Moving to Phoenix: Home Buyer Guide

Located in the Sonoran Desert, Phoenix, Arizona is known for plenty of sunshine and hot summers. In fact, residents of Phoenix usually see more than 300 days of sunshine every year, which is why it’s often referred to as the Valley of the Sun. Surrounded by mountain ranges, there’s plenty to see and do around the city. If you’re moving to Phoenix, use this home buyer guide will give you the 411 on the best time to buy, Phoenix taxes, important utility information, and other essential information that will make relocation easier.

Best Times of Year to Buy a Home in Phoenix

With temperatures in the triple digits for most of the summer, many people decide to wait for cooler temperatures to purchase a home in Phoenix. However, if you can deal with the heat, the summer is one of the best times for moving to Phoenix. When winter comes to the city, there’s a huge influx of seasonal residents, which often makes the real estate market more competitive. Moving in the summer is cheaper as well, since it’s considered the off season. When seasonal residents flood The Valley during the winter, it’s often more difficult and more expensive to book moving companies and moving trucks.

Phoenix Taxes

What kind of taxes can you expect when moving to Phoenix? Vehicle taxes are paid when you register your vehicle. The vehicle license tax is similar to the personal property tax that many other states charge. The more valuable a vehicle, the higher the vehicle license tax. In Phoenix, you’ll also have to pay property tax on residential property that is owner-occupied. In most cases, the assessment ration for residential property that is 10% of the property’s market value. Since Phoenix is located within Maricopa County, the county’s assessor will determine the assessed value of the property. Tax rates for each piece of property will be the sum of county, school, state, municipal, and special distract rates. Sales tax in Arizona is 5.6%, but Maricopa County also levies a tax of 0.7%, which is added to the state sales tax. Phoenix also levies a tax of 2.0% sales tax, bringing the total sales tax to 8.3%. However, groceries are exempt from Phoenix and Arizona sales taxes.

Settling In – Hooking Up Utilities

When moving to Phoenix, you’ll want to get your utilities set up as quickly as possible. To help you complete this task with minimal hassle, here’s a look at your options.

• Natural Gas – If you need natural gas, Southwest Gas is the main provider for most of the Valley.
• Phone/Internet/Cable – The main service providers in the Phoenix area include Cox Communications and Qwest.
• Water – Visit your city’s website or call them to have your water turned on.
• Satellite TV – DISH Network and DirecTV both offer satellite TV options Phoenix.
• Electricity – Either Arizona Public Service (APS) or Salt River Project (SRP) serves most of the Valley’s homes. If you’re not from Arizona, prepare for significantly higher electric bills during the summer months.

Driver’s License and Registration

Remember to change your driver’s license and registration when you move to Phoenix. When you’re ready to get your new driver’s license, you’ll need to show your current license to apply for the Arizona license. A minimum of two types of documents that prove your age and show your identification must be presented when applying for your driver’s license. If one of your documents does not provide a photo, you will need a third document. Once you become an Arizona resident, you’ll need to register your vehicle in the state. You have the chance to register your vehicle for one or two years. To apply for registration, you’ll be required have your vehicle undergo and pass an emissions test. You’ll also need your car’s VIN number, body style, and make, as well as out-of-state license plates and proof of insurance.

Registering to Vote in Phoenix

Registering to vote is important when moving to Phoenix. You’ll be required to register to vote a minimum of 29 days before an election. It’s possible to register to vote in several locations, including political party offices, driver’s license bureaus, city clerk offices, The Maricopa County Department of Elections, and the League of Women Voters. Mail-in registration forms are also available.

Helpful Tips to Remember When Moving to Phoenix

As you move to Phoenix, keep these essential tips in mind as you become familiar with your new city.

• Tip #1 – Light Rail Offers a Great Way to Get Around Town – If you’re trying to get around town without a vehicle, the new METRO light rail system offers a great way to travel. Another public transportation option is the Valley Metro bus service. Since the city sprawls over a large area, it’s not considered a walkable city, making public transportation the better choice.
• Tip #2 – Prepare for the Climate – Make sure you’re prepared for the climate, especially if you are moving to Phoenix in the hot summer months. Have plenty of water on hand on moving day and stay hydrated. Choose light clothing for moving day.
• Tip #3 – Hire a Professional Mover to Beat the Heat – Since it is so hot for much of the year, hiring a professional mover is a great way to beat the heat, especially if you’re moving in during the hottest months of the year.
• Tip #4 – Be Aware That Monsoons and Dust Storms are Real – Most people are aware of the city’s heat, but many aren’t familiar with the monsoons and dust storms. The monsoon months are late June through early September, and monsoon storms can bring dangerous flooding. Dust storms also a common occurrence in Phoenix. If you’re driving and you cannot see, pull completely off the road, turn off your lights, and set the parking break until you’re able to see well enough to begin driving again.