Before you move to AZ, know this... (Phoenix, Mesa: condo, jobs)

[Lovehound]

Originally Posted by steve22

... at some point, unless individual countries take some drastic measures to curb global population growth, inevitably the planet will reach critical mass. And then it'll be up to mother nature to set things right, via some massive pandemic, famine, or other catastrophe. Either that, or we'll end up killing each other in some massive global war. One way or another the situation will be corrected, peacefully or otherwise.

I'm saddened to agree with you.

[Lovehound]

Originally Posted by diadins

Probably the most unpleasant post yet! I am from the midwest(wisconsin) and my husband is from england and we are not racist. oh and p.s. it's not your state. It is the country's state and we are ALL apart of the country. That is why we are free to move anywhere we please. Oh and just for my information... were your ancestors from Az or did you immigrate there? Cause if they weren't originally from there that kinda makes you an outsider too doesn't it?

It would be interesting if your rant had some stated focus of who or what you are disagreeing with. Who said "it" was "their state?" And who called you racist? It's your first post and you're already picking a fight. Welcome to C-D.

[tbird421]

I came to this website to get a perspective on moving to Arizona and I have never heard so much negativity in all my life. We are an African American christian family and we are looking to relocate out west for one because of the nicer climate our children have asthma and allergies. Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought God created the world and the fullness there of and not once have I read that one should not move to another place because the locals don't want you there. I believe Arizona is a beautiful state but now I don't think this is the place for us. We are from a southern suburb of Chicago and Arizona sounds like a walk in the park compared to what's going on here. Now I'm not so sure that we would be welcome there.

[LeavingSoCal]

Originally Posted by MotleyCrew

I get a little tired of "natives" not wanting outsiders to move here. The last time I checked the state of Arizona was a part of the United States and I sincerely do feel badly for people when their home state or town changes. Change happens and you can either move yourself to another state that does not want outsiders, or move over. I watched California go from one of the most beautiful states in the union to becoming a third world country. We were not pleased, we simply moved. Our very nation is on the verge of monumental change and I do not think we have a say in it any longer, regardless of the party you choose. The politicians will do to us what they want. So, I say to those coming to AZ for a little bit of peace, or a new start, welcome to AZ.

Well, thanks for the welcome. I also will be a "stupid: person moving from a small town in California to AZ, for this exact reason-California is going absolutely nutz...you can have it. Thank you, Desert Rat, for the warm welcome to your state.

[tnhiga]

Originally Posted by DesertRat5455

The people that are from here, most-not all-don't want you here, and have no problem treating you like it.

Really? I've talked to around 20 people so far about moving there and you are the only one that (and at least half a native to AZ) has told me that I was unwelcome. So if I'm not mistaken, it is only 5% that don't want people to move there.

Originally Posted by DesertRat5455

It's the cities and their pocket books that want you here..and as a native, I can remember my friends and I telling people to go back home years ago. I was also speaking to a friend of mine who is 54, from Ohio, moved here 24 years ago, and said that when she pulled in past a shopping center when she first moved here and the kids were waiving and saying "welcome to Phoenix, now go home".

First, I am surprised you have friends if you treat them like that. How can you be friends with someone anyway if you are constantly telling them that you don't want them around? Second, without people's money your economy would crumble. Money is still needed to run the cities, so more would come out of your pocket. Also, without the money, people would get laid off.

Originally Posted by DesertRat5455

This isn't new, we aren't the "nice" people that our cities make us out to be, and we don't like stupid small town people moving here....and here's why:

Stupid small town people? Wow, you are very prejudice. You didn't stop there did you? You insulted your elders too? I'm so glad that I'm raising my kids to have better manners than that.

Originally Posted by DesertRat5455

Please be aware that if you move here from a small city it does take 20 miles AT LEAST for the average commuter to get to work.

Weren't you talking about Arizona as a whole? I know that if we move there, our commute is not going to be 20 miles to work or to school for the kids or even college for that matter. Besides, the commute where we live now, in a different state, is over 20 miles.

