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!
Tampa
Situated on Florida’s west coast, Tampa is the third most populated city in the state. Bordering Tampa Bay, within minutes of the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa residents reap the benefits of a laid-back beach lifestyle and the many amenities of a major metropolis. Tampa offers a wide range of apartments to choose from, whether you prefer modern luxury, modest charm, or something else entirely. Renting in Tampa affords you the opportunity to visit world-class attractions such as Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, the Florida Aquarium, Lowry Park Zoo, Tampa Museum of Art, and the Museum of Science and Industry. You can shop national retailers at International Plaza and head over to Ybor City to peruse a variety of boutique and specialty stores before enjoying a vibrant nightlife scene. You can see the Tampa Bay Buccaneers score touchdowns at Raymond James Stadium and attend the third largest parade in the country, the Gasparilla Pirate Festival, which draws thousands of visitors every year. Swing by Tampa’s Riverwalk to stroll along the Hillsborough River and grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in the area. For beach access, take a short drive to nearby Saint Petersburg or Clearwater to enjoy the soft sand and calm waters. Commuting and traveling from Tampa is a breeze with access to I-4, I-75, and I-275, in addition to Tampa International Airport.
