Hi renters,

Welcome back to Rent Check PHX. In today’s issue, we’re talking about one of my favorite topics: what it’s like to live in downtown Phoenix. 

I technically live just outside the downtown core in one of the adjoining historic neighborhoods, but I get to enjoy all the benefits of living downtown.

I’m able to get around much easier without a car, and I’m close to many of the places I love. Nothing beats a 15-minute scooter ride home after a late concert. 

There are important things to consider before moving there, though, which contributor Teresa K. Traverse lays out in her story below. 

In this edition, we’re also talking cozy homes available for rent and people who prefer renting over owning a home.

The next edition of Rent Check PHX will be in your inbox on Wednesday, Jan. 21. Hope you enjoy, and make sure to forward this to a fellow renter and encourage them to sign up!

May 19, 2025: Looking out across a carpark towards an office tower and apartment building downtown Phoenix. (Steve Lovegrove/Shutterstock)

By Teresa K. Traverse

Downtown Phoenix is known as one of the Valley of the Sun’s primary entertainment hubs.

If you’re a sports or music fan, it’s an ideal place for you to live to catch the Phoenix Suns and Mercury tip off at the Mortgage Matchup Center, see the Diamondbacks step up to the plate at Chase Field, or catch live entertainment at nearby music venues like Crescent Ballroom, The Van Buren, and Arizona Financial Theatre. Downtown Phoenix also hosts an abundance of festivals and other special events during the year.

When I first moved here over a decade ago, I was told that for many years, downtown Phoenix was only a place where people would see a sporting event or concert—then they’d return to their homes in other parts of the Valley. Thankfully, that’s changed.

Let’s take a closer look at what it’s like living in downtown Phoenix. 

⚪️ If you like a clean aesthetic: This 1,886-square-foot home is full of white—white walls, white cabinets, white railings, white counters. The three-bed, 2.5-bath off of 15th Avenue and Union Hills Drive is listed for $2,595 a month and allows cats and small dogs. It’s available as of Feb. 15, with one month of rent free. 

⚙️ If you need outdoor storage space: This home off of 14th Street and Hatcher Road is 1,552-square-feet—but it’s on a nearly 10,000-square-foot lot. It also includes a storage shed in the backyard. The three-bed, two-bath is listed for $2,200 a month, and cats and dogs are allowed. 

☀️ If you dream of brick and sunshine: This two-bed, one-bath has what looks to be a spacious Arizona room full of windows to let the sunshine in. The 1,095-square-foot brick home off Thomas Road and 29th Street is listed for $2,200 a month, and pets will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

🤏 If a little studio works for you: This 440-square-foot studio in the Garfield Historic District east of downtown is listed for $950 a month. The guest house has a full kitchen, private yard, and washer and dryer. It’s available Jan. 9, and cats and 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 Jan. 6. 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!

This is The Tenant’s Voice, a place where we can share our renting frustrations, helpful tips, and pressing questions. 

Below, I linked to a story about a report that found nearly 3 in 5 renters say they plan to continue renting in 2026.

I’m sure a large portion of those are people who would like to buy, but can’t afford it. But some are also folks who enjoy renting and just want to continue living that way. 

Which brings me to my question: Do you prefer renting over owning? Are there benefits to renting that make it more worth it to you than buying a home? I’d love to hear your thoughts and include some responses in the next edition. 

*Paywalled content noted with 🔒

💰 Real estate experts are predicting that Phoenix home prices won’t change much in 2026. (Phoenix Business Journal, 🔒)

👷 Here are the biggest Phoenix-area developments that made progress in 2025 and are expected to increase housing supply. (azcentral, 🔒)

⛔️ These ZIP codes had the highest number of evictions in Maricopa County last year. (Phoenix New Times)

🔑 Nearly 3 in 5 renters say they plan to continue renting in 2026, according to a Zillow report. (AOL) 

🧼 If you’re feeling “new year, new me” energy, check out this free, 20-day guide for refreshing your space in 2026. (Apartment Therapy)

📦 We reported on how often Phoenix renters move—then our Instagram followers shared just how relatable it is. (The Copper Courier)

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Jessica Swarner with stories from Teresa K. Traverse and edited by Kimberly Lawson.

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