Before you move to AZ, know this... (crimes, live)

[Ria Rhodes]

Originally Posted by ArizonaBear

Perhaps you mean God, Guns and Gays------------there is a vibrant Gay community here in central Phx.



PS:

I am straight but not narrow.

No, I meant god & guns. Gays are not part of that holy pairing.

"I am straight"

Thanks for letting us know that, or as some say, "Some of my best friends are.."

[nursej007]

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. 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". 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:

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. 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. 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.

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!

------so with that out of the way..please take into consideration these factors before moving here....

We have lots of illegals here. LOTS. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This is actually a pretty good post.
Too bad this person is not still a member.

[mesha73]

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.

Thank you for the welcome. I was starting to get a little nervous. The more I read about Arizona and the "natives" not wanting outsiders, I feel like I am about ready to move to a new Country. I am sure not everyone feels the same about outsiders coming. Sure it probably seems like alot of them are moving to AZ, but there are also alot moving to other states. I guess it is a good thing that my husband and I seem to lean more toward Republican views.

[canudigit]

Originally Posted by mesha73

Thank you for the welcome. I was starting to get a little nervous. The more I read about Arizona and the "natives" not wanting outsiders, I feel like I am about ready to move to a new Country. I am sure not everyone feels the same about outsiders coming. Sure it probably seems like alot of them are moving to AZ, but there are also alot moving to other states. I guess it is a good thing that my husband and I seem to lean more toward Republican views.

Mesha73,

I know someone who moved to one of the subdivisions in Gilbert from Michigan two years ago and she says that her neighbors have been nothing but friendly and super nice to her family. She feels that people in AZ are much friendlier than in Michigan, so don't worry. There are nice people everywhere, and hey--most people in AZ came from somewhere else originally too, don't forget that. If you meet someone with that "Well, I'm in, so shut the door behind me" attitude, then they are being pretty selfish and shortsighted anyway.

[mesha73]

Originally Posted by canudigit

Mesha73,

I know someone who moved to one of the subdivisions in Gilbert from Michigan two years ago and she says that her neighbors have been nothing but friendly and super nice to her family. She feels that people in AZ are much friendlier than in Michigan, so don't worry. There are nice people everywhere, and hey--most people in AZ came from somewhere else originally too, don't forget that. If you meet someone with that "Well, I'm in, so shut the door behind me" attitude, then they are being pretty selfish and shortsighted anyway.

Thanks for that. I truly want to move to Arizona for many, many reasons. I know not every place and state is perfect. I know that I would definitely have to change to be accepted and I am ok with that. If I thought Arizona would be the same as Michigan, I would stay in Michigan. But its not and that is one reason that I want to move. I want change and I want to live differently. So yes I am going to move to Arizona and I hope that I am welcomed with open arms. I am sure I will be. I will have to check out Gilbert. I was looking into Glendale. There are so many places in Arizona. I am not going to be ready for at least 5 years. Then I will have the experience of being a Surgical Technologist and my husband an Addictions Counselor. Unless there are people that want to hire us in the next year of course. I am done with school in August. Anyone want me to come work for them.hehehehehehehe

[twiggy]

Originally Posted by mesha73

Thank you for the welcome. I was starting to get a little nervous. The more I read about Arizona and the "natives" not wanting outsiders, I feel like I am about ready to move to a new Country. I am sure not everyone feels the same about outsiders coming. Sure it probably seems like alot of them are moving to AZ, but there are also alot moving to other states. I guess it is a good thing that my husband and I seem to lean more toward Republican views.

Almost every state has this issue. Vermont has a big reputation for "hating outsiders". So, if you want to know how bad it is, just look around your town. It's the same here. lol Everyone has a pocket of people who hate newcomers. Which is odd, that people would want to live and die in the same place when this world is so large. lol

My motto is: Don't move for the people, move for the lifestyle that comes with the city. Love to ride a bike, move to Davis CA, love to ski move to CO, love the beach move to a coastal town, love to farm or garden move to the mid west, you'll find work, you will find friends but you're not going to find a beach in Phoenix, or a sunbather in MI that isn't unhappy. So know what lifestyle you want and find a city that encourages the activities you enjoy. Then all will be good. Relig. is the same way, love to live the Moron life then AZ, UT, etc. Christian, well, bible belts for you! Love the reborn try OR, crystals galore. Being welcomed by the lifestyle will place you in the area you will meet people with common interest and then will welcome you and your family.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by twiggy

Almost every state has this issue. Vermont has a big reputation for "hating outsiders". So, if you want to know how bad it is, just look around your town. It's the same here. lol Everyone has a pocket of people who hate newcomers. Which is odd, that people would want to live and die in the same place when this world is so large. lol

My motto is: Don't move for the people, move for the lifestyle that comes with the city. Love to ride a bike, move to Davis CA, love to ski move to CO, love the beach move to a coastal town, love to farm or garden move to the mid west, you'll find work, you will find friends but you're not going to find a beach in Phoenix, or a sunbather in MI that isn't unhappy. So know what lifestyle you want and find a city that encourages the activities you enjoy. Then all will be good. Relig. is the same way, love to live the Moron life then AZ, UT, etc. Christian, well, bible belts for you! Love the reborn try OR, crystals galore. Being welcomed by the lifestyle will place you in the area you will meet people with common interest and then will welcome you and your family.

Hey, welcome back! Where ya been?

[twiggy]

Hey, I've been around, just not posting. Thought I'd give my mouth a break. lol Reading post now and then though, still entertaining. Moved across town and actually liking my location a lot better. Even though all these areas look the same there is still a big difference once you get there. lol Moved by some sheep and horses, it's calming.

[Sulli016]

Love thhis forum. I am retiring from Chicago in 2-3 years and me and a friend from California are looking at Lake Havasu City, Whittman, Surprise and SUn City. I am in my 50's and meed some peace and quiet. Would love a "small town" feeling. ANy help?

[ArizonaBear]

Originally Posted by Sulli016

Love thhis forum. I am retiring from Chicago in 2-3 years and me and a friend from California are looking at Lake Havasu City, Whittman, Surprise and SUn City. I am in my 50's and meed some peace and quiet. Would love a "small town" feeling. ANy help?

Your best bet would be to spend the $$ and see in person quite a few cities and towns here in Arizona and follow your gut about which feels best.

Some places may look good but you may not be happy whereas others may look sketchy but are actually pleasant places.