Destination Phoenix: Your Guide to Relocating to the Valley of the Sun

Does your next move take you close to Phoenix, Arizona? Let All My Sons Moving & Storage share how to make the move to this desert gem.

Located in the southwestern region of Arizona, the capital city of Phoenix boasts 1.7 million residents and counting. It is the most populated city in Arizona, and the 5^th most populated city in the United States. At an elevation of about 1,100 feet and getting just 7.22 annual inches of rainfall, Phoenix is in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. That doesn’t stop the city’s growth and booming tourism. Top companies and employers with a presence in Phoenix include Banner Health, Honeywell Aerospace, Intel Corporation, Wells Fargo, and American Express.

If you’re moving to Phoenix, you should be aware that Arizona has a flat 2.5% state income tax regardless of income level, and the cost of living in Phoenix runs about 5% higher than the national average. Whether you’re moving to Phoenix for a job opportunity, a relationship, or a big lifestyle change, there are countless adventures to be had in Phoenix.

Phoenix is called The Valley of the Sun for good reason. With 3,872 hours of sunshine per year, Phoenix is considered one of the sunniest cities on Earth. Phoenix regularly sees days with 100 °F heat, all through the summer months of May through September. The average low in the winter months tends to be 48°F, and the absolute coldest temperature ever recorded in Phoenix was 12 °F on January 7, 1913. 

Does it ever snow in Phoenix? Yes, but measurable snowfall is extremely rare. The last time Phoenix saw a full inch of snowfall was January 22, 1937. Safe to say, if you’re moving from the north then it might be time to sell the snow shovel.

How often does it rain in Phoenix? While the Sonoran Desert is one of the wettest, greenest deserts in the world, it is still a desert. Phoenix typically sees just 7.57 inches of rain every year.

In Phoenix, residents see sudden and dangerous dust storms (also called “haboobs”) which can reduce visibility on the road to zero. Be prepared to shelter in place if one ever strikes while you’re out.

Phoenix is served by the Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority which covers over 945 square miles. You can purchase a day pass for just $4 and get access to the light rail and bus system. 

The City of Phoenix offers Dial-a-Ride to people with disabilities, which is a ride-share service. 

Moving from a toll-heavy area? You’ll be happy to learn there are no toll roads in the state of Arizona. If you have a car, there’s no need to get any kind of special toll pass, as long as you travel locally.

The main airport serving Phoenix Arizona is called Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and it is located near downtown Phoenix.

Will you be moving for college or do you have teenagers in your home ready to set out on their own? The Phoenix metro area is home to several favored institutions for higher education.

• Arizona State University: A public university founded in 1885, ASU is located in Tempe, AZ. With a total undergraduate enrollment of about 65,000, ASU is one of the largest public universities in the nation. U.S. News and World Report ranks it as the #1 Most Innovative School in the nation. 

• Arizona Christian University: This private institution founded in 1960 gets about 1,300 undergraduates enrolling every semester. It is a faith-based institution located in Glendale, AZ. 

• Grand Canyon University: This private 4-year Christian university boasted a record-breaking student enrollment of 133,000 for the 2025-26 academic year, both online and in-person. The 100-acre campus is located in Phoenix, AZ.

• Maricopa Community Colleges: This public community college system has 10 colleges serving the cities throughout Maricopa County, including Phoenix College and South Mountain Community College. 

Residents of Phoenix looking to soak up the city’s rich arts and culture environment can find a plethora of spaces to enjoy visual art, live music, and all types of performances.

• Phoenix Art Museum: Since 1959 this art museum has offered visual arts exhibits and educational programs to the Phoenix, AZ area and beyond. The museum’s collection has more than 20,000 pieces of modern and contemporary art from all over the world. An acre of the museum’s grounds is dedicated to the Dorrance Sculpture Garden.

• Roosevelt Row: This walkable arts district in downtown Phoenix is home to colorful street murals, galleries galore, restaurants, and artisan shops.

• Heard Museum: This acclaimed museum dedicated to indigenous art features 11 expansive galleries and an outdoor courtyard. Roughly 200,000 visitors come see the sights every year.

• Musical Instrument Museum: The largest museum of its kind, this museum houses over 15,000 musical instruments from all over the world. 

• Orpheum Theatre: This theatre in downtown Phoenix opened in 1929 and hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy acts.

