Moving out of Phoenix/Snottsdale finally!! thank God!!! (Scottsdale: fit in, house)

[londonbarcelona]

Originally Posted by Mathiasthegreat

Well I'm here to tell the truth...Phoenix is like California without the beaches and Vegas without the casinos...and well the weather is hotter no...deadlier, the dust storms the rude drives, the invasion of illegals....

Phoenix and the surrounding area is the spider at the center of a huge web sucking the life out of this state.

Please don't make the mistake of moving to this hell hole in the desert.

We have nothing but chain restaurants, chain shopping malls and no real entertainment. Sure you can tube down the salt river but ask yourself why in 4 hours of drinking and floating in tubes does no one leave to go to the bathroom...I personally don't want to float in a toilet.

Phoenix has some of the rudest and most uneducated drivers in the country. I have a CDL so I know what good driving is...you will learn NOT to use your turn signal as it merely causes the driver in the other lane to speed up not to let you in. If you have driven on the freeways you will have one time or another followed someone going 45 in the left fast lane...whom will not move but rather slam on their brakes to "tech you a lesson". The illegals and most Mexican drivers while they cant read the English signs and learned to drive in Mexico where anything goes will also be driving waaay to slow...they have to as one accident or ticket will cause them to be shipped back to their cess pit of a country.

The heat...sure November threw April is fairly nice... but why would you want to live in a state where the summer where your supposed to be enjoying the outdoors is spent rushing from your air conditiond car to the air conditioned mall.... why not move to Cali where its nice all year round...are you a glutton for punishment?

The Monsoon season is technically NOT a monsoon...ask any weather professional...our dust storms don't meet the requirement of a monsoon. Its nice to know you can never keep your car clean out here as the evenings are filled watching a 30 mile wide by mile high dust cloud sweep across the city....yay.

Anything south of Thomas and west of Central avenue is basically Mexico...go ahead take a drive down Washington west of Central...you'll swear you missed the border crossing gate.

Scottsdale (Snottsdale)...lol...absolutely chock full of fakes,losers, liars, cheaters and well $30,000 a year millionaires. They bought homes during the housing boom using crazy nothing down interest only loans too stupid to realize in 3 years their payments would fully adjust which is why you now see more homes for sale and in foreclosure in this city than any other city in the Phoenix metro area. Their leased wanna be Hummer H2's and BMW 3 series are all getting repoed....which is also why you see so many stores closing in this part of town.

Sports...well the Cardinals are arguably the worst team in sports...and who wants to watch a game where your sweating so bad you slide off the bench seats...lol

Things I enjoy about Phoenix? let me really try to think... AJ's fine foods...now theres a great store...best idea in grocery stores ever. Ummm what else...hmmmmm.....I cant take my dog to the dog park even though its September and 110 out...Gilbert has the best dog park in the country the Cosmo Dog Park...but nope...my dog will die of heat exhaustion....ummmm let me think.... OH!!! Beautiful Sunsets...but then again so does every other state in the Union... Ok ummm the desert...LOL folks actually think its beautiful not to see any forests or trees that don't have spines...every thing out here has pricks on it...well that kind of sums up most folks attitudes here in the sweat pit from hell.

You've been warned.

First on the table - IT'S ALL SUBJECTIVE.
Depending ones likes & dislikes, how they find a particular area is all subjective.
That said; Phoenix and the surrounding areas has changed. And pretty much over night too! I am not a native, but I have lived here long enough to watch it change drastically. Some natives like it, some don't. I know both types.

Besides the difficulty of adjusting to weather that is pretty much a constant, I would say the pull of family is a huge factor for people who move here and then move away. So many people come here from distant states and don't realize how expensive and time consuming it is to travel home. That's not the city's fault, that's just the way it is when you move far away from what you are used to....
I feel it too, and it's really painful and it hurts. But I don't blame the area. I just didn't realize I would miss the east coast and my family so much!

Phoenix is a HUGE ................suburb. We have a city - sort of, but not really. So if you are looking for a fast-paced city atmosphere, don't come here because you won't find it. Me, I'm not much of a city person, I love my backyard.

We have culture, but it's mainly Hispanic/American Indian culture. Nothing wrong with that. Sure for a city our size, we don't have much of an art scene or theater district or a film area. But truthfully, I don't think many people really come here looking for that. Just a hunch.

It's pretty much a blue collar town with newer houses. And, may I say, some of the best roads in the USA! You'll be hard pressed to find a pothole out here. Yup, it's friggin HOT when you get into your car, so save a cow and don't buy leather. If you have cloth seats, your tush will thank you.

