Moving to Phoenix from Colorado mostly comes down to trading snow season for a long, hot summer, plus a few practical changes: Arizona stays on Mountain Standard Time all year, you register your car with Arizona MVD once you become a resident, and your home search should center on shade, cooling and how you will really use the yard.

I'm Terry Day, REALTOR® with DeLex Realty. I help people relocating from out of state find the right part of the Valley and line up the sale of their old home with the purchase of the new one.

Colorado to Phoenix at a glance

  • Arizona does not use Daylight Saving Time (the Navajo Nation is the exception). In summer, Phoenix is an hour behind Denver; in winter, the clocks match.
  • Arizona MVD says to register a vehicle brought from another state as soon as you become a resident. Some vehicles in the Phoenix metro need an emissions test first.
  • Your ski gear, bikes and camping equipment still need a home. Garage and storage space matter.
  • Arizona's high country, including Flagstaff, Prescott and Payson, is still part of the state when you want cooler air.

See homes for sale in Phoenix

The climate swap: plan for summer, not just winter

Most people from Colorado first see Phoenix on a sunny winter trip, and it's easy to fall in love with it then. The real test is summer. Before you buy, look at the home the way you'll live in it in July: Which rooms get the afternoon sun? Is there a covered patio? How old is the air conditioning, and are there service records? Ask for recent utility history, keeping in mind that another owner's bills only give you a rough idea of your own.

The National Weather Service Phoenix office posts current heat information. It's worth checking before outdoor plans in the warm months.

Time zone: one less thing to change twice a year

Colorado moves its clocks in spring and fall. Most of Arizona doesn't. Arizona stays on Mountain Standard Time all year, with the Navajo Nation as the exception (timeanddate.com explains it here). So from March to November, Phoenix runs an hour behind Denver. If you'll keep working for a Colorado employer or calling family back home, put that on your calendar. I wrote more about it in Does Arizona Observe Daylight Saving Time?

Bringing your car and getting your license

Arizona MVD's New to Arizona page says you must register a vehicle from another state as soon as you become an Arizona resident. Bring your current title and registration. Some vehicles in the Phoenix metro need to pass an emissions test before registration, so check that first to save a trip. MVD also lists what to bring for your Arizona driver license, including an optional Travel ID.

A home that fits a Colorado lifestyle

Think about what you want to keep and what you're happy to change:

  • Gear storage. Skis, bikes, kayaks and camping gear need a spot. A three-car garage, RV gate or extra storage can matter more than another bedroom.
  • Outdoor space you can use. A shaded patio or covered porch gets used far more than a big sunny yard.
  • Yard care. Many Valley yards use desert landscaping with drip irrigation. Ask what the plants and irrigation need.
  • Trails. If being near a trailhead matters, we'll look at the actual access point from each home rather than trusting the map.

Getting to cooler weather

When you miss the mountains, Arizona's high country is still in-state. Flagstaff, Prescott and Payson are common getaways. Road conditions change by season, so check current conditions before you go. When choosing where to live, I suggest weighing your everyday errands and work over occasional weekend trips.

Selling in Colorado and buying in Arizona

Most of my relocation clients either sell first and rent short-term, or buy first if their lender confirms they qualify with both homes. Your lender should confirm the numbers before you write an offer. If your Colorado home hasn't sold, expected proceeds aren't money you can count on yet. I can help line up the Arizona side of the timeline and talk through contract options.

If you'd like a lower payment option to explore, some Valley homes may have an FHA or VA loan a qualified buyer could assume. You can browse them on my assumable mortgage homes page. The servicer has to approve the buyer, so treat it as one option to check.

Frequently asked questions

Is Phoenix in the same time zone as Denver?

Both are Mountain Time, but Arizona doesn't use Daylight Saving Time. From March to November, Phoenix is one hour behind Denver. In winter they match.

When do I need to register my car in Arizona?

Arizona MVD says to register it as soon as you become a resident. Bring your title and registration from Colorado, and check whether your vehicle needs an emissions test first.

Where in the Valley should a Colorado buyer look?

It depends on your work, budget and the features you want. We'll build a short list from real homes on the market that match your must-haves.

Can I still get to the mountains?

Yes. Flagstaff, Prescott and Payson are popular high-country spots in Arizona. Check current road conditions before any trip.

Ready to start? Call Terry Day at DeLex Realty, 602-483-4665, and I'll help you plan the move from Colorado one step at a time.

Planning a move from Colorado to Phoenix?

Call Terry: 602-483-4665