Moving from Columbus, OH, to Phoenix, AZ

Bye-bye, Buckeye: Welcome to the Valley of the Sun

Once you get past the noticeable climate differences, Columbus, OH, and Phoenix, AZ, have some strong similarities.  

They’re large capital cities separated by 1,900 miles. Residents are passionate about their respective state universities, contributing significantly to the local economies. And there’s always tasty food to enjoy and lots to do. 

Ready to set off from the Upper Midwest for new adventures in the desert? Learn some things to expect and discover why U-Pack® is your best bet for moving cross-country. 

Absorb the culture of the American Southwest 

Concerned about your new home matching the energy of Columbus? Phoenix is up to the task. Whether you relax at a world-class resort, explore the outdoors, indulge in local delicacies or dig into the region's culture, there’s something for everyone in the “Valley of the Sun.” 

Get a feel for Phoenix through these popular activities: 

  • Museum exploration (Check out masterworks at the Phoenix Art Museum, the largest of its kind in the Southwest. Architecture enthusiasts can visit Taliesin West, home of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. Learn about Native American History at the Heard Museum and the Pueblo Grande Museum. There’s even a highly regarded museum dedicated to musical instruments!) 
  • Desert Botanical Garden (walk five themed trails, learn about desert landscaping, and take various art, cooking and wellness classes) 
  • Hiking (South Mountain Park and Preserve and Camelback Mountain) 
  • The Sonoran Desert (scope out the distinctive saguaro cactus, which can live for more than 150 years) 
  • Lake time (six within a 75-minute drive) 
  • Golf (almost 200 courses) 
  • Pro sports (NBA’s Suns, WNBA’s Mercury, NFL’s Cardinals, MLB’s Diamondbacks, MLB Spring Training and NASCAR) 
  • Food trucks (sample delicious eats and support small businesses with almost 450 options among food trucks, carts, trailers and pop-ups) 

Tap into an expanding job market 

Career opportunities are a big reason Phoenix is one of America’s fastest-growing cities. Job growth in Phoenix has increased more than 20 percent over the past decade. 

While the city’s primary industries are tourism and hospitality (more than 45 million people travel through Sky Harbor International Airport annually), Phoenix is also a developing technology hub. The area’s top employers include Amazon, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Walmart, Wells Fargo, and the state and local governments. 

Pursue limitless educational opportunities 

Phoenix is home to nearly 100 public elementary, middle and high schools. Fifty high schools are recognized on U.S. News & World Report’s Best High School rankings. 

Arizona State University in nearby Tempe is a popular choice for post-secondary education. ASU has the largest enrollment (over 80,000 students) of any U.S. college or university. The Ohio State University in Columbus, in comparison, ranks fourth with an enrollment of over 60,000. ASU is a leading research institution offering a wide range of majors. 

Savor the sun and fun faster and easier with U-Pack 

Do-it-yourself moves are challenging and even more stressful when traveling cross country. With service center locations nationwide, U-Pack is designed to tackle long-distance moves efficiently, so you don’t have to. We’ll even take care of the driving! Get a free online quote or call one of our moving experts at 844-362-5303844-594-3077 for more information.