Should I move to Arizona?

[zingo]

My wife and I are looking at moving to Arizona. We've been there on vacation before and like it, but that is completely different than living somewhere. She would like it because its warm/hot. I would like it because my company has three buildings in the greater Phoenix area, and we would both like it because housing prices are so much lower there than in Seattle. How do you Arizona folks here like living there? Steve? What are the positives and negatives we should be aware of when considering moving to the area?

[nooshinjohn]

It is a great place to find rust free old cars... thats a plus right there!

[steveinaz]

Phoenix is the armpit of Arizona, seriously. No offense to Phoenix folk's, it's just that if I want pollution and crime, I'll move back to Saint Louis. Tucson is fine, or anywhere else, but I would avoid Phoenix. Phoenix is also hotter than hell.

I'm in Southeast Arizona, a town called Sierra Vista; about 65 miles southeast of Tucson. Our temps a little milder than Tucson because we are at about 4700 ft elevation.

[bobman1235]

I hope you've been there in the summer. It's awesome in the winter but (to me) unbearable in the summer. Dry heat my ass, 115 is 115. You can't really even go outside. My cousin lived there for a year and I went out to visit a few times, once during the summer; it was just horrific if you even stepped outside.

Obviously that's a very subjective opinion, but coming from Seattle you should just be aware of what you're in for in the warmer months.

EDIT : As steve mentions, this is in reference to Phoenix / the desert, not the nicer and more temperate areas like Sedona.

[xj4094dg]

[QUOTE=bobman1235;1049748]I hope you've been there in the summer. It's awesome in the winter but (to me) unbearable in the summer. Dry heat my ass, 115 is 115. You can't really even go outside. My cousin lived there for a year and I went out to visit a few times, once during the summer; it was just horrific if you even stepped outside.


+1. I've lived in both Phoenix and Palm Desert, CA. Very similar, both beautiful in the winter but miserable in the summer. If you enjoy hastily moving from one air-conditioned environment to another every day from March through October, go ahead. I'll never move back to the desert. Never. Ever. Good Luck.

[steveinaz]

Arizona is a wonderful state generally. We have every climate from the north to south. Flagstaff is practically like Denver Colorado, both in climate and topolgy. As you travel south towards Phoenix you are in the valley, low elevation and very hot temps; then progressing on to Tucson you are going up-hill again, and as you enter Cochise county in the southeast, elevation is higher and temps milder---but far warmer than Flagstaff.

We run about 6 degrees cooler than Tucson in the summer, and about 2 degrees cooler in the winter. I wouldn't move from here for nothing. I can ride motorcycles year round, hunt, camp, hike, etc. If you like outdoor activities, it doesn't get much better.

[disneyjoe7]

Having moved from Rhode Island to Florida I say it will take you a least 12 months or more to adjust to a new climate. Timing is the thing here, you wouldn't wish to move in the weather extremes it will make the move easier. Same is true moving from Hot to Cold or Cold to Hot.

[187CAM]

Like Bob said, Its a dry heat and so is the oven at Thanksgiving when cooking a turkey. Open that door and stick your head in for a few minutes and see how you like the 'dry heat'. I was out there in Chandler working for a few years. When they say its going to be a warm day expect 95+..when they say its going to be a hot day expect 120+. Then the monsoons hit in latter part of summer. You want to talk about some rain. Monsoon is just the word they could come up with at the time. But, I did like the scenery. The springs and falls and winters were ok. Almost like living outside the oven. But I think it was Robert Palmer that said it best, "some like it hot".

[danger boy]

Why does everyone want to move to Arizona? it's not the only warm state in the US. ;)
I know 4 people moving there this year.. plus one just bought a house for his parents to move there.

New Mexico is a lovely warm state too I hear.

just saying..

[danz1906]

Go for it:D

[ViperZ]

Why does everyone want to move to Arizona? it's not the only warm state in the US. ;)
I know 4 people moving there this year.. plus one just bought a house for his parents to move there.

New Mexico is a lovely warm state too I hear.

just saying..

danger boy, you should also mention that house prices on Spokane, WA are low too... and there is Idaho like 30 miles away ;)

[steveinaz]

Why does everyone want to move to Arizona? it's not the only warm state in the US. ;)
I know 4 people moving there this year.. plus one just bought a house for his parents to move there.

New Mexico is a lovely warm state too I hear.

just saying..


