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Things to Know About Phoenix Before You Move There

According to the Census Bureau, more people moved to Arizona’s Maricopa County than any other county in the entire nation in 2017, with a population gain of 74,000. If you’re thinking of joining them, as you search through houses for sale in Phoenix, there are a few things you should know first.

Where’s The Valley?

As Phoenix is so large, many people simply refer to the Phoenix metropolitan area as “The Valley.” The East Valley refers to Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe and Queen Creek, while the West Valley is made up of Avondale, Gilbert, Goodyear, Buckeye and Peoria.

Bring Your Hiking Shoes

You don’t have to travel a long distance to enjoy hiking in Phoenix. In fact, you don’t even have to leave the city. There are some fantastic mountain treks right her and throughout the metro area, including trails on Camelback Mountain, Papago Park, South Mountain Park and Preserve and Pinnacle Peak Park.

You Won’t Need Your Umbrella

Phoenix experiences just a little over 8 inches of precipitation every year. Rainy days are few and far between, with 299 days of sunshine annually here.

Staycations Are Popular Here

A staycation refers to a vacation enjoyed within driving distance of home, and here, that’s often a very short drive as The Valley host’s some of the country’s top resorts. Locals like to take advantage of the fantastic opportunities for world-class dining, lavish spas and picturesque golf courses that are just minutes from home. Of course, when you do want to fly out of the area for an escape, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is often ranked among the best in the U.S. In 2016, it was rated No. 1 by USA Today.

Plan on Taking Advantage of the Light Rail System

Light Rail is the best way to get around once you move to Phoenix. Leave your car at home and enjoy going out exploring without having to get behind the wheel. It’s extremely affordable, safe and reliable.

Watch Out For the Haboobs

While the name might make you laugh, haboobs aren’t a joke. This is a type of intense dust storm that occurs regularly in dry regions across the globe, including Phoenix and the surrounding area. If you see a wall of dust heading in your direction, it’s time to go indoors.

Don’t Forget Your Bathing Suit

While you won’t find an ocean here, there three major water parks in the Greater Phoenix area and lots of smaller ones to when you want to beat the heat and enjoy a good time. Wet ‘n’ Wild Phoenix includes a wave pool that has 4-foot swells, lots of thrill rides and more, while Travel + Leisure named Oasis Water Park. which offers a water park as well as resort pools, among the top 10 in the country.