The True Price on Housing and It's Impact on Phoenix Community members

Reporter: Christopher Moore

PHOENIX — In Maricopa County, rent has been fluctuating over the years and is currently going up every

month.

Several factors are influencing these prices, such as people moving from across the country to Phoenix.

Currently, at the apartment building Joy on 4th, which is located in the middle of downtown Phoenix, rent has been going up over the past few months.

A current resident of Joy on 4th, Ashton Sharinn, who lives in a one-bedroom apartment, said, “After fees, I pay a little over $1,250, and with the problems I encounter, the price is slightly over the top. But the biggest factor in the price is the location. Being around all the sports arenas results in it being a premium area.”

Joy on 4th’s location makes it a prime spot for sports or music fans, as Footprint Center is a 15-minute walk away.

The arena hosts big-name artists and bands and is also the home court for the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury.

Another key factor is Chase Field, the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Ashton added, “The field and arena are within walking distance, which helps me avoid paying for parking or getting caught in downtown traffic during popular events where parking prices increase due to high demand.”

Being able to attend high-demand events without the hassle of parking and traffic can be a major advantage when living in downtown Phoenix.

A leasing office agent at Joy on 4th, Tim Covie, said, “Location does play a factor in our prices, but also the view and other add-ons play a role when living at Joy.”

Add-ons at Joy include views of downtown, a rooftop pool and jacuzzi, a gym, and a study room for students and residents.

Covie also said, “Amenities also play a huge factor in rent, as prices can go up and down from month to month.”

Another current resident, Taylor Gautney, said, “Rent can be pricy at times, but the view I get from the comfort of my own room is beautiful, and being able to have a designated study area a few floors down from me makes being a student much easier.”

The study area at Joy contains two study rooms with whiteboard walls, a lounge area with desks and a printer, and a water bottle filling station.

Another apartment complex on Roosevelt Row, Adara, is a seven-story building that houses one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.

A resident at Adara, Caleb Butler, said, “Living here can be difficult due to being by a busy and loud street, but overall rent is between $1,100 and $1,200 a month for a three-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment.”

Roosevelt Row is one of the busiest streets downtown has to offer, with bars surrounding the area and a First Friday event each month that features local fashion and small businesses, often resulting in street closures for the evening.

Living in the downtown Phoenix and Maricopa County area can be expensive due to location and added costs. With rent prices constantly rising and falling depending on demand and market conditions, it can be especially challenging for many residents to balance affordability with access to the opportunities and amenities the area provides.