Moving to a new city or community can sometimes seem overwhelming. When moving a thousand miles from home, we leave behind all the comforts of things familiar. We find ourselves in a new world of needs and confusion. And if you have decided to pack up and move, here are three essential things to consider before you step on the plane.
Do Your Research
Whether you have been offered your dream job or you have got your heart set on moving to the Valley of the Sun, you need to do your homework well in advance. Information is key.
Do extensive research on the neighborhood where you will be living. Start with rent prices in Phoenix. Then, research housing, transportation, healthcare, and food prices to create a realistic budget. There is a lot of information available online. Try some of the living calculators, which can help you get an estimation of the living costs in this city. Also, check where your closest doctor, dentist, and hospitals are, as well as schools and parks. If you have time, investigate where you can participate in activities you enjoy, like sports or book clubs. It will help you feel more like home once you move.
Before you choose a neighborhood to live in, find out what areas are residential and commercial. Phoenix’s desert landscapes, year-round pool season and affordable housing, make the city a great choice for newcomers.
Our advice is to check Downtown Scottsdale, North Scottsdale, Downtown Phoenix, Roosevelt Row Arts District, Paradise Valley, Arcadia, Tempe, and Glendale. All these neighborhoods offer something unique and different, and the choice will depend on your personal preferences.
Transportation is another critical point. Decide whether you will be driving a car or using public transport to get around. If you’re planning on keeping a car in the city, find out what your parking and storage options are. If you decide to rely on public transportation, you are not the only one. As the price of gasoline continues to be a significant factor in the budget, and as the quality of valley air impacts the quality of life, people are using more public transportation. Valley Metro is the regional transit system in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
The transportation system consists of Local, Express and RAPID commuter bus service; Neighborhood circulators; Dial-a-Ride; Vanpool service; Online carpool matching system; Assistance to local businesses to help them meet the Maricopa County trip reduction goals and Valley Metro Rail. The local bus fare is $2 per ride. An all-day pass is twice that amount, $4. If you decide to ride the bus regularly, or you need to take more than one bus to get to your destination, check the different passes options.
The Moving Process
During the moving process, it is best to be prepared and ready for all the steps ahead. The best way to start your relocation process is to start planning well in advance. After all, you will have to pack your home and get rid of anything you don’t need. Make sure you buy supplies like tape or boxes depending on the size and quantity of your belongings. Avoid throwing random items into boxes. Try to pack room by room. If packing seems overwhelming (after all, not everyone can handle this stress), hire a moving company. Phoenix movers can deliver great moving services at a significantly lower cost.
Believe it or not, the time of year you move can make a difference, especially if you are planning to move in Phoenix. Since temperatures in the city can vary between 92 and 98 degrees Fahrenheit during May, the best time to do relocation activities would be right before spring, fall or even winter.
Settling In
You have arrived and unpacked your belongings, and the process of settling in begins. You have probably already made arrangements such as setting up your new house or apartment and selecting a school for your kids. However, you still might not get the feeling like you are at home. How long that takes depends much on your circumstances. Having relatives in the area, or a job you can start right away usually helps a ton. These factors bring a comforting sense of familiarity. Relocating is stressful, more emotionally than physically.
To feel like a home, you need to create meaningful ties with people in your new community. Build relationships with new (and old) friends, neighbors, teachers, and grocery store owners. You have to be both patient and active. Consider pushing yourself each week to do something you wouldn’t naturally do.
This may be as simple as deciding to walk your dog every morning in a crowded park. Try community service and volunteerism. It is one of the best ways to create meaningful new ties. Find opportunities through local community centers or gardens, your job, churches, or schools, or online.
Use websites like to help you quickly navigate through all the available options. Or join a club. Try salsa dancing, rock climbing, or anything that might provoke your interest. This is an extraordinary way to meet people with common interests right off the bat.
Moving to Phoenix can be a fantastic life experience. After all, it is a city with 300 sunny days a year, luxurious spas, resorts, casinos, and great shopping and restaurants that go along with those. Believe us, all the more reasons to execute your moving plan rapidly and enjoy it all!
