AZ/KS Decision (Overland Park, Kansas City, Olathe: sales, foreclosure, crime)

[wingedbull]

We're at a crossroads. My wife and I, both in our mid-twenties, have been living and working in Arizona but a recent opportunity took us out of state. We decided quickly that we didn't like to new location as much as we thought we would and are now faced with a decision: return to Arizona where we get our old jobs back in the east valley or move to the Kansas City-area (Overland Park-Olathe area) where we also have very promising job opportunities.

My wife was born in Kansas and lived there until she was about 15, but has been in Arizona since 2000. I was born and raised in Michigan and just relocated to Arizona a few years ago. We're coming down to the wire with respect to making a decision and could use some input.

We do not yet have children but that is probably very far off. Job prospect in are a wash, as we could both work both places (although Arizona would, at least initially, be more lucrative as I wouldn't be starting on the "ground floor" again). We've got family in both places and a good quality of life is probably the most important. Outdoor opportunities, safe environment, affordability, etc.

Input from anybody who has experience in both locations (or experience in SE Michigan and Kansas, for that matter), would be appreciated.

[Mathguy]

Originally Posted by wingedbull

We're at a crossroads. My wife and I, both in our mid-twenties, have been living and working in Arizona but a recent opportunity took us out of state. We decided quickly that we didn't like to new location as much as we thought we would and are now faced with a decision: return to Arizona where we get our old jobs back in the east valley or move to the Kansas City-area (Overland Park-Olathe area) where we also have very promising job opportunities.

My wife was born in Kansas and lived there until she was about 15, but has been in Arizona since 2000. I was born and raised in Michigan and just relocated to Arizona a few years ago. We're coming down to the wire with respect to making a decision and could use some input.

We do not yet have children but that is probably very far off. Job prospect in are a wash, as we could both work both places (although Arizona would, at least initially, be more lucrative as I wouldn't be starting on the "ground floor" again). We've got family in both places and a good quality of life is probably the most important. Outdoor opportunities, safe environment, affordability, etc.

Input from anybody who has experience in both locations (or experience in SE Michigan and Kansas, for that matter), would be appreciated.

I moved to the area 10 years ago from Chicago.
My experience with AZ is second hand.

Here are my thoughts:
1) Housing in the KC metro area is extremely reasonable. Check out realtor.com and see how far you dollar can go here.
2) You will have 4 seasons here if that is something you like. The winters are a joke compared to SE Michigan.
3) Public schools throughout the area are excellent, this is nice so that when you do have kids you don't have to stare at potentially paying private tuition like in some places.

Tons to do, middle of the country so it's easy to take road trips or pop up to the airport and take a flight for a reasonable price.

Best of luck in your decision.

[AnywhereElse]

I am originally from Michigan and have lived across the US and my husband is originally from Kansas - we have lived together in 4 cities in Kansas. We lived for 6 years outside of Tucson and are now back in Kansas - I call myself "AnywhereElse" for a reason. I would rather be anywhere else than Kansas but the economic down turn has locked us in. Look at the foreclosure listings - there are free websites that list. The sales tax just went up to over 8% and while that may seem low, wait until you experience Kansas compared with some of the other states. The State has to have a balanced budget by state law and while that sounds like a good policy, it has resulted in a lot of cuts in the budget with more expected. We have been experiencing much hotter summers (no, not like AZ) and the winters have been much colder - there is no spring or fall here that I can see. There is an illusion that Kansas is a safe haven which it is not - drugs and crime are still present, you'll be locking your doors, etc. If I could wake up tomorrow in AZ and take a walk in the desert versus mow the grass and fight bugs (flies, mosquitoes, fleas, gnats, ticks, ants) and feel just as safe if not safer, well, let's see what would I choose.

[TinaMcG]

I have a good friend who relocated from Phoenix to Shawnee about ten years ago. All she talks about is wanting to get back to Phoenix. She is here because of a job, and that's about it. He problem is the weather in Kansas. She hates the winters and the lack of predictability of the weather in Kansas. You know about winter because you are from Michigan, so maybe that wouldmake a difference. Our winters are not as severe as they are in the Great White North.

