let’s cut through the brochure stuff. You’re thinking about moving to Arizona. That’s awesome. But figuring out where in Arizona is the real trick. It’s a big state with a bunch of different personalities. Picking the wrong one is like wearing a winter coat in July—you’re just gonna be uncomfortable.

I’m not a travel guide. I run a storage unit place. But you know what? That means I’ve talked to thousands of people who’ve just moved here. I’ve heard what they love, and I’ve heard what they got wrong. So let me give it to you straight.

Forget the zip code for a second. What do you actually do for fun?

Be honest. Your answer tells you everything.

If your perfect Saturday involves trying a new brunch spot, hitting a museum, and then going to a big concert, you’re gonna hate a quiet retirement community. If your idea of hell is sitting in traffic for 45 minutes, you need to look outside of Phoenix proper.

Let’s get into it.

The “Go-Go-Go” Crowd: Phoenix and its chaos

The Valley of the Sun is massive. It’s a concrete jungle that grew out of the desert. It’s got everything: every restaurant chain you can think of, pro sports teams, huge concerts, and tons of jobs.

But man, it has a price.

The summer heat will knock you over. It’s not dry heat, it’s oven heat. And the traffic… my god, the traffic. The 101 at 5 PM is a parking lot. You will live in your car. If you hate driving, this is not your place.

Here’s a thing I see all the time:

People move here for a job into some sleek apartment in Scottsdale. It looks amazing, but the closet is the size of a postage stamp. Where do you put your ski gear? Your grandma’s china? Your off-season clothes? That’s why we exist. People use our units as their attic. It’s cheap, it’s easy, and it keeps your fancy apartment from looking like a cluttered mess.

The “Weird and Wonderful” Crowd: Tucson

Tucson is the cool, older sibling who doesn’t care what you think. It’s grittier, more real. The food is unbelievable because it’s not trying to be fancy, it’s just good. The mountains are right there. You can be on a serious hiking trail 15 minutes from downtown.

It’s slower. More artistic. It feels like a community.

The downside?

It’s a bit of an island. Phoenix is a solid two-hour drive if you need a big airport or want to see a specific show. The job market is getting better, but it’s not Phoenix. You come here for life, not just a career.

Tucson people are outdoor people. Their garages are full of bikes, kayaks, and camping gear. I can’t tell you how many customers just use a small unit to store their adventure gear. It’s way cheaper than renting a bigger place with a two-car garage.

The “I’m Done with All That” Crowd: The Sun Cities

Places like Sun City are built for one thing: fun. They’re 55+ communities designed so you never have to lift a finger again. Golf, pools, clubs, activities—it’s all right there. The sense of community is instant because everyone is new and looking for friends.

It’s awesome… if that’s what you want.

The big thing?

You’re living in a bubble. It’s age-restricted, so it’s all retirees. If you want to be around a mix of people, this ain’t it. And you still gotta drive to get to a real supermarket or a Home Depot.

This is my biggest business, honestly. Downsizing. People move from a 4-bedroom house in Chicago into a 2-bedroom villa here. They have a lifetime of stuff. What do you do with your kids’ old artwork? Your wedding photos? The furniture that doesn’t fit? You’re not ready to throw it out. So you put it in a unit. It’s not hoarding; it’s keeping your history safe while you enjoy your right now. We get it.

The “I Need Real Seasons” Crowd: Flagstaff or Prescott

Yes, it snows in Arizona. Flagstaff gets more snow than Denver some years. It’s a mountain town with a college vibe. Prescott feels like the Old West decided to get a few good coffee shops. They’re beautiful, quiet(ish), and a world away from the desert.

But winter is a real thing. You’ll shovel snow. You’ll deal with icy roads. The tourism can be overwhelming. And things cost more because everything has to be trucked up the mountain.

Up here, storage is about survival. You need a place for your snow tires and your sub-zero sleeping bag in July. And you need a place for your mountain bike and your patio furniture in January. Houses are older and often don’t have much storage. A unit is just part of life.

My two cents?

Visit. But not like a tourist. Come in July. Feel the heat. Try to drive somewhere at rush hour. Go to a normal grocery store. See if you can picture yourself doing your boring Tuesday errands there.

That’ll tell you more than any website ever could.

And when you do make the move, and you’re staring at a pile of boxes that don’t fit in your new place, you know where to find us. We’ll get you sorted. No drama.