Outdoor enthusiasts rejoice, Phoenix holds many natural desert wonders that are primed for hiking, biking, and taking beautiful pictures. If you’re looking for something to do on a weekend in Phoenix, here are some of the most popular destinations for city-dwellers and tourists alike.

• Camelback Mountain: This landmark gets its name from its resemblance to a kneeling camel. Scaling the Echo Canyon or Cholla trails leads hikers to a beautiful panoramic view, making this one of the most popular spaces to go adventuring.

• Papago Park: Not too far from downtown Phoenix, hikers and mountain bikers can go journey amongst the sandstone and red buttes. The park is also home to the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden. 

• Taliesin West: Located in nearby Scottsdale, AZ this winter home for the famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright offers self-guided tours, family tours, and special behind-the-scenes tours.

• Arizona Science Center: Located in Heritage Square, this natural science museum offers hands-on educational exploration for all ages.

Want to root for the home team in Phoenix? Sports fans relocating to Phoenix will have plenty of professional teams to follow during their favorite sports season.

• Arizona Cardinals (NFL): The oldest continuously running football team in the NFL, the Arizona Cardinals have won seven playoff games and one NFC Championship Game. They play from State Farm Stadium in Glendale. All My Sons Moving & Storage is the proud official movers of the Arizona Cardinals.

• Phoenix Suns (NBA): This basketball team plays from the Mortgage Matchup Center in downtown Phoenix. They have made 30 playoff appearances, won three Western Conference championships, and eight division titles.

• Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB): Playing from Chase Field in downtown Phoenix, this baseball team was established in 1998 and famously won the 2001 World Series.

• Phoenix Mercury (WNBA): Women's basketball team also playing at the Mortgage Matchup Center that has won three championships.

Are you a young professional looking to be close to the action in Phoenix? A happy retired senior who wants to live a downsized life in the heart of the city? You can find beautiful upscale homes in these happening Phoenix neighborhoods.

• Arcadia: Find a mid-century ranch home amid the towering palms in this rich historic neighborhood. Enjoy premium dining at Steak 44 or brunch at Essence Bakery in the close-knit community that enjoys an active lifestyle.

• Camelback East: Find an apartment, condo, renovated ranch, or neocolonial home close to the outdoor action at Camelback Mountain and just a skip from downtown. 

• Midtown Phoenix: North of downtown and south of Camelback Road, this walkable area of Phoenix features 20^th century homes and apartments galore. Residents can get direct access to the METRO Light Rail. 

• Old Town Scottsdale: Located in south Scottsdale, AZ this neighborhood is close to the nightlife with high-end restaurants and bars. Find a modern condo or apartment within the walkable palm-lined streets and enjoy nostalgic ice cream at Sugar Bowl and rotating art at AZ/88.

Making a relocation for your growing family or want some extra space in your new desert home? Phoenix is surrounded by beautiful suburban communities with excellent schools, breathtaking natural sights, and family-friendly amenities. 

• Gilbert: Roughly 20 miles southeast of the heart of Phoenix, and with a population of 293,630 happy desert residents and counting, the community of Gilbert, AZ has safe streets and excellent schools. Catch an incredible production at the Hale Centre Theatre or take the kids to explore Agritopia Farm on your weekends in Gilbert.

• Chandler: Just southwest of Gilbert, you can find your new home among the affordable master-planned neighborhoods of Chandler. Join a strong job market in tech and manufacturing companies, and enroll your children in the A+ Chandler Unified School District. 

• Scottsdale: A little under 12 miles to the east of Phoenix and boasting a population of 248,321 residents and growing, the suburban city of Scottsdale features diverse and energetic neighborhoods. Hike Tom’s Thumb Trailhead or enjoy golf at Troon North Golf Club. 

• Tempe:  Just east of Phoenix, Tempe is the home to 190,000 residents and the Arizona State University campus. Enjoy craft beer from local-favorite Fate Brewing Company and waterfront recreation on Tempe Town Lake. 

If you can take the dry heat, then you could enjoy countless adventures at your new home in Phoenix, AZ. If you are moving to or within Phoenix, consider hiring our exceptional Phoenix movers to help you get settled. We offer local moving, long-distance moving, and comprehensive packing services to get you safely moved into your destination near Phoenix.

Trust the same company that the Arizona Cardinals ask to perform all their relocation services and ask All My Sons Moving & Storage to be your new partner in your desert-living adventure.