[Mathguy]

Originally Posted by AnywhereElse

I am originally from Michigan and have lived across the US and my husband is originally from Kansas - we have lived together in 4 cities in Kansas. We lived for 6 years outside of Tucson and are now back in Kansas - I call myself "AnywhereElse" for a reason. I would rather be anywhere else than Kansas but the economic down turn has locked us in. Look at the foreclosure listings - there are free websites that list. The sales tax just went up to over 8% and while that may seem low, wait until you experience Kansas compared with some of the other states. The State has to have a balanced budget by state law and while that sounds like a good policy, it has resulted in a lot of cuts in the budget with more expected. We have been experiencing much hotter summers (no, not like AZ) and the winters have been much colder - there is no spring or fall here that I can see. There is an illusion that Kansas is a safe haven which it is not - drugs and crime are still present, you'll be locking your doors, etc. If I could wake up tomorrow in AZ and take a walk in the desert versus mow the grass and fight bugs (flies, mosquitoes, fleas, gnats, ticks, ants) and feel just as safe if not safer, well, let's see what would I choose.

1) I actually find the springs and falls here to be quite long.
2) You are in Fort Scott which is NOT the part of KS the op is looking at moving too. 100miles straight south has an impact on weather and also the fact that you are completely out of the metro area and what it has to offer.
I'd probably hate to live there too....but the area I'm in near where the OP is looking I really really like.

[MikeT1]

well, we don't have may flies here that's for sure. and the severity of insects and the like vary based on the weather conditions.

meanwhile, there's really no comparing phoenix and overland park (kc area). the climate is totally different, the population is totally different. i guess parts of overland park and olathe would have something in common with scottsdale, maybe tempe, but can't say much more than that.

to live here, in general, you have to like having four seasons. otherwise, the KC area is smaller than greater phoenix, cost of living probably less, and a less diverse topography - which is totally different too from the moutainous desert areas.

good luck in your decision-making! - mt

[Amyzodd]

I have lived in Arizona and am now living in Kansas again for the first time in 40 years. My opinion is in formation. I came to Kansas because it is where my family has deep roots and I had lived here as a child. I wanted a place where you can grow food, if you have to. I wanted conservative values to dominate the culture. I HOPED people would be kind- ish.

People have been real decent mostly. Plenty of conservatives around. Haven't had to grow food yet. Having a heck of a time finding employment, but then my resume is very restless.

I love the Arizona desert, but it's a harsh environment. Arizonans make lasting friends, but it is hard to become friends. Arizona culture is harsh like its physical environment and kind of ignorant -- in too many places. These are just random thoughts. I could live either place.

[KevK]

Originally Posted by wingedbull

We're at a crossroads. My wife and I, both in our mid-twenties, have been living and working in Arizona but a recent opportunity took us out of state. We decided quickly that we didn't like to new location as much as we thought we would and are now faced with a decision: return to Arizona where we get our old jobs back in the east valley or move to the Kansas City-area (Overland Park-Olathe area) where we also have very promising job opportunities.

My wife was born in Kansas and lived there until she was about 15, but has been in Arizona since 2000. I was born and raised in Michigan and just relocated to Arizona a few years ago. We're coming down to the wire with respect to making a decision and could use some input.

We do not yet have children but that is probably very far off. Job prospect in are a wash, as we could both work both places (although Arizona would, at least initially, be more lucrative as I wouldn't be starting on the "ground floor" again). We've got family in both places and a good quality of life is probably the most important. Outdoor opportunities, safe environment, affordability, etc.

Input from anybody who has experience in both locations (or experience in SE Michigan and Kansas, for that matter), would be appreciated.

In my opinion Kansas is better than Michigan and Arizona is better than Kansas.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by KevK

In my opinion Kansas is better than Michigan and Arizona is better than Kansas.

Hmm...

I would take Traverse City, MI or Marquette, MI over any city in Arizona or Kansas

[KevK]

Originally Posted by GraniteStater

Hmm...

I would take Traverse City, MI or Marquette, MI over any city in Arizona or Kansas

The only place to live in Michigan: Hell, Michigan | Come to Hell!