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This post is sponsored by Arizona Commerce Authority.
When businesses decide where to start up or expand, one of the first things they look for is an abundant source of young, smart job candidates.
That's been a major factor for technology-driven companies such as Apple, ZocDoc, and Garmin, all of which have chosen to open offices in Arizona - in large part because of the strong pool of skilled and available talent in the state.
There's no shortage of educated workers in the area. Arizona is home to more than 142 colleges, universities, and technical schools, including its three state universities: Northern Arizona University, the University of Arizona (U of A), and Arizona State University (ASU), the nation's largest public university. Both U of A and ASU are ranked among the top 50 colleges in the country, and within the top 100 in the world by the Center for World University Rankings. The Wall Street Journal has also named ASU fifth in the nation for "best-qualified graduates." This robust talent pipeline contributes to the state being ranked No. 1 in the country for expected job growth, as well as No. 2 in skilled and available workforce.
And though San Francisco and New York City have long been popular destinations for new and recent college graduates, millennials are finding Arizona's metro areas to be attractive locales where the quality of life is high, the cost of living is low, and career opportunities are plentiful.
With so many tech companies putting down roots or expanding existing operations in the Copper State, some Arizona cities are starting to mirror those of Silicon Valley. For example, PayPal and Verizon Wireless are among the corporations with sizable regional offices in Chandler, a city 26 miles east of Phoenix, which is also home to the nation's largest semiconductor companies. "There's a semiconductor company on every corner here," says Michelle Smith, human resources manager for Cactus Semiconductor. "A huge Intel lab and corporate campus is down the street - so are Freescale, Microchip, and Medtronic (the world's fourth largest medical device technology company). Not every state has something like that."
Arizona's technology clusters are a boon for millennials looking to explore and grow in their industry. "There are a lot of opportunities to innovate that I wouldn't have in other places," says 23-year-old James Tusick, an aerospace engineer who moved to Phoenix from Ohio to work at Boeing's local operations. Tusick has found it easy to meet people across other industries as well, including finance, real estate, and marketing. "There are tons of young professionals in the city," he says.
Millennials are finding they don't need the high rents of other large cities to be part of a thriving community of like-minded peers, or to enjoy a lifestyle that's active and fulfilling. Zillow's Rent Index lists that the average rent for Phoenix is 11.6% below the national average, while Tucson's rent is 15.5% below the national average. It's a stark contrast to cities like San Francisco, which has rents 108% above the national average.
Another draw is easy access to public transportation. Phoenix's Valley Metro light rail system - which currently spans three cities, with even more planned - is a convenient choice for younger professionals, who are increasingly ditching their cars in favor of mass transit. In fact, a survey by the Rockefeller Foundation and Transportation for America found that 66% of millennials consider high-quality transportation as a top factor in deciding where to live.
Those seeking a vibrant dining, cultural, and nightlife scene also have a ton of options, from Tempe's Mill Avenue District, with its trendy bars and restaurants, to CityScape Phoenix, which hosts weekly live music performances and summer pool parties. Clotheshounds head to the many boutiques and retail stores in Downtown Scottsdale or Fashion Square. And with more than 300 days of sunshine every year, millennials get to take advantage of Arizona's terrific weather all year round. A recent Vocativ study ranked both Phoenix and Tucson among the "35 Best U.S. Cities for People 35 and Under."
The tech boom in the U.S. is showing no signs of slowing down. Fortunately for millennials and the innovative companies looking to hire them for their tech-oriented skills, Arizona has created an environment that makes growth possible for both.
Learn more about business development in Arizona from the Arizona Commerce Authority.
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