Considering a Move to the Phoenix Metro Area? Here’s What You Should Know

The Basics of Living in the Phoenix Metro

The Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler metro is one of the fastest-growing in the U.S., with over 5 million residents and a sprawling desert geography that supports a booming population. Known for sunshine, affordability (relative to California), and opportunity, the region has become a magnet for young professionals, families, retirees, and remote workers.

Phoenix doesn’t have a single central core like some metros. Instead, it’s a web of interconnected cities—each with its own character, local government, and lifestyle options. With 300+ sunny days per year, desert beauty, and modern master-planned communities, the Valley of the Sun offers outdoor living, affordable housing (for now), and economic opportunity in one of the most livable desert cities in America.

Economic & Cultural Landscape of Greater Phoenix
Phoenix has transformed from a snowbird and retiree destination into a diverse, high-growth economic hub:

Tech, aerospace, semiconductors, and clean energy are growing fast (Intel, TSMC, Honeywell, and Lucid Motors have large footprints).
Major employers in healthcare, finance, education, logistics, and government fuel local job growth.
Arizona State University (ASU) in Tempe powers a huge student economy and workforce pipeline.
Cultural life includes Latinx, Indigenous, and Southwestern roots, plus booming arts and food scenes in downtown Phoenix and Tempe.

How the Phoenix Metro Is Structured
Locals often refer to the region as the “Valley” or “Valley of the Sun.” The metro is structured into a broad east-west layout divided by I-17 and I-10, with loosely defined clusters:

Central Phoenix (Downtown, Midtown, Encanto, Arcadia) – Urban core with historic neighborhoods, cultural attractions, and mixed density.
East Valley (Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek) – Young, fast-growing, suburban-urban hybrids with strong schools and master-planned communities.
West Valley (Glendale, Peoria, Goodyear, Surprise, Avondale) – More affordable, growing fast, with newer developments and sports venues.
North Phoenix & Scottsdale – Upscale, spread-out, desert-lifestyle living with golf, spas, and mountain access.
South Mountain & Laveen – Quiet, residential, and increasingly in demand, with natural beauty and a slower pace.

Most commuting is by car, though Valley Metro light rail connects some key corridors (Phoenix–Tempe–Mesa).

Central Phoenix
Includes: Downtown, Midtown, Encanto, Arcadia, Roosevelt Row

The Vibe: Urban desert living with a mix of mid-century charm, artsy corridors, and booming infill development.
Why It Works: Close to jobs, the light rail, arts venues, and ASU’s downtown campus. Great mix of rentals, condos, and historic homes.
Watch Out For: Summer heat hits hard in the concrete core; some areas still undergoing transition.
Good Fit For:

Young professionals
Creatives
Healthcare workers
Renters and buyers seeking walkable city life in a car-heavy metro.

Check out LookyLOO's Deep Dive into Central Phoenix to better understand whether this area is right for you.

East Valley
Includes: Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek

The Vibe: Clean, suburban-urban hybrids with parks, top schools, and family-friendly vibes. Gilbert and Chandler are especially polished.
Why It Works: Excellent schools, newer homes, job hubs, and easy access to ASU. Tons of master-planned communities and trail systems.
Watch Out For: Traffic on U.S. 60 and Loop 202, and fast-rising home prices in Chandler and Gilbert.
Good Fit For:

Families
Tech workers
ASU affiliates
Suburban buyers and renters who want lifestyle + convenience.

Check out LookyLOO's Deep Dive into the East Valley of Phoenix to better understand whether this area is right for you.

West Valley
Includes: Glendale, Peoria, Goodyear, Surprise, Avondale

The Vibe: Fast-growing and affordable with sports arenas, new subdivisions, and wide-open desert views.
Why It Works: More home for your money, great for families and first-time buyers, with easy access to freeways and outdoor space.
Watch Out For: Farther from Phoenix jobs, fewer walkable areas, and high summer temps without much shade.
Good Fit For:

First-time buyers
Military families
Remote workers and those prioritizing affordability and space.

Check out LookyLOO's Deep Dive into the West Valley of Phoenix to better understand whether this area is right for you.

North Phoenix & Scottsdale
Includes: Paradise Valley, Desert Ridge, North Scottsdale, Carefree

The Vibe: Upscale desert living with stunning scenery, golf courses, hiking trails, and luxury amenities.
Why It Works: Beautiful mountain access, high-end shopping and dining, and peaceful, well-designed neighborhoods.
Watch Out For: Very expensive housing, especially in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley; car required for everything.
Good Fit For:

Retirees
Luxury buyers
Snowbirds
Families seeking top-tier schools and a serene setting.

Check out LookyLOO's Deep Dive into North Phoenix & Scottsdale to better understand whether this area is right for you.

South Mountain & Laveen
Includes: Laveen, South Phoenix foothills

The Vibe: Residential and relaxed with great mountain views and a rural-suburban feel—still within city limits.
Why It Works: Affordable housing, access to South Mountain Park, and growing amenities. More space, less density.
Watch Out For: Still developing infrastructure; longer commute times without freeway expansion.
Good Fit For:

Budget-conscious buyers
Nature lovers
Families and those wanting a quieter corner of the city.

Check out LookyLOO's Deep Dive into the Phoenix Area's South Mountain & Laveen to better understand whether this area is right for you.

TL;DR – How to Choose Where to Live in the Phoenix Metro

Subregion-----------------------------Best For

Central Phoenix----------------------Young professionals, creatives, renters, medical workers, urban lifestyle
East Valley--------------------------Families, tech workers, suburban buyers, top school seekers, ASU affiliates
West Valley--------------------------First-time buyers, remote workers, military families, Budget-Conscious
North Phoenix & Scottsdale----------Retirees, luxury buyers, golf lovers, Families seeking top schools in peaceful neighborhoods
South Mountain & Laveen------------Budget-conscious, nature lovers, families wanting quiet/space

Final Thoughts: Where to Focus Your Search in the Phoenix Metro
If you’re drawn to walkable density, culture, and quick commutes, start with Central Phoenix, where infill housing and light rail keep things connected. Need schools, parks, and suburban polish? The East Valley — especially Chandler and Gilbert — is hard to beat.

Looking for more house for your budget and growing family? West Valley cities like Goodyear and Peoria are booming. For a quieter, upscale desert lifestyle, head north to Scottsdale or Paradise Valley, and if you want affordable space with mountain views, check out South Mountain and Laveen. Wherever you land, Phoenix delivers sunshine, space, and options.