Thinking about moving to Phoenix AZ?

We moved here for 12 years ago In this video I am going to break down the 5 things I WISH I knew before I moved to Phoenix AZ . Some of these you will like, and some you might not. Either way, it will help you make your decision to move here or not!

REASON #1

First I wish I knew about the weather! All everyone talks about is the HEAT. It is so hot in Arizona…this was one of my worst fears in moving here. How HOT is HOT! 

Well I am not going to lie, July and August it is hot. I remember the first time I really felt it. I got off the airplane and walked outside. It was like walking into a blow dryer turned on high! It was warm and the breeze was even hotter. Similar to extreme cold temps, it can catch you off guard if you aren’t prepared. 

If you live in a winter state you have to bundle up to stay warm. Here to cool off we have so many things you can do!! 

During the summer get up early, the temps are in the 80s and you are even able to enjoy a beautiful morning hike. In the afternoons be sure to take a quick swim in the pool. Or catch a movie. Always bring a jacket for the air conditioning is always super cold anywhere you go here during the summer. 

Now that is the worst of it. Can you handle 3 months of warm?? I know I can…for the rest of the year, the weather is perfect. 

The temps begin to cool down in October and you could actually need a winter jacket in late December, We don’t get snow here in The Valley, but if this something you will miss, you can drive 1-½ hours north to Flagstaff. They can get tons of snow! 

In January and February, temps are in the 70s during the day and can get into low 40s at night. March is absolutely perfect weather. Not too hot during the day and not too cold at night.  Backyard swimming pools typically begin to open this time of year as well.

April and May are also great months to be outside! The temps can begin to rise in late May, but typically the summer heat doesn’t start til June.

The biggest reason we chose to move here from Wisconsin is the weather! I hardly ever have to look at what the weather will be like each day. It is almost always beautiful and sunny with not a cloud in the sky! 

REASON #2

The state isn’t just the desert. Now don’t get me wrong…the desert is so so beautiful. You actually grow and love it’s beauty more and more the longer you live here. But Arizona isn’t just a desert. 

Phoenix is located at an elevation of 1000ft. We call the entire Phoenix Metro Area “The Valley”.  If you drive 2-3 hours north out of the valley, to Flagstaff, you reach over 7000 ft in elevation. You go from being surrounded by sand and cacti to mountains, tall pines and cooler temperatures. You will experience 4 seasons here and can even spend winter snow skiing at AZ Snowbowl. 

You can also travel East towards Pinetop-Lakeside. This summer resort community features a lake for boating and fishing, hiking trails, and camping in the ponderosa pines. Be sure to check their calendar for summer festivals too! 

Of course you can’t miss the Grand Canyon. About a 4 hour drive north from Phoenix you can make it a day trip or spend time exploring this beautiful state. 

Our state has such beauty and diversity you won’t believe it.  Start out in the Historic Willow District in Central Phoenix to see homes built in the early 1900s. Head north to capture amazing views of the Sonoran Desert. Check out historic Whisky row in Downtown Prescott. Visit the Haunted Hotel in Jerome. Hike the breathtaking Red Rocks of Sedona. 

Do you live here in Phoenix AZ? What do you like about living here? Drop a note in the comments below. Are you thinking of moving here and have concerns about what you have heard it is like? Reach out, I would be happy to talk you through it. 

REASON #3

The 3rd reason I wish I knew. is how great the hiking is! No matter where you live you will have access to trailheads for any skill level. If you want beautiful views of the city check out the iconic Camelback Mountain. Located just north of downtown Phoenix, this trail isn’t for beginners or ones that don’t like heights. You have a gradual incline at the base of the mountain, but as you get closer to the top you will begin steep inclines and find yourself sprawling over rocks. But the views can’t be beat! 

Piestewa Peak is another trail with amazing views. If you want an easy hike, you will find multiple trails at the base of the mountain you can hike for miles. But if you want a challenge, take the summit trail to the top. This is a 1 mile hike up where you will get your cardio on! It is also good for the glutes for you will find yourself high stepping and sprawling at the top!

Or head south to South Mountain. The Holbert Trail is one of my favorites. It is 4.6 mile out and back moderately challenging hike. The trail is not flat, you are slowly climbing 2.25 miles up. It does require high stepping as you get close to the top. But when you reach the top you can lookout over all of Phoenix . The views are amazing. 

REASON #4

The 4th thing I wish I knew before living here is the truth on SCORPIONS! 

scorpions…my worse nightmare! And I will probably see one tonight for each time I talk about them, I see one! 

I remember searching and searching before I moved here on what it was like to live with them. I was terrified. What do you do if you have them? What do you do if you get stung by one? How do you know if you have them? 

First off they do glow in the dark with a black light. It is cool not cool to go in your backyard and shine the black light on the walls around your yard. They are typically hidden in the cracks. You can’t miss them when you find one. They light up super bright like they are glowing in the dark! 

There is scorpion spray you can get at hardware store to take care of them when you see them. But be careful they do have a stinger on their tail and it will get you.

Now I haven’t been stung by one, but I have heard it hurts. It does impact everyone differently. IF your concerned about what would happen if you get stung, talk with your doctor. They will know your health history and can recommend what to do. 

You can also hire a pest control company to come and spray for scorpions at your house. They come out monthly in the summer and less often in the winter. You typically see scorpions in the summer for they also don’t like the heat. They try to move inside where it is cooler. 

I still don’t like seeing them, they freak me out. CAll a local pest company of the area of Phoenix you are thinking of moving to. When we first moved here, The area we were living didn’t have scorpions. The pest control company told me so. I don’t know why I didn’t stay in that area! 

REASON #5

The 5th thing I wish I knew…is Phoenix does have traffic. Now it isn’t like Chicago or LA, but if you drive during the hours of 7am - 9am and 2pm to 6pm…you will find yourself sitting in traffic. 

The freeways are under a lot of construction adding lanes to help with this issue. But it is something to consider on when you are deciding where you want to live. How far is the commute? Can you work from home a few days a week? Also this traffic is bad going certain directions and and out of town. If you live where you travel the opposite of everyone else…you will have no issues! 

Thank you for taking the time to watch this video. I hope you found this information valuable. If you have questions about the Real Estate Market here in Phoenix AZ, book a consulation with me in the link below! 

https://calendly.com/meet-with-theresa

See you on the next video! 

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