Finance scene in Phoenix vs Dallas

Just wondering if anyone here could talk a little bit about the high finance scenes in Phoenix and Dallas. I'm trying to decide which city would be better to start a career in the high finance industry. There are a few other threads on here about each individual city, but most are a few years old and none of them compare the two.

Which of these cities is better for high finance overall? What are the strengths/weaknesses of each city in regards to high finance? I'm interested in hearing about everything from IB to PE, HF, AM, RE, etc. Thanks in advance!

8 Comments
 

The "Finance Industry" is so broad that its almost impossible to answer that question specifically.

Finance encompasses everything from Payday loan shops in the hood to high frequency trading shops.

That said, in all the categories you referenced, Dallas beats Phoenix. It is a big city for AM, RE, and PE. There are quite a few IB boutiques in Dallas and a couple groups from some of the larger banks.

Can't really speak to the HF scene, but I think Dallas is probably better there too.

 

Sorry about that. I edited the OP to specify high finance. I know that's still pretty broad, but hopefully that will at least eliminate the Payday loan shops and such from the equation.

Also, great response. Thank you.

 

Phoenix will start to improve in the next five years. JP Morgan, MS have strong PWM offices. I think you will see more people moving out there but in the past it’s been a hot bed for wealthy finance guys living in country clubs half the year and then when summer comes around they go back to Chicago and New York. I can’t speak much for other finance industries. Vanguard has a large office there too.

"Fugazi, Fugazy. It’s a wazi. It’s a woozy.”
 

I'm in the middle of a recruiting cycle for a large bank in Dallas and I can tell you that everyone there seems really happy in their positions and they all speak highly of the area and cost of living (which is important to me).

I've also done business in Phoenix and lived in very similar climates and have to say that it's tough to live there unless you enjoy a desert climate, it's not for everyone.

 
"GentlemanJack" I'm in the middle of a recruiting cycle for a large bank in Dallas and I can tell you that everyone there seems really happy in their positions and they all speak highly of the area and cost of living (which is important to me).

I've also done business in Phoenix and lived in very similar climates and have to say that it's tough to live there unless you enjoy a desert climate, it's not for everyone.

I'm actually from Arizona originally so the climate wouldn't be an issue. Would you say Phoenix has a decent variety of high finance opportunities? Anything they're particularly strong in?

 
Best Response

Et unde provident molestias atque. Corporis voluptatibus voluptas sed hic dignissimos excepturi. Nam aut aut architecto veritatis neque voluptas quam quasi. Aut error eius ipsam corporis.

Sint dicta quae expedita a. Et dolorem iusto voluptates at iure quae distinctio nesciunt. Sapiente dolore voluptate officiis atque.

Quia cupiditate est velit ea officia. Expedita possimus omnis quis minima excepturi. Qui aperiam amet quisquam voluptatum odit.

Ea molestiae recusandae incidunt qui. Et expedita sint laborum suscipit unde sed. Id facilis occaecati distinctio beatae voluptatem quia dolor. Error quidem voluptas magnam ullam quod sint praesentium animi. Laborum corrupti aut explicabo voluptatem sint quidem in sit. Sit odit accusantium mollitia occaecati.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (80) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”