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7 Reasons to Move to Phoenix

There are many reasons to move to Phoenix. Endless sunshine is certainly one of them. But you need to think about more than just the sunshine. Before you decide where you want to move, you should ask yourself a few questions. For example:

  • What type of climate do you want? Do you like seasons?
  • What kinds of services and amenities do you want to be near?
  • What type of lifestyle do you prefer?
  • What will be the impact on our family?

Why We Chose Phoenix

We decided on the Phoenix area a few years ago. Before making the decision, we first identified what we wanted. Here is our list:

  • We wanted a warm climate with low humidity.
  • We wanted a lower cost of living.
  • We wanted to be able to enjoy an outdoor lifestyle.
  • We wanted to live near a major airport.
  • We wanted access to a large city with sports, culture and restaurants.
  • We wanted access to world class health care.
  • We wanted adventure.

This list gave us an easy way to see if Phoenix measured up to what we wanted. Here is how it measured up.

1. Warm climate with low humidity

YES. Summer temps are notoriously hot, most of the time getting above 105. But the rest of the year is glorious. This is one of the top reasons to move to Phoenix. The average high temperatures range between 66 and 95 degrees. And because the humidity is so low, good hair days are plenty, it’s easier to breathe, and mold and mildew aren’t a thing. And when you’re hot, you cool off much faster.

Yes, in the summer, the heat feels like an oven. But this is why we have air-conditioning…and pools…and patios with misters. Plus it’s the perfect time to explore other parts of Arizona that have cooler temps. Even on the hottest days, I’m so glad I’m not dealing with the awful humidity in Pennsylvania.

Dog laying down by a pool showing why outdoor living is a reason to move to Phoenix

2. Outdoor Lifestyle

YES. The outdoors are so beautiful, you just want to be outside. The type of outdoor living will vary, depending on the time of year. October – May we live outside – we eat alfresco, we hike, we use the convertible. During the summer, we look for inside activities and entertainment, hiking is replaced with swimming; and the dogs get a walk very early or after sunset.

Hiking trails at Papago Park and the beautiful outdoors - a great reason to move to Phoenix

3. Lower Cost of Living

MAYBE. Overall, Arizona ranks slightly higher than Pennsylvania in terms of cost of living. However you have to look more closely at the actual categories and determine how your lifestyle matches up to decide if it will cost you more or less to live in Phoenix.

For example – transportation costs in Arizona are higher. But in our case, The Mister is no longer driving 30 minutes each way to his job because he works from home. And everything is closer to where we live, so there is much less driving to the airport, shopping, etc.

Also, taxes aren’t factored into cost of living – and this was a big area of savings for us. Pennsylvania has a higher tax burden than Arizona. The property taxes in Pennsylvania are much higher than Arizona. Since we own our home, moving to Arizona gave us big savings in that department, making it another one of the reasons to move to Phoenix from Pennsylvania.

4. Easy Access to a Major Airport

YES. Phoenix Sky Harbor is an international airport with direct service to many destinations.

We love the convenience of Sky Harbor. It is 15 minutes from downtown Phoenix; 10 minutes from Tempe; 15 minutes from Old Town Scottsdale, and 15 minutes from our house. In fact we are positively giddy about it. Our home in Pennsylvania was at least an hour from the closest airport.

Airplane flying overhead getting ready to land at Phoenix Sky Harbor airport

5. Sports, Culture and Restaurants

YES. All major sports teams call Phoenix home. Phoenix will host the Super Bowl in 2023 and the NCAA men’s basketball final four in 2024. And the Phoenix area also hosts Major League Baseball’s spring training for the Cactus League.

There are numerous museums and galleries in Phoenix, as well as music venues, ballet, opera and symphony. And restaurants? There are so many choices, it is sometimes hard to decide where we should eat.

Footprint Center in Phoenix - venue for sporting events and concerts

6. Health Care

YES. Phoenix is home to the world class Mayo Clinic. Any many, many, many other world class physicians.

Let’s face it…we aren’t getting any younger. And I have rheumatoid arthritis which requires seeing a specialist every 3 months. Since we arrived, we have found outstanding practitioners and specialists.

7. Adventure

YES. Phoenix is a city that is close to all kinds of adventure.

Phoenix is surrounded by mountains which means hiking trails are everywhere. The city is also home to South Mountain Park and Preserve – one of the largest municipal parks in the United States and provides over 16,000 acres and more than 50 trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking.

There are several lakes within a short drive for water sports and fishing. And Arizona is home to three National Parks – and they are all an easy drive from Phoenix is also close to several National Parks. Not to mention easy weekend trips to many other National Parks. There are so many places to find adventure and be outside.

Hikers posing at the Wave Cave in the Tonto National Forest

WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE FOR YOU To Live?

There are so many reasons to move to Phoenix. Identifying our priorities was a very helpful way to determine if Phoenix was right for us. Phoenix may not be the perfect place for you, but here is a tool that will help you figure out the best place for you.

Thinking about downsizing? Here is a post that will help you decide if now is the right time.

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