phoenix AZ
If you’re heading to Phoenix, a smart step is finding reliable storage before or during your move. That’s where Key Storage on Indian School Road comes in.
Key Storage offers climate controlled units to protect your belongings from Arizona’s intense heat. The facility also provides open air outdoor parking perfect for RVs, boats, and trailers when you need secure off-site storage.
You’ll find 24-hour digital surveillance, electronic gate access, and convenient drive-up units that make loading and unloading easy. The wide drive aisles fit large vehicles comfortably, and you can rent or reserve your unit entirely online.
Visit Key Storage on Indian School Road to see available units and make your move simple, secure, and cool.