We found out everything you wanted to know about the makes the Valley of the Sun so great to live in from the people that call it home. Download our Phoenix, AZ Research Report to review all of the details.
Phoenix, Arizona: Fast Facts
Phoenix is the 5th largest city in the United States. According to the U.S. Census, Phoenix’s population is 1,608,139 as of April 2020. Phoenix is located in Maricopa County, and is the largest city and capital of Arizona. It is the most populous state capital in the US, and the only state capital that surpasses 1 million residents. The metropolitan area of Phoenix is also known as the Valley of the Sun part of the Salt River Valley.
Phoenix is currently growing at a rate of 1.54% annually. Forbes placed Phoenix No. 1 on fastest-growing cities in the United States. (in 2019) The median age for those who live in Phoenix is around 33.8.
A variety of industries thrive in the Phoenix area. The first being aerospace, electronics and semiconductor manufacturing. Tourism, business services and back-office operations are also important sectors.
According to the most recent ACS, the racial composition of Phoenix was:
White: 72.87%
Other race: 10.01%
Black or African American: 7.12%
Two or more races: 3.91%
Asian: 3.79%
Native American: 2.08%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.21%
“The job rate is excellent; it’s very easy to find a job here. There are many places to eat and the nightlife is great. I moved here in April of 2021 and I met tons of friendly people and their family’s. I highly recommend Phoenix for vacations because of the many attractions suitable for children and adults.”
Current Resident
Phoenix Neighborhoods
Downtown Phoenix: The heart of the city, offering a modern vibe away from suburban life. High-rises that consist of a mix of posh living with professional and commercial spaces. It is Arizona’s center for arts, culture, and entertainment. Cityscape covers three blocks of downtown Phoenix that includes shops, eateries, bars, and clubs. Roosevelt Row is where the artists go to show off their skills. This art community has art galleries and murals that take over the street. The major League baseball team, Arizona Diamondbacks, play at Chase Field located on East Jefferson Avenue.
Arcadia: Arcadia was home to the Greek gods and a place of pure, harmonious nature. Located near Camelback Mountain and just 10 miles from downtown. The stereotypical Arcadia-style home is a post-war, one-story ranch on an oversized lot. However, some have been restored while others have been transformed into custom home builds. This area also possesses a top-notch public school district, specifically the Scottsdale Unified School District, that has had the highest ratings in the state.
Scottsdale: Known as a high-end resort and golf community, it’s the perfect place to raise a family and has been named one of the top ten retirement destinations. Thriving in the art scene, having the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art located in downtown scottsdale. Explore the galleries along Marshall Way Arts District, home to popular and long-running weekly art walks. Scottsdale can be pedestrian friendly, however offers visitors free trolley service. Encountering major points of interest including Old Town, the Marshall Way Arts District, Fifth Avenue Shops, Southbridge, the Waterfront, and Scottsdale Fashion Square.
Paradise Valley: Named the “Beverly Hills of the Southwest”, being Arizona’s wealthiest municipality and filled with luxury golf courses, spas, and dining. According to zillow, as of May of 2021, the typical home value is a little more than 2.4 million. 16th best school district in the and 8th best district in the state for athletes. Residents have the pleasure of experiencing the McCormick Stillman Railroad Park, viewing Arizona’s local artists at Cosanti, or dine at many delicious restaurants they have to offer.
High Street: Located in North Phoenix, it consists of modern and stylish neighborhoods ideal for young professionals or anyone who is in search for a primer spot for all things restaurants, retail, and residential. Connecting the lavish lifestyle of Scottsdale to the comfortable living of Phoenix together on one easy street.
Glendale: Home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals and the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes, the State Farm Stadium and the Gila River Arena can be found in the area. The Westgate Entertainment District offers a display of specialty shops, eateries, and entertainment. Being the 6th most populated city in Arizona, affordable housing options are available. The Historic District is where Native Americans, cowboys, ranchers, and farmers shaped Glendale into the city that it is today. It has more than 75 public parks with hiking trails, swimming pools, dog parks, playgrounds, and sports fields for visitors or residents to enjoy.
