Phoenix, Arizona
Valley of the Sun with explosive growth
U.S. News (2025)
#40 Best Places to Live
Forbes (2024)
#7 Best Cities for Jobs
WhereAtHome Score
66.7
Dout of 100
Overview
Phoenix is America's fifth-largest city and one of its fastest-growing metros. The desert climate offers over 300 sunny days annually, attracting retirees and remote workers. Housing remains more affordable than California alternatives, while tech and healthcare sectors provide employment. Extreme summer heat is a significant consideration.
Key Highlights
- Over 300 sunny days per year
- Major tech and semiconductor hub
- More affordable than California metros
- World-class golf and desert recreation
- Growing biotech and healthcare sectors
- Lower taxes than neighboring California
Key Metrics
2024 Presidential Election
Maricopa County (county-level results)
Source: County-level results from MIT Election Data + Science Lab. Learn more
Climate
Summer High
106°F
Winter Low
45°F
Annual Rainfall
8"
Sunny Days
299
Amenities & Infrastructure
200+ Parks
Green spaces and recreation
15 Major Hospitals
Healthcare access
4 Universities
Higher education institutions
Public Transit Available
Bus, rail, or metro service
Major Employers
Score Breakdown
6 of 6 score factors available. Missing factors are excluded and available weights are rescaled.
Median home value relative to national average (Weight: 20%)
How affordable housing is relative to local incomes (Weight: 20%)
Average commute time compared to national average (Weight: 15%)
Overall crime levels based on FBI crime statistics (Weight: 20%)
Walk Score — ease of daily errands on foot (Weight: 15%)
Median income relative to national average, adjusted for cost of living (Weight: 10%)
Location
Compare with another city
Start ComparisonLast Updated: 2026-07-01
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Walk Score, and Niche.
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