Moving to Phoenix? These 7 Complaints Are Driving Buyers CRAZY

Every city has trade-offs. The problem? Many buyers moving to the Greater Phoenix area don’t fully understand them until after they’ve purchased — and that’s when the complaints start.

As a relocation team working across the entire Phoenix Valley, we’ve heard it all. So instead of sugarcoating anything, here are the top seven things people underestimate before moving to Phoenix — and what you need to know upfront.

1. The Heat Is a Lifestyle Shift — Not Just a Temperature

Yes, Phoenix summers are extreme. But what many people don’t realize is that you don’t live the same way in July that you do in January.

Life shifts:

• Morning and evening dog walks
• Indoor gyms and activities in peak heat
• Patio dinners with misters
• Midnight swims
• Travel planned around summer months

You don’t stop living — you adapt your schedule. And in exchange, you get 10 months of incredible outdoor weather and year-round sunshine.

If you love outdoor living, you’ll thrive here. But you must understand: summer requires intention.

2. There’s a Lot of Sunshine — All the Time

It sounds strange, but some people complain about “too much sun.”

Arizona doesn’t have gloomy stretches or long gray winters. Most newer homes don’t even include traditional fireplaces because the lifestyle here isn’t built around staying indoors.

Also:

• No daylight saving time
• Long daylight hours
• Outdoor living nearly year-round

If you crave overcast days and snowy seasons, Phoenix may feel different than expected. But if you want consistent sunshine and energy, this is one of the biggest advantages.

3. You Will Drive — Phoenix Is Built for Cars

The Phoenix Metro is not a walkable city. It’s a city of suburbs connected by freeways.

That means:

• You’ll likely use the freeway for weekend errands
• Construction and growth can cause delays
• Choosing the right area matters significantly

This is why location strategy is critical. Living near your job, schools, and daily essentials can dramatically improve your quality of life. The wrong location can create daily stress.

Relocation isn’t just about the house — it’s about commute patterns and lifestyle flow.

4. HOAs Are Everywhere

Most homes built from the late 1980s forward are in HOA communities.

For some buyers, that’s a deal breaker. For others, it’s a benefit.

HOAs often:

• Maintain neighborhood standards
• Limit short-term rentals
• Prevent excessive parking or storage issues
• Help protect property values

Non-HOA properties exist — but they’re scarce and often priced at a premium. Setting expectations early helps you decide what trade-offs matter most.

5. The Desert Is Alive

Phoenix is in the Sonoran Desert. That means wildlife.

Depending on location, you may encounter:

• Scorpions
• Coyotes
• Javelina
• Snakes
• Birds of prey

If you live near mountain preserves or natural desert areas, wildlife is part of the ecosystem. If that concerns you, there are more urbanized areas with less exposure.

This is a location-specific conversation — especially if you have small pets or young children.

6. Yards Are Smaller Than Expected

Phoenix isn’t built like many Midwest or East Coast metro areas with dense downtowns and expansive suburban acreage.

It’s a city of suburbs expanding outward. Builders are working to keep new homes affordable, which often means smaller lots.

If land matters to you:

• Older homes may offer larger lots
• Certain pockets of the Valley provide more space
• You may need to adjust location expectations

Outdoor living is a major part of Phoenix culture — but lot size varies dramatically depending on price point and area.

7. The True Cost of Homeownership Varies by City

It’s not just the purchase price. Buyers are often surprised by differences in:

Water Costs

Water is secured with 100-year assurances in planned communities. However, rates vary by city. For example, water in Gilbert may cost more than in Chandler — and that matters for budgeting.

Utilities

Electric service is typically handled by SRP (East Valley) or APS (West Valley), with some overlap. You don’t choose the provider — location determines it.

Property Taxes & CFDs

Some newer communities include a Community Facilities District (CFD), which adds to the annual property tax bill. Websites don’t always clearly show this.

Two homes at the same price can have very different annual ownership costs depending on location.

This is where expert guidance makes a significant difference.

Most complaints happen when expectations weren’t properly set.

The Greater Phoenix area offers:

• Year-round sunshine
• Strong job growth
• Outdoor lifestyle
• Expanding infrastructure
• Diverse neighborhoods at multiple price points

But it’s not one-size-fits-all.

Where you buy matters. What you prioritize matters. And understanding the trade-offs before you purchase matters most.

We specialize in helping buyers compare cities, neighborhoods, taxes, utilities, HOAs, lot sizes, commute patterns, and long-term livability across the entire Phoenix Valley.

If you're considering relocating to the Greater Phoenix area, the right strategy will determine whether you love it here — or regret it.