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.
Mesa
Mesa is the most populous U.S. city that isn't a county seat, and that distinction hints at something real about the place: it plays by its own rules. Stretching 143 square miles across the Sonoran Desert, Arizona's third-largest city sits in the East Valley of the Phoenix metro, with Tempe to the west and the dramatic Superstition Mountains anchoring the eastern horizon. Mesa Community College and Arizona State University's Polytechnic campus give the city a steady academic pulse, while major employers like Boeing near Falcon Field, Banner Desert Medical Center, and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport drive a broad economic base. Neighborhoods range from the established, lake-lined streets of Dobson Ranch to the newer developments of Eastmark and the Gateway district, offering something well-suited to just about every lifestyle. Downtown Mesa anchors cultural life with the Mesa Arts Center, an acclaimed performing and visual arts venue that draws visitors year-round. Renters will find a range of options across the city, from gated apartment communities with resort-style amenities to spacious townhomes and garden-style rentals that deliver elbow room without sacrificing access to the greater Valley.
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!
