Planning a move to the Phoenix area sometime in the near future? If so, you’ll be joining over four and a half million people who call Phoenix or one of its surrounding cities home.
Many Phoenix residents love living here, but if you’re moving from a different place, it can be a bit of a shock to start a new life in the Valley of the Sun. There are a lot of little things you’ll pick up along the way, but here are what we consider to be the five most important things for you to know to prepare for your move to the Phoenix area.
1. It’s hot.
Okay, so you probably already know this. But chances are, Phoenix heat isn’t quite what you’re expecting. Phoenix heat is very dry, without any of the mugginess that comes from many other hot climates. While many people, especially locals, prefer this dry heat to humidity, when temperatures soar to 115 degrees, it doesn’t matter if it’s humid—it’s still really, really hot. Luckily, Phoenix area homes are outfitted with central air conditioning, so your home can stay comfortably cool.
2. We have monsoons…and haboobs.
From mid-June to late September, monsoons are a pretty common phenomenon in the Phoenix area. These powerful storms bring lightning, wind, and yes, rain. Occasionally, you’ll also get a haboob. Yes, a haboob. These are essentially large dust storms that bring towering clouds of dust sweeping in suddenly. They usually aren’t too destructive, although they can make driving dangerous at times.
3. This isn’t “the middle of nowhere.”
When some people think of Arizona, they think of vast desert wasteland, complete with tumbleweed and cowboys. If that’s your thing, you can certainly find it; but rest assured, the Phoenix area is very modern and thriving, with great shopping and dining opportunities, plenty of sporting events year-round, and great nightlife and entertainment.
4. Spiders and snakes and scorpions, oh my!
Every region has its fair share of specialized “critters,” and Phoenix is certainly no exception. In fact, many of our creepy-crawlies frighten people a little more than your average spider (though we have those, too). The most infamous is the scorpion. Hard to kill, these little creatures will sting if given the chance. The sting usually isn’t dangerous and the pain subsides on its own. Scorpions are fairly common in some parts of the Phoenix area, but don’t worry: there are plenty of people who have lived here their whole lives and never been stung. Just the same—always check your shoes!
5. Plan on driving.
If you’re moving from somewhere with a lot of public transportation options, you may be a little shocked by the Phoenix area’s general lack of public transportation. Sure, there’s a bus system and a limited light-rail system, but the easiest and most common way to get around is in your own car. Thankfully, parking is usually fairly easy and cheap, no matter where you go.
We hope these five crucial tips have helped you prepare just a little bit more for your move to Phoenix, and we hope you feel right at home in the Valley!
If you need secure, reliable self-storage to help with your move, or just to keep your belongings safe, check out Arizona Storage Centers. We have locations throughout the Phoenix area, in Phoenix, Deer Valley, Glendale, Gilbert, and Chandler, so your self-storage can be as convenient as possible. We pride ourselves on our customer service and storage options, so give us a call today at 480-386-6022 to learn how we can help you with your storage needs.