Originally Posted by DesertRat5455

Saying that, we have some very nice freeways here. The problem is, that in the last 10 years everyone from everywhere has moved here and somehow not realized that you actually need to go about 73-75 just to get anywhere in a timely manner and not get flipped off or run off the rode.

Now why on earth would you think it is acceptable to flip people off and run them off the road? Sure, it must be frustrating to want to get somewhere and someone is going under the speed limit, but that doesn't give someone the right to run them off the road. And if you want to see some crazy traffic, live in Honolulu for a while.

Originally Posted by DesertRat5455

You aren't living 5 min from home anymore, and you're moving to the 5th largest city in the nation-so please come here with the idea that you must change your driving. We like to speed here..and you are allowed to go 9 over on freeways-in fact cops go about 15 over most the time.

You are allowed to go 9 over in a lot of states. You can here. However, going 10 over can get you a ticket. Also, how many cities or towns really only have a 5 minute commute? Seriously? You really haven't been anywhere else have you?

Originally Posted by DesertRat5455

Understand that Mesa is not a retirement community. Oh how they've tried to make it one, but you know, we were smart-built a whole place for old people called SUN CITY-and I suggest that if you over the age of 55 and you don't want to be bothered with us "younger" people then you go there and don't try to take over the whole dang city-because we don't care where you move-outside of Sun City you are going to be treated like everyone else. On that same note...Sun City is a very nice city, not newer but updated-very affordable, and real houses. Please don't get scammed into moving into a "pre-manufactured" home on a lot that is not yours where you have to live by someone else's rules. AZ is known for land, and if you don't own your own and you've actually bought a house-then you have been scammed!

Again, prejudice much? Also, why give advice to those you don't want in the state? Also, we've come a long way since segregating people. Do you really want to shove everyone over a certain age into one community? You realize that a lot of that population have retired military who don't want to live away from a base. It is what they know and they have rights to the base. Also, not every person over a certain age longs for the same thing. One city cannot offer everything to everyone over a certain age. And why create a community like that if you don't want people moving there?

Originally Posted by DesertRat5455

We have lots of illegals here. LOTS.

Really? Wow! I didn't realize that living close to the border that people might actually cross over and live in that area without going through the process. Yikes! [insert sarcastic smile here]

Originally Posted by DesertRat5455

Racism was never an issue growing up here..in fact, kind of like a real shocker when you really see it for the first time..and I'm not the only native to say that. But I can say that I can see a problem a brewin' based on the way some people are acting when they move here.

Are you insinuating that people moving there are racist and that none of the people living there are racist? Wow, you need to get out more. Also, instead of shoving people away, maybe if you'd get to know them, you wouldn't have such a narrow view of what outsiders are.

Originally Posted by DesertRat5455

Know that this state is very Republican, with a very liberal side. Always has been..and it just depends on the economy to see which way we go..but I would tell you that in the Presidential election, I don't remember ever seeing our electoral votes going to the Democratic party. We seem to always end up in the red.

The republican party is know for its conservative views. How can you have it both way? If you are as liberal as you state, then you wouldn't mind having like minded people regardless of their political stance. Besides, the question has been asked on here before about how the people in AZ feel toward other political parties and the concensus is that people are open minded and okay. I am beginning to think you where raised in a small circle of people who feel one way and you think that view is the common view among all people in AZ when the truth is... outside the group you associate with, AZ is a much more welcoming place and much more open minded than you give it credit for.

Originally Posted by DesertRat5455

Know that lots and lot of people say there is tons to do here..but I see that tons of people hang out in tons of bars. Lots of drunks here. Quite a bit of drugs I've seen in the bar scene..and I no longer do the "scene" anymore because of it all. And I'm not talking, hanging out for a few beers..I'm talking blasted drunk, 9 hour binge drinking cuz it's the only place to hang out with all your buddies, and driving home SLOSHED. I've seen it, I used to work in those places, I know people who still do it..and I was almost even killed by a drunk driver when I was in my teens. The drinking problem around here is ridiculous.

