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PHOENIX
The Fifth Largest City in the Country
For anyone in their 20s when it comes to Phoenix, the question is why wouldn't you want to live here?
The Valley (Phoenix's metropolitan area and its suburbs) is a virtual hub of great dining, fabulous shopping and a nightlife that's catching national attention from wild hotspots like L.A. and Las Vegas. Where else could you live in a place that also has endless job opportunities, a thriving college scene and a lifestyle serene enough to relax and call home?
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As the fifth-largest city in the country in one of the fastest growing, there's plenty of growth opportunity for job-seekers. Plus, the seemingly endless amount of resorts, spas and golf courses make the Valley an easy place to indulge in a laid-back lifestyle if you choose.
College students and young professionals drive the nightlife here and the arts and cultural scene is growing wildly.
Neighborhoods
 Tempe
Tempe is the Valley's college town. Its downtown Mill Avenue district has shops, dining and bars all within a one-mile stretch, and it's popular for college students and professionals alike. Tempe is also home to many businesses and new high-rise condominium developments that's attracting the attention of those whowant an urban lifestyle without the population and building congestion of a big city.
You'll find plenty of recreational areas at Tempe Town Lake where you can rent paddleboats for the day. Mill Avenue and Tempe Beach Park constantly host outdoor events and concerts and are also within biking or walking distance if living on campus. Although a lot of Tempe has older, 70s-style neighborhoods, many new developments on Arizona State University's campus and the new Tempe Marketplace, an outdoor mixed-use retail and restaurant plaza, are changing the landscape of downtown Tempe. Plus, the city's central location to East Valley towns (Phoenix, Sky Harbor Airport and Scottsdale all within 15 minutes) means you're right in the center of anywhere you would need to be. Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Tempe is anywhere from $850 to $1,000 and up. And the new light rail system, scheduled to be completed by December 2008, will enable easy access to downtown Phoenix facilities like Chase Ballpark.
Chandler
Although better known as the suburb that's home to soccer moms, Chandler's new shopping and restaurant developments and its affordability make it a quiet city that mirrors Scottsdale's upscale living without the luxe price tag. You can find great retailers and dining along the Chandler Fashion Mall area and nightlife in Tempe or Scottsdale are just a 20-25 minute commute. ASU is also just 20 minutes away, making Chandler an ideal location for those looking for a clean, quiet and affordable lifestyle for those who don't need to be in "the scene."
Unlike many Valley cities, most residential developments are fairly new and the city is constantly expanding and quickly becoming a second Scottsdale. Average rents in Chandler range anywhere from $900-$1,100 and up, and since the light rail system doesn't reach Chandler (and more than likely you'll be commuting into Tempe, Phoenix or Scottsdale for school, work or play) a car is definitely your easiest bet to get around.
Phoenix
When moving to Arizona, surprisingly enough most people overlook living in Phoenix altogether. But this city is brimming with cultural activities and a wide mix of people. Anyone looking to live within walking distance of bars, restaurants and sporting events (Phoenix is home to Chase Ballpark for the Arizona Diamondbacks and US Airways arena for the Phoenix Suns) need look no further than Phoenix.
You'll also find plenty of art galleries, museums and ASU's downtown Phoenix campus. But mostly, if you're working in downtown Phoenix, then living there as well may be ideal. Like any big city, the difference between million-dollar condos and assisted living situations is merely blocks apart. Shopping malls are a short 15-25 minute drive to Chandler, Tempe or Scottsdale and rents average anywhere from $790 to $1,000 and up.
Scottsdale
From celebrities and socialites to students and young professionals, Scottsdale has its fair share of variety. Undoubtedly, Scottsdale is home to the best nightlife and shopping in the state for those looking for an upscale experience. And the cultural scene thrives as well; you'll find art galleries known across the country, rivaling those of cities like Santa Fe.
But don't expect just some rowdy youngsters looking to party; there are plenty of wine bars and spots for young professionals as well. High-rise living is also popping up in Scottsdale with condos near the Scottsdale Fashion Square mall and new developments by the Scottsdale Waterfront plaza.
Although the city is a mix of older 70s houses and new developments and high-rises, rents still average around $1,100 for a two-bedroom apartment and residents include some of the most affluent households in the Valley. For those looking to live a luxe life and fans of boutique shopping and a trendy nightlife scene, Scottsdale is the ideal city.
Transportation
You cannot live in Arizona without a car. End of story. The state is completely spread out with each city worth visiting 20-30 minutes apart from each other and there is no mass transit system that's easy to take. While there is a public bus system, since all cities are so far apart it would be very time consuming to take. Tempe is currently in the works of constructing its light rail system that would only work for those commuting between Tempe and Downtown Phoenix.
ASU students living on campus may bike to get to local shops and entertainment, however summer temperatures top 115 degrees, so this may not always be the best way to get around either.
Local Lingo
Phoenix is short on slang, but its vocabulary can only get bigger as this promising city continues to grow. Here are a couple terms to get you started.
The Valley refers to anywhere in the Phoenix metro area (pretty much where everyone lives). Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Phoenix are all part of The Valley. Anything outside The Valley would be Flagstaff and Tucson (each a few hours away and considered by Valley residents to be too small-town).
Old Town means Old Town Scottsdale. It's the downtown area of Scottsdale, where all the bars, restaurants, shopping, arts, and nightlife are. Pretty much the place to be.
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Consumer Products
• USAir
• PetSmart
• Coldstone Creamery
B2B Services
• Avnet
• Insight Industries
Why do you love about working here?
There's more opportunity, there's better pay and there's a lot more engineering firms to choose from too. There's lots of work available.
Elizabeth, 25
N. Arizona University, Engineer in training
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