Relocating to Phoenix
Your Move to Phoenix, Step by Step
Neighborhoods, Arizona paperwork, desert living and business setup, for households and companies relocating to the Valley.
Most moves to Phoenix start with a neighborhood and a budget, then turn into Arizona-specific questions about emissions tests, vehicle taxes and summer power bills. The state motor vehicle agency’s new-resident pages are the best first stop for licenses and registration.
Moving a company is its own project. Before you sign a lease on commercial space, check what the state requires to register an out-of-state business and whether you need a sales tax license. Our guides walk through each step, from the first week to the first hire.
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What to Know Before and After You Move to Phoenix
Phoenix is sunny, spread out and growing. It also runs on a few rules and rhythms that surprise most newcomers. Here is the short version.
Choose the area before the address
The Phoenix area is a patchwork of cities, not one city with suburbs. Phoenix itself, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale and Peoria each have their own city hall, taxes and feel. Where you live decides your commute, your utility provider and even your trash pickup days.
Freeways such as I-10, I-17 and the Loop 101 and 202 tie the Valley together, and rush hour on them can be slow. Test the drive you would actually make to work, at the time you would make it, before you commit to a lease.
Do the Arizona paperwork early
According to the state motor vehicle agency, you should register your vehicle as soon as you become an Arizona resident. Many vehicles in the Phoenix area need an emissions test first, so pass it before your appointment.
Arizona has a flat state income tax, and the year you move you will usually file as a part-year resident. Keep records of your move date, because it decides which income each state can tax.
Respect the heat
Summer in Phoenix is long and serious. Plan outdoor errands for early morning, keep water in the car and never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle. The city closes some of its busiest trails during the hottest hours on extreme heat warning days.
Budget for summer power bills. Cooling a home through July and August costs far more than the rest of the year, so ask about typical bills before you sign.
Know the monsoon
From mid-June to the end of September, storms can bring dust walls, sudden rain and flooded washes. If a dust storm reaches the road, pull completely off, turn off your lights and wait. Never drive around barricades into flooded roads.
Moving a business
If you bring a company, it usually needs to register with the Arizona Corporation Commission and, if it sells taxable goods or services, get a transaction privilege tax license from the Department of Revenue. Hiring in Arizona adds withholding and unemployment insurance accounts. Our business guides take these one at a time.
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FAQ
Questions People Ask Before Moving to Phoenix
What does PHX Guide cover?
Neighborhoods, housing and costs, Arizona paperwork for new residents, heat and monsoon safety, moving a business, and things to do around the Valley.
When do I need to register my car in Arizona?
According to the state motor vehicle agency, as soon as you become a resident. Many vehicles in the Phoenix area need an emissions test before registration.
How long is an Arizona driver license valid?
The state says an Arizona license generally does not expire until age 65, after which it is renewed every five years.
Does Arizona have a state income tax?
Yes. Arizona has a flat individual income tax rate of 2.5 percent. People who move in during the year usually file a part-year resident return.
When is monsoon season?
Officially June 15 to September 30, though storms can happen outside those dates.
Are hiking trails open in summer?
Most are, but on extreme heat warning days the city closes several of its busiest trails during the hottest part of the day. Dogs are not allowed on city trails when it is above 100 degrees.
What does a business need to operate in Phoenix?
It depends on the business. Many need to register with the Arizona Corporation Commission and get a transaction privilege tax license. Check each agency’s current requirements.
Is the site connected to any agency or business?
No. We are independent and do not sell homes, moving services or business filings.