Why Phoenix, AZ Is a Top 30 Place to Live
Are you looking for somewhere to settle down? Or do you enjoy the traveling nurse lifestyle and simply want to find new great places to explore during future assignments? In either case, Phoenix, Arizona should be at the top of your list of potential assignment locations. It may even be one of the places to settle down for good. U.S. News publishes lists to help Americans find the best places to live in the country, and Phoenix placed at #26 on the list.
U.S. News Rankings for Phoenix, AZ
U.S. News uses various metrics to gauge the best places to live in the US. Some of the criteria they consider include:
- Ultimately, the value of living in an area depends on how much people want to live in that area. Phoenix is appealing for many reasons, and U.S. News ranks Phoenix’s desirability at 8.2 out of 10.
- If you’re planning to buy a home or rent a place to live in Phoenix, U.S. News ranked Phoenix at 6.6 out of 10 for value. Living costs are somewhat higher than other areas of the country.
- Job market. As a traveling nurse, you likely have constant opportunities to work and the freedom to find a steady job in almost any city in America. U.S. News ranked Phoenix’s job market at 6.5 out of 10, but traveling nurses have one of the most in-demand skill sets and likely won’t need to worry much about finding a nursing job.
- Quality of life. If you’re going to move to an area, you should know about the local crime rates, availability of healthcare, and education quality from local schools. U.S. News ranked Phoenix at 6.4 out of 10 for quality of life.
- Net migration. This metric reports how much people are moving to and from an area. U.S. News gave Phoenix a 7.8 out of 10 for net migration, showing that more people are moving to the area and staying than leaving.
Living in Phoenix is more affordable than coastal city regions like New York and California, and the climate, quality of life, and availability of healthcare jobs make it a great location for any traveling nurse.
Visiting Phoenix as a Traveling Nurse
Working as a traveling nurse offers a distinct perk over other types of nursing work in static work environments; traveling nurses get to experience slices of life in different parts of the country when they travel for work. Many traveling nurses get to the point where they can pick and choose assignments, take time off as desired, and work at their own pace in locations they get to choose. Whether you’re scouting places to settle down or simply want to find new places to enjoy for future nursing assignments, Phoenix should absolutely make your list of top places to visit.
Another perk of the Phoenix area is that U.S. News ranks it even higher as a great place to retire, ranking #17 in the nation. If you plan to take your traveling nurse career to the point of retirement or you want to transition into a steady job in a new place until you retire, Phoenix could be ideal spot.
Phoenix Climate and Culture
Phoenix is perfect for those who enjoy warm weather and hate mowing lawns. Arizona vegetation is sparse, and most homes have sandy and rocky landscapes. You will never need to worry about mowing grass, shoveling snow, or navigating a torrential downpour when you live and work in Phoenix. The average annual temperature in Phoenix is about 86 degrees, and the area typically sees less than one foot of rainfall each year.
Culturally, Phoenix offers a perfect blend of cosmopolitan atmosphere and outdoor adventure. The sunny climate, desert landscapes, and bustling city center make it perfect for all walks of life. Traveling nurses can experience all types of communities during their travels, and a work trip to Phoenix could be the perfect chance to see if it’s the right place for you to settle down for good.