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Phoenix began as a farming town in the 1860s and has now grown into one of the biggest metro areas in the country. People continue to move to this city in order to soak up the sun and look for other economic opportunities. What’s better than year-round sunshine and a yearly average daily temperature around 70 degrees?

Moving to Phoenix definitely has its perks. Did you know that the cost of living is generally 5% lower than the national average. While the prices of homes were up this recent year, real estate costs are still lower than other big cities in the country. Property taxes in Arizona are lower than most places as well. This is great news for homeowners.

With great weather year-round, you’ll never run out of things to do in Phoenix. The Grand Canyon and Sonoran Desert and within driving distance and so are other outdoor activities such as the Superstition Mountains.

Are you a golf player? We’ll then you’ll be right at home with more than 200+ public courses in the Phoenix metro area. Phoenix is also home to the Waste Management Open with some of the top golfers in the world setting the stage at the TPC Course in Scottsdale, Arizona.

With that said, before you pack up and head out to the Valley of the Sun, we’ve put together a list of the 12 things you need to know about Phoenix.

1. We have snakes but they’re not everywhere.

It’s not a surprise that we have snakes since we are living in the desert. However, are much more abundant , especially if you live near a mountain. Always check your shoes, and invest in a blacklight (scorpions glow under black light). Keep your house clutter free and use a storage unit for things you don’t necessarily need in your home.

2. Get used to the phrase “the Valley.”

Phoenix is one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. People tend to refer to the entire metro area of Phoenix as “the Valley.” The west valley cities include Peoria, Avondale, Goodyear Buckeye and Gilbert; East Valley cities include Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe and Queen Creek. Over 4.5 million people call the Valley their home.

3. Don’t pack an umbrella.

Rainfall is rare here in Phoenix unless it’s monsoon season. The average is just 8 inches of rain a year. Rainy days just don’t happen here so you can put your umbrella in your storage unit.

4. You’ll never get lost.

Phoenix is very easy to navigate as most of the streets are fixed like a grid. If you ever feel disoriented just look for South Mountain, which conveniently runs across the south side of town.

5. Never say, “It’s a dry heat.”

This will make the locals roll their eyes. It’s indeed a dry heat, especially in the summer. There’s no need to compare it to anything else. Just tell the locals that you prefer it to the humidity and you’re good.

6. Vacation is a lifestyle here.

Phoenix is home to some of the finest and high-class resorts in the U.S. This means you can get world-class golf, dining, shopping and spas just a few minutes from your home.

7. If you’re a sports fan, learn to deal with disappointment.

It’s tough being a Phoenix sports fan in recent years. Residents love them, but they just hate the pain they cause. As of the 2013 season, the Suns, Cardinals and Coyotes all missed the playoffs by one game.

8. Saguaros are everywhere.

Saguaro cacti are native to the southwest United States. The next time you see a saguaro cactus, take a real look. Each arm takes more than 50-100 years to produce. Nature is all about patience and beauty.

9. Mexican food is a wonderful thing.

You’ll quickly find your favorite Mexican restaurant while living in Phoenix. Find everything from authentic salsa, taco, enchilada and tamales.

10. Plan on driving instead of public transportation.

The public transportation in Phoenix is great, but it’s not ideal for how spread out everything is. Just about everyone avoids public transportation with the lone exception of the light-rail system, which is popular for Suns and Diamondbacks games, and downtown concerts.

11. Learn to love haboobs.

Don’t worry, it’s not a naughty term. Haboobs are the the famous dust storms that envelop the Valley a few times each summer. It looks far worse than it really is.

12. Want to blend in? Don’t get tan.

Phoenix doesn’t get the nickname, “The Valley of the Sun,” for no reason. Phoenix gets more than 300 days of sunshine a year and locals tend to stay out of the heat when they can. You’ll often see mostly visitors laying out beside the pools during the day.

Need help moving to Phoenix?

Make your move much more easier by renting a storage unit. Declutter your house or apartment when you arrive so you can store unnecessary items or valuable while you move in. If you haven’t found a place, a storage unit makes a great place to store whatever big items you need to. We have 5 convenient locations around the Phoenix valley so you can access your belongings anytime you need to.

Tags: heat, know, lost, moving, need, phoenix, resorts, snakes, sports, tips