Considering a Move to the Phoenix Metro Area? Here’s What You Should Know (2025)
Economic & Cultural Landscape of Greater Phoenix Metro
The Phoenix–Mesa–Chandler metro is one of the fastest‑growing regions in the U.S., now home to more than 5 million people. It’s evolved from a snowbird hub into a major economic engine in the Southwest.
Key industries include:
- Technology & Semiconductors – Intel, TSMC, Microchip Technology, and Honeywell have significant operations here.
- Aerospace & Defense – Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Raytheon maintain strong presences.
- Healthcare & Education – Banner Health, Dignity Health, and Arizona State University drive thousands of jobs.
- Clean Energy & Manufacturing – Lucid Motors, Nikola, and renewable energy firms are expanding fast.
Culturally, Phoenix blends Latinx, Indigenous, and Southwestern heritage with a growing arts, food, and craft beer scene. Downtown Phoenix and Tempe in particular have become nightlife and cultural hubs, while Scottsdale remains a luxury and golf destination.
Phoenix Metro Geography 101: How It's Structured
Locals often refer to the area as “The Valley” or the “Valley of the Sun.” Instead of a single dominant city center, Phoenix functions as a network of interconnected cities, each with its own government and identity.
- Central Phoenix – Downtown, Midtown, Encanto, Arcadia: the cultural and business hub.
- East Valley – Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek: polished suburbs and job centers.
- West Valley – Glendale, Peoria, Goodyear, Surprise, Avondale: rapid growth and affordability.
- North Phoenix & Scottsdale – Paradise Valley, Desert Ridge, North Scottsdale, Carefree: upscale desert living.
- South Mountain & Laveen – Residential, relaxed, mountain-adjacent neighborhoods.
While most commuting is by car, Valley Metro Light Rail links Phoenix, Tempe, and parts of Mesa. Loop 101, Loop 202, and I‑10 form the backbone of regional connectivity.
Dive into each subregion below to see what fits, or take the LookyLOO quiz to get matched.
The Main Subregions of the Phoenix Metro
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.
-> Explore the Deep Dive into Central Phoenix
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; Tempe leans youthful and vibrant thanks to ASU.
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.
-> Explore the Deep Dive into the East Valley of Phoenix
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.
-> Explore the Deep Dive into the West Valley of Phoenix
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.
-> Explore the Deep Dive into North Phoenix & Scottsdale
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.
-> Explore the Deep Dive into the Phoenix Area's South Mountain & Laveen
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
We highly recommend you dive into the sub-areas linked to each section here or take the LookyLOO quiz to get matched with the city that matches you best. Good luck!
FAQ – Moving to the Phoenix Metro
Q: What’s the cost of living like in Phoenix compared to other major metros?
A: Phoenix is still cheaper than coastal cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco, but prices are rising quickly, especially in East Valley and Scottsdale. Housing remains more affordable in the West Valley and South Mountain.
Q: Is Phoenix too hot to live in year-round?
A: Summers are extremely hot, often exceeding 110°F. However, the dry climate, prevalence of air conditioning, and active early-morning/evening lifestyle make it manageable for many residents.
Q: How’s the job market in Phoenix?
A: The job market is strong, with growth in tech, aerospace, manufacturing, finance, and healthcare. The region’s pro-business climate is attracting corporate relocations.
Q: What’s traffic like?
A: Rush hour traffic can be heavy, especially on I‑10, Loop 101, and U.S. 60. The metro is car-dependent outside of light rail corridors.
Q: Is Phoenix good for families?
A: Yes. The East Valley, in particular, is known for top-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, and family amenities. The West Valley offers affordable new builds for growing families.
Ready to Narrow Down Your Phoenix Metro Move?
Save your favorite cities and neighborhoods in a Movebook, or take the LookyLOO quiz to see which areas match your lifestyle best.