Phoenix -- What a Great Place to Live!

Everything that makes Phoenix a top vacation destination also makes it an extremely popular place to live: From the dynamic economy and job opportunities to world-famous recreation and stunning natural beauty.

The metro area population is approaching 5 million in 2022 and is growing fast. You’ll be interested to know that the Phoenix metro area climbed three spots to make the top five on the Milken Institute’s prestigious 2022 Best-Performing Cities list. Milken Institute’s researchers rank cities on a variety of important metrics, including job creation, wage growth, output growth and other aspects.

The Outlook Is Sunny

The Greater Phoenix area sees more sunshine than nearly any other metro area in the country. That alone can be enough to entice people to lay down roots here but Arizona's capital also features many other desirable qualities. Our area offers a unique combination of a thriving job market, a relatively low cost of living, and plenty of ways to get outside and enjoy the nice weather.

Outdoor enthusiasts can hike trails in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, kayak and paddleboard on Tempe Town Lake, or enjoy desert wildlife at the Desert Botanical Garden. Museums with themes ranging from Native American history and musical instruments to art and firefighting provide respite from the sun.

Yes, the weather is very hot in the summer months but you will eventually acclimate to the heat. And, like most Phoenicians, you’ll spend most of the summer enjoying activities in the air-conditioned indoors. You can literally swim until Halloween and never have to consider snow, freeze warnings, or any extreme natural disasters.

 Phoenix Means Business

 Phoenix is not only the capital of Arizona, it’s also the state’s largest city. As of 2017, it had experienced the largest population growth of any city in the United States.

From a business perspective, Phoenix is fast becoming a major player in high-tech sectors as multiple companies have either expanded or relocated to the area. Both Honeywell and Amazon employ large numbers of residents in the Phoenix area. Companies like Nikola Motor Co., Microsoft, Uber, DoubleDutch, and Gainsight have increased their presence here to capitalize on a business-friendly environment, expansive talent pool, and unmatched quality of life.

Due in large part to the climate, tourism is one of Phoenix's top industries. More than 45 million people fly through Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport each year, making the Valley of the Sun the starting point for many travelers' Arizona vacations and providing a need for workers in the leisure and hospitality sectors.

Residents also find work in the financial services industries, with Wells Fargo, Bank of America, American Express and JPMorgan Chase & Co. employing large numbers of locals. Healthcare is another employment opportunity around Phoenix. Banner Health, Dignity Health, and Phoenix Children's Hospital. 

Phoenix Lets the Good Times Roll

When it comes to sports, Phoenix offers major league action. You can cheer on Phoenix's professional sports teams including the MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks, the NFL's Arizona Cardinals, the NBA's Phoenix Suns, WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, and the NHL's Arizona Coyotes. 

There are also arts and shopping districts that fringe the downtown, as well as museums, art galleries, and some of the state’s finest bars and restaurants. Enjoy our performing-arts venues like the Phoenix Symphony Hall which hosts the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra, the Arizona Opera, and Ballet Arizona. There are also the Orpheum Theater, the Herberger Theater Center, and the Talking Stick Resort Arena. Tour the Phoenix Art Museum, the Center for Creative Photography, the Heard Museum, the Pueblo Grande Museum, and other cultural treasures throughout Greater Phoenix.

Our Story Goes Way Back

 The history of Phoenix goes back millennia, beginning with nomadic Paleo-Indians who existed in the Americas in general and the Salt River Valley from about 7,000 BCE until about 6,000 BCE. Mammoths were the primary prey of hunters. As that prey moved eastward, they followed, vacating the area.

By 1868, a small colony of newcomers had formed approximately four miles east of the present city. Swilling's Mill became the new name for the area. It was then changed to Helling Mill, after which it became Mill City, and years later, East Phoenix. Swilling himself, having been a confederate soldier, wanted to name the new settlement Stonewall after Stonewall Jackson. Others suggested the name Salina, but neither name suited the inhabitants. It was Darrell Duppa who suggested the name Phoenix, since he saw the new town springing from the ruins of a former civilization. That is the accepted derivation of the city name. Phoenix was officially recognized on May 4, 1868, when the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors, the county of which we were then a part, formed an election precinct here.

 From its earliest Hohokam residents at the Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park to the latest technological developments showcased at the Arizona Science Center, Phoenix is a city rich in history and primed for a brilliant future. Check out the city’s website for more details about Phoenix’s colorful past and other interesting facts.

The Best Places to Live in Phoenix

Many Phoenicians choose William Ryan Homes when they relocate or move within Phoenix. There are so many reasons to choose new home construction crafted by a nationwide quality builder like William Ryan Homes. You’ll be glad to know that William Ryan Homes Phoenix is committed to Green Building and the kind of construction that saves you money.

 Currently, we’re building in five communities throughout the Phoenix area including Buckeye, Goodyear, Mesa, New River and Avondale. Our six top-rated master-planned communities with new construction homes in the Phoenix area are Harmony at Montecito, Arroyo Norte, Eminence at Alamar, Broadleaf at Verrado, Fairways in Victory at Verrado, and Wavelength at Eastmark.

To learn more about our pricing protection program and the homes we offer at William Ryan Homes Phoenix, please call our Online Sales Counselor, at 602-903-2330 to request an appointment.