Because it's warm MINUS the hurricanes and tornadoes. New Mexico is nice, but getting too much like Kalirado (or Colofornia; whichever you like) politically---no thanks. They want you to look at all the wonderful things, but don't touch. I went to the "Garden of the Gods" area in Colorado---signs everywhere throughout the park: "Don't climb on rocks"....HUH? You effen kidding me? Am I going to break the mountain or something?...pppfffffttttt colofornia.

[haimoc]

I think Scotdale and Fountain Hills are nice area and easier to commute to Phoenix. I used to live in Fountains Hills many years ago and worked at Fort McDowell Casino.. I remembered I enjoyed going to pools very late at night time in the Summer.. Summer heat is crazy.. :)

[zingo]

Thanks for all the input and I have been to AZ in the summer, so I'm not too worried about the weather. The three areas that my company has buildings in is Mesa, Chandler, and Apache Junction. Any feelings on any of those over cities over others?

[steveinaz]

I remember coming out of Sky harbor airport (Phoenix) at 11:30pm, went outside and saw a thermometer that read 111 degrees!

[haimoc]

Thanks for all the input and I have been to AZ in the summer, so I'm not too worried about the weather. The three areas that my company has buildings in is Mesa, Chandler, and Apache Junction. Any feelings on any of those over cities over others?

Mesa is only 15 mins away from Fountains Hills... Passing the Casino.. :)
Man.. I missed Arizona.. 16 years ago. Nice people there.. I wished it would be the same.

[steveinaz]

Thanks for all the input and I have been to AZ in the summer, so I'm not too worried about the weather. The three areas that my company has buildings in is Mesa, Chandler, and Apache Junction. Any feelings on any of those over cities over others?

Arizona is beautiful, any of those are fine. Just avoid Phoenix like the plaque. You're going to love it. Feel free to make contact when you get here, Bev & I would love to have you out.

Both of my brothers back in STL are looking for land out here, and so am I.

[zingo]

I'd love to make it happen, but I'd have to find a job opening at one of the buildings, and since I would be coming in for an upper management job, that would only allow for one or two positions per building. We'll see, but I'm itching for some sun.

Thanks for the offer Steve and if we come down, I will come over.

[avelanchefan]

My wife and I are looking at moving to Arizona. We've been there on vacation before and like it, but that is completely different than living somewhere. She would like it because its warm/hot. I would like it because my company has three buildings in the greater Phoenix area, and we would both like it because housing prices are so much lower there than in Seattle. How do you Arizona folks here like living there? Steve? What are the positives and negatives we should be aware of when considering moving to the area?

Zingo,

Steve said some thing that are correct, although I have to admit that I feel Tucson is more of an armpit than Phoenix. At least in Phoenix there is a lot of things to do. Tucson is more boring IMHO. But I am talking about concerts, different restaraunts...ETC.

One thing for sure Phoenix is freaking HOT!! When I have to go there in the summer for work I can hardly stand it, the car AC can hardly keep up. As for housing yes it is cheaper and will remain that way for a while. And it may even dip a little bit lower, I dont think we have seen the bottom yet here in AZ. Traffic in Phoenix is congested at the usual times, but I do not find it any different than any other large city. I know people in Phoenix complain about it, but I don't think its that bad. They have a great freeway system there.

Here is the thing I find/see most from people moving from out of state. Most people get here and after about 6 months they either 1)Like the way of life and will tolerate all the otehr BS, or 2) Do whatever they can to get the freak out.

All the other BS I am talking about to me is the illegal situation. It is rampant, you see it everyday, and it will piss you off. Especially when you go shopping and how the illegal/mexican population treats people. They are rude and arrogant. And nothing gets under my skin more when they knock you out of the way to get something, or when you hear someone got hit by a car from Mexico, they have no insurance and you are stuck with the bill. I can go on a long rant about this, but for me being half hispanic it is very embarrassing.

Would I move from my current residence out of state? Maybe, if it was back to the midwest I would consider it, or maybe the mountains in Colorado. But in all reality I make a pretty damn good living here, more than I have in Iowa or Colorado. So that being said if you decide to move you have been warned. Hind site 20/20 I probably would not make the move if I had to do it over again.

[thsmith]

Because it's warm MINUS the hurricanes and tornadoes. New Mexico is nice, but getting too much like Kalirado (or Colofornia; whichever you like) politically---no thanks. They want you to look at all the wonderful things, but don't touch. I went to the "Garden of the Gods" area in Colorado---signs everywhere throughout the park: "Don't climb on rocks"....HUH? You effen kidding me? Am I going to break the mountain or something?...pppfffffttttt colofornia.

