Moving to Phoenix

Welcome to Your New Home in Arizona

Phoenix is the fifth most populous city in the United States. It has thriving tourism and recreation industries and is considered one of the fastest growing hubs for technology and manufacturing companies. Home to several sports teams including the World Series Champion Diamondbacks, Suns and Cardinals, Phoenix is located in the Sonoran Desert and has summer temperatures that average around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The Valley of the Sun has more sunny days than any other metropolitan city in the nation and an average of just eight inches of rain a year, so you'll stay warm and dry most days.

Though Phoenix is known to be a retirement paradise, its extensive offering of vibrant nightclubs, museums and galleries make it a great spot for singles too. And for families, popular activities include the Children's Museum of Phoenix, the Desert Botanical Garden, Papago Park, the Phoenix Zoo and hot-air balloon rides. Drive two hours north to hit ski destinations or less than six hours west for a weekend trip to Los Angeles or San Diego. And with more than 180 city parks and 33,000+ acres of desert preserves, outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of new places to explore. So, if you're looking for beautiful weather and a strong local economy,Phoenix is the place for you.

We Can Help You Get Settled in Phoenix

Moving can be a daunting task, even if it's just around the corner. We're here to help. Penske has many convenient truck rental locations in metropolitan Phoenix. To get you started, the Penske Metropolitan Denver Team offers these simple moving and driving tips for the do-it-yourself mover:

Tips for Moving to Phoenix

• Navigate carefully through the merges that are west of the Phoenix airport.
• Move in the early morning or evening when it's cooler.
• Pack and carry essential items including drinks, snacks, and a cell phone, in case of
  unexpected delays.

Tips for Driving in Phoenix

• Allow extra driving time if you're approaching from the west, where steep grades require slower speeds.
• Expect congestion on I-17, Arizona Veterans Memorial Highway.
• Take advantage of a brief driving orientation session when you pick up your truck.

10 Things to Know When You Move to Phoenix

Did you know that the Hotel San Carlos in downtown Phoenix is featured in the opening sequence of Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 slasher-thriller, Psycho? Or that at 1,086 feet mean elevation, the city of Phoenix is lower than the bottom of the Grand Canyon at 2,200 feet? How about the fact that the state of Arizona is home to 13 different species of rattlesnakes? Most stay within the desert though, and out of the suburbs and downtown area. Here are a few more interesting facts you should know if you're moving to Phoenix.