Our monsoons don't always bring water. Which is unfortunate, because there is nothing better than a warm rainstorm! The dust storms we have only happen a few times a year. And half the time it's only in one section of town. Now, "dust" on the other hand is a pain in the doopa to deal with. All of your outdoor furniture will be coated with it. It's takes some getting used to, and eventually you learn to overlook it. Gross, I know, but seriously, you can't do anything about it. It IS the desert afterall....

Bar-B-Queing can be a challenge here. It's really way too hot to use the grill in the summer and in the winter, you will find it's gets dark early (imagine that! lol) so unless you have a big spotlight over your grill, give up. Or grill your lunch.

On one hand you will find that it's too hot to cook so you'll end up eating out at restaurants all the time. Thankfully, they are not that expensive. Unfortunately, they are all chains. However, we do have some nice upper end restaurants, but they are pricey -- which one would expect from a top restaurant. Right?

Driving. Hmmm, the driving on the highways and main streets can be a bit of a challenge. I figure it's because everyone comes from a different area and they just bring their driving habits with them. Unfortunately, not many people here are mind readers, which can make it difficult for us to figure just what area of the U.S. you are from and just what particular habits and "tricks" you have brought down here with you that we should be on the lookout for.
All I ask is that if/when you should move down here, please remember what you learned in Kindergarden and "take turns." Most likely, if someone has their turn signal on and they are trying to get over, they are not doing it just to pis* you off, they probably need to move over to exit or pass!

The Cali and the glutton for punishment comment was uncalled for - OF COURSE some of us would rather live in California! You have real water! But we don't so we are trying to make do. No fair rubbing our dry little noses in it.

Okay, you have me on the "anything south of Thomas or west of Central" thing. It's true -- to a point. There are areas that are nice, but it's not a very consistant area. But it goes back to me saying that much of Phoenix is like an old "blue collar town." It's almost unfair to compare certain areas with the wealthier areas - because, ah, well gee, -- THAT'S WHERE ALL THE RICH PEOPLE LIVE!!!!!

One crazy thing about Phoenix is that because most of it is less than 20 years old, it's hard to tell who lives where. Other than the obvious barrios/ghettos, it's pretty darn tough to tell if your neighbor makes around the same amount of money as you. (I'm not sure I'm making myself clear.) It's a crazy mix. Some people mind, some don't.

Scottsdale is a perfect example. Especially north of Chaparral. I know people who are original owners! Let me tell you, they did not pay hundred's of thousands of dollars or millions for their houses. They are normal people who saved their money and had a house built. 20 years ago, Scottsdale was a sleepy little neighborhood with a few resorts.

What caught people's attention were the schools. Good schools are the best investment any neighborhood can make and Scottsdale has shown time and time again (and YES at one time, it was mostly retirees!) that they understand the value of a highly rated school system. Is everyone happy that it's grown so much? Some, but just as many liked it the way it was. A quiet, clean, slow paced, artsy town.

But I do not feel that only Scottsdale has the fake people you speak of. I'm sure at one time that was true. And I'd be more inclined to believe that they were the snowbirds.
I think it's unfairly picked on and I believe it's made fun of because people are jealous. NOW it's truly a wealthy area. I happen to think it's the nicest area of town. Does it have the 30K millionaires that you speak of? Of course, the entire Phoenix area is teaming with them. But people with the "real" wealth don't go around shoving it in other people's faces. (The Moyes brothers come to mind - they live in Glendale. Rich and live a fairly normal life)
Most people who moved to Scottsdale years ago, often times were Phoenix natives who moved further out to escape the mad rush of people or were snowbirds who live there only in the winter months.
Hope this puts some things into perspective.

[twiggy]

Well, my husband went to TN during their deadly heat wave last week with the deadly humidity and was laughing his a** off! He said it was beautiful weather and was shocked at our heat when he got back and was only gone for 3 days. Oh, and Phoenix stinks, does anybody notice the smell we are all use to when you get off the plane? Yikes. Like I have said before, great place to retire! Not for any other reason though, it should just be a big resort. Families should be told not to come here.

[londonbarcelona]

Originally Posted by twiggy

Well, my husband went to TN during their deadly heat wave last week with the deadly humidity and was laughing his a** off! He said it was beautiful weather and was shocked at our heat when he got back and was only gone for 3 days. Oh, and Phoenix stinks, does anybody notice the smell we are all use to when you get off the plane? Yikes. Like I have said before, great place to retire! Not for any other reason though, it should just be a big resort. Families should be told not to come here.

I think what you are smelling is sewer gases. It's rather pungent at times in the summer. Not too noticable in the winter thankfully.
TN sounds delicious. From what I remember, it's very pretty there. How are the people? Was he near Nashville?

