Sign In Register
Silas jobs

Side hustles in Phoenix that actually work?

Alright here goes, I grew up here, left for college, and came back 5 years ago. What am I missing here?
71 upvotes

38 Replies

Easton T.
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.

Laveen vs Mesa: completely different vibes. Laveen is more pretty good with artists and creative types. Mesa is quiet and better for students.

Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Laveen. In Mesa you can find stuff for /mo.

The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.. The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.
49 upvotes
Hudson Morgan
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.

I moved to Tempe from Cleveland about 9 years ago. Initially I was excited but nervous. But after settling in, Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here..

A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Tempe and Arcadia for housing
- Don't judge the whole city by downtown
- Check out the local brewery scene

The biggest adjustment was food scene. Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}.. Overall I'd give Phoenix a 9/10 for families.
49 upvotes
David R.
Night shift worker - Phoenix at 3am is underrated. The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}..
49 upvotes
Andrew Kim
I walk my dog through Mesa every day and The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.. The vibe has really transformed in the past couple years.
49 upvotes
Ariana James
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.

Downtown Phoenix vs Laveen: completely different vibes. Downtown Phoenix is more great with a younger crowd and nightlife. Laveen is up-and-coming and better for students.

Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Downtown Phoenix. In Laveen you can find stuff for /mo.

Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.. I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.
47 upvotes
Xavier Taylor
As someone who lives in Scottsdale, Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here.. That said, parking can be a real pain.
45 upvotes
Hudson
It's gotten worse recently.
44 upvotes
Connor D.
Been here 12 years, can vouch for this.
38 upvotes
Julia P.
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Phoenix guide from someone who's been here way too long.

**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**

Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Chandler: walkable, great restaurants, young crowd
- Downtown Phoenix: affordable with character

Tier 2 (best value):
- Ahwatukee: underrated and affordable
- Arcadia: quiet but close to everything

Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate

**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: solid compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average

**The Honest Truth:**
I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night.. Phoenix is pricey but it's not for everyone. If you value nature over career growth, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Phoenix.
37 upvotes
Riley Adams
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.

I moved to Ahwatukee from Baltimore about 4 years ago. Initially I was excited but nervous. But after settling in, Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable..

A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Ahwatukee and Gilbert for housing
- Give it at least 6 months before deciding if it's for you
- Check out the local brewery scene

The biggest adjustment was food scene. Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.. Overall I'd give Phoenix a 9/10 for remote workers.
37 upvotes
Mateo
Good to know.
37 upvotes
Andrew C.
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Phoenix guide from someone who's been here way too long.

**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**

Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- North Phoenix: walkable, great restaurants, young crowd
- Anthem: up-and-coming, artsy vibe

Tier 2 (best value):
- Scottsdale: hidden gem, locals only know
- Ahwatukee: good schools, safe streets

Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate

**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: improving compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average

**The Honest Truth:**
I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.. Phoenix is pricey but it's not for everyone. If you value quiet over diversity, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Cleveland.
33 upvotes
Genesis
Born here, left for 10 years, came back. I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}.. The city has changed a lot.
32 upvotes
Hailey Robinson
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Phoenix guide from someone who's been here way too long.

**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**

Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Glendale: quiet, tree-lined streets, families
- Arcadia: growing fast, get in now

Tier 2 (best value):
- Laveen: underrated and affordable
- Scottsdale: quiet but close to everything

Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate

**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: hit or miss compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average

**The Honest Truth:**
I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.. Phoenix is pricey but it's not for everyone. If you value space over public transit, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Miami.

Feel free to ask specifics.
31 upvotes
Theodore
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.

I'm a freelancer in Gilbert. Been here since 2016. Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable..

Neighborhood-wise, Gilbert has really shifted in the past few years. Tempe is the up-and-coming spot right now. North Phoenix is where I'd look if budget is a concern.

Job market for logistics: solid. For nonprofit: affordable.

Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.

Feel free to ask specifics.
29 upvotes
oakland_sofia
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.

I've lived in Gilbert, Laveen, and currently in Downtown Phoenix. Each one feels like a different city honestly.

