If you’re thinking of moving to Phoenix, Arizona you’re not alone: On average, 200 people move here every day.1 The city’s desert-based climate and relatively low cost of living continue to attract new residents from all over the country. Maricopa County, home to metropolitan Phoenix, saw the biggest population growth in the nation in 2019, and Phoenix itself had the second largest, with the increase in both cases driven mostly by people moving to the region. Per the Census Bureau’s latest count, the city’s population grew by 234,301 residents in the decade between 2010-2019 – 26,317 in the last year alone – bringing its total estimated population to about 1.68 million.2
Conveniently located in the south-central part of Arizona, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and the ever-growing Phoenix metro area are often the starting point for vacation adventures to places like the fabled Grand Canyon, just a few hours’ drive to the north, or to Saguaro National Park and Mexico only a few hours to the south. Surrounded by striking peaks and iconic saguaro cacti, Arizona’s state capital is a destination of its own accord, too. If you plan to move here from in or out of state, you’ll discover a unique Sonoran Desert lifestyle. The experts at Offerpad have compiled this ultimate guide to moving to Phoenix to get you up to speed with all that the Valley of the Sun has to offer.
If you’re looking for houses for sale in Phoenix, we’ve got you covered. Offerpad has hundreds of home listings within the greater Phoenix area. If you’re a current Phoenix resident looking to move and need to sell your home, Offerpad can provide you with a free, no-obligation cash offer – just click the button!
5 Notable Phoenix Suburbs & Neighborhoods
Ahwatukee Foothills
Located in the East Valley just southeast of downtown Phoenix is Ahwatukee, or the ‘Tukee for short. Situated in the scenic foothills of South Mountain, the aptly named (“Ahwatukee” means “house of my dreams” in the language of the Crow Nation) urban village has roots dating back to the ‘70s, with plenty of new construction homes and other housing opportunities available in what residents refer to as the “World’s Largest Cul-de-sac.”
Besides hiking and biking the numerous trails in South Mountain Park accessible from Ahwatukee, you’ll want to mark your calendar so you don’t miss two of the village’s main events each year. The Ahwatukee Chili Cookoff is a three-day event featuring a regional cookoff sanctioned by the International Chili Society. During the holidays, Ahwatukee’s Festival of Lights’ “Million Lights” display brightens up the night on Chandler Boulevard between 24th Street and Desert Foothills Parkway from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day.
Chandler
Ask the locals and they’ll tell you Chandler is the best place to lay down your roots. You can find nearly every type of home in Chandler, ranging from very affordable to luxurious. This vibrant, multicultural community boasts an award-winning school district and thriving downtown area. Residents enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle thanks to great local draws such as its historic town square (Dr. A.J. Chandler Park) and more than 60 recreational parks with amenities and activities including community swimming pools, biking/hiking paths, play areas, fishing and the Desert Breeze Railroad.
The City of Chandler is also widely known for hosting the quirky and fun annual Ostrich Festival, a celebration of Chandler’s century-old history of ostrich ranching, and its long-standing holiday season tradition of decorating downtown with its uniquely own Tumbleweed Tree.
Search Available Houses for Sale in Chandler
Gilbert
Thriving in business and leisure activities and providing access to a nationally ranked public school district, the Town of Gilbert has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Live in the United States by CNN/Money Magazine.3 Also located in the East Valley, Gilbert is the sixth largest municipality in Arizona in population and covers almost 70 square miles of land. According to FBI crime statistics, it is also the second-safest city in America.4
One of Gilbert’s most popular neighborhoods, Agritopia, has been developed around an historical local farm and pays homage to Arizona’s agricultural heritage. Modeled after homes built in Phoenix in the ‘30s and ‘40s, new residents here can choose from a variety of home styles on lush, tree-lined streets.
And speaking of its agricultural roots, Gilbert also has the unique distinction of being the birthplace of Goat Yoga, which became publicly known on the national TV show American Ninja Warrior. Arizona Goat Yoga is now ranked “#1 Goat Yoga in the Universe” and is among the Top 10 Things to Do in Arizona. Namaste.
Search Available Houses for Sale in Gilbert
Peoria
Located northwest of downtown Phoenix is the City of Peoria, a major metro suburb. It is the ninth largest city by population in Arizona.
Peoria is the spring training home of the San Diego Padres and the Seattle Mariners. Residents enjoy a lifestyle heavy on resort and leisure living. In fact, Peoria’s quality of life is one of the major draws for people migrating to Arizona. It is home to Lake Pleasant Regional Park — a true oasis in the desert. The 23,000-acre park includes two marinas and is a popular spot for boating, fishing, waterskiing, kayaking, camping and even scuba diving.
