Phoenix TRACON (P90)

📍 About P90 & Phoenix

Phoenix TRACON (P90) is located in the vibrant Phoenix metro area, one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States. Known for its year-round sunshine, desert beauty, and affordable cost of living, Phoenix offers a range of neighborhoods for every lifestyle — from urban downtown living to family-friendly suburbs.

🏡 Where to Live

Arizona – Singles & Couples

• Downtown Phoenix – Urban, walkable, close to bars, coffee shops, arts district.
• Tempe – Lively, close to ASU, lots of food, music, and events.
• Arcadia – Trendy, upscale area with restaurants and mountain views.
• North Phoenix – Quiet, newer apartments, easy freeway access.

Arizona – Families

• Chandler – Excellent schools, family events, parks, and shopping.
• Gilbert – Safe, great schools, community feel, newer housing.
• Peoria – Affordable, family-friendly, good schools, close to Lake Pleasant.
• Glendale – Mix of affordable housing, schools improving, close to stadiums.
• Scottsdale – Upscale, clean, great amenities, top-rated schools.
• Mesa – Diverse, family-friendly, developing downtown area.
• Ahwatukee – Quiet suburban feel, nestled by South Mountain.

🚗 Commute Times to P90 (Phoenix)

• 5–15 min: South Phoenix, Ahwatukee, Tempe
• 15–30 min: Chandler, Downtown Phoenix, Mesa, Arcadia
• 30–45 min: Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, Scottsdale

🎓 Top School Districts

• Chandler – A+ rated public schools
• Gilbert – Excellent academics and safety
• Scottsdale – Highly ranked, strong programs
• Peoria – Top-rated STEM and sports programs

🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round

🌲 Outdoor Activities

• Hiking: Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, South Mountain Park, Papago Park
• Mountain Biking: Usery Mountain, McDowell Sonoran Preserve
• Lakes: Lake Pleasant, Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake (kayaking, boating, fishing)
• State Parks: Lost Dutchman State Park, Tonto National Forest

🏛️ Indoor & Cultural

• Phoenix: Museums, music venues, art galleries, pro sports (Suns, Diamondbacks, Cardinals)
• Gyms & Activities: Lifetime Fitness, EOS, rock gyms, indoor climbing
• Breweries: Four Peaks, Wren House, Arizona Wilderness, Huss Brewing
• Shopping: Scottsdale Fashion Square, Biltmore Fashion Park, Tempe Marketplace

✈️ Nearby Airports

• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): ~10–20 minutes – major commercial airport
• Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA): ~45 minutes – smaller commercial flights, Allegiant hub
• Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT): General aviation, flight schools, private charters

🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers

• City of Phoenix Official Website
• Arizona DMV – License, Registration & Tolls
• Arizona Department of Health Services
• Best Places to Live – AZ (Niche.com)

🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites

• Scottsdale: Low crime rate, highly rated public safety
• Gilbert: Very safe, great for families
• Peoria & Chandler: Safe with active community policing
• Phoenix (downtown): Varies by neighborhood — check local stats

🔗 Town Websites

• Phoenix, AZ
• Chandler, AZ
• Gilbert, AZ
• Scottsdale, AZ
• Peoria, AZ
• Mesa, AZ
• Tempe, AZ
• Glendale, AZ
• Laveen, AZ
• Ahwatukee (community site)

💰 Cost of Living

• Arizona: State income tax (~2.5%). No tax on groceries. Median home price in Phoenix: $420,000. Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,500/month.
• Groceries: ~3–5% below national average. Milk ~$3.50, eggs ~$2.75.
• Gasoline: ~$3.70–$4.10/gallon (lower than CA, higher than TX).
• Utilities: ~$160–$230/month for an apartment (higher in summer due to AC).
• Car insurance: Moderate; expect to pay ~$100–$150/month depending on vehicle and age.

🌆 Neighborhood Highlights

• Downtown Phoenix: Great for walkability, restaurants, nightlife, and city events.
• Arcadia: Trendy and upscale with great dining and Camelback Mountain views.
• Tempe: Artsy and vibrant with student energy and walkable neighborhoods.
• Gilbert: Historic downtown, family events, safe and clean.
• Ahwatukee: Nestled against South Mountain — quiet and great for outdoor lovers.
• Scottsdale: Upscale living, golf courses, high-end shopping and resorts.

☀️ Seasonal Weather

• Summer: Extremely hot (100–115°F); very dry. Stay hydrated and protect from sun.
• Fall: Warm and dry; great for hiking and outdoor events.
• Winter: Mild and sunny (~65–75°F); popular for visitors and outdoor living.
• Spring: Perfect weather (~75–90°F); cactus bloom season.
• Monsoon Season: July–September brings short, intense storms with lightning and dust.

🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic

• Valley Metro Light Rail: Runs from Mesa through Tempe to Downtown Phoenix — great for commuting if you live nearby.
• Bus Service: Extensive but limited frequency outside urban core. Check Valley Metro schedules.
• Car Recommended: Most residents drive. Expect traffic during morning/evening rush, especially on I-10 and US-60.
• Parking: Abundant in suburbs; limited and metered downtown.

🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care

• Banner Health: Major hospital system with ERs and clinics throughout the Valley.
• HonorHealth: High-quality medical care with locations in Scottsdale, Glendale, and Phoenix.
• Dignity Health: Chandler Regional and St. Joseph’s are top-rated facilities.
• Urgent Care: FastMed, NextCare, and HonorHealth have walk-in clinics all over the Valley.

🫂 Social Life & Community

• Young Professionals: Great bar and brewery scene in Downtown, Arcadia, and Tempe. Meetup groups, coworking spaces, and hiking clubs thrive here.
• Families: Festivals, kids museums, splash pads, and city-run rec centers in most suburbs.
• Volunteer/Community: Phoenix has a strong culture of service — join neighborhood Facebook groups, city cleanups, or nonprofits.

🍽️ Dining & Food Scene

• Phoenix: Pizzeria Bianco (legendary), Matt’s Big Breakfast, The Arrogant Butcher, and tons of taco shops.
• Tempe: Culinary Dropout, House of Tricks, food trucks, and breweries.
• Scottsdale: FnB, Citizen Public House, upscale southwestern cuisine and cocktails.
• Gilbert: Heritage District is packed with family-friendly restaurants and cafes.
• Mexican Food: Everywhere — and it’s amazing. Try Carolina’s, Gallo Blanco, or Tacos Chiwas.

🛫 ATC-Specific Tips

• Training: P90 is high-volume and fast-paced. Living close to work can help reduce stress during the training process.
• Shifts: Expect rotating shifts including mids. Blackout curtains and cooling gear are essential for sleeping in daytime heat.
• Community: Many P90 controllers live in Ahwatukee, Chandler, or Tempe — try to connect early via Facebook groups or local meetups.

📦 Moving Tips

• Heat gear: Get reflective windshield covers, blackout curtains, portable fans, and lots of sunscreen.
• Rent trucks early: Summer is peak moving season — U-Haul and Penske book fast.
• Best apartment months: May–August has the most availability (but highest temps!).
• Utilities setup: SRP or APS for electric — rates vary by location.

❓ FAQs

• Is Phoenix affordable?
  Yes. It’s more affordable than many major metros, though housing prices are rising.
• Do I need a car?
  Yes — Phoenix is very car-dependent outside of light rail areas.
• What about the heat?
  It’s real. Plan your outdoor time early morning or late evening. AC is essential.
• Is it safe?
  Generally yes, but like all cities, it varies by neighborhood. Suburbs tend to be very safe.