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.
Glendale
Blending small-town Western charm with hip urban modernism, Glendale is a fairly large city that never feels too big. This northwest Phoenix suburb is an excellent place for sports fans – between NFL and NCAA football games at University of Phoenix Arena, NHL matches at Gila River, and MLB Spring Training games at Camelback Ranch, there's always a major sporting event to attend. Thanks to the constant sunshine, it’s a great city for folks who like to stay active, with easy access to mountain biking, camping, hiking, and generally exploring the rugged landscape just beyond the city. The shopping, dining, and entertainment in town runs the gamut from the ultra-modern Westgate City Center to the antique shops and storefront cafes along Glendale Avenue, providing options for every taste. With houses and apartments available for highly affordable rental rates, the Glendale lifestyle is within reach for any budget.
Mesa
Less than 20 miles east of Phoenix, the city of Mesa is Arizona’s third-largest city and is home to nearly half a million residents. The low cost of living, affordable apartments, and family-friendly environment make Mesa a highly sought-after suburb in Arizona’s suburban desert. Although Mesa sits within a short distance of Phoenix – making it the ideal location for commuters – many residents work inside the city of Mesa itself for local employers in the medical, aerospace, and retail industries. Mesa locals take advantage of the city’s constant sunshine, whether they’re catching a Cactus League ball game at Hohokam Stadium or tubing down the Salt River. The surrounding desert landscape is extremely popular with mountain bikers, hikers, and campers. The scenery is truly unbeatable, especially in the sprawling Tonto National Forest to the northeast. This town is rather quiet, with a focus on community and local history, rather than a bustling nightlife scene. However, Mesa is home to an array of top-notch restaurants and shopping centers. After you find your affordable apartment in Mesa, be sure to check out the Arizona Museum of Natural History, Usery Mountain Regional Park, the Mesa Arts Center, and Golfland Sunsplash.
