Moving to Phoenix from DC and worried. Help me please! (Tempe: home, university)

[not_a_fan]

Originally Posted by silverbear

Great line. It is interesting how those who complain loudly about a lack of culture in Phoenix seldom name specific institutions. In other words, if they told me why they think that the Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum, Arizona Theater Company, Ballet Arizona, Actor's Theater of Phoenix, etc. are not sufficiently cultural, I might take the argument seriously. So often, however, the "no culture" complaint seems just a generic rant by those who are disappointed that Phoenix does not sufficiently mimic their cities of origin.

It actually has nothing to do with bagels or pizza. There is every type of chain restaurant one could imagine in Phoenix. Arizona does have the things you are talking about above, but they are not well funded and very immature in what they can offer for the simple fact they haven't been around that long. Most east cost cities have wonderful concert halls and theaters built by the robber baron and well endowed fine arts programs from centuries of support. A direct example is the Phoenix Symphony. The average chair here makes around $30,000 a year. The city of Pittsburgh (not a large city by any stretch of the imagination) has a world-class symphony where the average chair makes about $90,000 a year. You aren't going to lure anyone with that sort of offer worth his or her salt. This goes for artisan jobs, PhD positions, or any industry requiring a great deal of study and expertise.

I think what most easterner’s feel that is lacking is history and the maturity that comes with age and wisdom. Phoenix is a shell that is still under construction, so the booming industry here is construction. A huge percentage of the population here is employed by or involved with construction or development. You can be very bright and do that type of work, but typically your artisans and scientists are going to turn their nose up at that career choice. It's not something that is typically interesting to a researcher or artist (or lucrative). For this reason, Phoenix is not all that well educated per capita and probably won't be for years to come.

It's unfair for either side to complain rampantly about the city's short falls or its virtues. It is a sprawling suburb through no fault of its own. A lot of midwesterners seem to find this area very comfortable, particularly those from very rural areas. This is all the city they've ever known, and ignorance is bliss. Pull someone out of a city like New York or Washington D.C. and they will be horribly disappointed based on what they expect of an urban lifestyle.

It is counterproductive to sensor the neigh-sayers on this forum or ban those that are passionate about encouraging others in a similar situation to not make their same mistake. That would fall in line with the mentality of the area: ignorantly proud of mediocrity. That is not to say that Phoenix won't become a progressive city after its adolescence, but that is likely beyond our lifetimes.

[Coyote_Blond]

I had to leave the Phoenix metro area to realise how wonderful it was. Stupid me!

[aj661]

Originally Posted by Dani2323

I moved from DC to Phoenix 3 years ago, and am counting down until I can leave this place! To begin with , there is just nothing to do here.

Oh, sure there is. Tell us what day you're leaving and we'll count down the days with you. We might even have a party after you're gone.

Originally Posted by Dani2323

Until then..... stay in DC! Or, at least go back there right after grad school!

Stay! We have already have a disproportionate number of over educated, yet unintelligent whiners here, home grown and transient alike.

Finally, Dani2323, the OP nikkimcjagger said, "I am moving in less than 2 weeks from DC to Phoenix,"
That post was dated August 12, 2006. If she was true to her word, SHE'S ALREADY HERE! Just a wee bit tardy with your advice. Are you certain that a degree from such a backwards state as Arizona will be recognized back east?

[DaveV]

Funny stuff here. If you are going for grad school, it is NOT forever! Or moving somewhere. She must already be there, huh? It is good to get out of your "comfort zone" and experience somewhere different for a while. The Eastern-urban life can get old as well, trust me..

[prettycutegrill]

Originally Posted by nikkimcjagger

I am moving in less than 2 weeks from DC to Phoenix, but I have lived my entire life in DC. I am moving to apply to ASU graduate school for next fall and pay in-state tuition. I have a job lined up for the first year. I am leaving DC to get away from an x-boyfriend and some bad memories. But, besides the program at ASU, I feel like Phoenix is not so interesting. I do love the sun though. I am 30 years old and need to be around friends. I am leaving my whole family behind on the east coast. I am going to feel lonely. Any advice on how to meet interesting people and make friends. Also, what is a fun neighborhood to live in? Please help me feel less nervous about this move!