Well, *sigh* Phoenix isn't as easy to adjust to as it used to be. And that is such a shame for new people coming into the area. I do agree however, that there is not much to do for kids here. School stuff, and intrumural sports. And party for the teenagers, amazing how fast they grow up here! Swhoosh!

I have never figured out why the city has not built an indoor amusement park! It could be used year round! And the kids could sure use the summer jobs! With all the resorts and the "family friendliness" Phoenix pushes, you'd think they'd have built something for the kids. Instead, they tear down Rawhide. *sigh* Some kids are terribly bored in the summer. A really nice and large water park like Schlitterbuhn (sp) North of San Antonio, would be a huge asset for the area. I heard from a good source that the "water/wave" park is no longer going to happen. That sucks. I think it would have been a gold mine!

[vegaspilgrim]

Originally Posted by londonbarcelona

I think what you are smelling is sewer gases. It's rather pungent at times in the summer. Not too noticable in the winter thankfully.

You are NOT kidding at all. People think I'm nuts, but I smell this sewer smell all the time. It's not a 24/7 thing, and sometimes it occurs in different spots, but there frequently IS a sewer smell here. At least in Tempe. I'm not sure what's causing it, but it is absolutely disgusting.

[115db]

Try and remember too, that when a person chooses to live in a city, rather than a smaller town, a lot of the 'city lifestyles' come with the territory. (Not that smaller towns dont have issues too, but at least just not to the extent).

[Magnum Mike]

Originally Posted by Mathiasthegreat

Well I'm here to tell the truth...Phoenix is like California without the beaches and Vegas without the casinos...and well the weather is hotter no...deadlier, the dust storms the rude drives, the invasion of illegals....

Phoenix and the surrounding area is the spider at the center of a huge web sucking the life out of this state.

Please don't make the mistake of moving to this hell hole in the desert.

....<rest of message clipped> ....

You've been warned.

Phoenix is not for everbody, if you move here and expect to see a New York City in the desert, well you'll be very disappointed. That's why it's very important to do the research before moving here, or any other city, or at least visit the city for a week or two to see what things are like.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by twiggy

Well, my husband went to TN during their deadly heat wave last week with the deadly humidity and was laughing his a** off! He said it was beautiful weather and was shocked at our heat when he got back and was only gone for 3 days. Oh, and Phoenix stinks, does anybody notice the smell we are all use to when you get off the plane? Yikes. Like I have said before, great place to retire! Not for any other reason though, it should just be a big resort. Families should be told not to come here.

Yeah, I lived in TN and thought it was "hot" too, until I started visiting AZ. People in AZ can try and convince everyone that its dry and not so bad, but thats a hunk of bologny. I left PHX/Scottsdale in June (110-115 degrees) and came back to 85 in IL, which is actually considered pretty warm. People were complaining how "hot" it was here. I laughed to myself and said "if they only knew...." Warm and humid is nowhere near as bad as extreme dry heat, mark my words. And besides, we get breaks from the humidity, it only comes in short bursts.

[Bill-]

If you are an unhappy and or miserable person, chances are you will be unhappy and miserable in Phoenix. It's not Phoenix's fault, it's your own. Millions of people manage to live happy and fulfilling lives here. Look inside instead of lashing out at your surroundings.

[backtochitown]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

Yeah, I lived in TN and thought it was "hot" too, until I started visiting AZ. People in AZ can try and convince everyone that its dry and not so bad, but thats a hunk of bologny. I left PHX/Scottsdale in June (110-115 degrees) and came back to 85 in IL, which is actually considered pretty warm. People were complaining how "hot" it was here. I laughed to myself and said "if they only knew...." Warm and humid is nowhere near as bad as extreme dry heat, mark my words. And besides, we get breaks from the humidity, it only comes in short bursts.

I agree...people fool themselves into thinking 100+ out in Phoenix is 'fine'...mostly because they have to...but I'll take mid 80s, some humidity and the occasional cloud any day.

[nomorearizona]

Originally Posted by Bill-

If you are an unhappy and or miserable person, chances are you will be unhappy and miserable in Phoenix. It's not Phoenix's fault, it's your own. Millions of people manage to live happy and fulfilling lives here. Look inside instead of lashing out at your surroundings.

I get so tired of hearing this b.s. According to your logic, all places are equal and a happy person will be happy anywhere. By your logic, if I'm unhappy in some run-down part of Mexico or India well then there's something wrong with me for wanting better.

Sorry, but while you're correct that miserable and unhappy people will always be that way, you need to stop attacking people who desire something better than Phoenix. There is much better out there and wanting to improve does not make us miserable and unhappy.

And by the rudeness of so many people in the Phoenix area I find it hard to believe your statement that millions are happy and fulfilled there.