Phoenix is the fifth-largest city in the United States (population 1,593,659, as of 2009) and the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, which spans 80 miles east to west and 40 miles north to south, is the 12th biggest metro area by population in the US. Over 4.3 million people live in this area, which is known as the Valley of the Sun and includes Scottsdale, Glendale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Carefree, Cave Creek, Fountain Hills, Peoria, Avondale and Litchfield Park. Because the metro Phoenix area is spread out over so many towns and cities, it can be difficult to navigate the Phoenix real estate market.

Phoenix is popular with young professionals and families; the average age was 31.7 years old as of 2006. Good job opportunities, schools, an expanding culture scene and of course the weather (over 300 sunny days per year in the Valley and less than 8 inches of rainfall per year) are some of the biggest draws for transplanting hopefuls.

Like most parts of the country, every town and city has its attractions as well as places to avoid. If budget is no issue, you are guaranteed an upscale neighborhood in Paradise Valley or the Biltmore Estates in central Phoenix. Although there are exceptions, most people find the suburbs to be the best places to live, rather than the very center of the city or downtown. The suburbs have the malls, restaurants, movie theaters and other attractions that people want to be close to, especially if they have kids. Unless you are a student, you may want to stay away from the area around Arizona State University, as this is full of renters rather than homeowners, and everyone is young.

When it comes to house prices, the Phoenix real estate market is more or less at the national average. It is cheaper than some cities (for example, San Francisco and New York) but more expensive than others. When trying to decide where to buy a home in Phoenix, work out what you can afford, and then write a "wish list". Ask yourself what your priorities are. Is a good school at the top of the list? Perhaps your commute to work will be a deciding factor. Knowing what you want (and don't want) at the outset will narrow down your options and help you to focus while weeding out the definite no-go’s.

Finding a good realtor will really make the process easier. Use the Internet to find their websites and compare what each one offers. A Phoenix realtor should have excellent local knowledge. A website that is easy to navigate and informative serves as a good indication that they will be easy to work with in-person. Some realtors specialize in particular types of property, such as high-end homes or golfing communities, so make sure you choose one that is likely to meet your needs.