The greater Phoenix area is growing thanks in large part to people looking to relocate here from out of state. However, moving from out of state comes with its own challenges. What happens if you don’t have a job lined up? Should you still move here and enjoy all the wonderful amenities that Phoenix has to offer? We think the answer is an enthusiastic “YES!” That’s why, in this article, we detail exactly what you need to know about moving to Phoenix without a job. From where to live, how much to save, and what job industries Phoenix has to offer, this relocation guide has it all.
We understand that moving to a new state to start over is exciting, but also stressful. If you’re new to the Phoenix area, Storage Solutions is here to make that move go a little smoother. After you finish reading this relocation guide, give one of our storage experts a call! Enjoy!
Finding the Right Place to Live in Phoenix
Moving to a new city means attempting to figure out all the Pros and Cons in a short amount of time. There are a lot of beautiful neighborhoods in Phoenix and surrounding suburbs, but it is more than just finding the right location to really make a person feel like they are comfortable in the area. To help, we wrote a blog on the nine best neighborhoods in Phoenix. Give it a read before you decide where to live.
One thing to note is that living in the desert is very different than nearly every other place in the United States. It’s essential to know the differences so that, when you move, expensive material items are not compromised. The dry heat in the desert takes a toll on a person’s body, and it hurts furniture as well. In particular, anything made out of wood will begin to crack or split if it is too dried out.
Our self-storage options are perfect for protecting antiques if they can’t go into the home. Everything is climate controlled, and it is going to work a lot better than putting them in the attic or garage. When a person stores them at home and forgets about it in Phoenix, they are usually surprised to see just how different things look after the fact.
How To Move to Phoenix Without a Job
Moving to Phoenix without a job isn’t the smartest choice, but isn’t a disastrous choice either. Many people move to a new location with no job in mind simply because they love the area. Others move with a spouse or significant other because, well, that’s just what you do when you love someone. No matter your situation, once you arrive in Phoenix, your work (no pun intended) is cut out for you. Below are a few tips for finding a new job in the Valley of the Sun:
- Have your resume ready. That might mean updating it and adding information if you haven’t done that in a few years. Employers will want to see it, of course, so make sure it’s polished and updated.
- Start looking at job boards online. There are so many of them it will make your head swim, so try to limit yourself to 2 or 3, max.
- Keep your eyes open when driving around Phoenix. Many businesses put out signs when they need help.
- Create a LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn is the biggest social media platform for jobs, careers, and so forth. Having a LinkedIn profile with your resume, experience, and skills helps when looking for a job in Phoenix.
- Resch out to anyone you know in the area who might be able to help. Remember the old adage, “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” A friend or colleague might be the ticket to finding a great job in Phoenix..”
Have $4400.00 Saved When You Move to Phoenix
No matter where you move, you’re going to have expenses, and Phoenix is no different. You’ll still need to pay for rent, food, gasoline, and more. That’s why it behooves you to have at least $4400.00 saved when you move here. That way, you can pay your bills while you job search (and not go hungry in the process). Why $4400.00? Because that should be enough to pay for two month’s worth of bills for one person, including rent of $900.00. (More on the cost of living in Phoenix below.)
Relocation Tip: Stay with friends or family when you first arrive in the Phoenix area. That way, your initial expenses won’t be as hard to handle, and your stress levels will be much lower. (Just don’t overstay your welcome!)
Cost of Living in Phoenix Quick Breakdown
Below are a few of the everyday costs in Phoenix you’ll encounter according to Expatistan. Keep in mind that we’ve rounded them up or down slightly for simplicity.
Housing
- 1 bedroom Apartment= $900
- 2 bedroom apartment = $1180
- Utilities = $190
- Internet and Cable = $100
Food
- 1 pound of Chicken = $3.60
- A dozen Eggs = $2.90
- 1 pound of Apples = $2.00
- Loaf of bread = $1.80
- 1 pound of local-made Cheese = $8.50
- 1 pound of potatoes = $.90
- 6-pack of Domestic Beer = $7.50
Transportation
- 1 gallon of Gas = $2.20
- 1 month of Public Transportation = $60.00
Entertainment
- Basic Dinner for 2 = $45.00
- Fancy dinner for 2 = $80.00 (With apps, alcohol, etc.)
- 1 Coffee = $5.80
- Gym Membership (1 month) = $35.00
- 2 Movie Tickets = $23.00
- A Cocktail at a local bar = $12.00
Moving To Phoenix Without a Job: The Major Industries
There are many interesting, innovative, and exciting industries in Phoenix, to be sure. Many of the county’s most prominent companies are headquartered here, including Intel, Honeywell, and Frito Lay. Below are some of the significant job industries in Phoenix:
- Aerospace. Over 1200 aerospace companies make Phoenix their home.
- Technology. Phoenix is a hub of technology and innovation.
- Manufacturing. Thousands of jobs in manufacturing await you here in the Valley of the Sun.
- Healthcare and Biosciences. One of the fastest-growing bioscience industries in the U.S. is right here in Phoenix.
- Film and Television. With over 300 days of sunshine every year, many movies and TV shows are produced here.
Moving To Phoenix Without a Job: How to Land One
The best way to ‘break into’ any industry is to start from the bottom. Get a job as an assistant or an intern. Take a night class at one of Phoenix’s many community colleges. Go online and read up on the industry or profession you want to break into. The more you know, the better your chances of getting into the industry you like best.
Moving To Phoenix Without a Job: Average Income
When moving to Phoenix without a job, income and salaries should be on your mind. (It makes things much easier when you have enough money, let’s be honest.) Although Phoenix has a robust economy, the average incomes here are slightly lower than the national average. For example, the average income per year in the United States is $28,555. In Phoenix, it’s $24,057. Also, Phoenix’s median household income is $46,900, while the U.S. average is $53,500. Those numbers will vary, of course, depending on tour skill, experience, and the industry you’ve chosen.
Moving To Phoenix Without a Job: In Closing
Moving to Phoenix without a job isn’t the easiest thing in the world, but it’s not the hardest either. That’s why Storage Solutions is here to support you for your moving needs. We understand that every individual has options when it comes to renting a unit for themselves. By putting customer needs above everything, we make everyone feel comfortable and safe with their belongings. Yes, even in a brand new part of the country.
Check out our other blogs on the Storage Solutions blog
This post was published 05/26/2020. It was updated 2/12/2021.