Tempe: Arizona State University resides in Tempe, offering a suburban college- town feeling. In the summer-time, Big Surf Waterpark is infamous for its 2.5 million- gallon Waikiki Beach Wave Pool. Tempe Town Lake provides boat rentals, walking and biking trails, kayaking, stand up paddling, and many more recreational activities. Mill Avenue District provides a diverse shopping, dining, and other nightlife options.
Doing Business in Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona is home to Arizona State University and multiple high-tech and telecommunications companies. Benefit from seasonal tourism and recreation, especially the golfing industry.
Forbes listed Phoenix as #26 best places for business and careers in 2019.
Key Industries: Aerospace, Electronics, Semi- conductor manufacturing, Tourism, Business Services, and back-office operations.
Cost of Living in Phoenix
Cost of living in Phoenix is 5% lower than the national average
Utility prices are 4% lower than the national average
Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 8% lower than the national average.
Phoenix has grocery prices that are 3% lower than the national average.
Healthcare in Phoenix is 2% lower than the national average.
Median Household Income of $57,459 (as of 2019)
Phoenix Apartment Living
Average rent in Phoenix is $1,477 with an average apartment size of 804 square feet. The neighborhoods that are the most expensive are Downtown Phoenix ($2,045) and Desert View ($1,870) located in Scottsdale.
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Phoenix, AZ is currently $1,270 . This is a 27% increase compared to the previous year.
What Phoenix Renters Want
Here are the top things tenants report looking for in a property.
- Location
- Safety and Security
- Move-in Conditions
- Appliances included
- Outdoor Spaces
- Open floor plan and storage
Phoenix was a city of transplants and imported cultures. Over the years Phoenix has developed its own unique “Phoenix” culture. This is apparent when you attend First Fridays, try a local business, or go to school. The city is blessed with a diverse group of people with lofty dreams, and the passion to fulfill them”
Current Resident
Arts, Recreation, and Entertainment in Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona, boasts year-round warmth and sunshine, earning it the nickname of the Valley of the Sun. The city is a desert metropolis with equal parts cacti, sandstone, historical sights and modern architecture.
Desert Botanical Garden is located in the Sonoran Desert and showcases thousands of species of cacti, flowers, and trees. Offers 5 different hiking trails, sunscreen and water recommended.
Hot Air Balloon Rides offer breathtaking views of Phoenix and the surrounding Sonoran Desert. Multiple companies provide rides in the early morning or just in time for sunset.
The Arizona Balloon Classic is one of the biggest festivals in Phoenix Arizona. One weekend in January allows families and spectators to walk around the balloons on the field before lifting up.
Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza is in the prime position of main street in Old Town Scottsdale and the ideal place to begin exploring Phoenix. Scottsdale City Hall, a library, Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts, and an outdoor amphitheater can all be found here.
Stepping away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Papago Park which holds the iconic landmark Hole in the Rock. Just a short distance from downtown Phoenix, the Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Zoo are located within the park.
In downtown Phoenix, Roosevelt Row hosts a local art showcase on every First Friday of the Month. One of the country’s largest self-guided art walks.
Camelback Mountain offers the best view of Phoenix when climbing the trails that lie between Paradise Valley and Phoenix. There are two trails that will lead you up to the peak: a steep, rugged trail called Echo Canyon and a less strenuous trail called Cholla.
- Phoenix Sports Teams:
- The NFL’s Arizona Cardinals
- NBA’s Phoenix Suns
- MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks
- NHL’s Arizona Coyotes
- WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury
- Indoor Football League’s Arizona Rattlers
- USL’s Phoenix Rising FC
Read the full research report: Phoenix, AZ. We interviewed the people that live there to find out what makes their city special. Stay tuned for more city research.
