Relocation
More than 90,000 residents moved to Arizona from other states in 2007, but those numbers dwindled in the following years due to the national economic crisis. Arizona was known as one of the fastest-developing states. Things have slowed down substantially, but there is plenty of positive possibility going forward. Original forecasts showed the population doubling over the next quarter-century, but by 2010 the rate of population growth was around 1 percent, or about 2.5 percent less than the booming years of 2004–2005, according to US Census data.
Still, the Valley remains a draw for businesses, families, and young people. High-tech companies continue to expand to Phoenix. Since the housing bubble burst, the Valley has seen an uptick in the rental market. Schools like Arizona State University and University of Phoenix remain a driving force in higher education and job-development. In spite of the economic slowdown, Phoenix remains a destination spot for people seeking to expand their career or improve their family’s way of life.
In this chapter we introduce you to some of the Valley’s well-known neighborhoods and to some of the area’s established real estate agents who can help you find the perfect home. The Valley is known for its retirement communities, and we have listed those in greater detail in the Retirement chapter.
1. Arizona Department Of Health Services
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (602) 542-1025
Description: If your car is already titled or registered in another state, you must get an Arizona title, registration, and license plate when you become an Arizona resident. If you work in Arizona, remain in the state for 7 months or longer during any calendar year, or put children in school without paying nonresident tuition rates, you are considered a resident.
2. Vehicle Registration
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (602) 255-0072
Description: For the metro Phoenix area, your vehicle must first be emissions-tested if it is a model year 2001 or older, including diesels. For more information contact the Department of Transportation at (877) 692-9227, or check the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s website at www.azdeq.gov.
3. Arizona Relocation Alliance
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (602) 912-1535
Description: The organization was formed in 2001 to facilitate professional networking and relocation to the Valley and Arizona. The nonprofit group brings together a list of member relocation experts who can help newcomers get their foot in the door with corporations, real estate groups, and other business ventures.
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Relocation
5. Apartment Finders
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (602) 957-7000
Description: In business since 1981, Apartment Finders has a computer network that offers current information on more than 300,000 units in the Valley of the Sun. The information available includes floor plans, amenities, school information, and other details. The company’s licensed agents can help find long-term and short-term leases for winter visitors and corporate relocators. They even escort apartment seekers to the properties and are experts in handling challenging rental issues such as income and credit problems or finding properties that allow large dogs. The company is paid by the property owners, so its services to renters are free. It has 5 offices (three in Phoenix, one each in Tempe and Mesa) serving the entire Valley. Information: (602) 957-7000.
6. Arizona Association Of Realtors
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (602) 248-7787
Address: 255 E. Osborn Rd.
7. Era Encore Realty
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (602) 938-2000
Address: 678 E. Thunderbird Rd.
Description: Encore Realty is one of the top 50 offices in sales in ERA’s international franchise network. Based in Phoenix, Encore handles sales in all areas of the Valley with more than 50 agents. Encore is a member of the National Military Broker Network and specializes in meeting the needs of service members from Luke Air Force Base.
8. John Hall & Associates
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (602) 953-4000
Address: 11211 N. Tatum Blvd.
Description: John Hall and Associates, in business in Arizona since 1974, has four offices and more than 800 real estate professionals covering the Valley. It is a full-service agency that offers complete relocation services for individuals, brokerages, and corporations.
9. Keller Williams Realty
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (602) 787-2000
Address: 11010 N. Tatum Blvd., Ste. 101
Description: Keller Williams Realty maintains 13 sales offices in the Valley of the Sun. This is the north Phoenix location. The firm provides local sales and relocation services as part of the Keller Williams network.
10. Realty Executives
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (602) 957-0444
Address: 4427 N. 36th St.
Description: This is the central Phoenix office of the Realty Executives franchise operation, which was born in the city in 1965. Today there are more than 1,000 Realty Executives franchises worldwide. Reflecting its hometown roots, Realty Executives Phoenix has scads of offices in the Valley of the Sun, as well as its corporate headquarters.
11. West Usa Realty
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (480) 948-5554
Address: 7047 E. Greenway Pkwy.
Description: West USA Realty is a Phoenix firm that opened its doors in April 1986 and has since grown to six branch offices and 7 franchise offices, with a network of more than 1,400 real estate professionals in the Valley. The Kierland office serves the metro Phoenix area. West USA’s other offices are scattered Valleywide.
12. Arizona Department Of Health Services
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (602) 542-1025
Description: If your car is already titled or registered in another state, you must get an Arizona title, registration, and license plate when you become an Arizona resident. If you work in Arizona, remain in the state for 7 months or longer during any calendar year, or put children in school without paying nonresident tuition rates, you are considered a resident.
13. Vehicle Registration
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (602) 255-0072
Description: For the metro Phoenix area, your vehicle must first be emissions-tested if it is a model year 2001 or older, including diesels. For more information contact the Department of Transportation at (877) 692-9227, or check the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s website at www.azdeq.gov.
14. Arizona Relocation Alliance
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (602) 912-1535
Description: The organization was formed in 2001 to facilitate professional networking and relocation to the Valley and Arizona. The nonprofit group brings together a list of member relocation experts who can help newcomers get their foot in the door with corporations, real estate groups, and other business ventures.
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Relocation