Looking at how much Phoenix, AZ, has to offer in terms of weather, natural beauty, tourist attractions and fine living, it doesn’t come as a surprise that many people choose to relocate to Arizona’s capital city. In 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that the metro area received 300 new residents every day. Last year marked a considerable spike in the number of people moving to Phoenix and Maricopa County was named the fastest-growing county in the US.
Need-to-know facts about the Phoenix housing market before making the move
As the area is trying to accommodate more residents, Phoenix homes have been getting smaller. The city’s average house size lost 167 square feet in one decade, according to a StorageCafe study on home size trends in the US. That is the biggest decrease in home size out of the 20 biggest US cities, apart from San Diego and Denver, which have seen somewhat larger decreases in size.
The strong demand correlated with a limited inventory has created a highly competitive real estate market for Phoenix homebuyers. The median sale price in Phoenix is now $390K, a 23% increase from 2020, while the median listing price per square foot is around $250. Moreover, houses that are for sale in Phoenix do not spend more than 25 days on the market, as reported by Zillow.
The favorable weather, the variety of recreational and educational opportunities and the reasonable cost of living will most likely continue to draw people from out of state to Phoenix.
The self storage market, which can be a huge help when relocating, is rather diverse in Phoenix and will allow you to enjoy a moving experience that’s substantially less stressful and more efficient. On the plus side, Phoenix storage units are quite affordable, with rates hovering around $160 per month.
Where to live in Phoenix: 8 best neighborhoods in 2021
Whether you’re relocating to Phoenix or you’re simply looking to upgrade your living situation, we’ve selected a few “top-rated” places to live in the Valley of the Sun that are worth considering. Homes in these neighborhoods go for a bit more than the average sale price, but you’ll be getting your money’s worth, as they will put you in a prime position to enjoy all that PHX has to offer.
We have sorted the list according to median home listing prices in each neighborhood, so let’s start with the more affordable options and then gradually move on to the most luxurious ones.
1. Deer Valley ($400K)
This evolving residential area is 20 minutes away from downtown Phoenix and is home to almost 200 thousand people, most of whom are homeowners. Public schools are highly rated and the crime rate is 20% lower than the Phoenix average. Additionally, Deer Valley boasts an impressive number of parks and water parks, sports complexes, restaurants, sports bars and other options for spending your free time. Here, you can take a hot air balloon ride in the morning, then hop in your car and arrive downtown in less than half an hour.
2. Paradise Valley ($500K)
Arizona’s wealthiest municipality borders the town of Scottsdale and is known for its many golf courses, along with the vibrant restaurant and shopping scene.
The area is not just a premier tourist destination, but it is also home to young professionals – the median age is 41. Paradise Valley also has more people who work in computers and math than 95% of the places in the US, and around 20% of the workforce permanently works from home. Even if you’re not a golfing enthusiast, the neighborhood’s trails, parks, bars and country clubs will keep you busy.
3. Ahwatukee Foothills Village ($500K)
This cozy urban village occupies the southernmost part of Phoenix. Here, outdoor fun opportunities are endless, due to the proximity of South Mountain Park and Preserve, both private and public schools have good ratings, and entertainment options are plentiful. Locals can enjoy popular brunch spots such as Snooze A.M. Eatery, Japanese restaurants like RA Sushi Bar, the AMC movie theatre or the well-known Wild Horse Pass Casino and Hotel. You can enjoy all these while still being only 20 minutes away from downtown Phoenix.
4. Desert Ridge – High Street ($542K)
Desert Ridge is not just a popular shopping area with fashionable boutiques and well-known brands, but also a neighborhood replete with live music events and diverse dining joints. Just like any other upscale Phoenix neighborhood, Desert Ridge would not have made a name for itself, had it not been for the golf clubs, spas and vibrant central marketplace. You can also burn your calories at the large Reach 11 Sports Complex and then enjoy the variety of entertainment options offered by High Street.
5. Roosevelt Row District ($545K)
If you’re into arts and culture, this is the place you want to be. A couple of blocks north of downtown Phoenix is the city’s walkable arts district, welcoming visitors with an impressive array of art galleries, boutique shops and street art pieces. Roosevelt Row could be regarded as the city’s most diverse and eclectic neighborhood, and the music festivals, exhibitions and cultural events blend well with the museums and live music venues here to make “RoRo” an art lover’s paradise. Join the fun on First Fridays (of every month), as that is when the area truly comes to life.
6. Biltmore – Biltmore Estates – Biltmore Gates ($695K)
The Biltmore area of Phoenix fosters luxurious golf courses, spa resorts and high-end shopping centers, along with being close to the famous Camelback Mountain which overlooks the city. Hikers, joggers, cyclists and nature enthusiasts in general can enjoy the trails and the natural wonders, while admiring the panoramic views from Camelback Mountain.
