Las Vegas
Despite its “Sin City” reputation, Las Vegas has a huge personality that goes well beyond the glimmering neon of the Strip. In fact, many of the Strip’s most famous landmarks are actually outside of the Las Vegas city limits in Paradise, Nevada. The City of Las Vegas tends to be much more subdued overall, mainly comprised of residential neighborhoods and an exceptional selection of golf courses and country clubs. The community’s bike-friendly configuration has earned national recognition, and parents are able to choose between dozens of excellent public schools in the area. Outdoor exploration is always close at hand, with Lake Mead to the east and Red Rock Canyon to the west. The local arts and culture scene incorporates the glossy entertainment of the Strip, fine arts like ballet and classical music, and a hip local creative community. Of course, for those who are so inclined, renting an apartment in Las Vegas comes with the many benefits of living in the most famous party town on the planet. The nightlife is among the most revered and vibrant in the entire world; on and off the strip, the selection of bars, clubs, and exotic restaurants is enough to satisfy any taste. Amusing art galleries like the Neon Museum provide an enriching escape from the buzz of the Strip. The casinos are renowned for their eclectic live performances, and many concerts are free to residents, making it easier to have a good time and get the most out of living in Las Vegas.
Phoenix
Although surrounded by inhospitable desert, Phoenix is one of the largest cities in the United States, and the nation’s single largest state capital city. The area contains numerous galleries and museums, putting the people in contact with everything from the European masters to Native American craftsmanship to modern originals from Phoenix’s diverse artistic community. The Downtown cultural scene has developed into a top-notch feast of visual and performing arts, with symphony performances, live theater, and the popular First Friday exhibitions. Phoenix is also an excellent city for sports fans, being one of the few cities in America with local franchises in the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL. Several thousand students attend the two Arizona State University campuses in the city, as well as the over-50,000 who attend the main campus in neighboring Tempe. Rental rates for apartments average around $1000 per month, but numerous more affordable options are available all over the city, from quiet houses for rent in the suburbs to downtown efficiency apartments. Getting around Phoenix is typically done by car for most residents, but a light rail system makes it easy to get across town without a personal vehicle; Downtown and its surrounding areas are quite walkable as well.
Tucson
Tucson is a lively oasis in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, surrounded by numerous mountain ranges. The city of Tucson is as scenic as it gets, seeing as it’s surrounded by beautiful nature preserves and mountainous terrain, including Saguaro National Park, Mount Lemmon, and Tucson Mountain Park – making it an excellent place for renters who love mountain biking, hiking, camping, and rock climbing. The University of Arizona is just a few blocks from Downtown Tucson, and the more than 40,000 students enrolled at the university contribute to the city’s eclectic arts, entertainment, and nightlife scenes. Downtown Tucson has undergone major renovations since the early 2000s, blossoming into a thriving hub of activity for residents and visitors alike. The Davis-Monthan Air Force Base lies near the center of the city, and is one of Tucson’s biggest employers for armed service personnel and civilians alike. And with easy access to Interstates 19 and 10 and the Tucson International Airport, commuting and air travel has never been easier. But the best part of all for renters is the exceptionally affordable rental market, offering apartments, houses, condos, and townhomes!
