Hi renters,

Welcome to Rent Check PHX. In today’s issue we’re talking about the benefits of supporting local businesses, plus a list of some ideas for where to get started. 

Last Wednesday, I visited all five of the businesses I highlighted below, and let me tell you—it was the most connected I’ve felt to the community in a while.

At the Arizona Hiking Shack, I had a great conversation with manager Jon about the store’s history and business model. At Fetch Natural Pet Market, I talked to co-owner Diana about what drove her to take over the store. 

And at Changing Hands Bookstore, I met up with some friends to get some work done at the First Draft Book Bar—a great way to fight the loneliness of working from home. 

The day made me realize how much social interaction we lose out on when we shop online or at big-box stores.

I know this is a tough time financially for many of us renters, so I totally understand needing to shop at the cheapest places possible. But if you’ve been feeling disconnected and have even one item you could buy at a local store instead, consider paying a visit—it might become part of your routine. 

Thanks for reading, and I’ll be back in your inbox next Wednesday, July 15!

*Paywalled content noted with 🔒

🔑 Developers are proposing a 336-unit apartment complex near the I-17 and Union Hills Drive, an area that’s attracting investment with the nearby TSMC facilities. (Phoenix Business Journal, 🔒)

🏠 The housing market in Phoenix seems to be stuck in a stalemate between buyers and sellers. (AZ Big Media) 

💸 In March of this year, only about 9% of Phoenix home listings were affordable for middle-income buyers—meaning there’s a shortage of nearly 10,000 affordable listings in the market. (Realtor.com)

🧑‍⚖️ Arizona is joining a lawsuit against the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which is trying to cap funding for certain housing projects—a move that Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said could leave tens of thousands of people without homes. (KTAR)

📈 When it comes to inflation, US consumers are most worried about future increases in healthcare and housing costs. (Yahoo Finance)

📚 Here’s a summer reading recommendation about from the Arizona Housing Fund. (Instagram)

💡 Check out these seven fun decor items that fit into any apartment. (Instagram)

A variety of hand soaps available at Desert Refinery in Phoenix. (Jessica Swarner/The Copper Courier)

Sometimes it can be hard to feel truly “at home” when you’re renting. Neighbors come and go, leases end—and you yourself may not know how long you’ll stay in one place. 

But one way to put down roots anyway? Get to know the local businesses in your neighborhood, and maybe even become a regular.

While shopping online or at big-box stores tends to be the cheapest and most convenient option, spending your money at small businesses can help you feel more connected to the place you live. You get to know your neighborhood and build relationships with the people around you—on top of other benefits like boosting the local economy and reducing carbon footprints. 

Shopping local shifts your dollars away from corporations like Amazon with documented labor concerns, large-scale contributions to climate change, law violations, and profit off of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. 

And, importantly, it doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing switch. You can find a local business you love to support and still get your groceries at Walmart. 

If you’re looking to shift some of your shopping to local businesses, here are five spots in Phoenix offering everyday essentials.

➡️ If you want to rent directly from the owner: This three-bed, two-bath near Southern Avenue and 48th Street is listed for $2,148 a month. The 1,825-square-foot home has a large, fenced-in backyard, a remodeled kitchen and bedrooms, and a doggy door. The property is available now, and only small dogs are allowed for pets—but the policy is listed as negotiable. The house was listed by its owner, Jon, who responds to Zillow inquiries. 

👯‍♀️ If you and your friends constantly talk about living side-by-side: This two-bed, one-bath in the Coronado neighborhood is listed for $3,270 a month—and it comes with a one-bed, one-bath guest house in the backyard that can be rented for $1,680 a month. Both homes include a kitchen, a washer and dryer, and private yard space. 

💧 If you’re dying to have your own pool—and not be on the hook for taking care of it: This three-bed, two-bath near Bethany Home Road and 19th Avenue has a backyard pool, and it’s listed for $2,895 a month. The landlord pays for weekly pool service, and landscaping and pest control are also included. And the pool table you see in the photos? It’s not just for show—it’s for the tenant to use. You’ll also find a grassy yard with trees, a brick fireplace, and built-in shelving. 

If you come across any interesting, weird, or surprisingly affordable listings that you think should be featured here, please send them my way!

Listings available as of July 7. I’m not paid to share these listings, but that doesn’t mean I can personally vouch for them. Please do your research before applying and signing a lease!

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Jessica Swarner and edited by Crystal Niforos.

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