Teaching/Social Life in Phoenix or Scottsdale? (Mesa, Chandler: housing, rent)

[cmv1212]

Good afternoon everyone:
I am looking to get out of this boring part of southwest FL, and experience something different, new and exciting. How is phoenix? or Scottsdale? I will be graduating in April with my BA in Poltical Science and I am looking to be a high school teacher; so how is the educational system in these two areas? What are some good schools or school district's to teach in? How is the teacher pay in phoenix or scottsdale? Is there culture? How are gays/lesbians viewed, are they welcomed in phoenix or scottsdale? Is the housing market affordable? Would it be better to rent or buy in one of these two areas? Or would you reccommend a completly different city in Arizona or somewhere else? I am really looking for the entire package, a good school system to begin my first year of teaching , a great, warm accepting community for gays and lesbians, affordable rent or housing, a place that actually has seasons and not one big season year around. Any and all advice is welcome and I look forward to reading your responses... Thank you!

Cmv1212

[sablebaby]

I think i answered some of your questions already. But, scottsdale, phx, where ever in phx metro area does NOT have more than 2 seasons really. A mild winter and then a blistering summer. Not much in between.

I don't think you can teach HS without the right classes in education (which is what I wrote in my other post to you). Rent and housing isn't that affordable any more. However, gays and lesbians are quite accepted here in my opinion. But, overall there isn't much culture here. Nothing really exciting. It's not a bad place to live, just not that exciting.

[silverbear]

As noted above, Phoenix has a two-season climate: a hot summer and a mild winter. Spring and fall are brief transitional periods between summer and winter rather than distinct seasons.

Cultural attractions are plentiful. Live theater, ballet, major concerts, etc. are all readily available. The local live music scene has declined somewhat recently, but live music scenes are typically cyclical. It will probably pick up again in a few years. Peforming arts are burgeoning -- not only in the traditional venues downtown, but also in suburban centers in places like Mesa and Chandler. Museums are also looking up with the Phoenix Art Museum just having experienced a major expansion. For the best access to cultural attractions, it's best to live centrally rather than on the fringes.

As for acceptance of gays and lesbians, the local climate is not as tolerant as major cities in the Northeast or California, but certainly better than a lot of places. Arizona recently became the first state to defeat an anti-gay-marriage constitutional amendment, so that may be an indication that there is a bit of a "live-and-let-live" streak in the traditionally conservative character of state politics.

Central Phoenix, especially the historic districts, is traditionally the center of gay culture in the area. That's where you'll find the greatest number of businesses, restaurants, bars, etc. that are either gay-owned or gay-friendly. You'll probably find less acceptance in the East Valley suburbs, which tend to be much more politically conservative. It probably depends on how "out" you are. See echomag.com for information on gay life in the Phoenix area.

[cmv1212]

silverbear, sablebaby,
Thank you for you advice....Sorry sablebaby if I came across as asking the same questions over and over, but I am just trying to figure out where in this large world I am suppose to be. Silverbear, thanks for the wonderful information about the social life. This whole figuring out where to go thing is really harder than I anticipated..I really appreciate all the help I am getting. If you two find any more information you think I should know, please by all means let me know....Thanks again!

cmv1212