Phoenix, the capital city of Arizona, experienced rapid growth during the last 40 years of the 20th Century. Today, it is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country, with well over four million people in the city itself and its surrounding cities like Tempe, Mesa, and Scottsdale. While Phoenix does retain quite a bit of its western heritage, the influx of transplants from all over the country, even the world, has meant an infusion of other cultural traditions to help make it a vibrant and cosmopolitan city. As one of the fastest growing cities in the country, newcomers will have no trouble meeting people, making friends, and living an active life in Phoenix, Arizona.
Demographically, the city is evenly split in its population of males and females. The average age of a Phoenix resident is just below the mid-thirties. The cost of living in Phoenix is slightly below the U.S. average, especially in the areas of groceries, healthcare, and utilities. Housing prices are slightly higher in Phoenix when compared to the national average, but the price of rentals, for the most part, are below the national average. For those looking to relocate for job purposes, some of the leading employment sectors in Phoenix are real estate, finance and insurance, retail, healthcare, and government. Several companies have their headquarters in the city, including U-Haul, PetSmart, Best Western, and Honeywell's aerospace division. Because water is always a concern in the desert, it is best to look for a house with native landscaping and no lawn. Also, make sure any house or apartment you have has air conditioning, as triple digit temperatures are the norm during the summer.
While it may be hot in the summer, Phoenix, Arizona has mild falls and winters. If you want to see snow, your best bet is the northern mountain cities of Prescott and Flagstaff.
In a city the size of Phoenix, there is never a lack of things to do or places to go. The city is home to MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks and the NBA's Phoenix Suns. The downtown area has several venues that host concerts and shows year-round. There are also two zoos and two aquariums to see, along with numerous museums like the Heard Museum and the Arizona Science Center, which has many activities and exhibits geared toward children. If you don't want to drive there, the City operates bus and light rail systems for public transportation.
