Why You Should Live in Phoenix as a College Student

Phoenix, Arizona is a vibrant, energetic city that provides its residents, and especially college students, with increasing opportunities for employment and urban amenities at an affordable price. Here are just a few ways that the ever-growing city is a smart place to spend your college years and beyond.

Business Opportunities

In a recent study, Phoenix ranked 6th in the country for startup survival rates among cities with a population above 1 million and 8th for startups overall, with 62% of startup companies with up to four employees staying active past their first year.¹ Specifically, tech companies, both leaders and startups, have been moving or expanding to the Phoenix area in the past year, bringing their business professionals with them.²

A Growing Millennial Population

Phoenix also places 5th in the country for millennial population growth, mainly due to its high concentration of college students.¹ In addition to all of the unique places to explore in the city – including the Roosevelt Row Arts District, First Friday street festivals, Grand Canyon University Golf Course, the Phoenix Art Museum, the Desert Botanical Garden and many others – Phoenix is loved by most millennials for its close proximity to some of Arizona’s most beautiful landscapes. Many students at Grand Canyon University spend their weekends hiking scenic trails at Papago Park and on Camelback and Superstition Mountains. And for those travelling in Phoenix, Tempe or Mesa, the near-30 mile light rail system is a convenient pick for residents of all ages.

Affordability

Phoenix has also recently been ranked as the third best city in the country for housing affordability, with the average rent accounting for only 15% of the median income for computer, mathematical, engineering and architecture occupations.¹ This means that Phoenix offers its residents big-city amenities at an affordable price, especially when compared to other cities like New York and Los Angeles.

A Positive Job Outlook

Not only is Phoenix affordable, but it boasts job opportunities aplenty. According to CBRE research and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in Phoenix grew 4.2% in 2017 and 2018, the second highest percentage growth out of all U.S. metros.³ During that period, the city gained 86,800 new jobs compared to the area’s previously typical average of 40,000 to 50,000 new jobs. These numbers typically include only jobs that pay above Maricopa County’s median wage, which was $58,580 during 2017.³ Phoenix also ranks second in the country for wage growth.¹ Specific areas that are seeing increased employment opportunities include manufacturing, trade and financial activities.²

Research analysts predict that these trend will continue well into the coming years, meaning that as the economy flourishes, more talented people – and young ones at that – will likely be joining in on the Phoenix boom. In 2018, the population of Phoenix was over 1.66 million people in an area of land larger than New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago.⁴ Apartment buildings, restaurants and other establishments are popping up across the city as the population continues to grow, and much of this evolution is centered around college campuses like Grand Canyon University.

To learn more about all that Grand Canyon University has to offer its students, visit our website or click the Request Information button on this page. Our accredited university, and its main campus in the heart of Phoenix, may be the next step in your journey to find your purpose.

Retrieved from:

1. https://azbigmedia.com/business/economy/phoenix-overtakes-nyc-in-top-10-best-cities-for-start-ups/
2. https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2017/05/01/downtown-phoenix-tech-industry-boom/100950480/
3. https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2019/01/09/phoenix-saw-second-highest-employment-growth-in.html
4. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/phoenixcityarizona