Located in the heart of the Phoenix metropolitan area, Glendale, Arizona is a vibrant city known for its rich heritage, thriving sports scene, and bustling entertainment district. Home to the Arizona Cardinals and the annual Glendale Chocolate Festival, the city offers a unique blend of suburban charm and urban amenities. But is Glendale a great place to live? While the city offers plenty of adventure opportunities and a lively suburban lifestyle, it also comes with its own set of challenges. In this Redfin article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of living in Glendale to help you decide if it’s right for you.
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Basic information about Glendale
| Median home sales price | $425,000 |
| average monthly rent | $1,519 |
| walk score | 40/100 |
| traffic score | 34/100 |
| bike score | 57/100 |
1. Advantages: plenty of sunshine
Glendale is known for its abundant sunshine, with over 300 sunny days per year. This makes it an ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, and golfing. Continued sunny weather also means less disruption to daily life from severe weather. Additionally, ample sunlight can have a positive impact on mental health, providing residents with natural mood boosters, making Glendale a great place to live.
2. Disadvantages: Extremely hot in summer
While the sun is a big draw, the summer heat can be a significant drawback. During the height of summer, temperatures in Glendale can soar to over 110°F, making outdoor activities challenging and sometimes dangerous. Heat waves can also lead to higher energy bills as residents rely heavily on air conditioners to stay cool. To mitigate this, many homeowners invest in energy-efficient windows, install awnings, and other methods to keep their homes cool during scorching heat.
3. Advantages: Sports and entertainment
Glendale is home to several major sports and entertainment venues, including State Farm Stadium and Gila River Stadium. These venues host a variety of events, from NFL games to concerts and other large-scale performances. Residents have the unique opportunity to enjoy world-class entertainment and sporting events right in their own backyard.
4. Cons: Limited transportation options
One of the downsides of living in Glendale is the limited public transportation options. The city relies heavily on cars, with a transportation score of 34, which can be inconvenient for people without vehicles. The lack of extensive public transport can also lead to traffic congestion, especially during rush hours and major events.
5. Pros: Plenty of outdoor activities
Glendale offers an abundance of outdoor activities, making it an attractive place for an active lifestyle. The city has numerous parks and recreation areas, such as Thunderbird Conservation Park, where hiking and wildlife viewing are popular pastimes. Additionally, residents can enjoy golf year-round at top courses like Arrowhead Country Club.
6. Disadvantages: Suburban sprawl
Glendale has experienced significant growth over the years, resulting in urban expansion. This expansion could result in longer commute times and less green space as new development takes up previously undeveloped land. The dispersed nature of cities also makes it difficult to access certain amenities and services without a car.
7. Advantages: Educational Opportunities
Glendale is home to several higher education institutions, including Glendale Community College and Midwestern University. These institutions offer residents a variety of educational programs and career development opportunities. The presence of these schools also contributes to the city’s active and diverse communities.
8. Disadvantages: lack of water
Living in Glendale comes with the challenge of lack of water, a significant issue in this desert region. Residents often face water conservation measures and restrictions that impact daily activities such as gardening and car washing.
9. Advantages: Close to natural attractions
Glendale’s ideal location provides easy access to a variety of natural attractions, including nearby White Tank Mountain Regional Park and Lake Pleasant. These areas offer opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking, boating, and camping. Proximity to these natural attractions allows residents to enjoy Arizona’s beautiful scenery and participate in an array of outdoor activities without having to travel far from home.
10. Disadvantages: Limited nightlife
While Glendale has a variety of dining and entertainment options, its nightlife scene is relatively limited compared to larger cities like Phoenix. Residents seeking a vibrant nightlife with a variety of bars, clubs, and late-night events may find Glendale’s offerings somewhat lacking.
method: Median home sales price and average monthly rent data come from Red Fin Information Center. Walk score, transit score, and bike score data come from walk score.
