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DTPR MAGAZINE #15-5: September - October 2025
Affordability That Actually Adds Up
Compared to many coastal metros, Phoenix provides
big city features without quite as heavy a price tag.
Median home sale prices in 2025 have generally
ranged between $400,000 and $485,000, depending on
neighborhood and month—much lower than many coastal
California metros where median prices commonly exceed
$800,000.
Arizona’s tax structure sweetens the deal: a flat income
tax rate of 2.5%, no state estate tax, and overall living
costs that are near the national average, and substantially
below those in many parts of California.
Household income needed to maintain a middle-class
standard of living is lower here than in many expensive
metros, freeing up more budget for recreation, culture,
or savings.
Culture, Sports, and a Vibe That’s
Hard to Beat
Phoenix offers a rich mix of arts, culture, and recreation.
You’ll find the Heard Museum presenting Native American
art, Arizona Opera performances, and live music at venues
like the Talking Stick Amphitheatre. Sports fans have MLB’s
Diamondbacks, NBA’s Suns, and NFL’s Cardinals. And with
Arizona State University’s Tempe campus nearby, there’s a
young, energetic edge to parts of the city.
Neighborhoods like Downtown Phoenix buzz with restaurants,
bars, galleries, and newer “James-Beard-nominated” chefs;
Old Town Scottsdale provides luxury shopping, nightlife, and
a hint of western charm. In many ways, the city feels like it’s
reinventing itself daily, with efforts underway for heat-mitigation,
water conservation, and more sustainable urban design.
Tempe Bridges
Photography By Brent Coulter
Papago Golf Course
Photography By Marc Bigelow