Bennington CDP vs Phoenix

Category / Metric	Bennington CDP	Phoenix
Financial Overview
Median Income	$53,839	$79,664
Unemployment Rate	2.6%	4.1%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$185,100	$457,000
Price per SqFt	$null	$278
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,343	$1,599
Housing Cost Index	123.6	124.3
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	105.3	98.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	173.3	691.8
Bachelor's Degree+	35.1%	33.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	34	39

Phoenix vs. Bennington CDP: The Ultimate Desert Showdown

Alright, let's cut through the noise. Choosing between Phoenix and Bennington CDP isn't just a real estate decision; it's a lifestyle overhaul. One is a sprawling desert metropolis where the sun is a permanent resident. The other is a quiet, unincorporated community nestled in Virginia’s scenic Piedmont region, where the pace is slow and the nights are dark.

If you're looking for a data-driven, no-nonsense breakdown to help you decide where to plant your roots, you've come to the right place. We're going to dive deep into the numbers, the vibes, and the real-world trade-offs. Let's get into it.

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The Vibe Check: Where Would You Actually Live?

Phoenix, Arizona is the quintessential "big city" in the desert. It’s the state capital, the economic engine of Arizona, and a magnet for transplants from the Midwest and West Coast. The vibe is fast-paced, ambitious, and relentlessly sunny. Think sprawling suburbs, world-class golf courses, a booming tech sector, and a food scene that’s finally catching up to its size. It’s for the person who craves energy, opportunity, and the ability to get lost in a crowd. You move to Phoenix for a career, for the lifestyle, and for the sun. It’s a city that never sleeps, thanks to the air conditioning.

Bennington CDP (Census-Designated Place) is the polar opposite. Located in Fairfax County, Virginia, it’s a quiet, residential community. The population is a tiny 8,888—that’s less than a single large apartment building in Phoenix. The vibe is suburban tranquility, community-focused, and deeply connected to the rhythms of nature and the D.C. metro area. Life here revolves around local parks, family, and a short commute to the nation’s capital. It’s for the person who values peace, green space, and a strong sense of local community over the bright lights of a metropolis. You move to Bennington for a slower pace, excellent schools, and a strategic location near one of the world's most powerful economic hubs.

Who is it for?

• Phoenix: The young professional seeking growth, the retiree chasing the sun, the family wanting space and amenities, and the entrepreneur looking for a lower-cost-of-entry market.
• Bennington: The remote worker seeking a peaceful haven, the government contractor or D.C. commuter who needs a quiet home base, the family prioritizing top-tier public schools, and anyone who finds big cities overwhelming.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Paycheck Stretch Further?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's be real: salaries and costs dictate your freedom. But it’s not just about the raw numbers; it’s about purchasing power.

First, the data snapshot:

Metric	Phoenix, AZ	Bennington CDP, VA	Winner
Median Income	$79,664	$53,839	Phoenix
Median Home Price	$457,000	$185,100	Bennington
Rent (1BR)	$1,599	$1,343	Bennington
Housing Index	124.3	123.6	Tie

Salary Wars & The Tax Twist
At a glance, Phoenix’s median income is nearly $26,000 higher than Bennington’s. That’s a massive advantage. But let’s talk taxes—that’s the real game-changer.

• Arizona has a progressive income tax system. For a median earner, you're looking at an effective rate of around 3-4%. It’s no tax haven, but it’s reasonable.
• Virginia also has a progressive tax system, but with a top marginal rate of 5.75% kicking in at a relatively low income level. The effective tax rate for a median earner is likely 4-5%.

However, the biggest factor here is property taxes. Virginia’s effective property tax rate is roughly 0.8%, while Arizona’s is about 0.6%. On a $457k Phoenix home, that’s about $2,742/year. On a $185k Bennington home, that’s about $1,480/year. Wait—Phoenix’s higher home price means a higher absolute tax bill, but Bennington’s slightly higher rate on a much lower price keeps it manageable.

The Purchasing Power Verdict:
Let's run a scenario. You earn $100,000.

• In Phoenix, your take-home is roughly $76,000 after taxes. Your rent is $1,599/mo, leaving you with about $57,000 for everything else.
• In Bennington, your take-home is roughly $73,000 after taxes. Your rent is $1,343/mo, leaving you with about $57,000 for everything else.

The math is shockingly similar for a high earner. But if you’re earning the median income, Phoenix’s higher salary gives you a significant edge. The sticker shock in Phoenix is real—you'll feel it at the grocery store and the gas pump. But the higher base salary often compensates for it, giving you more raw dollars to spend or save.

Insight: Phoenix offers more earning potential, which translates to better purchasing power for those at or above the median. Bennington is a better deal for remote workers who can command a high salary (from D.C. or tech) while living in a lower-cost area.

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The Housing Market: Buy, Rent, or Wait?

Phoenix: The Seller’s Market on Steroids
With a median home price of $457,000 and a Housing Index of 124.3 (meaning it's 24.3% more expensive than the national average), Phoenix is a competitive, fast-moving market. It historically leans toward a seller's market. Inventory is often low, and desirable homes get multiple offers. Renting is a viable option, but with a median 1BR rent of $1,599, you’re paying a premium for the city life. The upside? Phoenix has a massive, diverse housing stock, from downtown condos to sprawling suburban homes with pools. The downside is the intense competition and the sheer cost of entry.

