Thinking about leaving Orlando behind? Consider moving to Phoenix and becoming a Phoenician! (Yep, that’s what they’re called!)
You might think that living in the desert will mean scorching heat, poking yourself on cacti, and decorating your lawn with tumbleweeds, but you couldn’t be further from the truth. (Although you’re partially right about the heat.) Turns out, Phoenix has a lot to offer in the way of jobs, great weather, and some of the most spectacular views you’ve ever seen.
Jobs
With more than a third of the state’s workforce, Phoenix is a hot spot for jobs. Tourism is one of the major industries, as more than 16 million people visit the city each year. So if you have experience working in one of Orlando’s hotels, restaurants, or airports, you’ll probably find the switch relatively easy. Banking is another big employer, with Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo maintaining a significant presence in the area. Manufacturing continues to be a major industry in Phoenix, mostly in the technology and aerospace fields. And if you’re looking for a career in the medical field, you may be interested to know that ZipRecruiter rated Phoenix as the #1 city to find a healthcare job.
Interested in moving to Phoenix, but don’t have a job lined up? Don’t worry. WalletHub rated the nearby towns of Gilbert and Chandler as the 3rd and 6th best places to find a job. Probably due to the many companies headquartered in Phoenix—companies such as PetSmart, Sky Mall, Best Western, and U-Haul (just to name a few).
Neighborhoods
Arcadia – Featuring top schools; large, irrigated lawns, and historic homes from the ’20s and ’50s, Arcadia is in high demand. Homes in the area can be pricey, but that’s only because they’re so well-built (you can also check out “Arcadia Lite” if you have a smaller budget). Although the area has a touch of the rural (it used to be dotted with orange groves back in the day), you’ll still be close to shopping in Phoenix or Scottsdale.
Agritopia – Yep, you read that right. Agritopia prides itself on creating a close-knit, diverse community focused on preserving the natural landscape. There are also farmer’s markets, food trucks, and a community garden where residents can rent garden plots to grow their own food. If you’re into fresh produce and getting to know the neighbors, Agritopia is the perfect choice for you.
Las Sendas – It’s not just a world-class golf course (although it’s that, too). Las Sendas is the neighborhood for you if you enjoy sweeping mountain views, hiking trails, and staying fit. For outdoor living combined with spa relaxation, you don’t need to look any further.
Much like greater Orlando, Phoenix is nestled in the middle of a number of popular cities: Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, and Scottsdale.
Transportation
Much like Orlando, Phoenix is a “car-centric” city: suburban sprawl means that personal vehicles really are the best way to get around. (But the grid set-up makes it easy.) For the car-less, Valley Metro offers clean, safe and affordable transport via the light rail service throughout the Phoenix area. Or, you can always walk, bike, or find other ways to get around Phoenix without a car.
For travel in and out of Phoenix, there’s the Sky Harbor Airport. With service to 80 domestic and 20 international locations, you’ll be there in no time! Of course, for a more retro relocation, you can take an Amtrak train to nearby Maricopa.
Weather
Want to leave Florida but don’t think you can give up the sunny weather? Phoenix might be the perfect choice! There’s a reason the Phoenix metropolitan area is nicknamed “The Valley of the Sun”: it sees the most sun year-round of any city in the U.S. (85% of daylight hours). And all that sun can only mean one thing: it’s hot! Summer temperatures can range between 79 and 105 degrees. Even though winter is much more mild, it still doesn’t get cold. The average low during the coldest part of the year is only about 40 degrees.
Yep, just like Florida, snow in Phoenix is a newsworthy event. So is any precipitation, for that matter. The average yearly rainfall in Phoenix is about 8 inches. (The average in Orlando: about 50 inches.) But that doesn’t mean it never rains. The monsoon season, which lasts from July to September, drenches the desert and cools the summer temps a bit.
The one difference between Arizona and Florida weather? The humidity. Phoenix’s humidity is highest during the winter months and lowest in the summer. So those 105-degree temps won’t seem so bad at only 30% humidity.
Cost of Living
There’s a reason why Phoenix is becoming such a popular moving destination: the cost of living in Phoenix is about 4% lower than the cost of living in Orlando. Certain things—like healthcare and housing—might be a bit higher, but overall, you should be able to go from a $50,000 salary to a $48,000 one without any cutbacks. You’ll also only be paying, on average, a 4% income tax rate, (that’s lower than Idaho, Oregon, and Oklahoma).
Lifestyle
Phoenix’s mild winters and (nearly) rain-free weather means plenty of year-round outdoor 
options, like hiking, biking, golf, and more. Plus, there are desert preserves where you can enjoy a landscape with its own unique beauty. What happens when you need a different vista? California, Vegas, Mexico, and northern AZ’s forests (with mountains and snow!) aren’t too far away.
In the city itself, the roads are clean and well-maintained (No potholes!), and the architecture is a dream for mid-century modern fans. The area is thick with Navajo and Latino culture, which means you’ll find some great food, music, and art that you just can’t find in Orlando.
Another plus? No daylight savings!
We know you’re eager to start packing up, but not so fast! Call Cento Family Moving & Storage first for a free estimate on moving your family to Phoenix. We’ve moved to nearly every state in the country, and we’re excited to help you!
