Hi renters,

Welcome to Rent Check PHX. In today’s issue we’re talking about more local businesses you can visit instead of shopping online or at big-box stores. 

I’ve been having a lot of fun checking out new local stores with this monthly series. My trips always seem to turn up cool items that I didn’t know existed, or nice conversations with the people who work there. I hope you’ve been enjoying it, too!

We’ll also talk about apartment units that are listed for $1,300 a month—the current average for a one-bed in Phoenix. 

I’ll be back in your inbox next Wednesday on Oct. 7. If you know of a renter who may find this newsletter useful, please send it their way!

*Paywalled content noted with 🔒

🛠️ The Trump administration has tried to say that mass deportation of immigrants has lowered rent—but they’re not taking the boom of multifamily construction into account. (Newsweek)

🏠 Good new for potential homebuyers: Last month, sellers offered concessions in nearly 45% of sales in the US. (Phoenix Business Journal, 🔒)

🔑 A new temporary housing shelter for families opened in Avondale last week. (KTAR)

🏡 Phoenix moved forward on a program that allows the city to rent units from landlords, then sublease them to people who may be denied in a traditional application process. (ABC 15)

💸 This roundup of rankings includes Arizona’s best cities for renters,and most affordable cities for homebuyers. (The Copper Courier)

🚗 Earlier this month, Phoenix groups celebrated Park(ing) Day by reimagining street parking as community spaces where people can connect. (The Copper Courier)

🪑 Do you work from home like me? Here are 17 office chairs that may be worth adding to your office. (Apartment Therapy)

Stacks of CDs for sale at Zia Records in north Phoenix, pictured on Sept. 25, 2026. (Jessica Swarner/The Copper Courier)

Due to popular demand, I’m continuing this story highlighting local businesses in Phoenix that offer everyday goods—places where people can shop in person and avoid Amazon or big-box stores. 

For September, I visited two north Phoenix businesses: Zia Records and Dog-Eared Pages Used Books. 

Have ideas for other Phoenix stores I should add to the list? Email me!

According to Apartments.com, the average rent for a one-bedroom in Phoenix this month is $1,300. 

Here are some one-bedrooms that come in right around that price point so you can see what that looks like. 

🔑 Portrait at Hance Park: This complex off McDowell Road and Third Street has a one-bedroom listed for exactly $1,300 a month and another for $1,325. The units are 638 square feet and available Dec. 9 and Dec. 2, respectively. There also studios starting at $1,260 and units with one to three bedrooms ranging from $1,815 to $2,215. The complex is offering up to 10 weeks of free rent on select units. 

🔑 Clifton on 7th Apartments: Here’s a slightly larger one-bedroom listed for $1,300 a month with 731 square feet. The unit off of Seventh Street and Mountain View Road is available Dec. 1. Other floor plans range from $1,170 a month (for the same size one-bedroom) to $2,210 for a three-bedroom. The complex is offering four to six weeks of free rent on certain units. 

🔑 Motif Apartment Homes: And here’s a one-bedroom that’s even bigger, with 925 square feet for $1,300 a month, available now. The complex off of the I-17 and Cactus Road has other floor plans listed from a 689-square-foot one-bedroom for $1,010 to three-beds for $1,690 to $1,865. 

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 Sept. 29. 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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