Search Available Houses for Sale in Peoria
Scottsdale
The City of Scottsdale has a booming economy and, according to 2020 U.S. Census estimates, “The West’s Most Western Town” is now Arizona’s fifth largest city.5 In addition to being a top business center in the metro area, Scottsdale is known for its deluxe, upscale lifestyle and world-class activities including “America’s #1 Attraction for Car Lovers in the USA,” the annual Barrett-Jackson classic car auction.
Scottsdale attracts tourists year-round to this unique oasis. With renowned spas, resorts, shopping, golf courses and cultural attractions, it’s not uncommon for visitors to eventually decide to call Scottsdale home themselves. Housing here ranges from new luxury mansions to advantageously located condos and apartments to idyllic single-family homes. Due to the plentiful amenities and attractions around town, homes for sale in Scottsdale tend to be a little pricier than other areas of Phoenix, but ask the locals and they’ll tell you it’s well worth it.
Search Available Homes for Sale in Scottsdale
Phoenix Climate
The climate in Arizona’s Valley of the Sun is one of its biggest attractions, allowing for a lifestyle featuring plenty of year-round outdoor recreation like golf, hiking, river tubing and other leisure activities.
Located in the Sonoran Desert belt, Phoenix is renowned for a climate that can feel like an endless summer (it’s definitely a dry heat), with temperatures regularly above 100 degrees during the summer. Things start cooling off during non-summer months – typically October through April – when you can expect daytime averages of 60-80 degrees. And while “it’s always sunny in Philadelphia,” Phoenix has that city beat by far with an average of 300 beautiful, sunny days per year.
On average, Phoenix gets just nine inches of rain a year. Between the months of June and September is monsoon season, during which thunderstorms and intense dust storms, or haboobs, can occur. Not surprisingly, the Valley almost never receives snowfall during the winter, but travel less than 100 miles north and you can build a snowman and enjoy skiing at Arizona’s Snowbowl in Flagstaff.
Phoenix Culture
While the influence of its Old West roots and cowboy culture from earlier days can still be felt throughout the Valley, Phoenix residents can experience a variety of cultures and cultural events throughout the year. From the vibrant dining and rooftop nightlife scene in downtown Phoenix’s Cityscape, to casual and formal venues housing and hosting the arts in many forms, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Fridays in Phoenix
Roosevelt Row serves as a central hub for art and culture in the downtown Phoenix area and hosts one of the nation’s largest, self-guided art walks every First Friday from 6 to 11pm, with free event shuttles available throughout downtown. First Fridays in Roosevelt has recently been highlighted by USA Today as “The Top 10 Arts Districts in the US.” Third Fridays showcase exhibition openings in dozens of galleries in the district. Other Fridays boast performances, artist spotlights and more.
Taliesin West
A designated US. National Historic Landmark, Taliesin West was architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and architectural design school from 1937 until his death in 1959 at the age of 91. The complex drew its name from Wright’s home, Taliesin, in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Today it is the headquarters of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. Open to the public for tours, Taliesin West is located on Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard in Scottsdale.
Arcosanti
Architecture admirers will also enjoy Arcosanti, an experimental town designed by Italian architect Paolo Soleri 70 miles north of metropolitan Phoenix. An ambitious project envisioned as an experiment in living frugally and with a limited environmental footprint, the iconic structures at Arcosanti are designed to be multi-use to extend their usefulness in facilitating the many performances, workshops and cultural programs held there throughout the year. Daily tours of the town are available seven days a week.
Phoenix Art Museum
Located just a few miles north of downtown Phoenix, the Phoenix Art Museum boasts world-class exhibitions offering full collections of historical moments from over the last 60 years. Considered the largest art museum in the southwestern United States, it is home to a collection of more than 20,000 objects and welcomes more than 300,000 guests, lifelong learners and art lovers each year, both within its walls and through the museum’s multidimensional community programs.
Musical Instrument Museum
You could spend all day in the Musical Instrument Museum located in North Phoenix at the US-101 and Tatum Boulevard. Rated Phoenix’s #1 attraction and one of the top 15 museums in the U.S. by Trip Advisor, the 10-year-old MIM boasts a collection of over 15,000 musical instruments and historical and musical objects from nearly 200 countries. In addition to the museum’s exhibits and galleries, you can enjoy a variety of live musical genres and performances in the MIM’s acoustically superb 300-seat theatre.
