Moving from New Mexico to Phoenix feels familiar in many ways: desert landscapes, stucco homes, Southwest food and big skies. The big changes are the size of the metro, which spreads across many cities, and the heat, since Phoenix sits far lower than Albuquerque or Santa Fe. Picking an area starts with your daily routine.

New Mexico to Phoenix at a glance

  • Elevation: Phoenix lies at about 1,086 feet, much lower than Albuquerque or Santa Fe, so summers here run hotter
  • Metro size: the Valley is made up of many cities, including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria and Surprise
  • Homes: stucco, tile roofs and desert landscaping will look familiar; HOAs are common in newer areas
  • Time: most of Arizona stays on Mountain Standard Time all year, so the clock matches New Mexico only in winter
  • Getting around: freeways plus Valley Metro buses and light rail

See all homesCall Terry: 602-483-4665

What will feel familiar

Buyers coming from Albuquerque, Las Cruces or Santa Fe usually settle in fast. The plants, the architecture and the monsoon storms all look a lot like home. You will find plenty of stucco homes with flat or tile roofs, desert yards and covered patios. If you love green chile, you will find it here, though locals will tell you it is not quite the same.

What changes: heat and elevation

This is the one most New Mexico buyers underestimate. Albuquerque has one of the highest elevations of any major U.S. city, and Santa Fe sits even higher. Phoenix lies at about 1,086 feet. The lower elevation means summer days here run hotter than what you are used to, and the hot season lasts longer.

That changes what you look for in a home. I pay close attention to the age and size of the air conditioning, how much shade the yard and patio get, window quality, and which way the house faces. A west-facing backyard with no covered patio can be hard to enjoy on summer afternoons.

What changes: a much bigger metro

The Phoenix area is not one city but a group of cities that grew together. Each has its own feel and its own mix of older and newer neighborhoods. Because the metro is so spread out, the most important question I ask New Mexico buyers is where they will be most days: work, family, the airport, school, or a favorite golf course or trail.

A few general patterns:

  • Central Phoenix has older neighborhoods, character homes and quick access to downtown
  • The East Valley (Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert) offers established suburbs and many newer communities
  • The West Valley (Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Goodyear, Buckeye) has many newer homes and growing master plans
  • North Phoenix and Scottsdale run from suburban neighborhoods to desert foothills homes

I will not guess at commute times; they change with the route and the hour. Drive your likely commute at rush hour before you buy.

HOAs and newer neighborhoods

If you are coming from an older New Mexico neighborhood without an association, HOAs may be new to you. Many newer Valley neighborhoods have one. Read the rules on parking, RVs, paint colors and landscaping, and review the fee details before you write an offer. Some buyers prefer older neighborhoods without an HOA, and there are plenty of those too.

Selling in New Mexico and buying here

Many of my New Mexico clients are selling a home there at the same time. Talk to your lender early about how your current home affects your approval, and plan the timing of both closings. If you are a veteran, ask about homes with an assumable VA loan; some Arizona sellers have FHA or VA loans that a qualified buyer may be able to take over, subject to the servicer's approval.

Your first year

  • Plan to move in fall or winter if you can
  • Get the AC serviced before your first summer
  • Switch your driver license and register your vehicle with the Arizona MVD after you become a resident
  • Learn the monsoon season basics: dust storms, flash floods and power outages
  • Find your favorite early-morning trails for summer

Frequently asked questions

Is Phoenix hotter than Albuquerque?

Yes. Phoenix sits much lower in elevation, so summers here are hotter and last longer.

Does Phoenix feel like New Mexico?

In many ways. The desert, architecture and food feel familiar. The metro is much larger and spread across many cities.

What area of Phoenix should I look at?

Start with where you will spend most days, then compare central Phoenix, the East Valley, the West Valley and North Phoenix or Scottsdale.

Is Arizona on the same time as New Mexico?

Only in winter. Most of Arizona stays on Mountain Standard Time all year, while New Mexico observes daylight saving time.

How do I start?

Browse homes on this site and call me at 602-483-4665.

See all homesCall Terry: 602-483-4665

Planning your move from New Mexico? Call Terry Day, REALTOR® with DeLex Realty, at 602-483-4665.