Moving to Phoenix Arizona: Your Complete Insider's Guide for 2026
- Mullins Moving
- 3 days ago
- 7 min read
By Mullins Moving
Jan 8, 2026
8 min read
In This Article
Most people moving to Phoenix Arizona have never lived in a desert city before.
That's a problem, because what works in Seattle or Chicago won't work here.
If you want your Phoenix relocation to be smooth, you need insider knowledge from people who actually live and work here. After helping thousands of families move to the Phoenix metro area, we're sharing exactly what you need to know before, during, and after your move to Arizona's Valley of the Sun.
Why Everyone is Moving to Phoenix Right Now
Phoenix is the fastest-growing metro area in the United States for good reason.
People are relocating to Phoenix from California, Washington, Texas, and the entire Midwest in record numbers. The Phoenix metropolitan area added over 100,000 new residents last year alone.
What's driving this massive migration to Phoenix Arizona?
No state income tax: Arizona doesn't have the crushing tax burden of California or New York
Affordable housing: Even with rising prices, Phoenix homes are 40-60% cheaper than coastal cities
Year-round sunshine: 300 days of sun and perfect winter weather from October to May
Booming job market: Major companies like Intel, Amazon, and Microsoft are expanding their Phoenix operations
Outdoor lifestyle: Hiking trails, golf courses, and mountain views are everywhere
The Phoenix metro area includes Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, Gilbert, Chandler, Glendale, Peoria, and Surprise. Each city has its own character, but all share the same desert beauty and incredible lifestyle.
The #1 Thing You Must Know Before Moving to Phoenix
The heat is real.
Not "it gets warm" real. We're talking 115-degree summers that last from June through September.
This isn't like a hot day in Dallas or Atlanta. Phoenix heat is different. It's dry, intense, and relentless. Car steering wheels become too hot to touch. Pavement can literally cook food. And yes, your air conditioning bill in July will shock you.
But here's what most moving guides won't tell you: Phoenix is built for the heat.
Every building has industrial-strength AC. Parking lots have covered spaces or strategically placed shade trees. Restaurants use misting systems to cool outdoor patios. Most shopping centers have covered walkways.
The other 8-9 months of the year? Absolutely perfect.
From October through May, Phoenix weather is what people dream about. Temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Crystal-clear blue skies. Zero humidity. You'll understand why locals keep gloves in their cars to handle the steering wheel, but also wear shorts on Christmas day.
If you can handle 3-4 months of staying indoors during peak heat, you get 8-9 months of the best weather in America.
The Real Truth About Phoenix Weather
Let's break down what Phoenix weather actually looks like month by month:
October - April: Perfect. Sunny days in the 70s-80s. Cool evenings. This is prime time in Phoenix.
May: Starting to heat up. Upper 90s to low 100s. Still manageable.
June - September: Hot. Really hot. Expect 110-120 degrees regularly. Monsoon storms bring dramatic lightning and brief downpours, usually in July and August.
November - March: Why people move here. Gorgeous weather for hiking, golf, outdoor dining, and everything else.
Phoenix gets about 8 inches of rain per year, and yes, it does rain in the desert.
Summer monsoons can be spectacular with massive thunderstorms rolling across the valley.
One insider tip: Dust storms (called "haboobs") occasionally roll through during monsoon season. They look dramatic but are usually gone within 20 minutes.
Best Phoenix Neighborhoods for Families in 2026
Where should you actually live when moving to Phoenix Arizona?
Four Phoenix suburbs consistently rank among the best places to raise a family in the United States: Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, and Peoria.
Gilbert, Arizona'
Gilbert has transformed from a small farming town to one of the most desirable suburbs in America. The Chandler Unified School District serves much of Gilbert and is recognized as one of Arizona's top school districts. Downtown Gilbert offers restaurants, boutiques, and a genuine small-town feel despite the city's growth.
Chandler, Arizona
Tech companies love Chandler. Intel has a massive campus here, and other tech employers have followed. Excellent schools, master-planned communities, and easy freeway access make Chandler perfect for young families and professionals.
Scottsdale, Arizona
If you want upscale living, world-class golf courses, and high-end shopping, Scottsdale delivers. The city stretches from trendy downtown Scottsdale to stunning North Scottsdale with mountain views. Scottsdale Unified School District is highly rated.
Peoria, Arizona
On the northwest side of the valley, Peoria offers newer construction, great schools, and a more affordable price point than Scottsdale or some East Valley cities. The Peoria sports complex hosts spring training for the Padres and Mariners.
Mesa, Arizona
Mesa is Arizona's third-largest city and offers incredible value. The downtown Mesa area has undergone major revitalization. Mesa is also home to attractive master-planned communities and easy access to hiking trails.
When choosing your Phoenix neighborhood, consider your commute, school districts, and lifestyle preferences. Mullins Moving helps families move throughout the entire Phoenix metro area.
Cost of Living: What You'll Actually Pay
Moving to Phoenix from California or the Pacific Northwest?
Prepare for sticker shock, in a good way.