Marquee Theatre
One of the most popular concert venues in Phoenix is located in Tempe near Arizona State University. The Marquee Theatre debuted in 1993 as the Red River Opry, a family-oriented auditorium and home to a theatrical-style revue called “Arizona’s Country Music Show.” A decade later, the seating was removed (max SRO occupancy is 1,000) and top national acts brought in, including artists such as Nine Inch Nails, Kings of Leon, The Black Keys, Adele, Prince, Green Day, Katy Perry, Jonas Brothers, Flogging Molly, Eric Church and other headliners. When more ‘marquee’ acts aren’t in the house, the theatre is a popular venue for local and up and coming musical performers.
The Rhythm Room
The Rhythm Room Roots, Blues & Concert Club is a 30-year bastion of the best live music in town. This relatively intimate venue is a local favorite and has been named “Best Club for Blues” by the Phoenix New Times many times over in its annual “Best of Phoenix” awards. Hosting a wide range of musical genres, the place is packed almost every night. Bring your dancin’ shoes!
The Phoenix Symphony
The Phoenix Symphony is Arizona’s largest performing arts organization. Founded in 1947 as a part-time orchestra in a city of fewer than 100,000 people, The Symphony has grown to become Arizona’s only full-time symphony orchestra. Each season, it offers awe-inspiring classics and pops concerts and one-of-a-kind specials in downtown Phoenix and throughout central Arizona. The Symphony also offers a number of unique fundraising events such as Parties of Note, the Savor the Symphony Women’s Luncheon and a New Year’s Eve Gala.
Ballet Arizona
Ballet Arizona is an innovative and provocative professional ballet company that creates, performs and teaches outstanding classical and contemporary ballet. The company is dedicated to preserving and celebrating classical dance while creating and commissioning new, innovative works. It is dedicated to serving the people of central Arizona through education and community outreach programs, which touch the lives of more than 35,000 children each year.
Arizona Science Center
The Arizona Science Center provides exploration, education and entertainment for all ages. Nestled in the picturesque setting of Heritage Square and Science Park in the heart of downtown Phoenix, the Science Center is a unique landmark designed by renowned architect Antoine Predock. The combination of ramps, hallways, galleries and terraces in this 140,000-square-foot building creates an intriguing environment of investigation and discovery. The Center contains four levels of exciting hands-on exhibits, a state-of-the-art planetarium and a 5-story high giant-screen theater.
Arizona Museum of Natural History
The 80,000 square-foot Arizona Museum of Natural History in the East Valley City of Mesa offers visitors a trip to the Southwest’s prehistoric — and more recent — past. You can explore 60,000 objects, 10,000 historic photos, and a range of exhibits and activities that cover archaeology, paleontology, geology, art and other disciplines. The really ‘big’ attraction is the museum’s massive dinosaur mountain diorama where you can marvel at dinosaur bones and fossils and pan for gold or participate in an archaeological dig. The museum also hosts special events including the monthly Science Before Saturday that focuses on topics like the science of Star Wars and animation.
Dining in Phoenix
With its Hispanic roots and close proximity to Mexico, Phoenix is well known for Mexican-inspired and delectable authentic southwestern dishes. But there’s plenty more on the menu. Here foodies will find a smorgasbord of culinary delights, with everything from mouthwatering pierogis and pasta to Vietnamese, Brazilian and fine French cuisine. In fact, out of 180 of the country’s largest cities, WalletHub ranked the following Valley fare as Best Foodie Cities in America: Scottsdale (32), Tempe (40), Mesa (51), Phoenix (52), Chandler (86), Gilbert (105), Glendale (130) and Peoria (137).6
One “can’t-be-missed” dining experience is Sunday Brunch at the Wrigley Mansion, one of Phoenix’s most storied landmarks. Wrigley Mansion is a premier special event and fine dining venue. James Beard award-winning Chef Christopher Gross and his strong culinary team head up the kitchen while the wine program consistently garners the prestigious Wine Spectator award, “Best of Award of Excellence” as well as Wine Enthusiast’s “America’s Best 100 Wine Restaurants” award. Guided tours of the former home of chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. are available Tuesday through Saturday.
