7 Reasons to Ditch New Jersey and Move to Ahwatukee, Phoenix
Are you tired of the high taxes, cold weather, and crowded roads of New
Jersey? Do you dream of living in a sunny, spacious, and affordable neighborhood
with plenty of amenities and attractions? If so, you might want to consider
moving to Ahwatukee, one of the best places to live in the Phoenix metro area.
Here are seven reasons why Ahwatukee beats New Jersey in every aspect of quality
of life.
1. Lower Cost of Living
One of the biggest advantages of living in Ahwatukee is the lower cost of
living compared to New Jersey. According to BestPlaces.net,
the overall cost of living index in Ahwatukee is 113.6, which is slightly above
the national average of 100. However, the cost-of-living index in New Jersey is
a whopping 125.1, which means you’ll pay more for housing, groceries, utilities,
transportation, and health care. For
example, the median home price in Ahwatukee is $426,600, while the median home
price in New Jersey is $547,7001. That’s a difference of $121,100, or 22%.
Imagine how much you could save by moving to Ahwatukee.
2. Better Weather
Another reason to move to Ahwatukee is the better weather. Ahwatukee
enjoys a warm and dry climate, with an average of 299 sunny days per year. The
average high temperature in July is 104°F, while the average low temperature in
January is 43°F. You’ll never have to worry about snow, ice, or freezing
rain in Ahwatukee. On
the other hand, New Jersey has a humid continental climate, with an average of
206 sunny days per year4. The
average high temperature in July is 86°F, while the average low temperature in
January is 23°F. You’ll have to deal with snow, sleet, and frost in New
Jersey. If you love outdoor activities, you’ll have more options and
opportunities in Ahwatukee.
3. Less Traffic
A third reason to move to Ahwatukee is the less traffic. Ahwatukee is a
suburban community that is located at the southernmost tip of Phoenix, bordered
by the South Mountain Park and the Gila River Indian Community. It
has a population of about 83,000 people and a land area of about 36 square
miles. This
means that Ahwatukee is less densely populated and less congested than New
Jersey, which has a population of about 8.9 million people, and a land area of
about 8,722 square miles. The
average commute time in Ahwatukee is 25.4 minutes, while the average commute
time in New Jersey is 31.5 minutes. That’s a difference of 6.1 minutes, or
19%. Imagine how much time and stress you could save by moving to Ahwatukee.
4. More Recreation
A fourth reason to move to Ahwatukee is the more recreation. Ahwatukee is
surrounded by natural beauty and offers a variety of recreational activities for
all ages and interests. You
can hike, bike, or horseback ride in the South Mountain Park, which is the
largest municipal park in the country, with more than 16,000 acres of desert
terrain and 51 miles of trails. You can golf, swim, or play tennis in one
of the many golf courses, pools, or courts in Ahwatukee. You can shop, dine, or
watch a movie in one of the many shopping centers, restaurants, or theaters in
Ahwatukee. You can also enjoy the cultural and entertainment attractions of
Phoenix, which is only a short drive away. Phoenix
is home to the Phoenix Zoo, the Desert Botanical Garden, the Musical Instrument
Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, the Arizona Science Center, and many more.
You’ll never run out of things to do in Ahwatukee. On the other hand, New Jersey
has fewer recreational options and attractions. New Jersey is mostly urban and
industrial, with less natural scenery and open space. New Jersey has fewer
parks, trails, golf courses, and pools than Ahwatukee. New Jersey has fewer
shopping centers, restaurants, and theaters than Ahwatukee. New Jersey also has
fewer cultural and entertainment attractions than Phoenix. New Jersey is mainly
known for its beaches, casinos, and amusement parks, which are seasonal and
crowded. You’ll have more fun and variety in Ahwatukee.
5. Safer Neighborhood
A fifth reason to move to Ahwatukee is the safer neighborhood. Ahwatukee is a
family-friendly and community-oriented neighborhood that has a low crime rate
and a high sense of security. According to NeighborhoodScout.com,
the violent crime rate in Ahwatukee is 1.64 per 1,000 residents, while the
property crime rate is 18.32 per 1,000 residents. These
rates are lower than the national averages of 3.7 and 22.0, respectively. Ahwatukee
also has a lower crime rate than New Jersey, which has a violent crime rate of
2.08 per 1,000 residents, and a property crime rate of 14.49 per 1,000 residents.
You’ll feel safer and more comfortable in Ahwatukee.
6. Diverse Community
A sixth reason to move to Ahwatukee is the diverse community. Ahwatukee is a
melting pot of cultures, ethnicities, religions, and lifestyles. According to City-Data.com,
the racial composition of Ahwatukee is 75.4% white, 8.5% Asian, 5.9% Black, 5.5%
Hispanic, 2.4% Native American, 0.2% Pacific Islander, and 2.1% other. The
religious composition of Ahwatukee is 36.7% Catholic, 14.5% Protestant, 5.1%
Mormon, 3.5% Jewish, 2.6% Muslim, 2.4% Buddhist, 1.8% Hindu, 0.6% Sikh, and
32.8% unaffiliated. The
median household income of Ahwatukee is $96,913, which is higher than the
national average of $62,843. The
median age of Ahwatukee is 40.4 years, which is higher than the national average
of 38.2 years. Ahwatukee is a diverse and prosperous community that
welcomes and respects everyone. You’ll find a sense of belonging and acceptance
in Ahwatukee.
7. Easier Airport Access
A seventh and final reason to move to Ahwatukee is the easier airport access.
Ahwatukee is conveniently located near the Phoenix Sky Harbor International
Airport, which is one of the busiest and best airports in the country. The
airport is only 15 minutes away from Ahwatukee by car, and you can also take the
PHX Sky Train or the Valley Metro bus to get there. The
airport serves more than 120 domestic and international destinations, with more
than 1,200 daily flights. The
airport also offers a variety of amenities and services, such as free wi-fi, art
exhibits, pet relief areas, nursing rooms, and lounges19. You’ll have no
trouble traveling to and from Ahwatukee by air. On the other hand, New Jersey
has less convenient and less quality airport access. New Jersey is served by
three major airports: Newark Liberty International Airport, Atlantic City
International Airport, and Trenton-Mercer Airport. However, these airports are
farther away from most parts of New Jersey, and you’ll have to deal with
traffic, tolls, and parking fees to get there. These airports also have fewer
destinations, fewer flights, and fewer amenities than Phoenix Sky Harbor
International Airport. You’ll have more hassle and less satisfaction traveling
to and from New Jersey by air.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many reasons to ditch New Jersey and move to
Ahwatukee, Phoenix. You’ll enjoy a lower cost of living, better weather, less
traffic, more recreation, safer neighborhood, diverse community, and easier
airport access. You’ll also have access to the vibrant and dynamic city of
Phoenix, which offers even more opportunities and attractions. If you’re looking
for a change of scenery and a boost of quality of life, Ahwatukee is the place
for you. If you’re interested in finding your dream home in Ahwatukee, contact
me today. I’m a local realtor who knows the area inside and out, and I can help
you find the best property for your needs and budget.