Housing costs in Phoenix Arizona are 40-60% lower than Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Seattle. A home that costs $800,000 in California might run $350,000-450,000 in Phoenix. The median home price in the Phoenix metro area hovers around $450,000 as of 2026.
No state income tax means your paycheck goes further in Arizona.
Lower property taxes compared to many other states.
Affordable utilities, except during summer when your AC runs constantly.
Cheaper groceries and dining than most major metro areas.
The trade-off? Summer electricity bills can hit $300-400 for a typical home. But that's offset by no heating costs in winter and overall lower cost of living.
Arizona Moving Costs and How to Save
So what does it actually cost to move to Phoenix?
If you're moving from within Arizona or from a neighboring state, expect:
Local moves within Phoenix: $800-2,500 depending on home size
Long distance moves to Phoenix: $3,000-8,000+ depending on distance and volume
Cross-country moves to Phoenix: $5,000-12,000 for a full-service move
Here's how to save money when moving to Phoenix Arizona:
Book early — Moving companies charge premium rates during peak summer season (May-August)
Move mid-week — Weekend moves cost 20-30% more than Tuesday or Wednesday moves
Downsize first — Every item you don't move saves money. Sell or donate before your move.
Get multiple quotes — Compare at least 3 moving companies. Make sure they're licensed and insured.
Consider partial packing — Pack yourself and hire professional movers for loading, transport, and unloading
Avoid peak moving season — Moving in fall or winter costs significantly less
Mullins Moving offers transparent, competitive pricing for Phoenix relocations. We provide detailed estimates with no hidden fees.
Phoenix Job Market: Opportunities in the Valley
Why are so many people finding work in Phoenix?
The Phoenix job market is exploding. Major industries include:
Technology — Intel, Amazon, Microsoft, PayPal, GoDaddy, and hundreds of tech startups
Healthcare — Mayo Clinic, Banner Health, and Dignity Health employ thousands
Finance — American Express, Wells Fargo, and JPMorgan Chase have major operations
Manufacturing — Aerospace, electronics, and advanced manufacturing
Real estate and construction — One of the fastest-growing housing markets in America
Tourism and hospitality — Resorts, golf courses, and spring training bring year-round visitors
Phoenix also has a thriving entrepreneurial scene. Lower business costs and no corporate income tax attract startups and established companies relocating from high-tax states.
Arizona State University in nearby Tempe is one of the nation's largest universities, providing a steady stream of educated workers.
What Phoenix Movers Wish You Knew
After moving thousands of families to Phoenix Arizona, here's what we wish everyone knew:
Schedule your move for October through April if possible — Moving in 115-degree heat is miserable. Fall and winter moves are easier on everyone.
Your furniture needs protection — The intense Arizona sun fades fabric and leather. Use window treatments immediately.
Get your AC checked before summer — Don't wait until June when every HVAC tech is booked solid.
Plan for increased driving — Phoenix is spread out. You'll drive more than in compact East Coast cities.
Embrace the lifestyle shift — In summer, you'll do activities early morning or evening. In winter, you'll do everything outside.
Stay hydrated — Seriously. The dry air means you don't notice how much you're sweating. Drink water constantly.
Join community groups — Phoenix welcomes newcomers. Find your neighborhood Facebook groups, HOA activities, or local clubs.
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When you're ready to move, work with experienced Arizona movers who understand both the logistics and the lifestyle.
Essential Moving Timeline for Phoenix Relocations
2-3 Months Before Your Move
Choose your Phoenix neighborhood and secure housing. Research school districts if you have kids. Get moving quotes from licensed Arizona moving companies. Start decluttering and donating items you won't bring.
6-8 Weeks Before Your Move
Book your moving company. Begin packing non-essential items. Transfer medical records and prescriptions. Research Arizona car registration and driver's license requirements.
3-4 Weeks Before Your Move
Notify utilities, internet, and service providers. Set up accounts with Arizona Public Service (APS) or Salt River Project (SRP) for electricity. Register kids for Arizona schools. Pack systematically, room by room.
1 Week Before Your Move
Confirm details with your moving company. Pack essential boxes for immediate needs. Clean out your refrigerator. Prepare your vehicle for the drive if you're not using auto transport.
Moving Day
Do final walkthrough. Take photos of your old place. Meet your moving crew and review the inventory. Keep important documents, medications, and valuables with you, not on the truck.
After Arrival in Phoenix
Register vehicles with Arizona MVD within 30 days. Get Arizona driver's licenses. Establish residency. Find doctors, dentists, and local services. Explore your new neighborhood.
Ready to Make Your Move to Phoenix?
Moving to Phoenix Arizona is one of the best decisions you'll make.
The lifestyle, weather, opportunities, and community make Phoenix one of America's most desirable cities. With proper planning and the right moving company, your relocation to the Valley of the Sun will be smooth and stress-free.
At Mullins Moving, we specialize in Phoenix relocations. Whether you're moving from California, the Midwest, or across the Phoenix metro area, our experienced team makes your move easy. We're locally owned, fully licensed and insured, and obsessed with customer satisfaction.
Ready to start your Phoenix move? Contact Mullins Moving today for a free moving quote and let us handle the heavy lifting while you focus on your exciting new chapter in Arizona.