7 Things to Know Before Moving to Phoenix

As the nation’s fifth largest city, Phoenix, Arizona has plenty to offer both residents and vacationers. Whether you’re ready to turn your favorite vacation spot into home or are being transferred for work, one thing is certain, you won’t regret deciding to make the move to this popular desert city. That said, there are few things you should know before moving to Phoenix.

1. Dust off your golf clubs

Golf for Phoenicians is the equivalent of a day job for everyone else in America. Every morning, thousands of folks rise with the sun and knock out a round of 18 before the afternoon begins. That is because the golf industry is a major aspect of life in the desert. With over 185 courses in the area,the greater Phoenix area is nationally renowned for its gorgeous courses and year-round playability. When making Phoenix your new home, be sure you can max out the range of your irons, because you’ll be sharing the fairways with some truly dedicated fans of the game.

2. Phoenicians know how to relax

The greater Phoenix area is home to more spas per-capita than anywhere else in the country; you could say the Valley of the Sun is proud of how well it can relax. And who can blame them? There’s no better way to beat the heat after a long day of swinging the club or shopping around town than to get a cucumber facial and a foot massage.

Some of the favorite places around town include the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa and Jurlique. Elizabeth Arden Red Door is located in the Biltmore Fashion Park, blocks away from Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous hotel complex that shares the same name. It advertises itself as an upscale escape to tranquility and truly delivers as it elevates you to a world of finer things. Jurlique, on the other hand, is an all-natural, holistic experience that uses organic, plant-derived oils and products.

3. Enjoy a soak and some sun

I wouldn’t quite say swimming is synonymous with Phoenix; perhaps pool lounging would be more appropriate. There are pools in nearly every backyard, every retirement resort, and apartment complex. With over 300 sunny days per year, know that, whether at your place or your neighbors, there will be many sunny afternoons spent gathered together in the backyard.

4. Fortune 500

The Valley of the Sun is called home by several large and small businesses. Fortune 500 companies like PetSmart, Avnet, and Magellan Health provide lots of high-profile careers for the area and also create a fertile atmosphere that has welcomed several startup companies in the last several years. Phoenix is an educated town, and they are proud of the business curated in their area. It is good to know that upon moving to Phoenix, one will rub shoulders with executives, doctors, managers, and all other sorts of hardworking professionals.

5. Life after dark

The folks of Phoenix know how to have a good time after sundown. Look no further than Dierks Bentley’s bar, Whiskey Row, located in historic downtown Scottsdale. Throw your boots on for the night and head to the dance floor, or spend some bucks and get a V.I.P. booth for you and your friends.

The next stop is The Yard, a.k.a. your new go-to watering hole. Operated by the local legends of Culinary Dropout, the yard is a giant outdoor patio with rows of ping-pong tables, corn hole boards, and giant Jenga. It is easily one of the coolest drinking experiences you could ever ask for and is a defining part of what makes the Phoenix night scene so unique.

6. Snowbird country

The dry heat of this lovely desert town is enviable to nearly everyone who has spent at least one long winter in the North. Maybe it is because of this that you too are deciding to set up shop in Arizona’s capital, don’t worry; you are not alone. Tens of thousands of people escape the chill of the cold months here as well. Snowbirds are a welcomed part of the neighborhood as well as the local economy.

7. A.C. is everywhere

The question posed most often the people of Phoenix is, “How can you stand the heat?”  It’s a legitimate question; temperatures average right around 100 degrees during the warm months and stay around 70 all winter long. But life is not anywhere near unbearable here–if it were, the millions of people that live here would simply move somewhere else. There is air conditioning in virtually every building–even Chase Field, home of the MLB team, the Arizona Diamondbacks. So don’t sweat the heat, it is managed!

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Ultimately, if you’re considering making the move to The Valley of the Sun, there’s nothing to worry about. The year-round sunshine and never-ending activities and attractions are sure to keep you happy. Contact our experts to learn all there is to know about moving to Phoenix.

It’s a difficult world for lots of child actors, and it’s difficult to be a teenager under any circumstances. Add to that notoriety and fame, and things can go really wrong. But I had a terrific family and grew up very normal in Phoenix. – Peter Billingsley, American actor known for his 1983 role as Ralphie in A Christmas Story and as “Messy Marvin” in Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup TV commercials