Millennials are flocking to Phoenix, Arizona - here's what it's like to live there

Frank OlitoSep 28, 2021, 01:06 IST

Residents love all that Phoenix has to offer.Gregory E. Clifford/Shutterstock

Phoenix was the fastest-growing big city between 2010 and 2020, according to US Census data.
Insider spoke with Phoenix residents to find out what it's like living there.
Residents describe the warm winter weather, diverse food, beautiful sunsets, and vibrant nightlife.

Millennials are moving out of big cities and opting for smaller ones, such as Phoenix.

People are flocking to Phoenix. 4kodiak/Getty Images

One resident called Phoenix the "nation's best-kept secret."

Phoenix. Wally Skalij/Getty Images

Living there is like having the "resort lifestyle in your backyard," residents said.

Sunny Phoenix. f11photo/Shutterstock

The perfect weather for the majority of the year adds to the resort-like feel.

It's almost always sunny in Phoenix. BCFC/Shutterstock

But during the summer, temperatures can stay over 100 degrees during the day, and it can be brutal.

Summers can be brutal. Bryan Neuswanger/Shutterstock

Phoenix measures 517 square miles, making it a sprawling metropolis.

Phoenix is sprawling. DANIEL SLIM/Getty Images

Because the city is so large, one native said she still hasn't visited every pocket of the city.

Phoenix is huge. Brandon Burris/Shutterstock

There is public transportation that takes residents to some parts of the city, but not all of it.

Phoenix's Valley Metro light-rail train. Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Since public transportation is limited, drivers can expect to experience traffic, although it's not as bad as in other large cities.

Traffic in Phoenix. Jeff Topping/Getty Images

As for housing, rent is relatively cheap, but it's getting more expensive.

Housing can be cheap. DCA88/Shutterstock

The median home price is $360,000 in Phoenix, according to Zillow. But in Scottsdale, which is part of the Greater Phoenix area, the median home cost is $700,000.

Housing prices are expected to drop. Ray Redstone/Shutterstock

Plus, job opportunities in Arizona are on the rise post-pandemic.

The job market is improving in Phoenix. Brendan McDermid/Reuters

Residents said the most popular neighborhood in the city to live and explore is Downtown Phoenix.

Downtown Phoenix. Shutterstock

The best nightlife is also found in Downtown Phoenix.

Nightlife in Downtown Phoenix. MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images

The Greater Phoenix region also has some great areas with vibrant downtown neighborhoods.

Downtown Scottsdale. KingWu/Getty Images

Residents say one of the best parts of Phoenix is its variety of cuisines.

Phoenix has great Mexican food. Jamie Sue Photography/Shutterstock

Beyond the culture and lifestyle, the people of Phoenix also can't get enough of the sunsets.

Sunset in Phoenix. Caitlin O'Hara/Getty Images

And the best place to see the sunset and sunrise is from a hot air balloon - a Phoenix staple.

Residents love hot air balloons. Raul Cano/Shutterstock

I tried every milkshake at Shake Shack, and ranked them from worst to best

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