DONT MOVE HERE!!!
Its a horrible place! i wish someone would have told me this BEFORE, I moved here. This is an absolutely horrible place to live.
1. Its TOO HOT (it was 112 two days ago! and we are in May!)
2. The people here, are a$$holes
3. Everything is at least 20 minutes away (driving!)
4. You wont release yourself from your current problems, you will add more to your problems
5. You will definitely miss your boyfriend here, because there is nothing to do, and you won't be distracted, you wil feel nostalgic and wish you were back in D.C.

I moved here from Los Angeles, looking for a less crowded place to live and a more peaceful environment, but i have more problems here than in L.A.
This is the worst mistake i have made, and i regret it every single day. The government officials are *******s, there is a lot of discrimination, and the jobs suck. The house values are sickly, and to top it off, the people here are the worst people you will ever meet. Everyone is always in a bad mood, (i think because of the heat) The traffic is worse than three years ago.

I am looking into moving to Utah, i hear its a heck of a lot better than this dump. This is hell on earth.

[prettycutegrill]

Originally Posted by Cj81

Ok here we go agian!! ok, I am just going to ignore all of the Phoenix bashing on this thread, I have defended this city many times on other threads. I just want to help out this time.

If your going to ASU, you will have no problem meeting people or finding out whats going on. ASU students are some of the few who actually know whats going on in this city!! I would suggest living in Tempe so you don't have to commute to school. As of now the public transportation in Phoenix is just the bus system but the light rail will be up and running in less than 2 years so we have that to look foward to.

If your looking for a "scene" I would suggest just heading down to downtown Phoenix on the first friday evening of the month. Tons of people head out for the Art Walk and its a great place to learn about the arts and culture of Phoenix, its also a great place to meet people. Its really turning into a "see and be seen" event.

Good Luck! and don't worry about all the negativity on this site, the growth and population of this city speak for itself, obviously the majority of the people here like it.

STFU
we are in a country in which speaking our minds is within our rights! What give you the authority to tell anyone what they should say, think, or write!

[j760]

Originally Posted by prettycutegrill

I moved here from Los Angeles, looking for a less crowded place to live and a more peaceful environment, but i have more problems here than in L.A.

What did you expect? You left one very large city for another fairly large city. It's not like you went from L.A. to some small town in the midwest. Phoenix is a huge city, I'm sure you knew that before going there.

In all sincerity I'm sorry to hear you aren't happy. I spent about 4 years in Phoenix, and while it was never truly home it grew on me, and I found it to have a lot to offer once you give it a chance. I hope you find happiness wherever you go next.

[ArizonaBear]

I am a Wash DC native; born/raised in that area.

Left there 30 years ago and if I never see it again it will be too soon.

To the OP: visit the Phx area and follow your gut----------it is never wrong

Again; my prejudices against anything outside of the Cal-Nev-Ari tri state area are welll know here on C-D in all fairness.

Remember; home is where the heart is.

[TurcoLoco]

Originally Posted by prettycutegrill

I am looking into moving to Utah, i hear its a heck of a lot better than this dump. This is hell on earth.

Did you also hear about Phoenix being a nicer, better place than LA before you moved here?
If so, aren't you, kind of, following the same trend?

[CA_Dreaming]

Originally Posted by AussieGirl

I don't think that much has changed since that article either! If I had have read that before I left, then I would still be in Seattle now! It seems that my honest opinion on Phoenix means that I lose 'reputation' point scores. I wonder why that is. Maybe people aren't free to leave an honest opinion, because I know that I haven't violated any guide lines.

Seattle? It is the most dreary, gray, wet, muddy place 9 1/2 months a year. I lived there for 5 years and got the hell out. If you like sunshine at all, STAY AWAY FROM SEATTLE. Trust me.