🌍 Overview
As a digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Phoenix, Arizona, my home for several months, and I can confidently say that it’s a hidden gem for remote workers. With its warm desert climate, rich cultural scene, and plenty of outdoor activities, Phoenix has become a popular destination for digital nomads looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The city has a unique vibe that’s a mix of laid-back and vibrant, making it an ideal spot for those who want to balance work and play. Phoenix digital nomads can enjoy the city’s many hiking trails, explore the vibrant arts district, and experience the diverse food scene, all while staying connected with fast internet speeds.
One of the main reasons I fell in love with Phoenix is its stunning natural beauty. The city is surrounded by mountains, and the sunsets are truly breathtaking. As a digital nomad, it’s essential to have a balance between work and play, and Phoenix offers plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy nature. From hiking Camelback Mountain to exploring the Desert Botanical Garden, there’s no shortage of activities to keep you active and inspired.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood to live in Phoenix, there are several options that are popular among digital nomads. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Roosevelt Row: This arts district is located in downtown Phoenix and is known for its vibrant street art, trendy bars, and eclectic restaurants. It’s a great spot for digital nomads who want to be in the heart of the action and have easy access to coworking spaces and networking events.
- Old Town Scottsdale: This charming neighborhood is located just outside of Phoenix and is famous for its upscale boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. It’s a great spot for digital nomads who want to experience the luxury side of Phoenix and have easy access to outdoor activities like hiking and biking.
- Downtown Tempe: This neighborhood is located just outside of Phoenix and is home to Arizona State University. It’s a great spot for digital nomads who want to be close to the action but also have a more laid-back atmosphere. Downtown Tempe has a variety of coworking spaces, restaurants, and bars, and is within walking distance to the Tempe Town Lake.
Each of these neighborhoods has its own unique character and charm, and they’re all great options for digital nomads looking for a place to call home in Phoenix.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Phoenix is relatively low compared to other major cities in the US. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for typical expenses:
- Rent: The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Phoenix is around $1,411 per month (approximately 1,300 EUR). However, prices can vary depending on the neighborhood and amenities. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in Roosevelt Row might cost around $1,600 per month (approximately 1,500 EUR), while a similar apartment in Downtown Tempe might cost around $1,200 per month (approximately 1,100 EUR).
- Food: Eating out in Phoenix can be relatively affordable, with the average cost of a meal ranging from $10 to $15 (approximately 9-14 EUR). Groceries are also relatively cheap, with a basket of basic items costing around $50 (approximately 45 EUR) per week.
- Transportation: Phoenix has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses and light rail. A monthly pass costs around $64 (approximately 58 EUR), while a single ride costs $2 (approximately 1.80 EUR). If you prefer to drive, gas is relatively cheap, with the average cost of a gallon of gasoline being around $2.50 (approximately 2.25 EUR).
- Coworking: There are many coworking spaces in Phoenix, with prices ranging from $200 to $500 (approximately 180-450 EUR) per month for a hot desk. Some popular coworking spaces include WeWork, Regus, and Co+Hoots.
Overall, the cost of living in Phoenix is relatively low, making it an attractive option for digital nomads who want to stretch their budget.
Internet & Coworking
Phoenix has a well-developed internet infrastructure, with fast speeds and reliable connections. The average internet speed in Phoenix is around 42 Mbps, making it easy to stay connected and productive. Here are some popular coworking spaces and cafes with good internet:
- WeWork: This global coworking chain has several locations in Phoenix, including in Roosevelt Row and Downtown Tempe. Prices start at around $200 (approximately 180 EUR) per month for a hot desk.
- Co+Hoots: This coworking space is located in Downtown Phoenix and offers a range of membership options, including hot desks and private offices. Prices start at around $250 (approximately 225 EUR) per month.
- Lux Coffee: This coffee shop is located in the heart of Roosevelt Row and has fast internet speeds and a cozy atmosphere. It’s a great spot to grab a coffee and get some work done.
