There’s something mystical about living in Phoenix, Arizona. Out here, the daytime sky is endless, the night is illuminated by a canopy of stars and the sunsets that separate the two are legendary. A rich tableau of rugged mountains, desert landscapes and sophisticated urban sprawl, Phoenix is a land filled with many of the qualities that makes living in America unique and inspiring.

Greater Phoenix, much like its namesake bird, rises out of the desert, a fiery oasis of fashion and style that fully embraces its tradition while paving the way for a smart and innovative urban metropolis. A constantly growing city, Phoenix welcomes thousands of new residents each year and the city’s distinctive neighborhoods have rentals suitable for every budget.

Phoenix, and the surrounding Sonoran Desert, offers outdoor enthusiasts a treasure trove of activities. Climbers will love the challenge of Camelback Mountain while hikers will appreciate the more than 50 miles of trails available at South Mountain Park and Preserve. There are also unlimited opportunities for biking and horseback riding, especially through Echo Canyon or Camelback’s iconic Cholla trails. Or, relax and enjoy the majesty of the city and desert from a different view by taking a hot air balloon ride.

Phoenix, Arizona boasts a wide variety of cultural attractions and activities, many of which touch on the legend and lore of the Native Americans of the area, like the exhibits at The Heard Museum. The city is also home to the Phoenix Art Museum, the Desert Botanical Garden, the Arizona Science Center and the Children’s Museum of Phoenix. Greater Phoenix also boasts one of the top-rated zoos in the country with the Phoenix Zoo.

Music enthusiasts can enjoy the Musical Instrument Museum, which showcases the collectibles of superstar musicians as well as musical instruments from around the world. Also located nearby in nearby Scottsdale is Taliesin West, the international headquarters of Frank Lloyd Wright that offers year-round displays of the famed architect’s talented work.

Phoenix is home to a number of professional sport franchises, including the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks, NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes, NBA’s Phoenix Suns and WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury. But one of the most popular sports in this sun-drenched city, both for playing and hosting, is golf. Each year, the highest attended tournament of the PGA Tour hits Scottsdale with the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

In fact, Phoenix is home to a number of the sporting world’s greatest events, including the Fiesta Bowl, Cactus League Spring Training and two annual major NASCAR series at the Phoenix International Raceway.

Phoenix offers a nightlife that caters to every crowd. Central Phoenix is where the working crowd goes to unwind after a long day on the job. This area is filled with an eclectic mix of clubs including hip hangouts with live music, swanky lounges, ultra-chic wine cafes and traditional blue-collar pubs.

Younger renters will probably find the scene in Tempe more to their liking as the area is vibrant, lively and filled with clubs frequented by nearby Arizona State University students. On weekend nights, street performers flock here and people watching becomes an easy way to pass the time.

On the other hand, if you prefer a diverse selection of nightlife choices all within walking distance of each other, then Scottdale’s Old Town will suit your wishes just fine.

Some of the area’s best restaurants can be found in the downtown area of the city, with favorite eateries like Pizzeria Blanco and Matt’s Big Breakfast having been showcased on the Food Network. There is also an endless array of internationally-inspired restaurants bringing the world’s greatest recipes direct to Phoenix renters.

Renting an apartment in or near Phoenix places you at the heart of some of this country’s greatest cultural experiences and nightlife activities, and the city wants you to enjoy it all. The city offers free transportation via DEE (Downtown Evening Express) into the downtown area every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. and every Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Deciding where to live in Phoenix can be confusing for those moving to the area for the first time. The city of Phoenix is actually the hub for what’s known as the Greater Phoenix region which consists of over 25 smaller cities and towns, including Mesa, Scottsdale, Glendale, Tempe and others. The actual city of Phoenix is separated into 15 defined areas known as Urban Villages. These include areas like Deer Valley, Central City, Alhambra, Paradise Valley and more.

Central City is one of the oldest sections of the city and features fine architecture and tree-lined streets, but it’s also the focal point of the metropolitan’s government, business and cultural facilities. Renters choose this area for its close proximity to work and easy access to public transportation.

If you’re looking for a more balanced life of suburban living and an urban working environment, then finding a rental in Encanto, Maryvale, Estrella, Laveen or South Mountain will probably suit you best.

Meanwhile, if you don’t mind taking a drive to work, living farther away from Central City will provide you with more natural, rustic environments like those found in the Ahwatukee Foothills, Desert View, North Gateway and Rio Vista.

Deer Valley is a growing community characterized by its desert setting and mountain ranges. It also features considerable zoned and developed industrial land which satisfies basic employment needs while balancing the natural allure of the area.

Camelback East, meanwhile, offers housing diversity through a range of properties that were built between 1950 and 1970. This area is also home to many of the region’s resorts and recreational opportunities, making it a popular choice for those new to the region.