Hi renters,

Welcome to Rent Check PHX. In today’s issue we’re talking about how certain streets and roads in the Phoenix area got their name. 

Something I’ve talked about a lot in this newsletter is struggling to feel at “home” when you’re renting. The transient nature of it can make it difficult for renters to put down roots. 

To overcome this, I often recommend doing things that ground you in your neighborhood—visiting local businesses, learning plant names, identifying what birds you’re hearing—and I think knowing the stories behind the names of the roads you drive on all the time is another way to accomplish this. 

So take a look at the list and see if any roads near you are on there. I learned that McDowell Road, just north of me, was named for a man who never set foot in Arizona. And now I’ll think about that the next time I’m driving on it to get groceries. 

I hope you find this edition fun and useful! I’ll be back in your inbox on Aug. 5. Take care!

*Paywalled content noted with 🔒

🔑 The city of Phoenix will rent about 50 apartments that it plans to sublet to people coming out of homeless shelters. (KJZZ)

💸 The recently enacted 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act provides new incentives and penalties to nudge cities to build more affordable housing. (Arizona Mirror)

🥵 Having AC issues? Here’s where to find cooling centers and hydration stations in the Valley. (ABC 15)

🙄 While many of us struggle to afford housing, a new luxury garage condominium—aka, a place for rich people to store their vehicles—is coming to Scottsdale. (KTAR)

👷 Housing continues to pop up around TSMC in north Phoenix, including this four-story, 248-unit apartment complex. (The Copper Courier)

🌿 Do you grow mint at home? Here are some ways to use the herb to cool yourself down this summer. (Apartment Therapy) 

😫 If you’ve dealt with “luxury” apartment property management … you’ll painfully relate to this video. (Instagram)

Looking north over the downtown with a view of Central Avenue in April 1988. (Republic file via Reuters Connect)

Reporting by Shelby Slade, Arizona Republic

Each street in metro Phoenix has a story to tell. Some of these roads even hold a small history lesson in their names that most drivers don’t know about.

Downtown Phoenix honors former presidents with its street names and large swaths of the Valley are numbered avenues or streets. But many other major streets from the East to West valleys tell of Arizona’s military history, pioneers, farming days, landmarks, or notable figures. 

From Warner Road to Bethany Home Road, here’s what Arizona natives and newcomers alike should know about how metro Phoenix streets and roads got their names. 

Today we’re going to look at some rental listings in Tempe. 

🎓 If your priority is proximity to ASU: This 450-square-foot studio is off Fifth and Roosevelt streets, putting it really close to campus and the Tempe streetcar line. Rent is $867 a month, and it’s available now. Small dogs are allowed. Note that there is no washer or dryer for laundry. 

🌬️ If you want an air-conditioned Arizona room: This four-bed, two-bath near McClintock Drive and Elliot Road has a cool Arizona room that the current residents have set up as a gym. The home, listed for $3,400 a month, also has a garage, an RV gate, a fenced-in backyard, and a freestanding bathtub. It’s available now, and cats and small dogs are allowed. 

⛳️ If you play a lot of golf: This four-bed, two-bath near McClintock Drive and Southern Avenue has a backyard putting green. It also has a pool with safety fencing and a cute, cabin-like kitchen. The 1,647-square-foot home is available now for $2,800 a month. Small dogs are allowed. 

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 28. 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 with stories from USA Today Network via Reuters Connect and edited by Crystal Niforos.

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