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15 Things to Know Before Moving to Phoenix, Arizona {2026 Guide}

Jan 20, 2026 • 8 min read

15 Things to Know Before Moving to Phoenix, Arizona {2026 Guide}

Thinking about moving to Phoenix? You’re not alone. The Valley keeps pulling in people from California, the Midwest, and the East Coast for a mix of jobs, space, sunshine, and lifestyle. But Phoenix isn’t just “hot and growing.” It’s a massive, spread-out metro with real differences between areas, costs, and day-to-day living.Here are 15 things locals usually learn after they arrive.When people s

Moving to Phoenix

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15 Things to Know Before Moving to Phoenix, Arizona {2026 Guide}
Jan 20, 2026 8 min read
15 Things to Know Before Moving to Phoenix, Arizona {2026 Guide}

Thinking about moving to Phoenix? You’re not alone. The Valley keeps pulling in people from California, the Midwest, and the East Coast for a mix of jobs, space, sunshine, and lifestyle. But Phoenix isn’t just “hot and growing.” It’s a massive, spread-out metro with real differences between areas, costs, and day-to-day living.Here are 15 things locals usually learn after they arrive.When people s

What Winter Living in North Phoenix Is Really Like
Dec 17, 2025 4 min read
What Winter Living in North Phoenix Is Really Like

Winter is when North Phoenix shows off.Cool mornings. Full patios. Neighbors out walking. Calendars that fill up fast. For a lot of people, this is the season when Phoenix stops being an idea and starts feeling like home.I’ve lived here over 30 years and every year I see the same thing happen. Winter is when buyers get serious. Not because of urgency or pressure, but because the lifestyle finally

What’s Driving Buyer Activity in Phoenix Right Now
Dec 15, 2025 7 min read
What’s Driving Buyer Activity in Phoenix Right Now

Buyer activity in Phoenix didn’t disappear over the past several months. It paused.Throughout late summer and early fall, many buyers stayed engaged but cautious. They watched listings, tracked price adjustments, and revisited budgets without making firm moves. What changed recently wasn’t a sudden rush or a dramatic shift in pricing. It was clarity.As uncertainty eased, including concerns tied t

Moving to Peoria, AZ (2025 Guide): Best Neighborhoods, Cost of Living & Schools
Oct 29, 2025 8 min read
Moving to Peoria, AZ (2025 Guide): Best Neighborhoods, Cost of Living & Schools

If you’re thinking about relocating to the Phoenix area, Peoria deserves a serious look. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, family, retiree, or simply looking for a change of scene, this city offers a mix of suburban comfort, access to big-city amenities and a growing residential market. In this guide we’ll cover what Peoria offers (and what to watch out for), key neighborhoods, cost of living, scho

Moving to Scottsdale, AZ (2025 Guide)
Oct 20, 2025 7 min read
Moving to Scottsdale, AZ (2025 Guide)

Have you thought about moving to Scottsdale, AZ? You have landed in the right spot. This blog will have everything you need to know about areas and what it's like to live in Scottsdale. So sit back and enjoy!Scottsdale is one of those rare cities that feels like a resort—but functions like a city. You’ve got desert hiking trails minutes from luxury shopping, top-rated restaurants tucked next to g

Best Neighborhoods in Chandler, AZ (2025 Guide)
Oct 19, 2025 8 min read
Best Neighborhoods in Chandler, AZ (2025 Guide)

Looking to move to Chandler? Whether you’re a buyer or seller, a family, a tech-professional or someone relocating from out of town, choosing the right neighborhood matters. The market here is strong and varied, and as a local Realtor with 25 years’ experience in the Phoenix area, I’ve seen what works. In this guide you’ll discover some of the best neighborhoods in Chandler, what each offers, and

Old Town Scottsdale Real Estate Guide: Walkability, Prices & Living
Oct 11, 2025 6 min read
Old Town Scottsdale Real Estate Guide: Walkability, Prices & Living

Old Town Scottsdale is not just a district; it’s the vibrant, beating heart of one of Arizona’s most sought-after cities. It is where the charm of the Old West—historic storefronts like the iconic Rusty Spur Saloon collides beautifully with the sleek energy of modern luxury. This condensed, incredibly walkable urban center is the ultimate expression of the Scottsdale lifestyle, offering everythin

Best Neighborhoods in Scottsdale (2025 Guide for Homebuyers and Locals)
Oct 10, 2025 7 min read
Best Neighborhoods in Scottsdale (2025 Guide for Homebuyers and Locals)

Updated for 2025 – written by Blair Ballin, local Scottsdale Realtor with 25+ years helping buyers find their perfect neighborhood.If you’re moving to Scottsdale or just exploring where to live within the city, you’re not alone. Scottsdale continues to be one of Arizona’s most desirable places to live — for good reason. Between its weather, golf, food, schools, and mountain views, it’s the kind o

Common Mistakes When Choosing a Realtor (and How to Avoid Them)
Oct 7, 2025 3 min read
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Realtor (and How to Avoid Them)

The most common mistakes when choosing a Realtor include hiring a friend, skipping research, focusing only on commission, and picking someone unfamiliar with your area. The right Realtor combines experience, communication, and proven results—not just a nice face on a billboard.It’s tempting to work with someone you know, but real estate is a business decision. The agent who’s best for Sunday BBQs

Luxury Living in the Desert: Why Custom Shade Systems Are the Ultimate Home Upgrade in North Phoenix
Oct 7, 2025 3 min read
Luxury Living in the Desert: Why Custom Shade Systems Are the Ultimate Home Upgrade in North Phoenix

In North Phoenix, luxury living isn’t defined by marble countertops or imported tile — it’s defined by how comfortably you can enjoy your home year-round. As someone who’s spent 25+ years touring and selling homes across the Valley, I can tell you that one upgrade instantly separates the “nice” homes from the truly exceptional ones: custom shade systems.We live in one of the most beautiful yet ha

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