Did you know that Phoenix, Arizona is the sixth largest city in the United States? Most people are shocked by that, but spend a little time here and you will see exactly why that is!
Located in the heart of the Arizona desert, the warm weather is what attracts many boomers to Phoenix. But the things that keep them here include the amenities of a big city like fantastic restaurants, culture, and shopping that are balanced by a more-than-reasonable cost of living.
Where is Phoenix?
Phoenix is located right in the middle of the southern half of Arizona. It is about a five and a half hour drive directly east of Los Angeles, and just under two hours north of Tucson.
I-10 is the major interstate highway that runs through Phoenix, but you can also take I-17 north to connect with I-40. However, because Phoenix is a major city, you can connect with just about anywhere you want to go flying out of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
History of Phoenix
The Phoenix area was originally home to the Hohokam people, but they were eventually forced to abandon the area following multiple floods and droughts.
Jack Swilling is credited with starting the modern version of the city, and Lord Darrell Duppa is credited with naming it Phoenix as the city would rise from the ashes of the Hohokam community.
Like many parts of the country, the city saw explosive growth following World War II. That growth has continued through today, and Phoenix is now one of the most popular destinations for boomers looking to relocate for their retirement years.
Phoenix Demographics
According to the 2010 census there are 1.45 million people that call Phoenix home. That number is estimated to have grown to well over 1.5 million in recent years. While the population continues to grow very quickly, that growth has slowed a bit in recent years.
The median age in Phoenix is 32.2, and the average household income is just over $47,000.
Phoenix Climate
For most of the people looking to relocate to Phoenix, the Arizona climate is their primary reason. The area is known for long, hot summers, short, mild winters, and very little precipitation. What’s not to like about that, right?
The average highs in the summer months will creep up over 100 degrees, and the average highs in the winter months will stay up in the high 60s. The average lows in the winter months generally sit around 45 degrees.
As for precipitation, Phoenix averages less than an inch of rain in most months and virtually none in some of the springtime months.
Phoenix Resources
Because Phoenix is such a major city, there is A LOT that you are going to want to know about it before trying to explore any specific neighborhoods or communities. Luckily, there are plenty of great online resources to help you get started: