Relocating to the Phoenix area

A short Maricopa County primer, then tell Ivy what you want.

One big valley, many cities

Maricopa County holds Phoenix plus Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Goodyear, Buckeye, Queen Creek and more. Most people call it “the Valley.” Each city has its own area guide.

Getting around

Freeways tie it together: I-10, I-17, and the Loop 101, 202 and 303. Valley Metro runs buses and light rail through Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa. Phoenix Sky Harbor is the main airport.

Weather and time

Summers are hot, with many days above 100°F, and winters are mild. Most of Arizona, including Maricopa County, does not change clocks for daylight saving time.

What to ask about a home

Many neighborhoods have an HOA with monthly fees and rules. Pools are common. Ask whether rooftop solar is owned or leased, how old the roof and AC are, and what the utility bills run in summer.

Renting first

Many people rent for a few months to learn the Valley before they buy. You can search rentals and homes for sale in the same place.

Compare cities and neighborhoods in the Maricopa County area guides, or see open houses this weekend.

Start with Ivy AI

Tell Ivy what you want. Ivy can help until you want a licensed agent. Your Ivy agent is available to answer questions.

“I am moving to the Phoenix area for work. 3 bedroom house under $500k with a short commute to downtown Phoenix”“Rent a 2 bedroom near ASU in Tempe under $2,200”“Single-story home with a pool in the West Valley under $450k”“Condo near Old Town Scottsdale”

Ask Ivy AI Search with filters Search rentals

Listing information courtesy of the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service (ARMLS). Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Copyright ARMLS.

Use of this search or AI does not create an agency relationship. Agency begins only with a written agreement with Ivy Realty.

Ivy Realty · 20325 N 51st Ave, Bldg 5, Ste 134, Glendale, AZ 85308 · (623) 299-4954 · Designated Broker Ivy Clay, License #LC722089000

Equal Housing Opportunity. Ivy Realty is pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. Ivy Realty supports an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. Arizona also prohibits housing discrimination on these bases.

Licensees: see Ivy Realty plans (100% plan $25/mo + $395 per closed transaction, or 80/20 with $0 monthly and $0 per transaction).