Getting Around the City
Learning to make your way around Phoenix is relatively simple for visitors and new residents as most of the city and its suburbs are laid out on a grid. This means the majority of streets run straight north and south, or east and west. Venturing out of your new home here, you’ll be able to learn the Phoenix metro area more quickly than most other cities that have winding roads and many intersecting freeways. Use the map below for a soft introduction to the major roads in Phoenix. (Insider tip: Central Avenue in Phoenix can be used as a dividing line between numbered streets, which begin east of Central, and numbered avenues which are west of Central.)
Interstate 17
If you’re moving to Arizona by way of car from any place to the north, you’ll likely be using Interstate 17 southbound. The I-17 runs from Flagstaff straight into central Phoenix. It’s also referred to as Arizona Veterans Highway.
Interstate 10
If you’re moving to Arizona from California, driving here means traveling on the I-10 eastbound into Phoenix. Interstate 10 is the fourth-longest interstate in the United States, spanning over 2,450 miles and running from sea to shining sea from the Pacific Coast Highway in Santa Monica, California all the way to Jacksonville, Florida’s I-95.
U.S. Route 60
You can “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” in Arizona for 369 miles from a junction with I-10 near Quartzsite to the New Mexico State Line near Springerville. It runs directly through the heart of Phoenix. Use it to travel easily between the East Valley and West Valley. “The 60” is a major east-west U.S. highway that connects Arizona to the Atlantic coast in Virginia.
State Route 51
Also known as the Piestewa Freeway, SR51 is a connector between the I-10 and the Loop 101 with a total length just under 17 miles.
Loop 101
The Loop 101 is what is officially called the Arizona State Route 101. It is a semi-beltway that quite literally loops around the greater Phoenix metro area, especially to the north and east. It connects several suburbs like Chandler, Ahwatukee, Tempe and Mesa, to the north side of Phoenix, which includes Scottsdale, and then spans west to Surprise, Sun City and south to the City of Glendale.
Loop 202
Arizona State Route 202 is another beltway that completely loops around the eastern cities of the Phoenix metro area. It consists of three officially designated sections. The Red Mountain Freeway spans north of Tempe and Mesa and connects down toward Gilbert and Chandler where it’s known as the San Tan Freeway. In December of 2019, the third section of the loop was completed, which connects the East Valley with a path around South Mountain Park directly to the west side of Phoenix a few miles south of the Glendale city limits. If you’re traveling between western Arizona (or farther west) and Ahwatukee, Chandler, Queen Creek or anywhere else in the south East Valley, the 202 allows you to bypass the city traffic in Phoenix.
Loop 303
Connecting west side residents travelling on the I-10 to Interstate 17, this loop allows drivers to circle around major Phoenix suburbs like Glendale, Surprise and Sun City West. It has a length of just over 35 total miles.
Phoenix Valley Metro Light Rail
The Phoenix Valley Metro Light Rail opened in 2008 and stretches just over 28 miles through the cities of Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa. There are 34 stops throughout the 28-mile light rail system that includes Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport station, transit centers and Park-and-Ride stations where you can park your car and ride the Light Rail from the East Valley in Mesa, all the way to 19th Avenue in west Phoenix.
Phoenix Traveling Tips
Cell Phone Use
According to the ‘Hands Off law,’ when it comes to cell phones and driving, Phoenix is on the strict side and has made it illegal to text or talk on a cell phone while driving unless the device is in hands-free mode. The law applies not just to cell phones but to tablets, music, gaming and other hand-held devices. Using a Bluetooth headset or another hands-free device is the way to go in Arizona when using your phone in the car to avoid a civil penalty.
Move Over Law
Arizona’s Move Over Law requires drivers (if you can do so safely) to move over one lane to the left whenever possible if there is an emergency vehicle on the right-side shoulder. It’s a safety precaution to give anyone pulled over on the shoulder of the road plenty of space to operate.
HOV Lanes
Most major highways in Arizona have High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, commonly referred to as carpool lanes. “High occupancy” in Arizona means two or more people in one vehicle. During certain posted hours, only drivers who have at least one other person in their car can drive in those lanes.
Arizona has no toll lanes or roads as part of the public highway system, so no need to worry about having spare change on hand when mapping your routes.
Attractions to See in Phoenix
Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden within Papago Park showcases some of the Sonoran Desert’s most beautiful plant life. Covering 140 acres, you can walk through 50,000+ plant displays housed in beautiful outdoor exhibits, including a cornucopia of cactus species. It is one of only 24 botanical gardens accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Visitors can learn all about the local environment, including native flora and fauna such as agave, yucca, ocotillo, palo verde, mesquite and saguaro cacti.
