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!
Denver
Established in the mid-1800s as a mining town during the Gold Rush, Denver embraces its Western heritage along with a forward-thinking mindset. Larimer Square is a testament to Denver’s balance of old and new, boasting rows of creative restaurants, independent shops, and vibrant nightlife spots in Victorian-era buildings downtown. Located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Denver is renowned for its great outdoor adventures. Residents enjoy more than 5,000 acres of parks, trails, golf courses, and playgrounds as well as convenience to Red Rocks Park and Cherry Creek State Park. Denver is proximate to world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities just outside the city too. City center skyrises provide incredible views of the mountains to the west, while spacious suburbs with single-family rentals make for the perfect place to set down roots. Cultural amenities abound in Denver, including the Denver Botanic Gardens, Union Station, Ogden Theatre, Denver Zoo, Denver Art Museum, and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Denver is also home to five major sports teams—the NFL’s Denver Broncos, MLB’s Colorado Rockies, NBA’s Denver Nuggets, NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, and MLS’s Colorado Rapids.