Tucson has more sunshine days than any other city in the US. Makes for happy People too.

Steve I was stationed in Sierra Vista from 1976-1978, great little town.

I also lived in Bisbee, was a hippie town back then.

[miner]

Tucson has more sunshine days than any other city in the US. Makes for happy People too.

Steve I was stationed in Sierra Vista from 1976-1978, great little town.

I also lived in Bisbee, was a hippie town back then.

Isn't Sierra Vista home to Army Intellegence? Bisbee is till a hippy town lost in time. On ur way back to Tucson from Bisbee we went to the border town of Naco - on the Mexican side it looked like something out of 'Desperado'.

[thsmith]

Isn't Sierra Vista home to Army Intellegence? Bisbee is till a hippy town lost in time. On ur way back to Tucson from Bisbee we went to the border town of Naco - on the Mexican side it looked like something out of 'Desperado'.

Fort Huachuca did have AI plus signal command plus Army Air Corp

[steveinaz]

Yep, Army Intel, 11th Signal Brigade, 9th Army NETCOM, UAV's, etc. I work at Fort Huachuca (Wah-chew-kah for the non-knowing) as dept of defense civilian (NETCOM). I also did 2 tours here while I was active duty Army.

Yes, Bisbee is still a hippy town--as is Jerome, Az near Sedona. Bev & I still frequent "Elmos" the oldest bar in Bisbee, when our workmate Ricks' band is playing there (Buzz and the soul senders).

Word is, Bisbee was a hell of lot rougher town than Tombstone. Miners were thought to be far more mean than cowboys. I would agree.

[markmarc]

Lived in Arizona for a year, and even though I grew up in Colorado and was used to semi arid conditions, there is no way I'd live back there again. Way too brown and the lifestyle is very different. Stay in Seattle!!

[nooshinjohn]

Isn't Sierra Vista home to Army Intellegence? Bisbee is till a hippy town lost in time. On ur way back to Tucson from Bisbee we went to the border town of Naco - on the Mexican side it looked like something out of 'Desperado'.
Army/military intelligence is a contradiction in terms;)

[MikeC78]

I thought Arizona was the "nursing home" state? Anyone 50+ migrates over there, right?

[steveinaz]

Lots of snowbirds in the winter, for sure...I think Florida still holds that title, but there are quite a few seniors here as well. I'll take those to gang-bangers anytime, plus if I ever need any medication, they got me covered...LOL

[MikeC78]

That was not the reponse I was looking for, damn.:D

[steveinaz]

They all head back to Minnesota around the middle of May, as it begins to resemble HELL here in temps.

[snow]

I havent been to phoenix in quite a while but from what I can remember it's a place I wouldndt want to call home. Hotter than hell even driving down the freeway if you were to open your window and stick your head out it would be like sticking your head into a giant hair dryer stuck on the high setting. Crime is rampant and everywhere I went people had a look of hoplessness in there eyes like they were too broke to even leave. I noticed at least 12 different types of law enforcement within 30 mins of being in the city there were city police, tribal police, sheriffs, imigration police, border patrol, state patrol and the list goes on and on, any place in my oppinion that needs this many law enforcement people in number and types is a place to be avoided.



REGARDS SNOW

[MikeC78]

Nah, you guys have no idea what HELL is! Make a trip over here to Iraq during the middle of August. I have many pics of a thermometer well over 140...

Seriously, Baghdad is becoming the new tourist destination. I'll make sure I pick you up at the airport.

[steveinaz]

Phoenix is not a good representation of Arizona, Tucson is more like it. Tucson has all the conveneince of a major city, but maintains that southwest/desert town feel. Me, I prefer to be in Cochise county/Santa Cruz county; far more rural. Phoenix reminds me of friggin LA.

[steveinaz]

Nah, you guys have no idea what HELL is! Make a trip over here to Iraq during the middle of August. I have many pics of a thermometer well over 140...

Seriously, Baghdad is becoming the new tourist destination. I'll make sure I pick you up at the airport.

I'm a desert storm vet, I'm well aware. What makes southwest Asia worse, is the damn humidity added to the incredible heat. No wonder those people are so angry...LOL

[MikeC78]

Nice! Arizona is cold in comparison. I actually thought Kuwait was warmer yet, if that was possible.

[shack]

Will the witness protection folks let you move there?

