Is the heat, traffic and gangs really bad? Can some one break it down for me (Phoenix: mortgage, houses)

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by observer53

I try to avoid lumping what you describe as the "creeping transformation" of Phoenix into the "illegal" problem. There are many, many LEGAL Hispanic residents here. If you (or the OP's neighbor) object to that, and to merchants recognizing that, that's your privilege, but it's not the "illegal problem".

I would agree, but I think the neighbor is talking about the increasingly visible Hispanic influence in Phoenix when he says "illegals" bother him. Rightly or wrongly, I think that is the usual way it is described and I hear a lot of it.

[mikeboxerca]

Thanks for the information. I have sold off my house and took a job that will allow me to relocate to the Goodyear area. I just have to make sure its a decision that I will not regret later on.

[coorsleftfield]

What heat?

[goolsbyjazz]

No doubt the heat is a factor to be dealt with when considering a move here. As for the so-called illegals, gangs and traffic I'm not sure those situations aren't similar to other border states. You certainly have to base your final decisions/opinions on your own perspectives. As for the "creeping" hispanic influence, we forget that Arizona was a part of Mexico at one time so yes there is going to be that influence. I think our diversity is something to be celebrated, not used as a source of division. America, whether we like it or not, is a place for immigrants. Always has been.

[ibarrio]

Heat - Yes, we are paying in spades for our mild spring.
Traffic - Depends where you come from. For me it is a no, traffic is not bad.
Gangs - No

[Finger Laker]

Originally Posted by mikeboxerca

Thanks for the information. I have sold off my house and took a job that will allow me to relocate to the Goodyear area. I just have to make sure its a decision that I will not regret later on.

The heat is what it is ... you can either live with it or you can't

I don't find the traffic in Goodyear to be anything of note ... occasionally hit a string of lights, which is obnoxious - but most everything I want is within a couple miles and a short drive of my house ..... the major thing that isn't is my job - the 24 mile commute takes about 40-50 minutes depending on hiccups ..... moves well for the most part with one major slow stretch on I-10

Illegals - really don't factor into my daily thought process

Gangs - minor concern in phoenix, very minor in Goodyear .... maybe some spill over from Avondale .... but you'll come across more of the typical bored suburban wannabe set ..... gang activity really doesn't hit my radar here

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by goolsbyjazz

No doubt the heat is a factor to be dealt with when considering a move here. As for the so-called illegals, gangs and traffic I'm not sure those situations aren't similar to other border states. You certainly have to base your final decisions/opinions on your own perspectives. As for the "creeping" hispanic influence, we forget that Arizona was a part of Mexico at one time so yes there is going to be that influence. I think our diversity is something to be celebrated, not used as a source of division. America, whether we like it or not, is a place for immigrants. Always has been.

I generally agree. I'd like to add that our problems with crime & gangs are really not much different than other cities/metro areas our size. Yes, there are issues with crime, gangs, drugs, and graffiti (they all are basically one & the same), but southern California is worse, especially in & around L.A.

Also, many people seem to associate Hispanics with illegals, and that's not always the case. There is a high Hispanic population here, but certainly not all of them are illegals. On the other hand, there has been an ongoing issue with illegal immigration for many years, and it got to the point where it was out of control ... but some things were finally done recently on the state level to crack down on this. Legal immigration and Hispanics in general are not a problem, but ILLEGAL immigration is.

As for traffic, yes, that is certainly something we have a lot of because it's a large, spread out metro area, and most everybody drives a vehicle. But again, you'll find traffic congestion in just about every sizeable city. Rush hour traffic here can be a nightmare ... however, a place like L.A. seems to have rush hour almost on a 24 hour clock. Overall, Phoenix traffic is not the best, but it could be worse.

[Hondacub85]

I moved to Phoenix (north east section near desert ridge) from southern California and the overall feeling of security is definitely higher here for me. In southern California I felt unsafe in a lot of areas, but here I feel safe in most areas. The heat, it is what it is, you just have to deal with it but there is AC everywhere so it's not really a factor. As for illegals, if you live in a decent area, you won't even think twice about them. Being from California, the "illegal problem" here is laughable in comparison. I think it's a wise move and personally, it's the best move I've ever made, I absolutely love it here. Phoenix isn't perfect, but i really cant think of a metro area I've liked more, and I've been to quite a few! Welcome to Arizona if you decide to do it!

[rgscpat]

For what it's worth, I think the Phoenix area freeways are in better shape, newer, and cleaner than in the Bay Area.

[tripper76]

Originally Posted by rgscpat

For what it's worth, I think the Phoenix area freeways are in better shape, newer, and cleaner than in the Bay Area.

I'm not familiar with the Bay area but, in my experience driving pretty much everywhere else in the country, Arizona has some of the best roads I've ever been on. There's traffic during rush hour but CA is way worse and stupid drivers are universal.

Regarding illegals, like others have said, is the issue illegals or hispanics? If you have a problem with the hispanic population or influence, Arizona is not the place to be. As for true illegals, unless you employ day labor, they are not part of your daily life.

Gangs? I guess if you live in a really bad part of the city, its an issue. For the other 95% of us, not even a thought.

As for the heat, well its a desert. If you can live through July-Aug, you'll be ok. 90 degrees here is really not the same as 90 degrees in New York, Florida, or California. Its nice, and this is coming from someone who wishes it was 65 all year round. 115 degrees will blow your mind though, when you step out that door.