Some popular internet service providers in Phoenix include Cox Communications, CenturyLink, and AT&T. Prices start at around $30 (approximately 27 EUR) per month for a basic plan.
Phoenix has a growing digital nomad community, with many meetups and events taking place throughout the city. Here are some popular groups and events to check out:
- Phoenix Digital Nomads: This Facebook group is a great place to connect with other digital nomads and remote workers in Phoenix. The group has over 1,000 members and hosts regular meetups and events.
- Nomad List Phoenix: This group is part of the larger Nomad List community and is a great resource for finding coworking spaces, apartments, and other essentials for digital nomads.
- Phoenix Startup Week: This annual event brings together entrepreneurs, startups, and remote workers for a week of networking, workshops, and panels.
Phoenix for remote workers is a great option, with its warm climate, outdoor activities, and growing digital nomad community. Whether you’re looking to connect with other like-minded individuals or just want to explore the city, there’s always something happening in Phoenix.
Culture & Lifestyle
Phoenix has a rich cultural scene, with a mix of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican influences. The city is home to many museums, galleries, and performance venues, including the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, and the Orpheum Theatre. The food scene is also diverse, with a range of options from traditional Mexican cuisine to modern American fare.
Some popular local customs and traditions include:
- First Friday: This monthly event takes place in the Roosevelt Row arts district and features live music, street performers, and gallery openings.
- Phoenix Festival of the Arts: This annual festival celebrates the city’s vibrant arts scene, with live music, food vendors, and artist booths.
- Taco Tuesday: This popular tradition takes place every Tuesday, with many restaurants and bars offering special deals on tacos and other Mexican cuisine.
Dating in Phoenix can be a fun and exciting experience, with many singles events and meetups taking place throughout the city. Some popular spots for a night out include:
- Roosevelt Row: This arts district is home to many bars, clubs, and live music venues, making it a great spot to meet new people.
- Old Town Scottsdale: This upscale neighborhood is home to many trendy bars and restaurants, making it a great spot for a night out.
- Downtown Tempe: This neighborhood is home to many bars and restaurants, including the famous Mill Avenue, which is a popular spot for nightlife.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to ensure that you have the correct visa to work remotely in the US. The most common type of visa for digital nomads is the B-1/B-2 visa, which allows visitors to stay in the US for up to six months. However, this visa does not allow you to work remotely, so you’ll need to apply for a different type of visa.
The O-1 visa is a popular option for digital nomads, as it allows individuals with extraordinary abilities in their field to work in the US. However, this visa can be difficult to obtain and requires a significant amount of documentation.
Phoenix for remote workers is a great option, but it’s essential to ensure that you have the correct visa to work remotely in the US.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are some practical tips to keep in mind when visiting Phoenix:
- SIM cards: You can purchase SIM cards at most phone stores, including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. Prices start at around $30 (approximately 27 EUR) per month for a basic plan.
- Transportation: Phoenix has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses and light rail. You can purchase a monthly pass for around $64 (approximately 58 EUR), or pay $2 (approximately 1.80 EUR) for a single ride.
- Safety: Phoenix is generally a safe city, but as with any major city, it’s essential to take precautions to stay safe. Avoid walking alone at night, and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
- Weather: Phoenix has a hot desert climate, with very little rainfall throughout the year. Be sure to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and take breaks in the shade to avoid heat exhaustion.
Some insider tips that only locals would know include:
- Hiking: Phoenix has many hiking trails, including Camelback Mountain and Papago Park. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day.
- Food: Phoenix has a diverse food scene, with many options for Mexican, American, and Asian cuisine. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, including tacos, burritos, and barbecue.
- Events: Phoenix has many events and festivals throughout the year, including the Phoenix Festival of the Arts, the Arizona Renaissance Festival, and the Phoenix Comic Fest. Be sure to check out the local calendar to see what’s happening during your visit.