[cnh]

I haven't lived there but I've spent a number of weeks in both Phoenix and Tucson at various conferences over the years. The Freaking traffic in Phoenix is very L.A. like..it's over built up, and you have to 'drive' everywhere! I prefer Tucson, though it can get hot there as well...my apologies to our veterans above...but I am not familiar with Mid-East Desert heat! Have been on the edge of the Gobi desert, and in Arizona...in the summer but haven't done the Lawrence of Arabia desert crossing. Don't wish that on anyone!

I'm not sure I would move there? New Mexico, very nice, but being overtaken by New Age silliness and eccentric wealthy retirees.

Washington state? Well at least there's not much rain and A LOT OF SUN in Arizona?

cnh

[bobman1235]

driving down the freeway if you were to open your window and stick your head out it would be like sticking your head into a giant hair dryer stuck on the high setting.

The crazy thing for me about being in Phoenix is I took a bike out (motorcycle) and I swear it was the only time that going faster actually made you MORE hot. Usually on a hot day the breeze on the bike will cool you down, but somehow the air was so hot and dry that the wind made it worse.

[steveinaz]

You think Phoenix is bad, visit Yuma in July.

[stuwee]

Having briefly skimmed the above posts. Please, Please do not move down here, I'm sure you and the wife are lovely folks but, Big But, we are in a severe financial crisis, nobody is safe, we don't have enough water for those of us who are already here....etc....

Please do visit and spend $$'s :) I'm soundingharsh, not my intent! PHX is only nice because they have a NASCAR track, next weekend, WooHoo! You'll not see my lilly white a$$ up there any other time, never, ever, God Awfull ugly city that made sense 25 years ago but now....sucks bad.

Craig in Tucson AZ

[zingo]

I thought Arizona was the "nursing home" state? Anyone 50+ migrates over there, right?

Luckily, that's the industry I'm in. ;)

[I-SIG]

Didn't see this until right now so I'll chime in.

Overall, as someone that lives in AZ, I think Steve is the closest. I live in Tucson and feel it is a nice compromise between a big city and a small town or larger exurb. I would certainly recommend Mesa and more specifically Chandler over Apache Junction and Phoenix.

I grew up in metro Atlanta and got to witness the traffic and such get worse throughout the 90's and early 2000's. Personally, I don't think Phoenix traffic is all that bad, especially compared to Atlanta.

I'm not sure what other areas you may have lived in Zingo, but climate-wise, I'll take the Tucson summers over the "cooler" but far more humid summers in Georgia. Phoenix flat out sucks the fat one in the summertime, thanks to the heat island effect from all the asphalt and tile roofing. Tucson hoovers right around 100 through most of the summer. Can it hit 110? Sure, but it can also be 90 or 95 since Tucson still experiences a monsoon season, mostly unlike Phoenix.

The illegal situation is definitely bad here, but other places like Atlanta aren't much better.

Wes

[dorokusai]

Yes, move now.

[capecodder]

I am originally from Philly and went to grad school at ASU (Tempe) between 1979-1982. I loved my stay and experience in the arid west and would go back to visit or travel any opportunity I had to do so. Absolutely some of the most spectacularly scenic environments you will find in the US. As Steve has indicated, you can travel in any direction and find a different climate/environment. My wife and I even had a small side business of quality native american jewelry because we became friends with a supplier who was one of the first woman wholesale dealers to deal directly with the artists. To this day the area is very special to us and our house has many examples of soutwest art and artifacts. I miss many, many things about the area.

HOWEVER, you couldn't pay me to live there. Others have mentioned the summer heat and until you live it it's hard to describe. Too hot to sit by a pool and enjoy yourself sometimes. The biggest drawback to me is actually more the "feel" of the neighborhoods. Maybe I'm just an east coast guy but I don't care for the "cookie cutter" fenced communities of the modern western suburbs (not they don't exist here as well). The urban sprawl of Phoenix and many other AZ communities has been beyond obscene the past two decades and the developments just don't seem to have any character, history or life to them. One thing that I never got used to was not being able to find that special local corner pub you can walk to. The one that had been there a hundred years or more, had a unique look and smell and felt like your favorite well worn hat. TGIF just doesn't cut it as an alternative.

As has been mentioned, portions of Tucson has more character and admittedly I don't know that area as well. Mesa, Chandler, Apache Junction and surrounding areas don't do it for me however. They are also going to have to deal with one heck of a lot of resource issues in the near future as well.