Okay, first off, everyone has told me that there isn't much to do. Second, there is a lot more to do there (where there is nothing to do) than here in the city I live in. People do this stuff all over the US and it sucks (drinking and driving), but making it sound like all people there have to do is go to a bar, get wasted, and drive home is a bunch of crud.

Originally Posted by DesertRat5455

For some reason, every child molester in the United States has moved to AZ. I don't think a day goes by in the news where they haven't caught another one. Keep tabs on the azcentral.com before moving here..it's our local website to the AZ Republic newspaper...and I really suggest you check out what I'm talking about before moving here with children.

Really? I was molested as a child. I didn't live anywhere near AZ, and the person who did it doesn't either. Checkout the watch dog site and look at all the states and various cities. Again, you have a very narrow view. Plus, for someone that loves AZ so much that you want if for yourself, you sure are a negative person.

Originally Posted by DesertRat5455

And it seems like everyone dislikes their jobs. Sure you find a few who like their jobs..but mostly we have call center's, retail and sales here. Most people don't like that work, but yet everyone I know is always applying for a new job. So remember, even when the economy isn't down, if you apply for something, 100 other people probably are too..and you got to really fight for it here....but the good thing is that there is always some kind of employment opportunity here. So it may take a while, but eventually everyone finds a job.

Really? We are moving there for a job, hopefully, which has nothing to do with what you posted. I've talked to teachers and other professionals living there too which like the place and their jobs. I will be getting a degree as a nurse. Again, not the stuff you listed, and guess what? There is a HUGE nursing shortage. They need nurses. And did you realize that in other parts of the country, the problem is the same if not worse? Here, retail pays minimum wage, they won't work with your schedule (all or nothing mentality), and there are no restrictions to the "at will" employment, so the turnover on a lot of jobs is incredibly high. And apparently there isn't so few jobs due to the fact that there has been a ton of posts on people moving there for a job offer.

Originally Posted by DesertRat5455

Know your areas before you move here...I have lived in almost every city around over the years...and know the WHOLE Phx metropolitian area like the back of my hand. Lived in Casa Grande (we call it casa grand, btw) back in the 80's-newer houses put up..old town is now a dump. Haven't lived in Maricopa-but if you move there or Casa Grande-be prepared to never have any friends unless they live out there because no one's driving out there to visit you. The only road in and out is the famous I-10-which is overcrowded and connects right before the edge of Chandler with another freeway-then another freeway before Phx. I hear the drive is awful..and my many times in rush hr proved the people right. It's like a snail ride into Phx.

If you move around so much, then why do you have such small views of others? Surely through your moves you've met many different people. Everyone cannot have the same exact views as you. My guess is the majority doesn't. However, I do think you gave a bit of good advice. Doing so without the "get the h*** out, we don't want you here" mentality would help people a lot more.

Originally Posted by DesertRat5455

Gilbert & Chandler-both back and forth..nicer towards the outside more than the inside of the city..but they are very pricey..and really, besides the appeal of the houses they really don't offer anything as far as cities go. Tempe-total college town..home of ASU-nice houses in busy work areas-expensive with high HIGH property tax from what I've been told. Mesa-where almost everyone moves to because everything is always NEW NEW NEW(store wise-houses more towards the far eastern side like AJ). Lots of old people, lots of young people..lots of illegals. Downtown area of Mesa is old and dirty. Not too appealing. I live in far east Mesa now, almost by Apache Junction, not far from Queen Creek. I think after years over here I would definitely say I like the far northwest sides of town better.

Thanks for the advice. Are you picking all of the bad places to talk about or are you just a negative person? I haven't heard you say anything good yet.

Originally Posted by DesertRat5455

Apache Junction-retirement community with lots and lots of trailors. It was like, at one time, the retirement community that wanted to live in AZ but couldn't afford Sun City. LOL. Well, lots of druggies there, people living with their 90 year old parents and riding bicycles. Really ghetto. Outer part of AJ towards Gold Canyon, and Gold Canyon itself is pretty nice..but very, very far from the actual downtown Phx area.