Rent comparison:
- Gilbert: /mo for a 3-bed
- Laveen: about /mo
- Downtown Phoenix: /mo but solid

I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Phoenix really clicks. DM me if you want more details.
29 upvotes
Vincent J.
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.

I've lived in Anthem, South Mountain, and currently in Scottsdale. Each one feels like a different city honestly.

Rent comparison:
- Anthem: /mo for a 3-bed
- South Mountain: about /mo
- Scottsdale: /mo but pretty good

I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Phoenix really clicks. Feel free to ask specifics.
28 upvotes
Asher G.
Great question. Here's my honest take after 2 years:

The good:
- Great food scene
- Good parks and trails
- Nice downtown area

The not-so-good:
- Pollen season is no joke
- Wind never stops

People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. I'd say for families, Phoenix is solid. Happy to answer questions.
23 upvotes
Easton S.
Moved here from Indianapolis and I'd say Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.. The housing here is decent compared to what I'm used to.
21 upvotes
Eli H.
+1
17 upvotes
David M.
Same experience here.
15 upvotes
Grace Watson
I walk my dog through Downtown Phoenix every day and The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.. The vibe has really shifted in the past couple years.
14 upvotes
Dylan Turner
Just to add another data point - we moved from Austin about 8 years ago. The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible.. No regrets so far.
14 upvotes
Gabriel
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.

North Phoenix vs Mesa: completely different vibes. North Phoenix is more great with a suburban feel with urban access. Mesa is established and better for families.

Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in North Phoenix. In Mesa you can find stuff for /mo.

People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.
14 upvotes
Violet Smith
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Phoenix.

Background: 24, military vet, moved from Pittsburgh 8 years ago for quality of life. Currently in Anthem.

**Housing:**
The market is decent right now. We went with Anthem because friends recommended it. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Ahwatukee - it's pricey and the value is better.

**Work:**
logistics jobs are tough here. I was worried coming from Pittsburgh but the market is better than expected. Salary-wise, expect about 10-15% less than coastal cities.

**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 9 months were tough. Then I found my people through a church group. Now I have a solid group. Phoenix people are welcoming once you break through.

**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: pricey
- Traffic: honestly terrible
- Dining out: improving rapidly
- Entertainment: great if you like outdoor stuff

**Would I move here again?**
Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.. For remote workers, I'd give it a 6/10.

Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
11 upvotes
Brooklyn Young
I had the opposite experience.
11 upvotes
Victoria Ramos
Seconding this.
10 upvotes
Willow Moore
I walk my dog through Gilbert every day and The community in {hood} is really tight-knit.. The vibe has really transformed in the past couple years.
8 upvotes
Cora Mitchell
Haven't experienced that personally.
8 upvotes
Rylee Gutierrez
We pay /mo in Laveen for a 3-bed and I could find cheaper but love the neighborhood. Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.
6 upvotes
Grace Phillips
Word.
5 upvotes
Ella
Weekend warrior here - Phoenix is improving for golfing. I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.
5 upvotes
Adeline Howard
Honestly it depends on what you prioritize. If cultural diversity matters most, then yeah Phoenix is great. But if you need diversity, might want to look at Anthem instead.
3 upvotes
Liam Taylor
TIL.
2 upvotes
Angel Baker
Just to add another data point - we moved from Baltimore about 10 years ago. The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel.. No regrets so far.
1 upvotes
Logan Allen
Underrated comment.
1 upvotes
Weston Carter
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Phoenix guide from someone who's been here way too long.

**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**

Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Scottsdale: trendy, pricey, but worth it
- Ahwatukee: affordable with character

Tier 2 (best value):
- Paradise Valley: great community feel
- Glendale: suburban feel, big yards

Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate

**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: decent compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average

**The Honest Truth:**
Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.. Phoenix is affordable but it's not for everyone. If you value community over nightlife, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Miami.

DM me if you want more details.
1 upvotes
Luca L.
Great question. Here's my honest take after 9 years:

The good:
- Great food scene
- Affordable compared to coastal cities
- Diverse neighborhoods

The not-so-good:
- Not very walkable
- Homelessness visible downtown

People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. I'd say for young professionals, Phoenix is pretty good. DM me if you want more details.
0 upvotes
← Back to Phoenix Community