Hi renters,

Welcome to Rent Check PHX. In today’s issue we’re talking about Park(ing) Day, a worldwide event that promotes walkability, bikeability, and public transit. 

One way my partner and I have saved money these past couple years while renting in downtown Phoenix has been using only one car. We’ve reduced our expenses a significant amount by only having to pay for insurance, gas, maintenance, and more on one vehicle versus two. 

I’m able to get around downtown by walking and using electric scooters, but I wish more of the Valley was accessible by public transit so we could be less reliant on our car when it comes to longer distances. 

The organizations involved in Phoenix’s Park(ing) Day are all fighting toward this goal—making transportation without a car more accessible and safer for everyone. 

We’re also talking today about apartments that have a decent amount of space for under $2,500 a month, and I share some upcoming community events. 

Thanks for reading! I’ll be back in your inbox next Wednesday, Sept. 30. 

*Paywalled content noted with 🔒

👶 The household income needed to afford full-time, center-based toddler care is painfully high. (Phoenix Business Journal, 🔒)

💸 Have you lived in an apartment managed by Weidner Property Management? You may be eligible to receive up to $6,000 from a legal settlement. (12 News)

🔑 A development with more than 300 apartments in southwest Phoenix will include affordable units for households that meet income requirements. (ABC 15)

👍 Here are Arizona’s best cities for renters, with one city making it into the national top 10. (AZ Big Media)

🧱 The Salvation Army is expanding its family shelter in Phoenix, which will increase the number of rooms available by 50%. (City of Phoenix)

🛋️ Need some design inspo? Here are 78 small living rooms that don’t skimp on style. (Apartment Therapy)

💰 Demand for Maricopa County’s new eviction prevention program was so high that applications closed after a few days—but it’s possible that more help will be available down the road. (The Copper Courier)

A community space at Park(ing) Day in downtown Phoenix on Sept. 18, 2026. (Jessica Swarner/The Copper Courier)

On Park(ing) Day, people around the world ask the question: If our societies were less reliant on cars, what could we do with all the space we use to store them? 

In downtown Phoenix, local groups explored that question on Sept. 18 by taking over 11 parking spaces and turning them into places for the community to engage with each other. 

“ You pay for the meter parking, and you turn it back into space for the people, for the public,” said Nicole Rodriguez, executive director for Valley Urban Action Alliance, the nonprofit that organized the event. “And it’s a way just to show people how so much space is allocated to vehicles and how it can be turned back into multiple different uses.” 

According to Parking Reform Network, 22% of Phoenix’s “central city” land is used for off-street parking.

The reimagined spaces on Third and Taylor streets included a dog park, a mini pickleball court, a coffee cart from Maleta Cafe, a video game station, and a photo booth.

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I know it can be difficult sometimes to find an apartment with a little more room than normal that’s still somewhat affordable—so today we’re looking at apartments that are at least 1,500 square feet and under $2,500 a month. 

🔑 Skyline Lofts: This downtown Phoenix complex has a 1,593-square-foot, two-bed, two-bath listed for $2,485 a month. They’re also offering a look-and-lease special of eight weeks of free rent and waived parking, but it’s not clear if that applies to this unit. Amenities at the complex on Fourth and Fillmore streets include a pool, fitness center, business center, and yoga studio. Pets are allowed. 

🔑 Villagio at Happy Valley: This condo complex off of 23rd Avenue and Alameda Road has a 1,675-square-foot, four-bed, three-bath listed for $2,195 a month. It was built in 2008 and has a two-car garage, and it looks like there’s access to a community pool. The unit is available Oct. 10. It’s unclear if pets are allowed. 

🔑 Corsica Villas at 20th Street: This apartment building near 20th Street and South Mountain Avenue has 15 open units that are 1,525 square feet. The three-bed, 2.5-baths range from $2,329 to $2,480 a month. Each apartment has a private yard and an attached two-car garage, while amenities include a heated pool, a hot tub, and a pet park. Pets 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 Sept. 22. 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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