When looking at specific homes or apartments to rent, both
companies will be able to quote high and low estimates of
your utility costs based on previous residents. Accounts can
be set up via telephone or internet. Deposits may be required
based on whether it's a house or apartment, credit history
and previous utility service.
Electricity Usage Tips
Get information on how to save money on energy bills by incorporating
energy efficiency suggestions at http://hes.lbl.gov/.
Help your air conditioner and your family breathe easier.
Check your air filter once a month and replace or clean it
often. A dirty filter can restrict airflow making your AC
operate less efficiently, costing you money. Most apartment
communities will change the air filter for your, or provide
you with a new one each month.
Feel cool but still save money by setting your thermostat
a few degrees warmer than normal and using fans. The movement
of air over your skin makes you feel cooler even though the
temperature is warmer. For every degree higher you set your
thermostat, you'll save two to three percent on the air conditioning
portion of your electric bill.
Cox offers digital home telephone, standard and digital cable
television and high speed cable internet service. All services
are not available in all areas.
Connection and installation fees will vary based on services
ordered and existing lines. Special offers are offered that
may reduce installation charges and give you lower rates for
a period of time. A deposit may be required for new service.
Most will waive this deposit with a letter of reference from
your previous utility company and good credit.
Information needed for starting services:
Full legal name
Previous address
Address where you need service
Mailing address (if different from service address)
Date service is to begin
Name and telephone number of landlord (if renting)
Employment information
Social security number
Name and address of a relative in the U.S.
Vehicle Registration and Licensing
Phoenix is a large area but is developed on a N-S-E-W
grid system. This means that most streets run parallel and
perpendicular to each other. Central Avenue is the dividing
line between east and west. The Phoenix metropolitan area
is served several freeways including I-17, I-10, the 101 (Pima
Freeway) and US 60. Outer Loops (202 and 303) are being completed
- check for construction schedules. Our (sort of) tongue-in-cheek
guide to driving in Phoenix
is available.
Arizona requires vehicle registration and driver's license
upon establishing residency in the state. Proof of age and
identity (previous driver's license, birth certificate, etc.)
are required. Applicants must pass a vision test and possibly
a written and road exam. Licenses expire at age 60. Drivers
must update their photo and vision test every 12 years. Drivers
age 55 and older are issued licenses for 5-year durations.
Registration fees are based on the year, make and model of
the vehicle. Prior registration and license plates must be
provided. Emissions testing may be required. There is a $500
fine if you are caught not registering your vehicle within
10 days of moving to Arizona. If you rent an apartment, take
a job, or register your child for school, you are considered
a resident. It's not worth taking the chance.
Vehicle registration is expensive in Arizona.
The newer and more expensive the car, the higher the fees.
A new $30,000 car will run about $500 - $600 per year the
first few years. It slowly drops after that.
Car Insurance
Proof of automobile insurance is required prior to registering
a car in Arizona, and must be maintained after registration.
Drivers must carry at least $10,000 for property damage and
$15,000/$30,000 for bodily injury or death per accident. (Check
with your agent - these amounts may increase.)
Valley Metro is the public transit system for the entire Phoenix
area. The buses run seven days a week, depending on specific
routes. Senior citizens and the disabled may call Dial-A-Ride,
which runs throughout the week, including Sundays and holidays.
Downtown Phoenix features DASH (downtown area shuttle) and
makes stops all over downtown at a lower cost than that of
the regular bus. FLASH and FLASH Lite are free shuttles serving
the Tempe and Arizona State University community. The Bus
Book is published by the transit authority and can be found
at libraries, on buses and other public locations. Route information
is also available by telephone and on the website.
Light Rail
Phoenix and Tempe are working on a light
rail system. It's in the beginning stages, and will be
open for public use in December 2008.
Electricity