Old Town Scottsdale
Residents and visitors can get a feel for the area’s Wild West heritage with a stroll through Old Town Scottsdale. You won’t want to miss the annual Parado del Sol Historic Parade and Trail’s End Festival each spring during Western Week, celebrating Old Town’s western history. The rest of the year enjoy Old Town’s excellent restaurants, thriving arts and entertainment districts, shopping and a stop at iconic local watering holes like the Rusty Spur and Coach House.
Phoenix Heritage Square
Don’t miss Queen Anne and Victorian architecture in downtown’s Heritage Square. Located on the 14th block of the original townsite of Phoenix, the square dates back to the late 1800s and has a variety of things to see, including the restored Rosson House Museum, the Square’s crowning jewel. Whether you love history, technology, good food, or just a quiet place to reflect – a visit to Heritage Square is for you!
Phoenix Zoo
Lions and tigers and bears! Oh my! The Phoenix Zoo opened in 1962 and is the largest privately owned non-profit zoo in the United States. The zoo occupies 125 acres in the Papago Park area of Phoenix and houses a variety of animals including African lions, zebras, jaguars, cheetahs, orangutans, polar bears, koalas, kangaroos and Asian elephants. The zoo also hosts one of the most popular traditional holiday events in Phoenix, ZooLights, between November and the end of January. Walk through a dazzling display of millions of twinkling lights, animal sculptures and the Music-in-Motion Light Show on the main lake, choreographed to the epic music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park
Located on the west side of Phoenix in Litchfield Park, the Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park is known for its African and South American animals and is home to the largest variety of exotic animals in Arizona. The Safari Park, which opened in 2016, added another 15 acres of land with four rides and a restaurant. It features a full African Lion habitat and other native species including spider monkeys, ostriches and hyenas.
Big Surf Water Park
America’s first waterpark, Big Surf opened in 1969 and was home to the first wave pool in the United States. Located in the City of Tempe just east of downtown Phoenix, the park has more than 10 waterslides, the ‘original’ wave pool and other splash-worthy attractions. Don’t forget to bring your sun block!
Butterfly Wonderland
Butterfly Wonderland in Scottsdale really is a wonder. A one-of-a-kind experience, for, its home to some of the world’s friendliest butterflies. Walk through this rainforest-like paradise and see up to 70 different species of butterfly. Be careful where you walk, though; they’re everywhere! You may even get one to land on your hand or shoulder.
OdySea Aquarium
Right next door to Butterfly Wonderland is the OdySea Aquarium. Voted “Best Indoor Entertainment,” it’s the largest aquarium in Arizona, featuring more than 65 exhibits, 370 species, the world’s only Russian Sturgeon touch exhibit, two stingray touch exhibits and a tide touch pool. OdySea is also home to Voyager, where guests take their seats in a stadium-seating style theatre with 46’ viewing windows for the world’s only revolving aquarium experience. Additional interactive activities include SeaTREK® underwater walking, a charismatic Penguin Interaction Program, Shark Behind the Scenes tours, walk-about Animal Ambassadors and Q&A sessions with animal care specialists.
Hiking & Recreation
Ringed by spectacular mountains, there’s no shortage of fabulous formations to climb and explore from anywhere in the Phoenix area. Climb Scottsdale’s Camelback Mountain and be rewarded with breathtaking views of the valley floor and the nearby mountains lining the Mogollon Rim further north. Although the trek up is a bit of a challenge, summiting Camelback is a must-do for those who love being active and outdoors.
Meanwhile, to the east of central Phoenix, Papago Park features vistas that are just as desirable — and quite a bit easier to experience. From there, head south to South Mountain Park and Preserve, the largest municipal park in the USA and another recreation mainstay that horseback riders and hang gliders particularly favor.
Whatever your hiking and outdoor recreation pleasures, there is a lot to experience in the Valley through numerous Maricopa County Parks – many of which have trails and nature centers – and the City of Phoenix’s Desert Parks and Mountain Preserves. If it’s pines and higher elevation you’re after, head up toward Flagstaff or Payson for a long day trip or quick overnighter (and cooler temps).
Bonus: Speaking of day trips and overnighters, one of our favorites is to Sedona. Drive about an hour and a half north of Phoenix to see the ancient cave dwellings built by the Sinagua people nearly 900 years ago at Montezuma Castle National Monument. Continue north a few more miles to the awe-inspiring red rock formations in Sedona, including Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock. Take a hike down Devil’s Bridge Trail or through Oak Creek Canyon. During the summer, enjoy the natural water slides in Slide Rock Park. Throughout Sedona, there are plenty of shops with a plethora of Native American artifacts to enjoy. We also recommend a stop at the Tlaquepaque marketplace featuring art galleries, craft shops and more.