Wow, I thought you wanted to heard everyone up in Sun City. Oh, yeah, you are dissing another part of the state, right? True or not, I'm having a hard time believing you at this point.

Originally Posted by DesertRat5455

Queen Creek-what a nightmare-don't move there. Everyone I know that did regrets it. Far out of the way-a nice 2 lane road for miles to get to an actual freeway to get into town...live there and expect a 25 mile away job to take 2 hours to get to...and that is not a joke. But it is a good investment for 5-10 years from now when they get the roads done-except remember that AZ does not work fast at getting roads improved..and 5 to 10 years is not a joke.

again, negative much? I've heard so many great things about Arizona and you are picking all the places you feel negatively about? How about telling us about a place you like in Arizona. You don't want anyone to move there, so you must like *something*.

Originally Posted by DesertRat5455

Peoria-very nice in the northwestern part...I grew up there-age 7-18-wonderful memories, great schools in the Peoria district. Downtown Peoria area lots of illegals again. Glendale same thing..but then you have lots of Asian and Middle Eastern people for some reason. That boom came about 10 years back. I would say northern Glendale is a nice area..go past Peoria and it's pretty ghetto. But the good thing about the Glendale area, no matter what area you live in, it kind of feels like a small town there even though it's smack dab in the middle of the west side of the Phx area. People are friendly and there's a good night life scene if you like bars and you are younger and single..I spent my early 20's there..and I very much enjoyed it.

Wow, something nice. However, for someone who says that outsiders are racist, why even mention the race of the people in the city? I mean why would you care? We are all people, right?

Originally Posted by DesertRat5455

Phoenix..The only part I would even suggest is the northern part of Phx...towards Paradise Valley and Scottsdale. Scottsdale is like it's own entity-and unless you have money don't even bother to look at Scottsdale..and really don't bother if you don't have a name. You can move to Chandler or East Mesa or anywhere for that matter in a just as good house in a just as good neighborhood for way less. But if you want to be seen as "high society" or you actually want to buy a mansion, go ahead and move there. I personally have always thought that people put too much emphasis on the name. I grew up in what is now priced as a $400k house in Northwest Peoria, and yet, somehow though I lived the same as kids that grew up in Scottsdale houses, they still acted like they were better than me. And they still do..and they're not...so just a head's up about that lifestyle.

City living is always expensive. Didn't you get the memo?

Originally Posted by DesertRat5455

Avondale, Goodyear, Surprise...well a lot of people move out to those newer areas in the middle of nowhere..but it's in the middle of no where.

Some people actually want to live in the middle of nowhere. Seriously.


Oh and just so you know... if we take the job, we are moving there no matter what you and your little buddies think. We will have d*** good paying jobs, better insurance, and so much more. Don't want us there? ..too bad, because obviously others do. So yeah, more proof that it isn't all of AZ that feels the way you do.

[Dan Mcconnell]

I.m a newby to Az. but I,m old enought to know that if we can follow what was said earlier about Social Maturty and blending in with your surroundings. After all we all left are pass resdients because we wanted change. Bringing your problems with you is starting off on the wrong foot. I have to agree partialy with DesertRat. I have always tryed to express the facts. Sometime it affends people. Oh well.

[Lovehound]

Originally Posted by tnhiga

Really? I've talked to around 20 people so far about moving there and you are the only one that (and at least half a native to AZ) has told me that I was unwelcome. So if I'm not mistaken, it is only 5% that don't want people to move there.

In my recent visit to Prescott late last year I was pleasantly surprised that when I told various locals I was checking out Prescott as a possible place to retire to, they told me they hoped I liked their city enough to want to live there. Not a single soul expressed anything other than sincere, friendly welcomeness. I have no reason to expect Phoenix or any other place in AZ to be any different.

BTW yours was a great post and I hit the "rep" button for you! Great rebuttal! And you could give lessons and teach other forum members about multi-quote which art you have obviously mastered!

