What do Californians think about Phoenix and Las Vegas? (San Diego: taxes, living in)

[vegaspilgrim]

I currently live in Phoenix, and just got back from a trip to San Diego. I'm curious what Californians think about Phoenix and Las Vegas-- and AZ and NV in general. It seems like half of the entire population in these two cities is from California! Phoenix and Las Vegas are the only two non-California cities that are within a half-day's drive of major population centers in southern California. And then Reno, NV, while small, is the only major non-California city within a half-day's drive of the Bay Area or Sacramento. So what do you guys think about Phoenix and Las Vegas? Have you thought above moving to one of those two cities? Would you consider them part of "greater Southern California"? How do they compare to California cities?

[EscapeCalifornia]

Personally, I don't like the heat so I'd never move there. But you can get a lot more housing for the dollar. I don't consider them part of Southern California.

[Hazel Eyes]

When I hear about it getting 120 there, I'm glad I'm in Ca...I think most people move their for job opportunities and cheaper housing..

[Howest2008]

I consider AZ and NV as being Baja California just like the portion of Mexico below California is...Baja California Mexico

[AA702]

Everyone complains about the heat in Las Vegas or PHX. This is really not a factor if you work indoors. I work outdoors and the heat really isn't all that bad since its a dry heat. I remember living in CA durring a heat wave and no a/c and it sucks! I think a few years back when there was a heat wave in the west, CA had alot of deaths due to heatstroke, while LV and PHX had 0 because everyone is running A/C or has access to A/C.

Las Vegas usually gets about 90 days of 100+ heat. The rest of the year is pretty nice and doesn't get below freezing very much. Cost of living is very good for a large metro area compared to other metro areas of the same size in CA. To put it simple, I have no regrets and I can always visit CA when I want because its only a short drive or flight away.

[ferretkona]

Originally Posted by AAPoolServiceLV

,,, CA had alot of deaths due to heatstroke, while LV and PHX had 0 because everyone is running A/C or has access to A/C.,,

California had deaths due to power shortages!

[UB50]

Originally Posted by AAPoolServiceLV

Everyone complains about the heat in Las Vegas or PHX. This is really not a factor if you work indoors. I work outdoors and the heat really isn't all that bad since its a dry heat.

You are obviously a man posting this...

You forgot to mention the static electricity that makes everyday a BAD HAIR DAY!! And the static electricity that makes your dresses and skirts cling to your pantyhose like a second skin! Las Vegas was the only city I've ever lived in where I had to carry a can of anti-static spray in my purse.

Not only that, you can get a great tan that flakes off in less than three days due to that marvelous "dry heat." Dry heat (versus humidity) makes your skin grow older looking faster too.

The only thing I think about Arizona and Nevada is that I would never want to live in either place.

[canibeyou]

I've never thought of LV or PHNX as part of So.Cali. We got to Vegas a lot and my impression is always the same... "MAN... do they cram a lot of people into such a small space! " I have friends that live in both Vegas and Phoenix and I always think the same thing, "I'm not a desert person.... someone, plant an oak tree and grow a lawn!". LOL... but then again, I'm the kind of person that likes the shade of a good oak tree and I like the chore of mowing my lawn.

Guess the first things that come to mind when someone mentions either of those two cities is... "I'm thirsty!!!!" LOL.

Sorry.... I'm fully aware that this post is completely worthless. LOL!

[kandjgalvez]

Grass is always greener...

Californians think heat. We love heat if there's a beach we can tan at and an ocean we can surf and swim in.

[sheri257]

How do they compare? For me it's not weather, etc.

For my profession (nursing) those cities don't pay nearly as well as California. Even with the cheaper COL, lower taxes, etc., it would be a money losing proposition for me.

Also California has a state law that limits patient loads. Nevada and Arizona don't so ... I'd also have to work much harder for significantly less pay.

When it comes time to retire I probably will look at those areas but, I'd have to be nuts to move there during my working years.