‘A’ Mountain
Also known as Tempe Butte, this spot is located partially on the Arizona State University Tempe campus and is well known for its relatively easy climb and the 60-foot painted ‘A’ on the side of the mountain along the trail near the peak.
Camelback Mountain
Located just to the east of downtown Phoenix between Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, the mountain gets its name from its resemblance to the head and hump of a kneeling camel. There are two hiking trails (Echo Canyon and Cholla), both of which are fairly difficult ascents. Echo Canyon is steeper while Cholla is longer. Plan on arriving early, as this is a popular Phoenix point of interest and parking is limited.
Hole-in-the-Rock
Located in Papago Park between Phoenix and Tempe, this is considered by many to be another fairly easy hike and a must for a photo opportunity. Before modern settlement, the Hohokam tribe was said to record the position of sunlight that shined through the openings and mark the seasons.
Piestewa Peak Summit Trail
This is a 2.2 mile, heavily trafficked trek located just off SR-51 north of downtown Phoenix. You’ll be able to get a full view of mid-town and downtown Phoenix from the top of this steep and narrow climb.
Arizona Canal
Mountain climbing not your style? The historic Arizona Canal system features miles of flat, paved trails, perfect for biking, running, walking, horseback riding and rollerblading. The canal system stretches nearly 39 miles from east of Scottsdale through Phoenix and into Peoria. It’s part of the 132 miles of canals operated by Salt River Project (SRP), the utility company that brings water and power to Greater Phoenix. Viewed as an amenity by adjacent cities and neighborhoods, many have added public art installations, seating areas, landscaping and ramadas. A half-mile stretch of the Arizona Canal through downtown Scottsdale boasts art, places for special events, pedestrian bridges, landscaped walkways and easy access to canal-side shops and restaurants.
Tempe Town Lake and Beach Park
A desert oasis in the middle of the Phoenix metropolitan area, Tempe Town Lake offers a variety of exciting events and activities to enjoy year-round, including one of Arizona’s best fireworks displays on the Fourth of July. An artificial perennial reservoir located adjacent to downtown Tempe, the park provides a recreational haven for kayaking, sailing, rowing, jogging, fishing, paddleboarding and picnicking.
Education in Phoenix
Phoenicians take education very seriously. Phoenix has more than 200 public school districts and over 400 charter and private schools serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The Valley of the Sun is home to the largest school district in the state, Mesa Public Schools.
Phoenix ranks high in higher education, too. The Princeton Review named Arizona State University in Tempe one of the “Best 386 Colleges” in its 2021 rankings.7 In the Review’s survey, ASU was recognized as one of the “great schools for some of the most popular undergraduate majors,” highlighting its agriculture, business and finance, and journalism programs four years running. The university’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication was also singled out as “one of the best journalism schools in the nation.” With multiple campuses across the Valley, ASU was also praised for its “renowned business school” (W. P. Carey School of Business) and “great engineering program” (Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering).
Other top-tier colleges in Phoenix include Phoenix College, Grand Canyon University and the University of Phoenix.
Phoenix Sports
As the 10th most populous metropolitan area in the United States, Phoenix hosts a variety of professional sports teams including:
- Arizona Diamondbacks (baseball)
- Arizona Cardinals (football)
- Phoenix Suns (basketball)
- Phoenix Rising (soccer)
In addition, the Arizona Cactus League plays host to 15 Major League Baseball teams in 10 ballparks across Maricopa County each March. Baseball’s annual spring training season has a huge economic impact on not just the Greater Phoenix area but the entire state of Arizona, attracting over a million fans from across the country each year.
Phoenix is also home to the Waste Management Open in Scottsdale, one of the most popular stops on the PGA Tour, and to the Phoenix Raceway, which hosts major NASCAR and other racing events.
Ready to Move to Phoenix?
Let Offerpad help! We have hundreds of move-in ready homes available at offerpad.com. Go for a virtual tour today to find the home of your dreams in Phoenix and start enjoying all that living in the Valley of the Sun has to offer!
Already a Phoenix Resident?
If you already own a home in Greater Phoenix and are thinking about moving into a new one in the area, Offerpad is here to help! Sell your home in Phoenix the easy way with us. Find out how much we’ll pay for your home today by simply requesting a free, no-obligation cash offer.