Moving from Boston, MA, to Phoenix, AZ

Head west to Phoenix and rise to a new adventure 

Changing coasts and climates can spark excitement, but it can also make you wonder what lies ahead. Picturesque and walkable Boston, MA, exudes historic charm, while Phoenix, AZ, blends old and new into a vibrant culture heavily influenced by the vast Sonoran Desert and stunning mountain views. 

If you’re about to put down roots in America’s fifth-largest city, here are some helpful hints to help your transition from Boston. 

Is it hot in here or is it just Arizona? 

Learning that deserts are hot and dry doesn’t exactly come as a shock. It’s also easy to believe a report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration stating that Arizona uses four times as much energy to cool homes than the national average. However, total energy use per home is 26 percent below the national average because less heat is used the rest of the year.  

While the thermometer hits triple digits about 100 days per year (between late May and early September), Phoenix’s average temperature is 75 degrees. It’s also the sunniest major metro area in the U.S., allowing Phoenicians to enjoy year-round outdoor activities.  

If you find yourself missing those snow-packed Boston winters, just head two hours north to Flagstaff in the colder months and experience one of the snowiest cities in the U.S. 

Enjoy a taste of the area’s diversity 

While Boston is well known for its seafood, clam chowder, Italian cuisine and traditional Irish pubs, Phoenix is no slouch in the food department, either. The Valley of the Sun has earned a reputation for its diverse food scene, highlighted by over 400 food trucks serving an assortment of tasty treats.  

Food in Phoenix features indigenous ingredients and various cultural influences. Local favorites not to be missed include traditional Mexican cuisine, Sonoran hot dogs, burgers, fry bread and prickly pear margaritas. 

It helps to have a car in this sprawling city 

Driving can be challenging in both Boston and Phoenix, particularly during rush-hour commuter traffic. But in Phoenix, which has 10 times the land mass of Boston, there’s much more room to maneuver. Also, the city’s grid system makes it easier to navigate, and with no cold weather damage, the roads tend to stay in good condition. 

While Phoenix does offer some public transportation, having a vehicle makes it much easier to get around the metro area. And for getaways, there’s the convenience and service of award-winning Phoenix Sky Harbor International, one of the nation’s busiest airports. 

Rely on U-Pack for managing your cross-country move 

Trekking to a new home nearly 2,700 miles away is a big task that pushes the limits of DIY moving. The good news? U-Pack® is here to help through our nationwide network of service centers, simplifying long-distance moves while saving you money. 

We’ll handle the driving and transport your belongings from Boston to Phoenix in less than a week! Get a free online quote today or call one of our helpful moving consultants at 844-362-5303844-594-3077.

If you have time, consider turning your move into a cross-country road trip vacation! Here are the 40 best stops between Boston and Phoenix to help you plan your itinerary.