Why Everyone’s Still Moving to Phoenix in 2025: Jobs, Housing, and Opportunity

Last year, I published a similar feature on Phoenix’s economic rise—and while 2024 was a year of significant momentum, 2025 has brought even more growth, transformation, and exciting developments across every sector. A lot has changed in just one year, and this updated breakdown highlights just how much further Phoenix has surged ahead.

Phoenix, Arizona is having a moment—and it's more than just the sunshine. In 2025, Phoenix has solidified its position as one of the fastest-growing, most opportunity-rich cities in the United States. From high-profile business relocations and job growth to an exploding culinary and entertainment scene, the Valley of the Sun is redefining what it means to live, work, and invest in the American Southwest.

📈 Explosive Population Growth

Phoenix continues to be a magnet for people seeking a better quality of life, career opportunities, and affordability:

• As of 2025, Phoenix boasts a population of 1.66 million in the city and 4.78 million across the metro area.

🚀 Why Businesses Are Flocking to Phoenix

With strong economic fundamentals and a pro-business environment, Phoenix continues to attract top-tier companies:

High-Tech & Manufacturing Expansions

• TSMC broke ground on its third semiconductor fabrication plant in North Phoenix, contributing to a multi-billion dollar investment and creating 6,000+ jobs.

• Apple partnered with TSMC to invest in advanced silicon operations in Mesa and Phoenix.

• Hadrian is investing $200 million to build an AI-powered manufacturing and software facility in Mesa, opening in 2026.

• Sunlit Chemicals opened its first U.S. semiconductor chemical plant in Phoenix with a $100 million investment.

• KoMiCo from Korea is building a $50 million semiconductor cleaning and coating plant in Mesa.

• Pure Wafer is expanding its silicon wafer facility in Prescott with 100+ jobs.

Healthcare, Clean Energy & Tech

• Mayo Clinic is building a $1.9 billion expansion in North Phoenix, adding 1.2 million sq ft and thousands of jobs.

• Axon is undergoing a major headquarters expansion, adding thousands of roles.

• GTI Energy is investing $53 million in Goodyear for clean energy manufacturing.

Service, Logistics & Relocations

• CEC Facilities Group and Impact Networking opened Phoenix offices in 2025.

• Dutch Bros moved 40% of its corporate roles to Tempe.

• Provident Industrial opened a new regional office.

• Collins Family Movers and Let’s Move entered the Phoenix market.

• Buc-ee’s is opening its first Arizona location in Goodyear in 2026 with 200+ jobs.

• Starlux Airlines is launching Phoenix’s first-ever nonstop flight to Asia (Taipei).

🧠 Education & Workforce Development

• ASU Health HQ is under construction in Downtown Phoenix, bringing 200,000+ health professionals to the region.

• Maricopa Community Colleges and GCU are training workers in semiconductor, biotech, and engineering fields.

• Strong public-private partnerships ensure a sustainable talent pipeline.

🏘️ Real Estate Development & Housing Trends

• Massive growth in master-planned communities like Teravalis, Estrella, and Alamar.

• Build-to-rent and multifamily projects are rising in Mesa, Peoria, and Surprise.

• Investor opportunities are growing, especially in stabilized rental markets.

🛍️ New Shopping Destinations on the Rise

As Phoenix grows, so does its demand for top-tier retail and mixed-use experiences. In 2025, the Valley is welcoming new shopping destinations designed to serve its rapidly expanding population:

• Verrado Marketplace (Buckeye)
  This long-anticipated open-air retail center is set to become a central hub for residents of Verrado, Victory, and the broader West Valley. With national retailers, unique dining concepts, community event spaces, and outdoor amenities, it brings urban convenience to a suburban oasis.

• Queen Creek Crossing
  A modern retail development featuring specialty shops, restaurants, and service providers, supporting the area’s surge in population and new construction.

• Prasada in Surprise continues to expand, adding more shops, grocers, and entertainment spaces to serve nearby master-planned communities like Sterling Grove and Marley Park.

These developments are more than just shopping—they’re walkable lifestyle centers that align with the region’s family-friendly, community-oriented growth model.

🏡 Affordable Housing & New Construction: A Rare Opportunity in the West

One of the biggest reasons people continue moving to Phoenix in 2025? You can still buy a brand-new home here at a price that’s increasingly out of reach in other Western states.

🧭 A Regional Comparison:

• In California, Oregon, Washington, and Colorado, entry-level new construction is now often priced well into the $700Ks—or simply unavailable in desirable areas.