Biltmore is considered one of the most coveted residential areas in Phoenix, attracting people thanks to its beautiful homes, bustling shopping center, bubbling fountains, beautiful gardens and green spaces.
7. Paradise Gardens and Paradise Foothills (~$800K)
While it’s not easy to find a home in this area, settling in this upscale part of Paradise Valley will reward you with beautiful mid-sized houses and plenty of green spaces and vivid gardens in one of the safest Phoenix neighborhoods – the crime rate is 41% lower here compared to the city average.
Getting a place here will mean that you will only be 5 minutes away from the Paradise Valley Mall (a primary shopping destination at the regional level). Nature lovers can also enjoy the proximity to the Phoenix Mountains Preserve and Piestewa Peak Park.
8. Clearwater Hills – Heritage Hills – Marion Estates (over $1M)
Between the Biltmore Area and Paradise Valley, there are a couple of neighborhoods fostering some of the most beautiful and high-end homes you can find in Phoenix.
Clearwater Hills is situated on the eastern slopes of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve and offers breathtaking views, along with spacious homes. A 5-minute drive to the south will let you see the natural beauty and housing comforts of the adjoining Heritage Hills and Marion Estates. Located outside the city limits when initially developed in the 50s, these pricey residential developments offer large lot sizes, jaw-dropping views and gorgeous open-concept home layouts.
Best Storage Facilities in NYC, Based on Customer Reviews
Most storage listings in New York City look the same. Reviews are where you find out what you’re getting into: whether the staff will help you, whether the building stays clean and whether your rent stays put once you’ve moved in. So we went through renters’ reviews and picked the three best storage facilities in each NYC borough. Each one gets a score out of 100, and each brand shows up only once per borough. If you’re curious how we scored them, that’s at the end.
Packing Services: Costs, Pros, Cons & Alternatives
Professional packers save time and reduce breakage, but they add a real cost to your move. Whether they’re worth it depends on how much you own, how much protection it needs and how much time you have. This guide covers what packing services cost, when they pay off, when they don’t and the cheaper alternatives worth considering.
Classic Car Storage: A Guide to Protecting Your Collector Car
Any classic car you see is still there and looking great because people throughout the years knew how to store it well. Those smart decisions kept it from being damaged by moisture, frost and other issues that lead other cars to the auto-graveyard. Now, it’s up to you to carry on the legacy by choosing the right kind of classic car storage(opens in new tab). This guide compares indoor and outdoor options, explains why climate control storage(opens in new tab) is important and shows you how to prepare your car before you store it.(opens in new tab)
Second Acts With Roll-Up Doors: The Most Unexpected Self Storage Conversions In The U.S.
You probably don’t expect to stash your holiday decorations in a former armory. Or tuck away old photo albums where moviegoers once lined up for popcorn. But across the country, some of the most unexpected buildings are getting a second act — as self storage facilities.
Storage Unit Insurance: Your Coverage Options Compared
Your homeowners or renters policy may already cover your stored belongings, but likely not for their full value or against every risk. This guide explains where coverage comes from, what each option leaves out and how to decide whether you need more from your storage unit insurance.
I’m Gen Z: What’s in My Storage Unit?
Trading Facebook posts for TikTok dances and Beanie Babies for Labubus, Gen Z has given growing up online a whole new meaning. Defined by everything concerning reusing, recycling and cycling through trends that previous generations would rather forget (looking at you, Millennials and capri jeans), it’s no wonder this is also a generation that can spot an authentic vintage find from a fast-fashion knockoff in under three seconds. And when your wardrobe can go from Depop find to next season’s comeback without warning, a little extra space starts making sense.
I’m a Millennial: What’s in My Storage Unit?
So, you’re a Millennial. You probably know all the lyrics to Phoebe Buffay’s Smelly Cat. Hannah Montana’s The Best of Both Worlds has become more like a life philosophy rather than a fun tune. And if you rent a self storage unit, you’re in good company. You’ve officially joined the 31% of Millennials who rent storage space, most often because there simply isn’t enough room at home, according to StorageCafe’s 2026 Self Storage Demand and Trends survey(opens in new tab).
Attic Storage Done Right: What’s Worth Keeping Up Top?
The attic is one of those places where holiday decorations end up next to a forgotten suitcase, a broken lamp and boxes nobody’s opened since moving day. Out of sight, out of mind works well enough until you need something from the back or realize you’ve been adding weight to a floor you know little about.
What to Know Before Starting a Self Storage Business in 2027
If you’re wondering how to start a self storage business, two questions come first: Does your area need more storage, and what would it take to run the business? Before you commit to a property, it helps to understand local demand, the costs involved and the day-to-day work of serving renters.