1. 1. Phoenix Has No Daylight Savings Time
   • The state of Arizona is on Mountain Standard Time. So, from March through November each year, they use the same Pacific Time Zone as the west coast.
2. 2. Phoenix Is the Sunniest City in the Nation
   • With around 330 sunny days every year, Phoenix easily earns this title. And though the city only sees rain a few times each year during summer monsoon storms, it also contends with dry season dust storms called haboobs. These giant walls of dust created from the high winds of a collapsing thunderstorm feature gusts of sand and dust and can last up to three hours.
3. 3. Downtown Phoenix Has a Bicycle Boulevard
   • Biking to work or for play in lieu of driving is a possibility if you live in Downtown Phoenix thanks to the 4.6 mile stretch of bike lane called the Bicycle Boulevard. This lane helps cyclists stay safe while commuting throughout the downtown area. If you prefer to drive, you'll be able to easily navigate your way around thanks to the grid system used when designing Phoenix streets. Of course, there's also the affordable light rail transportation system and a metro bus service to get you where you need to go.
4. 4. Phoenix Has Several Professional Sports Teams
   • From men's and women's basketball to football, soccer, hockey and baseball, Phoenix has something for every sports fan. And with half of all MLB teams holding their spring training in Phoenix, there's always a game to watch somewhere.
5. 5. Phoenix Has Extensive Access to the Outdoors
   • Phoenix offers 180 parks, more than 200 golf courses, and 33,000+ acres of desert preserves waiting to be hiked, biked or run. Hit the trails at South Mountain Park and Preserve, the largest municipal park in North America, or hike up Camelback Mountain to see the city from a new perspective. If you're looking for water, you won't need to travel far as there are six lakes within a 75-minute drive of Phoenix.
6. 6. Greater Phoenix Is Made up of Several Distinct Communities
   • Comprised of 24 total municipalities split into three general areas – Phoenix, East Valley and West Valley – and collectively known as Greater Phoenix, this area is about the size of Delaware and includes other popular cities like Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa and Glendale, each of which have their own downtowns and cultural centers. And since Phoenix was deemed the fastest growing big city in the nation for 10 years straight by the U.S. Census Bureau, you'll find plenty of interesting people to meet regardless of the neighborhood you choose.
7. 7. Living in Phoenix Provides a Low Cost of Living
   • The cost of living in Phoenix is 5% lower than the national average. And with a variety of neighborhoods to choose from, there's a place for everyone. Paradise Valley is known as the Beverly Hills of Phoenix while Arcadia is family-friendly with great views of Camelback Mountain. The historic neighborhood of Greater Coronado is close to the freeway and perfect for working commuters while the eclectic, hip neighborhood of Grand is one of the most bike-friendly areas in the city.
8. 8. Phoenix Has a Thriving Arts Scene
   • Known as the cultural center of Arizona, Downtown Phoenix includes neighborhoods like the newly revitalized walkable arts district of Roosevelt Row, or RoRo, which is packed with award-winning restaurants, coffee shops, locally-owned boutiques and art galleries. Filled with colorful street art and murals created by local artists, it's also home to several popular events including the M3F Music Festival, Phoestivus, Pie Social and the monthly First Fridays Art Walks. If new and exciting food options are what you're looking for, take the 25 minute trip from Downtown Phoenix to Old Town Scottsdale for exciting restaurants, breweries and high-end resorts.
9. 9. Phoenix Is Close to Outdoor Adventure
   • At only 3.5 hours away, The Grand Canyon is close enough to visit regularly. And since The Grand Canyon National Park is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and the only one located within the United States, it's well worth the trip. Arizona is also home to the Petrified Forest National Park, Saguaro National Park, and two of the top-rated waterfalls in the country – Grand Falls near Flagstaff and Havasu Falls in Lake Havasu State Park. If you're looking for a trip within a trip, embark on the scenic two hour drive to Sedona, where you'll find plenty of places to stop and explore on your way to a hike in the red rocks.
10. 10. Phoenix Is Surrounded by Desert
    • There are four deserts in North America and Arizona is the only US state to have a section of each within its borders. Phoenix itself is located within the 100,000 square miles of the Sonoran Desert. The Sonoran is the warmest, wettest and greenest desert in North America and also covers parts of California and Mexico. Petroglyphs, which are rock carvings left behind by ancient civilizations, The Saguaro Cactus, and spring wildflowers are just a few of the beautiful sites you'll see when visiting this vast and vibrant landscape.

We Offer Complete Service When Moving to Phoenix

Whether you're moving to a loft downtown, a 1950s ranch in Paradise Valley, or a suburb in any one of the three metropolitan Phoenix counties, the Penske Metropolitan Phoenix Team is ready to help.

• Get everything for your move from Penske and our moving partners. See Extras & Supplies.
• We operate over 100,000 vehicles at more than 2,500 locations.

Penske is Hiring in Phoenix, AZ

Don't just move. Move your career forward. Search and apply for open positions today.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. 1. Is Phoenix a Good Place To Live?
   • Phoenix offers sunny days, warm temperatures, access to a wealth of outdoor activities and a ACvariety of friendly neighborhoods. With close proximity to skiing, big cities and multiple national parks, Phoenix ticks many of the "good place to live" boxes.
2. 2. Is It Expensive To Live In Phoenix?
   • The cost of living in Phoenix is 5% lower than the national average and, compared to bigger ACcoastal cities, Phoenix is much more affordable. The thriving tourism industry of the city also helps cut taxes for locals while the lower property taxes combined with a lower cost of living are ideal for retirees.
3. 3. What Is Life Like in Phoenix?
   • Phoenix is the sunniest city in the nation and, with around 330 sunny days every year, Phoenix easily earns this title. The city only sees rain a few times each year and also contends with dry season dust storms. Phoenix also offers 180 parks, more than 200 golf courses, and 33,000+ acres of desert preserves waiting to be explored, so life in Phoenix includes access to a lot of outdoor activities.
4. 4. Why Is Everyone Moving to Phoenix?
   • Affordability, pleasant weather, a thriving arts district, a strong job market for young professionals and easy access to outdoor activities are just a few of the reasons Phoenix has become a popular moving destination.
5. 5. How Do I Move to Phoenix?
   • One of the first steps is to determine where you'll want to initially put down roots. With a variety of neighborhoods to choose from, there are a lot of options. Determine whether you're looking for a family-friendly neighborhood, something more focused on night-life, a neighborhood surrounded by the arts, or something else completely. Also keep in mind that the Greater Phoenix area is made up of several distinct communities in and around the city of Phoenix, so the best place for you may be a little farther out of town.