Thousands of Americans are flocking to an Arizona desert town so rapidly that experts predict it is on track to become a ‘megapolitan’ area with its neighbor 115 miles south.
For nearly two decades, experts have predicted that Phoenix and Tucson could merge into one ‘super-sized’ Arizona Sun Corridor by 2040, according to AZCentral.
Located in the Sonoran Desert, Phoenix’s average temperatures soar between 104 and 107 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months and only dip into the mid 60s during the winter.
Despite the sweltering heat, recent data shows that the ‘megapolitan’ area is still very much a possibility.
‘This concept has been talked about for years and will likely become a reality between 2035 and 2045,’ Christy Walker, Phoenix REALTORS board president, told the Daily Mail.
‘Arizona has an abundance of cheap land, so it is likely that as both cities expand with population growth, they will continue to bridge the gap.’
Between July 1, 2023, and July 1, 2024, Phoenix’s population grew 16,933, bringing the total up to 1,673,174, securing its spot as the fifth largest city in the country, according to US Census Bureau data.
Walker noted that while Phoenix continues to grow and the possibility of merging with Tucson becomes more likely, there will still be many challenges.
Phoenix, Arizona (pictured) is the fifth largest city in the United States and its population is continuing to grow
For nearly two decades, experts have predicted that Phoenix and Tucson (pictured) could merge into a huge boomtown
‘These two major hubs are over 100 miles apart, with tribal, state trust lands and federal lands across the corridor, so there are still a lot of hurdles to overcome to create a megapolitan,’ she said.
‘Growth relies on finding a way to combat the temperatures, along with low precipitation, which means expansion is dependent upon long-term delivery of water.
‘Without an assured water supply, growth becomes physically and economically constrained.’
Tucson is approximately 115 miles south of Phoenix, with a population of about 1.05 million and experiences similar climate conditions.
Walker noted that the large distance between the two cities will require changes to infrastructure.
‘Massive transportation and infrastructure improvements will also be needed to make this a reality, since commuting between the two is unlikely without another option that doesn’t rely on ground transportation,’ Walker said.
‘This could be an example to other areas of the right way to grow if the community leaders can come together to plan the expansion to work for the benefit of both cities and their citizens.’
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has started road construction to help alleviate congestion in the state’s capital city as the population increases, according to 12 News.
Earlier this year, federal transportation officials signed off on making a direct rail system from Tucson to Phoenix, reported KOLD.
Phoenix’s downtown (pictured) has experienced a revitalization due to population growth and October data showed that there as a 3.8 percent increase in closed home sales across the area
Tucson is approximately 115 miles south of Phoenix
‘It really starts building out that project and the idea of passenger rail, so you can see what’s aligned on the (rendering) right now becoming a fully formed idea,’ ADOT spokesperson Steve Elliot said.
‘We have a lot of transportation needs in Arizona, and the process we’re undertaking is quite expensive to do now. We have those resources to move forward.’
Phoenix’s downtown has experienced a revitalization due to population growth, The New York Times reported.
Businesses have been investing in the area, including the Mayo Clinic who announced a $1.9 billion expansion of its Phoenix campus in March, AZ Big Media reported.
Newcomers and tourists are drawn to Phoenix for its food scene, nightlife and robust outdoor activities.
‘Phoenix is still attracting people, and migration has been the key driver,’ Walker said. ‘Predominantly, we see working-age adults moving in from nearby metro areas in California, Texas Colorado, and Washington.
‘We also see a strong demand from retirees who are moving into the area to enjoy the benefits offered by excellent healthcare, great weather, with tons of hobbies and activities to enjoy.’
October data showed that there as a 3.8 percent increase in closed home sales across the Greater Phoenix area compared to the first 10 months of 2024, according to AZ Big Media.
Almost 52,000 homes have sold so far this year, with the median price of a single-family home sitting at $480,000.
‘Most buyers are looking for move-in-ready homes, and they prefer design trends such as defined spaces, spa-like bathrooms, indoor/outdoor entertainment spaces, and upgraded chef-style kitchens,’ Walker said.
