9 tips for tech workers relocating to Phoenix
What is one tip you’d have for someone relocating to Phoenix who works in tech?
To help you with your relocation, we asked Phoenix natives and tech industry leaders this question for their best tips. From learning to golf for the networking benefits to solidifying the new job offer in writing before relocating, there are several ideas that can help make your relocation to Phoenix painless and a breeze.
Here are nine tips for tech professionals who are relocating to Phoenix:
- Learn to Golf for the Networking Benefits
- Take Advantage of the Low Corporate Tax Rate
- Look to the Southeast Neighborhoods for the Tech Community
- Be Bold when Asking for Salary Compensation
- Keep an Eye out for Events Happening in Phoenix
- Explore & Visit Old Town Scottsdale
- Don’t be Afraid to Rent in a Nearby City
- Expect a Competitive Atmosphere
- Solidify the New Job Offer in Writing Before Relocating
Learn to Golf for the Networking Benefits
One of the greatest benefits of living in Phoenix is access to dozens of premier golf courses. And tech executives, whether on retreat or local, love to take advantage of them. The valley is littered with golf courses, and they make up one of biggest recreational activities in the greater Phoenix area. As such, tech professionals are constantly meeting up to play and network.
So my advice would be if you don’t know how to golf, learn. Buy a set of clubs and take a few lessons. Even if you aren’t a huge sports fan and never really get the hang of it, the networking benefits alone are worth trying. Tech networking groups even host golf events annually, so it’s a great way to get plugged in.
John Ross, Test Prep Insight
Take Advantage of the Low Corporate Tax Rate
Phoenix is ranked in the top 10 (7th to be exact) best cities for startups—and that’s why a lot of tech startups are located there. The relatively low corporate tax rate makes it an enticing place for businesses. In fact, anyone who wants to start a company should seriously look to Phoenix because of the comparatively low costs.
The corporate tax rate in Phoenix is 4.9%, while the national average is 7.1%. Not only that, but the LLC filing fees and the Inc filing fees are some of the lowest of any major city in the United States. That’s the biggest advantage of owning a startup in Phoenix, and that’s why it’s a desirable place for anyone who works in tech. Whether you’re starting a tech business or want to get hired by a trendy tech company, Phoenix is rich with talent and opportunity.
Trevor Ford, Yotta
Look to the Southeast Neighborhoods for the Tech Community
This is more of a lifestyle tip, but if you’re moving to Phoenix for tech, you want to be in the southeast part of the valley in Chandler, Gilbert, or Tempe where tech is most prevalent. Especially moving to Phoenix where you’re inside for three months of the year with air conditioning, you want to be where the action, your hub, and location of your future is. I have a lot of friends who have relocated to Phoenix for tech and they can’t stress enough that location is everything if you want to meet your community. If you’re relocating to Phoenix for tech, it’s all about location location location!
Karim Hachem, Sunshine79
Be Bold when Asking for Salary Compensation
The one tip is to be bold in asking for a good salary. Phoenix is a tech center and is one of the best and growing regions for tech in the United States. However, the cost of living is higher so don’t sell your knowledge cheaply. You need at least $5,000 in gross salary a month to create a comfortable life in Phoenix. That means your salary should be at least $60,000 yearly to be able to afford a Phoenix lifestyle.
Venus Patti, Limelight Dental
Keep an Eye out for Events Happening in Phoenix
One tip I would have for someone relocating to Phoenix who works in tech is to check out events that are happening in the city and network with other tech professionals. There are many great meetups in Phoenix that connect developers and designers with each other, as well as corporations looking to hire in the area.
Karen Ebanks, Karan Real Estate
Explore & Visit Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale is a great place to hang out and explore for any tech worker relocating to the Phoenix area. Not only at night, but also throughout the day, this central gathering spot is visited by the whole of the neighborhood’s population. To relax and unwind, people from all walks of life in the Phoenix / Scottsdale area come here, from local celebrities to industry experts. The Central Gathering Spot is an ideal setting for building professional connections and making new friends throughout the community.
Robert Warner, Virtual Valley
Don’t be Afraid to Rent in a Nearby City
Phoenix has had nearly a 20% growth rate in population this year which has caused both rental rates and home prices to skyrocket. With the extremely high prices, it’s highly recommended that individuals look for homes in neighboring areas. Many tech jobs are hybrid or entirely remote, meaning individuals don’t have to commute often to get to work. If you are a tech professional that won’t need to commute on a daily basis, it would be wiser, financially, for you to look in the areas outside (but still near) Phoenix to sow your roots.
David Aylor, David Aylor Law Offices
Expect a Competitive Atmosphere
Since the technology industry in the Phoenix metropolitan region is one of the most rapidly expanding in the United States, it is expected that an increasing number of tech professionals as well as tech companies are relocating there. You can expect a lot of competition in order to get the job that you desire, and once you do have a job, your employer may have high expectations for you due to the high level of competitiveness that exists amongst tech companies.
Joe Troyer, Digital Triggers
Solidify the New Job Offer in Writing Before Relocating
Relocating for the most time means you’ll be joining a new company. Before you move and give your formal notice to vacate your current position, make sure every single aspect is offered to you in writing. Especially so in the tech industry where there is major competition in Phoenix, the last thing you want is to relocate and have your job offer’s terms adjusted after the fact. You would already have your hands full with due diligence when you relocate. Having a written job offer will make sure you have one less thing to worry about.
Tiffany Homan, Rental Property Calculator