Phoenix Relocation Guide

What to Expect Before Moving to Phoenix, Arizona

Before taking the plunge into this desert oasis, there are a few things that may be helpful to know. While most Phoenix relocation guides have tons of info on jobs, laws, and where to live, you’ll have to dig deeper for insider knowledge. If you’re not from around here, be sure to read up on these surprising parts about living in Phoenix.

1. Phoenix doesn’t just mean Phoenix

Like most major cities across the United States, living in Phoenix can mean living in any number of the neighboring cities, like Tempe, Scottsdale, or Glendale. If you’re moving to Phoenix, don’t expect to actually have “Phoenix” in your new address! Phoenix as a city has a population of around 1.7 million but combined with the surrounding metro area, that number is over 4 million.

2. 120 degrees isn’t all that bad (without humidity)

The main question that people ask when thinking about things to know before moving to Arizona, in general, is about the weather. You may have heard that the Sonoran Desert has a “dry heat,” but 120 degrees Fahrenheit still sounds pretty darn hot. However, you’ll find that if you stick to the shade and cover up, the sun won’t feel nearly as bad as the sticky humidity you’ll find elsewhere. In fact, you may be surprised to find that most buildings crank up the A/C in the summer, making the indoors freezing by comparison.

3. No natural disasters here, but beware of haboobs and monsoons!

While Phoenix residents are fortunate to avoid hurricanes, earthquakes, and crippling floods, we still experience the joys of unusual weather. Haboobs are intense dust storms that roll through the Valley from time to time. While its name causes out-of-towners to chuckle, these sudden storms can be incredibly dangerous, causing motorists to lose visibility momentarily. Equally as awe-striking to see is the monsoon, which brings sudden torrential downpours and temporary parking lot floods.

4. Take your water seriously

You may not realize it, but the heat can dramatically dehydrate your body and put your health in danger. Relocating to Phoenix has tons of benefits, but don’t forget that there are occasional tourists who end up in the hospital every year from not drinking enough water. By the time May rolls around, you should have a water bottle to take everywhere–just don’t leave it in the car!

5. “Where are you from?” is a common question

It seems like no one who lives in Phoenix is actually from Phoenix. Good sign? We think so. You’ll be joining the company of other fellow Californians, East Coasters, and everything in between. Phoenix’s Maricopa County has been the nation’s fastest-growing county for three straight years with no signs of slowing down.