• In contrast, throughout the Phoenix Metro, you can still find newly built homes starting in the $400Ks, and in some outer markets, even the high $300Ks.

🛠️ Why It’s Different Here:

• Land availability and zoning support make new developments viable.

• Master-planned communities like Verrado, Estrella, Teravalis, and Eastmark offer amenities like pools, parks, fitness centers, and schools—without the inflated price tag.

• Builders are offering a wide range of floorplans, smart-home features, and energy-efficient designs.

💰 Builder Incentives in 2025:

Many builders in Phoenix are responding to higher interest rates and slower national sales with aggressive buyer incentives, including:

• 3.99% fixed 30-year mortgage rates (through preferred lenders)

• Tens of thousands in closing cost credits

• Rate buydowns, appliance packages, and flexible move-in timelines

These incentives make homeownership achievable for first-time buyers, relocating families, and investors alike—especially compared to stagnant inventory and high costs in coastal states.

💧 Water & Sustainability Innovation

• Phoenix recycles ~90% of its wastewater, leading in urban water reuse.

• State and city collaboration on desalination, aquifer storage, and long-term sustainability through the Arizona Water Authority.

• Clean energy leaders like Tesla, Lucid, and First Solar cite Arizona’s climate innovation as a core reason for expanding here.

🧾 Business Incentives & Economic Programs

• Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) offers job training grants, R&D tax credits, and relocation assistance.

• Foreign Trade Zones and Opportunity Zones reduce taxes and red tape.

• GPEC continues to land Fortune 500 deals and global manufacturing partners.

🌍 International Trade & Supply Chain Connectivity

• Union Pacific and BNSF expansions strengthen Arizona’s role in U.S.-Mexico trade.

• Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport expanding cargo and passenger terminals.

• Cross-border partnerships with Mexico enhance supply chain logistics.

🧪 Biotech, Aerospace & Emerging Industries

• Creighton University’s health sciences campus adds to Phoenix’s medical education leadership.

• Boeing, Raytheon, and Honeywell are scaling their aerospace teams in the Valley.

• The Arizona Bioscience Corridor is home to 400+ biotech firms.

✨ Real Testimonials & Case Studies

"Moving our headquarters to Phoenix helped cut costs by 30% and double our talent pool. The access to tech talent and business support has been unmatched."
— CEO, [Anonymous Tech Firm]

"We relocated our family from Oregon to Verrado. We now enjoy more sunshine, better schools, and more space for half the cost."
— New Resident, Buckeye, AZ

🎭 New Entertainment & Infrastructure

VAI Resort & Mattel Adventure Park

• Glendale welcomes this $1.2 billion mega-project in late 2025:

  • 4 hotels

  • 11,000-seat amphitheater

  • 12 bars & restaurants

  • Barbie and Hot Wheels themed rides

Transit & Downtown Upgrades

• Valley Metro Rail South Central Extension launched in June 2025.

• PHX Arena revamp and name change in progress.

Cultural Highlights

• Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025 hosted over 130,000 attendees.

• Talking Stick Amphitheatre continues hosting national headliners.

🍽️ Dining, Nightlife & Culinary Recognition

• The Pemberton (Downtown Phoenix): A social hub of food trucks, craft cocktails, and art.

• New restaurants: Adá, Love Call, KUZA Tori, Cork & Craft, Le Âme, Theà.

• Tasting Collective launches monthly chef-driven experiences.

• James Beard Finalists: Crystal Kass (Valentine) and Yotaka Martin (Lom Wong).

🎉 Festivals & Local Events

• Arizona State Fair features headline concerts.

• Spring Training 2025 draws national visitors.

• Art exhibits, food festivals, and seasonal markets thrive across the Valley.

🌟 Why Phoenix Is Dominating in 2025

1. Explosive population growth supports labor and real estate expansion.

2. Business-friendly climate attracts international and national firms.

3. Incredible amenities—from resorts to rail—enhance livability.

4. Economic diversification beyond just tech: aerospace, healthcare, biotech.

5. Forward-thinking sustainability puts Phoenix on the global map.

📣 Final Thoughts: Why Phoenix Is America’s Growth Capital

Whether you’re a business leader scouting new headquarters, a family seeking opportunity, or a retiree chasing sunshine and culture, Phoenix in 2025 is the place to be.

From population growth and economic momentum to world-class entertainment and lifestyle amenities, the Valley of the Sun is more than a hot spot—it’s the future of the American dream.

Thinking about relocating to Phoenix or investing in its booming market?

Contact me to learn more about neighborhoods, business incentives, and lifestyle opportunities in Arizona’s most dynamic metro.