[ZonyPony]

Wow... poor Desert Rat. You sound like I used to feel - being a native Arizonan and watching everything around me change. Its hard, D-Rat, I feel for ya, but we 'uns gots to try to adapt. We gots to understand that today's Arizona ain't the Arizona of our past. Its a whole new world out there.

The Californians are most likely coming because they can't afford California any more, even though they may claim its because its becoming a "third world country"(?). Whatever that means...

The mid-westerners are coming "because of our warm climate; its too cold over there; tired of shoveling snow; health reasons" - all of the above.
Others are coming because they think its "cheaper" to live here.

Are native Arizonans a little upset about all of the changes?

Yes.

But whatever the case may be - they're here, dude! Native Arizonans don't necessarily have to be the welcome wagon (there are plenty of organizations which will do that!), but we could be a little more tolerant and understanding and learn to adjust to what's happening out there.

Can't we?

Hey! Look what else is happening out there: more people going out and buying scooters and other motorbikes! More people on bicycles. More people walking. More people - period.

Hmmm... does that mean Arizona's turning into another third world country?

[clpaup]

Originally Posted by Dan Mcconnell

I.m a newby to Az. but I,m old enought to know that if we can follow what was said earlier about Social Maturty and blending in with your surroundings. After all we all left are pass resdients because we wanted change. Bringing your problems with you is starting off on the wrong foot. I have to agree partialy with DesertRat. I have always tryed to express the facts. Sometime it affends people. Oh well.

Can you tell me how you like Arizona , and what area you live in? I have always wanted to live in Arizona. I don't like the area I live in. I don't want my kids to grow up here. I realize that there are problems everywhere, I am looking for opinions from people that moved from another state to Arizona. Thank You

[Cat_Person]

I lived in AZ close to 10 yr. (about 7 in PHX). I'm from Cali originally but have moved alot thx to being in a military family. I found AZ to be mostly friendly unless I had my pow-wow dancing clothes on. But then, that's happened to me in Cali too, so no different. I had a bit of difficulty getting employed the first year as everyone believed I'd move back to Cali in a heartbeat. This topic always came up in job interviews. After I was there awhile, it didn't matter so much. If I had it to do over, I'd go to an employment agency or have a job lined up.

Yes, there's alot of negativity here, but I think the Portland page is worse
My favorite place I lived in was North Scottsdale. I had a nice apartment, great views, very quiet, and reasonably priced. Not much crime, which is why some would call it boring. Fountain Hills is a really cute place (some retirees), quiet, "out there" feeling from the city, priced about the same as Scottsdale.

Arizona is really a state with alot of character. No place has it all unless you're a native New Yorker. There are snowbirds in the winter, and generally an older feeling to the population in general except in Tempe. There are fun things to do, but not like other places because of the "venue" (I found great concerts hard to come by except the Jazz Festival in Sedona...but that's my taste). I'll list the things I miss about AZ :

The incredibly beautiful Native American art and jewelry

Great Apartment and rental deals (I got spoiled by the offers)

Alot of the city is very clean, grafitti doesn't hang around as long as other places I've been to.

The grid system, once you learn it...you rarely get lost. Love it.

The DMV and smogging process was nicer than Cali.More efficient, that's for sure (same day licence plates and driver's licences) Amen.

Houseboating on Lake Havasu

A leisurely float via inner tube down the Salt River with a beer in hand

Halloween night at ASU (what a spectator sport (!) only to be rivaled by Venice California)

Watching thunderstorms for fun

Misting Systems (they don't use them here in Cali with 100+ heat)

The leaves turning in autumn in the Verde Valley

The ancient archeology of the ruins (like Montzuma) and various cliff dwellings


Sahuaro cactus decorated with Christmas lights Christmas is downright toasty.

The Heard Museum (breathtaking)

Arizona Highways magazine (you find amazing places to visit on a day trip or weekend here as well as beautiful photography.)

There are alot worse places I can think of. Like Portland, people seem to either love or hate AZ. I found it very liveable with a steady supply of good jobs in my sector. If I could stand the summers I'd not rule it out as a possible relocation city.