Moving to The Greater Phoenix Area

If you're planning on moving to Phoenix, you're probably looking for the year-round sunshine, warm temperatures, and an array of activities and things to see. The valley of the sun is an expansive metro filled with great food, fun times, and its beautiful desert landscape.

Phoenix is known for its outdoor recreation activities, from golfing, to hiking Camelback Mountain, or taking a day trip to Sedona to see the sandstone rocks. This complete guide will give you everything you need to do when planning your move, settling in, and experiencing Phoenix to the fullest.

Phoenix’s Cost of Living

Phoenix's cost of living is around 5.5% higher than the national average, but 7.8% lower than most major cities. 

Home prices in Phoenix fluctuate based on the different metros. Phoenix’s median home price is around $456,000, while the median home price in Scottsdale’s around $900,000

Rental prices in Phoenix are similar in most metros, with a median rent of $2,920/mo, which is around 11.4% above the national average. 

The Phoenix market spans the spectrum of prices. You can find entry-level homes near or lower than the national average, as well as luxury areas that are well above.

Finding the Right Neighborhood

Phoenix isn't just a city, it's a metropolitan area of many places that bring you diverse criteria, all of which have a wide variety of neighborhoods with different lifestyles and costs.

Young Professionals: Old Town Scottsdale, Kierland, or Encanto are all great options for young professionals, with proximity to employment opportunities and lots of nightlife; these all have a good mix. Entanto is the most cost-effective of them all, and it's a little more laid back.

Families: For settling down and raising a family in a more suburban area, Gilbert, Central Phoenix, and Chandler are great family-friendly options. They all have a great balance of community, amenities, and opportunities. All of these areas have their characteristics that set them apart. 

Students and Budget-Conscious Movers: Deer Valley is a great option for Budget-conscious buyers. It has tons of affordable housing and doesn't compromise on location or amenities. Deer Valley is filled with shopping malls, food options, and recreation areas. These make it a great affordable location for families and first-time buyers. For students, the best option is Tempe, with its proximity to ASU. With great nightlife, lots of other students your age, and many housing options, it's a good spot for students to settle in. 

Retirees: Some of the best places for retirees are Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, and Sun City. All of these offer the same, slow pace, recreation packed lifestyle most retirees are looking for, with the only variations being average housing price and location. 

Housing Market

Phoenix has a diverse housing market, for any type of person, from first-time home buyer to retiree, Phoenix has a home that will fit your needs. 

Housing Styles: Phoenix has everything, single-family, townhomes, condos, apartments, etc. 

Application: The Phoenix housing market isn't as competitive compared to other large cities, but it can still move fast. 

Renting vs. Buying: In some areas, renting can be cheaper than buying, and in others it can be more expensive. When finding where you are looking to move, take this into account. 

By having lifestyle priorities and a budget, it's easy to narrow down the right area for you when moving to Phoenix. 

Planning Your Move

When planning to move, make sure you are 1-2 months out minimum before thoroughly exploring neighborhoods. If renting, make sure you're able to secure a lease before you arrive. Or if buying, have an idea and some places you want to move too narrowed down before moving. Research Job opportunities can help narrow down your search for where you'll want to settle down. This is also a good time to organize your home to make the moving process easier. 

A Few Weeks Before: 

• Reserve moving rentals like a U-Haul truck or U-Box Containers.
• Order packing supplies online or pick them up at a local U-Haul center. 
• Set up mail forwarding with the postal service, change your address (with your bank, etc.), and transfer utilities. 

U-Haul Equipment Suggestions:

• For a Studio or Single Bedroom: A 10’ moving truck is a good fit.
• For Larger Apartments: Use a 15’ or 20’ moving truck to make sure you can get everything!
• 3-5 bedroom homes we recommend a 26’ moving truck. 
• Transport your vehicle with U-Hauls Auto transport services.
• If you need more flexibility and want us to do the moving for you, Try U-Box containers for a stress-free alternative!

Local Considerations: 

Phoenix's busiest moving season is in the summers from May to September. Moving in the off seasons can save you money and help you beat the heat to make the move smoother. 

Need an extra hand? Moving Help can connect you with local moving companies to load and unload your belongings, which can save you from hauling heavy furniture in the heat. 

Post-Move 

Take Advantage of Arizona's Beautiful Sunny Weather

• Arizona has tons of options for outdoor adventures, whether you want a 5-minute drive to a local trail, or head outside of the city for some beautiful views of the Arizona landscape. 
• Some of the most common activities are hiking and golfing, both of which are Phoenix staples for locals or visitors. 

Experience Phoenix's Culture 

• Learn about the indigenous heritage that is a big part of Phoenix's culture at the Heard museum. 
• Try Phoenix's Sonoran flavors of food, like the Sonoran hot dog. 
• Many sporting spectacles like the WM Open, NASCAR, Fiesta Bowl, Phoenix Suns, Diamondbacks, and the Cardinals.
• See live concerts at different venues all across the valley. 

Make Moving to Phoenix Easier with U-Haul

Relocating to a major city like Phoenix can be stressful, but a solid plan and the right moving tools make moving a breeze. U-Haul has you covered with solutions for all your moving and storage needs.

Moving Truck Rentals: With different truck sizes and convenient pickup locations throughout the Phoenix area, U-Haul moving trucks make moving on your own easy. 

Self-Storage: Need extra space during or after the move? Our self-storage facilities allow you to store items short or long-term.

U-Box Containers: Simplify your move even more with U-Box portable moving containers. We deliver, you load at your own pace, and then we ship it to your new address or store it until you're ready.

Moving Supplies: From moving boxes to mattress bags – we’ve got everything you need. Order online or visit a nearby U-Haul center.

Moving Help: Save your back and your time with Moving Help, which connects you with local labor services to help load and unload your stuff.