Phoenix, Arizona’s capital, is located in the Salt River Valley in the south-central part of the state and is surrounded by mountains on all four sides. More than 20 surrounding communities cover 514 square miles in the lush Sonoran Desert, considered the most beautiful desert in the world. The climate is warm, with low humidity and an average temperature of 72.6 degrees and sunshine approximately 325 days a year. For this reason, Phoenix is popularly known as the Valley of the Sun.
Over the past decade, Phoenix has experienced a 24% increase in population, making it the fifth largest city in the country. With a population of 4.3 million and counting, Phoenix is the second fastest growing metropolitan area in the country. Approximately 50,000 people choose to relocate to the Valley of the Sun each year. Much of Phoenix’s popularity for those moving to the area can be attributed to a strong workforce, quality schools, a friendly business environment, a reasonable cost of living and affordable housing, meaning there is something for everyone from growing families with children to the young singles and pensioners.
10 million visitors annually, making tourism an important factor in the city’s economy. Phoenix is home to many high profile luxury resorts such as Arizona Biltmore Resort, Arizona Grand Resort and the recently remodeled Camelback Inn. Visitors are offered an endless variety of activities and attractions, from sightseeing to arts and culture to festivals that will keep them coming back year after year. Phoenix is also a popular location for business conventions. The Phoenix Civic Plaza and Convention Center has been the city’s premier convention center for over 3 decades.
Phoenix offers an exciting variety of Old West history, culture and activities for all ages. It is home to major professional sports teams including the Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Suns and Arizona Cardinals. Outdoor lovers can enjoy miles of hiking and biking trails that offer stunning scenery. Valley Metro recently developed a 20-mile light rail system that navigates through Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa. There are restaurants for every taste, a shopper’s paradise with malls and charming boutiques, Vegas-style casinos and resorts, and world-class entertainment of all kinds. Healthcare is second to none, with over 100 world-class healthcare facilities catering to both residents and visitors.
Phoenix has long been known for its strong job growth, particularly in the aerospace, life sciences and high tech sectors. Even after the recent economic slowdown, the job market in Phoenix is growing steadily, making it very attractive for those looking to relocate for that reason. Phoenix is home to a notable list of top Fortune 500 employers in education, government, healthcare, technology and manufacturing. Some notable employers include Intel, US Airways, Honeywell Aerospace, Raytheon and Bank of America.
Schools are always an important consideration when deciding to move. Phoenix provides quality education, and its commitment is demonstrated by the fact that students score above the national average in reading and math on standardized tests according to the Arizona Department of Education. With the recent increase in population, each school district has managed to expand to accommodate this growth. There are currently 58 school districts with 400 public schools. Additionally, 200 unique charter and private schools offering specialized coursework serve over 600,000 students in Kindergarten through 12th grade.
Higher education offers students exceptional opportunities to excel at over 79 colleges, trade schools and universities such as the internationally renowned Arizona State University, the University of Phoenix and Grand Canyon University to name a few. The vast Maricopa Community Colleges network offers 11 colleges on different campuses. It is nationally known for its programs in gerontology, dental hygiene, fire science, mathematics, art and graphic design.
There’s no question that Phoenix is a great place to live. From the urban charm of numerous historic neighborhoods, contemporary loft living and lush condominiums scattered throughout a vibrant downtown, to a variety of quiet suburban neighborhoods, there’s a lifestyle option for anyone looking to move to Phoenix. The median total home price in Phoenix has seen steady growth thanks to the country’s strong economic recovery. The good news is that despite steady growth, prices are still very affordable. In June 2013, the median price for a single family home in Maricopa County (Phoenix Metro) was $211,000. Based on a 4.5% interest rate and 10% discount, your base mortgage payment would be approximately $1,100 plus property taxes and homeowners insurance. Wherever you choose to live in the beautiful Valley of the Sun, you will find the perfect neighborhood that fits your unique lifestyle.
Thanks to Julie Marshall Srednicki | #Relocate #Phoenix #goodbye #winter