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Phoenix offers a lifestyle that is difficult to duplicate. With warm winters, beautiful desert scenery, year-round recreation and a wide variety of neighborhoods, Arizona’s capital city continues to attract homebuyers from across the country.
Whether you are relocating for work, preparing for retirement or simply ready for a change, living in Phoenix provides an appealing combination of city conveniences and outdoor adventure.
Sunshine Is Part of Everyday Life
Phoenix is known for its abundant sunshine and mild winters. From fall through spring, residents enjoy comfortable temperatures that are ideal for outdoor dining, golfing, hiking and community events.
The summers are extremely hot, however, and newcomers should be prepared for several months of high temperatures. Most residents adjust their schedules by exercising early in the morning, enjoying pools and air-conditioned attractions during the day and planning outdoor activities after sunset.
When buying a Phoenix home, pay close attention to:
- The age and condition of the air-conditioning system
- Window efficiency and insulation
- The direction the home faces
- Covered patios and shaded outdoor areas
- Pool condition and maintenance expenses
- Average summer electric bills
A well-maintained and energy-efficient home can make a significant difference in both comfort and utility costs.
Phoenix Is a City of Distinct Neighborhoods
Phoenix is geographically large, and each part of the city offers a different lifestyle.
Downtown Phoenix
Downtown Phoenix offers high-rise condominiums, historic neighborhoods, restaurants, entertainment venues and professional sporting events. It may appeal to buyers who want an urban environment with convenient access to employment, cultural attractions and light rail.
Midtown and Uptown Phoenix
Midtown and Uptown combine established residential neighborhoods with restaurants, shopping, healthcare facilities and access to the Central Avenue corridor. Housing choices range from condominiums and historic homes to remodeled mid-century properties.
Arcadia and the Biltmore Area
These highly desirable areas are known for mature landscaping, distinctive homes, popular dining and convenient access to Phoenix and Scottsdale. Buyers can find everything from charming ranch-style homes to luxury estates.
North Phoenix and Desert Ridge
North Phoenix offers newer communities, mountain views and convenient access to Loop 101 and State Route 51. Desert Ridge is popular for its shopping, restaurants, entertainment and proximity to North Scottsdale.
Ahwatukee
Located near South Mountain, Ahwatukee offers established neighborhoods, community parks and access to hiking and outdoor recreation. Its location can be especially convenient for people traveling to Tempe, Chandler or the East Valley.
Because Phoenix covers such a large area, choosing the right neighborhood often comes down to your daily commute, preferred lifestyle and desired home style.
Outdoor Recreation Is Everywhere
Phoenix makes it possible to enjoy nature without traveling far from home. The city maintains more than 41,000 acres of desert parks and mountain preserves, along with more than 200 miles of trails. Explore Phoenix hiking and trails.
Popular outdoor destinations include:
- Camelback Mountain
- Phoenix Mountains Preserve
- Piestewa Peak
- South Mountain Park and Preserve
- North Mountain and Shaw Butte
- Sonoran Preserve
- Papago Park
South Mountain Park and Preserve alone covers more than 16,000 acres and includes over 100 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Learn more about South Mountain.
During warmer months, hiking should be limited to cooler hours. Always carry plenty of water and pay attention to heat warnings and trail restrictions.
Restaurants, Entertainment and Culture
Phoenix has developed a diverse food and entertainment scene. Residents can enjoy everything from Southwestern cuisine and neighborhood taco shops to chef-driven restaurants and upscale dining.
The city also offers:
- Professional baseball, basketball and football
- Concerts and live theater
- Art galleries and museums
- Farmers markets
- Resorts and spas
- Golf courses
- Festivals and community events
- Shopping districts and entertainment centers
Downtown Phoenix is home to major sporting and entertainment venues, while Roosevelt Row is known for art, restaurants and community events. The Biltmore, Uptown and Arcadia areas also offer numerous dining and shopping choices.
Getting Around Phoenix
Phoenix is largely designed around automobile travel, so your home’s proximity to work, shopping and freeway access can significantly affect your daily routine.
Major transportation routes include:
- Interstate 10
- Interstate 17
- Loop 101
- Loop 202
- State Route 51
- U.S. Route 60
Valley Metro operates regional bus and light-rail service. The light-rail system currently provides approximately 35 miles of service connecting Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa. View Valley Metro rail information.
Buyers who prefer a more walkable or transit-accessible lifestyle should consider properties near Downtown, Midtown, Uptown or the Central Avenue corridor.
Homes for Many Different Lifestyles
The Phoenix housing market offers considerable variety, including:
- Historic bungalows
- Mid-century ranch homes
- Condominiums and townhomes
- Gated communities
- Golf-course properties
- New-construction homes
- Horse properties
- Luxury estates
- Low-maintenance patio homes
Older neighborhoods may provide larger lots and mature landscaping, while newer developments may offer modern floor plans, energy-efficient construction and community amenities.
When comparing homes, consider more than the purchase price. HOA fees, utility expenses, pool care, landscaping and future repairs can all affect the true cost of ownership.
What Phoenix Homebuyers Should Inspect
Arizona’s climate creates several property considerations that may be unfamiliar to buyers relocating from another state.
Important areas to investigate include:
- Air-conditioning age and performance
- Roof condition and tile underlayment
- Termites and other desert pests
- Pool equipment and interior finish
- Drainage around the property
- Previous water damage
- Sewer or septic systems
- Solar-panel ownership or financing
- HOA rules and fees
- Homeowners insurance availability
- Flood-zone and wildfire information
A professional home inspection is essential, even for a newer or recently remodeled property.
The Benefits of Living in Phoenix
Phoenix may be a great fit if you are looking for:
- Mild winters and abundant sunshine
- A wide selection of homes and neighborhoods
- Hiking, golf and outdoor recreation
- Major-city healthcare and employment
- Professional sports and entertainment
- Easy access to Scottsdale, Tempe and surrounding cities
- Weekend trips to Sedona, Prescott, Flagstaff or Tucson
- An active and casual Southwestern lifestyle
A Few Realities to Consider
Every city has tradeoffs, and Phoenix is no exception. Prospective residents should be prepared for:
- Extremely hot summers
- Higher seasonal electric bills
- Heavy reliance on air conditioning
- Long driving distances in some areas
- Dust storms and monsoon weather
- Desert pests and wildlife
- Traffic during peak commuting hours
- Limited walkability outside certain neighborhoods
Understanding these realities will help you select a home and neighborhood that truly match your expectations.
Is Phoenix the Right Place for You?
Phoenix offers much more than sunshine. It provides an appealing mix of outdoor recreation, city amenities, employment opportunities and diverse housing choices.
The key is finding the part of Phoenix that fits the way you want to live. A neighborhood that is perfect for one buyer may not be right for another, which is why local knowledge matters.
As an Arizona resident since 1968 and an experienced Phoenix-area Realtor, I can help you compare neighborhoods, understand the local housing market and find a home that fits your lifestyle.
Jacqueline Black-Hogue, Realtor®
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate
Up, Up, and Sold!
