Before Moving to Phoenix

If you are moving to Phoenix, Arizona, there are several things that you should know before you go. Whether you are new to the state of Arizona entirely or are just moving a few cities over, Phoenix is likely to have many new shops, restaurants, and attractions for you and your family to explore. It is a good idea to get the lay of the land before you move, so you can create a game plan of where to visit first, whether it be for new home necessities or relaxation and leisure time with your loved ones.

Phoenix, Arizona, is a beautiful city that is home to more than 1.6 million individuals. It is the most populous state capital in the nation and the fifth most populous city. What began as a farming and agricultural community in the late 1800s is now a bustling epicenter of culture, arts, and economics in the western United States. Today, Phoenix's largest sectors are real estate, finance and insurance, manufacturing, retail, and health care.

I've compiled the ultimate list of what to know before moving to Phoenix, Arizona. On this list, you will find the best places to shop to score the lowest prices on household items that are simply must-haves, some of the best restaurants around, and so much more. So if you are moving to Phoenix, Arizona, sit back, relax, and take a few notes on what to do next time you're in the city. Who knows, you may even find your new favorite spots.

Moving to Phoenix, Arizona

If you're planning on moving to Phoenix, Arizona, there are many benefits of the city that local residents enjoy. Comparatively, the city has a lower cost of living than many other major metro areas in the country, such as New York City or Los Angeles, for example. Housing costs tend to be lower on average, and necessities such as food and gasoline also tend to cost less.

Phoenix is a city with many opportunities, whether they be educational or professional. Home to several large corporations, including the national headquarters of PetSmart, Avnet, Best Western, U-Haul, Intel, and the aerospace division of Honeywell, among countless others. There is also a large military presence, with Luke Air Force Base just to the west of the city.

1. The Best Stores

Naturally, most people take a lot of their furniture with them when they move to a new location. However, this isn't always the case. Whether it cost more to transport your home furnishings than it does to replace them with things that are shiny and new, or you are upgrading to a larger space and have extra rooms to fill, there are furniture stores in Arizona that have everything to meet the needs of your family and your new home.

Grab items such as rugs, home accents, mirrors, or find a new living room or dining room set to complement your new space. The chances are that you will need at least a few items once you relocate, and finding the stores with the best deals is essential. You don't have to spend a ton to refresh your style, with affordable options like Mor Furniture for Less in the local area.

2. The Best Restaurants

The city of Phoenix, Arizona, is known for its large number of Mexican restaurants. In fact, it is said that you could pick a new Mexican restaurant to eat at every night and not run out of choices for several months. If you're a fan of enchiladas, tostada, and tamales, moving to Phoenix, Arizona is for you. Seeing as the city is located just over 350 miles from the U.S./Mexico border, it's no surprise that Mexican cuisine is so popular in the area.

Other excellent restaurants that top the list, according to Trip Adviser ratings, include Binkley's Restaurant(American cuisine), Pomo Pizzeria, Postino, Bobby Q., Steak 44, and Phoenix City Grille.

3. Culture and Entertainment

Once your new place is furnished, and your belly is full, you'll likely be looking for activities to do in your free time. If you move to Phoenix, Arizona, you're in luck because there is no shortage of culture and entertainment options in the city. From museums to opera houses, sports stadiums to beautiful nature sports, there is truly something for everyone in this great city.

Be sure to check out must-sees, including the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra, the Herberger Theater Center, the Phoenix Art Museum, the Pueblo Grande Museum Archeological Park, as well as the countless boutique art galleries downtown. Additionally, the city has over 200 golf courses and several notable national parks to visit, including Lost Dutchman State Park, the Grand Canyon, and more. Also, be sure to stop at attractions such as the Phoenix Zoo, the Phoenix Botanical Gardens, and catch the Arizona State Fair while it's in town each year.

4. Sporting Events

Sports fans are sure to feel right at home when moving to Phoenix, Arizona, as there is plenty of action to get in on. Whether you're more of a professional basketball fan (the Phoenix Suns are your new team!) or a baseball lover (the Arizona Diamondbacks represent the city in the MLB), there's virtually always something going on.

Additionally, you will find events such as the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, which is the world's largest annual event of its kind, the Arizona Cardinals playing national football for the city, and even a professional hockey team, the Arizona Coyotes.

5. Options for Education

Whether you are looking to continue your own higher education or want to have excellent options for your children once they reach college age, moving to Phoenix, Arizona puts you in a good position. The city is home to 17 different colleges and universities, with 29 more within 50 miles.
You will find Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University, Collins College, Central Arizona College, and countless other institutions in close proximity to the city.