Main differences between Phoenix & Tucson metro areas (Scottsdale, Tempe: house, safe area)
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Main differences between Phoenix & Tucson metro areas
Hi, outsider here, born & raised on the East Coast. I'm considering moving to Arizona within the year. I like the weather you guys have, I like your laws, and I like your culture.
I have a job offer in Scottsdale, that's pretty good that I'm thinking about taking. My only worry is that I don't think I could ever make Scottsdale feel like home. I plan on traveling to both the Phoenix and Tucson areas, but I wanted to hear opinions from residents of both areas.
My impressions of both areas
Phoenix: Larger metro area, seems a little more built up, Scottsdale in particular seems like 90% new construction, strip mall after strip mall, also in Scottsdale is a lot of $$$ very wealthy area, its as if Phoenix is trying to compete with LA or Vegas
Tucson: Seems a little more laid back, less built up, a little more character/homey feeling like you're really in the high desert
Residents, correct if I'm wrong on any of my impressions and please give me your input of what your experiences are in living in these areas!
My last question is regarding firearms. Firearms are a huge hobby of mine, and Arizona seems to be one of the most firearm friendly states in the nation. The East Coast, where I am now, is very uptight when it comes to guns. Where do Arizonans shoot? Public ranges? Can you shoot openly in a safe area in unincorporated open desert legally?
Yes you can shoot on private property, and are not forced to go to a range. What is nice to is Arizona a resident or non resident is legally allowed to carry concealed without a permit. Although if you obtain a permit to carry concealed in Arizona it allows you a few extra privileges.
Cooler climate in Tucson for sure. (little higher elevation) Probably a good 5-10 degrees in the hot months. My house in St. David rarely ever breaks 100 and Phoenix will be well into the 105-110+ range.
Yes you will get the more desert feeling in Tucson, esp on the outskirts of the city. You'll think its Florida or Hawaii in Phoenix with all the Palms!
You can make either city seem like a good home, just need to find what your looking for. There are sooooo many Phoenix suburbs to choose from. A lot of people like Surprise, but that is way on the Northwest corner of town, so quite a hike during rush hour to and from scottsdale. You can get on the outskirt areas like San Tan Valley, Queen Creek, Apache Junction even Gold Canyon... This will give you a little more room, and quieter atmosphere over the major Phoenix burbs....
Just a few thoughts, hope they helped.
What exactly are you looking for in a residence? What kind of area, neighborhood, schools if any, etc... then the people that live in these areas will better answer your questions regarding needs.
If your job is in Snottsdale, (Ooppss!), eh--hem, Scottsdale, you will not be able to live in Tucson unless you like a one way 2-ish hour commute.
yes you bring up "Snottsdale". that's pretty much all you had to say to in order to get me not to move there. i could probably deal with the snob factor, coming from the east coast and all, but man, that city just seems so... false? is that an appropriate word? it just lacks character, its geared too much towards retail and tourism. the buildings all look the same, that false adobe style. i dont think a person like me could ever call a place like that home... but I will make my money there. i'm looking into other phoenix suburbs as the other poster mentioned. maybe even the city of Phoenix itself, why not?
Please note that I was joking. I have never lived in SCottsdale though I have been in the area many times and know that kind of community. I think that with what you say, look into other communities.
Also, I was raised east coast and shot my first guns in AZ. Never had a desire but a friend took me out and it was, well, actually, fun!
yes you bring up "Snottsdale". that's pretty much all you had to say to in order to get me not to move there. i could probably deal with the snob factor, coming from the east coast and all, but man, that city just seems so... false? is that an appropriate word? it just lacks character, its geared too much towards retail and tourism. the buildings all look the same, that false adobe style. i dont think a person like me could ever call a place like that home... but I will make my money there. i'm looking into other phoenix suburbs as the other poster mentioned. maybe even the city of Phoenix itself, why not?
thanks again,
Quote:
Originally Posted by robabeatle
Please note that I was joking. I have never lived in SCottsdale though I have been in the area many times and know that kind of community. I think that with what you say, look into other communities.
Also, I was raised east coast and shot my first guns in AZ. Never had a desire but a friend took me out and it was, well, actually, fun!
Good Luck!
People really like or hate Scottsdale. I live here and you're right; it's too plastic for me. I'm below Indian School which is different yet than central or north Scottsdale.
Hi, outsider here, born & raised on the East Coast. I'm considering moving to Arizona within the year. I like the weather you guys have, I like your laws, and I like your culture.
I have a job offer in Scottsdale, that's pretty good that I'm thinking about taking. My only worry is that I don't think I could ever make Scottsdale feel like home. I plan on traveling to both the Phoenix and Tucson areas, but I wanted to hear opinions from residents of both areas.
My impressions of both areas
Phoenix: Larger metro area, seems a little more built up, Scottsdale in particular seems like 90% new construction, strip mall after strip mall, also in Scottsdale is a lot of $$$ very wealthy area, its as if Phoenix is trying to compete with LA or Vegas
Tucson: Seems a little more laid back, less built up, a little more character/homey feeling like you're really in the high desert
Residents, correct if I'm wrong on any of my impressions and please give me your input of what your experiences are in living in these areas!
My last question is regarding firearms. Firearms are a huge hobby of mine, and Arizona seems to be one of the most firearm friendly states in the nation. The East Coast, where I am now, is very uptight when it comes to guns. Where do Arizonans shoot? Public ranges? Can you shoot openly in a safe area in unincorporated open desert legally?
I'd like to throw out that there's a LOT of money in Phoenix, in general. It doesn't need to "try" to be LA or Vegas. It's Phoenix. The Phoenix area as a whole is probably 90% new construction and strip malls.
Tucson is exactly the same, stucco house after stucco house. Just with more rock in the yard.
Right, everyone in Scottsdale is rich and plastic.......and everyone in Gilbert is Mormon, and everyone in Tempe is a drunken, rowdy student. Enough with the generalizations; they just make someone sound ignorant. To the OP, you obviously haven't checked out Scottsdale very much. The city is huge and defies lazily applied labels.
Quote:
Originally Posted by STrapani1105
yes you bring up "Snottsdale". that's pretty much all you had to say to in order to get me not to move there. i could probably deal with the snob factor, coming from the east coast and all, but man, that city just seems so... false? is that an appropriate word? it just lacks character, its geared too much towards retail and tourism. the buildings all look the same, that false adobe style. i dont think a person like me could ever call a place like that home... but I will make my money there. i'm looking into other phoenix suburbs as the other poster mentioned. maybe even the city of Phoenix itself, why not?
thanks again,
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