Bennington CDP: Stability in a High-Demand Region
Bennington’s median home price is a remarkably approachable $185,100. Its Housing Index of 123.6 is nearly identical to Phoenix’s, but the raw dollar difference is staggering. This indicates that while both areas are pricier than the national average, Bennington’s affordability is exceptional for its location—Fairfax County. As a small CDP, inventory is limited. You’re not just buying a house; you’re buying into a specific, tight-knit community. The rental market is similarly small. Given its proximity to D.C., the area is generally a seller's market with high demand, but the absolute prices are far more accessible.

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:

• Phoenix: If you plan to stay 5+ years, buying is often the smarter financial move to build equity and hedge against rising rents. Renting offers flexibility but little long-term value.
• Bennington: With such a low entry point, buying is even more attractive. The mortgage payment on a $185,100 home (with 20% down) is likely less than the $1,343 rent. This is a no-brainer for long-term residents.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Deep Dive

Traffic & Commute

• Phoenix: Brutal. The I-10, Loop 101, and Loop 202 are legendary for congestion. The city is designed for cars, and public transit (Valley Metro) is underdeveloped for a city of its size. Commutes can easily be 45-60+ minutes in traffic. It’s a major lifestyle cost.
• Bennington CDP: Commuter-friendly. You’re likely driving to a Metro station (like Vienna/Fairfax-GMU) or straight into D.C./Northern Virginia job centers. Traffic is heavy on I-66 and the Capital Beltway (I-495), but it’s a predictable, if frustrating, commuter pattern. The commute is the trade-off for living in a quiet, green area.

Weather: The Ultimate Divider

This is the biggest emotional factor.

• Phoenix: Unforgivingly hot. Summer highs regularly hit 110°F+ for months. The "winter" is glorious (70s), but you pay for it with a brutal summer. The dry air is a pro for some (no humidity, no bugs) but a con for others (dry skin, intense sun). 55.0°F is the average annual temp, but that hides the extreme seasonal swings.
• Bennington CDP: Four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid (high 80s/low 90s), springs and falls are beautiful, and winters bring occasional snow (a few inches, not feet). The 45.0°F average temp reflects this balance. If you hate humidity or snow, this is a dealbreaker. If you love seasonal change, it’s perfect.

Crime & Safety

Let’s be brutally honest with the data.

• Phoenix: Violent Crime Rate: 691.8 per 100k. This is significantly above the U.S. average (~380/100k). Safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Some suburbs are extremely safe; others have real issues. You must do your homework.
• Bennington CDP: Violent Crime Rate: 173.3 per 100k. This is remarkably low, well below the national average. As a small, affluent suburban community in Fairfax County (one of the safest counties in the U.S.), safety is a major selling point.

Verdict: Bennington is objectively and significantly safer. Phoenix requires a hyper-local approach to safety.

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The Final Verdict: Who Wins What?

After crunching the numbers and weighing the lifestyles, here’s our decisive breakdown.

Winner for Families: Bennington CDP

Why: The trifecta of safety (173.3/100k vs. 691.8/100k), top-tier Fairfax County public schools, and a community-oriented, suburban environment is unbeatable for raising kids. The lower home price ($185,100) means more financial breathing room for education, activities, and savings. The trade-off is a commute and less "big city" entertainment, but for families, community and safety often trump nightlife.

Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Phoenix

Why: The raw opportunity. A median income of $79,664 (and growing) in a city with a booming tech and business scene is a powerful draw. The social scene is vibrant, with restaurants, sports, and outdoor adventures (hiking, desert landscapes). While the cost of living is higher, the earning potential and the sheer scale of the city offer more paths for career growth and social expansion. You can find your tribe in a metro of 1.6 million.

Winner for Retirees: Phoenix (with a Caveat)

Why: The weather is the headline. For retirees fleeing cold winters, Phoenix’s 55.0°F average and endless sunshine is a dream. The active lifestyle (golf, pickleball, hiking) is built for seniors, and the lack of state tax on Social Security benefits is a huge financial perk. Caveat: The brutal summer heat (110°F+) is a serious health consideration. Retirees must have excellent air conditioning and plan to be indoors during peak summer. Bennington’s four seasons are a better fit for those who can’t handle extreme heat.

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Pros & Cons at a Glance

Phoenix, AZ

Pros:

• Massive job market and economic growth.
• Abundant sunshine and warm winters.
• Diverse housing and lifestyle options.
• Lower income tax burden for retirees.
• Vibrant food and cultural scene.
• No state tax on Social Security.

Cons:

• Extreme summer heat and high AC bills.
• High violent crime rate (varies by neighborhood).
• Brutal traffic and long commutes.
• Water scarcity concerns long-term.
• Higher cost of living for groceries and utilities.

Bennington CDP, VA

Pros:

• Exceptionally low crime and safe community.
• Access to top-tier Fairfax County public schools.
• Very affordable housing prices.
• Four distinct seasons with natural beauty.
• Proximity to D.C. for culture and high-paying jobs.
• Quiet, suburban, family-friendly vibe.

Cons:

• Very small population with limited local amenities.
• Humid summers and cold winters.
• Significant commute to D.C. job centers.
• Higher effective property tax rate.
• Limited inventory for buying/renting.

The Bottom Line: Choose Phoenix for career growth, financial upside (if you earn above median), and sun-drenched living. Choose Bennington CDP for safety, family life, community, and a strategic, affordable base near Washington D.C. Your decision hinges on one question: Do you want a city that expands your opportunities, or a community that secures your peace?