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.
Tempe
Tempe sits at the center of the Phoenix metro, tucked between Scottsdale to the east and Phoenix to the west, with Arizona State University anchoring much of its identity. ASU's main campus is one of the largest in the country by enrollment, and its presence shapes the city's creative energy, economic stability, and year-round calendar of events — from gallery openings to guest lectures and live performances at ASU Gammage. Technology companies and healthcare employers also contribute to a diverse local economy that extends well beyond the university. The city spans about 41 square miles, offering a range of neighborhoods to suit different lifestyles. The Downtown and Mill Avenue corridors put residents close to arts venues, including the Tempe Center for the Arts, while areas like Maple-Ash feature tree-lined streets and historic bungalows. South Tempe delivers a quieter suburban feel with quick freeway access throughout the Valley. Renters will find a broad mix of housing options, from sleek high-rise apartment communities near Tempe Town Lake to garden-style communities and townhomes in established residential areas. Whether you want walkable urban living or a more laid-back setting with easy access to jobs across the metro, Tempe offers a solid range of options worth exploring.
