Pros and cons to live in Phoenix (Mesa, Flagstaff: 2015, new home)
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Pros: weather-8 months of perfect weather; 4 months of hot weather,restaurants, night life, golf, can drive to L.A., San Diego and Las Vegas on weekends, lack of traffic relative to large metropolitan cities, snow ski in winter, extremely clean, everything is new and modern, city is aesthetically pleasing, regional diversity-easy to make friends and meet people, most residents have politically moderate views (neither liberal or conservative), low crime relative for city this size,
Cons: lack of urban presence and downtown (however this improving), not enough universities, public schools could be better with exception of certain areas, while population is nice could be more worldly and educated, no public transportation but you don't need it since little traffic and light rail was just created and will be expanded, job market needs to improve particularly for white collar professional jobs, negative attitudes towards illegal immigration which borders on racist views at times, endorsement of conservative right wing politicians (Sheriff Joe, Russel Pearce), air pollution, summer heat
I have a temper on the highway too. Because of NY's very restrictive laws on handguns, I honked my horn daily. Seriously. I never feared getting into a shootout.
Out here since I assume many drivers have handguns while driving, I don't underestimate and start honking some idiot who cut me off. Bite my tongue and keep driving. It's hard but that's my way of avoiding a shootout on the 101 or 202.
I think that's smart. I prefer the "save your horn for actual emergencies" model that we practice out here in the west. No one cares if you simply don't like how they drive. And if everyone just uses the horn as an all-purpose tool, it sounds like Manhattan, where horns are blaring so constantly it just all means nothing.
Atleast in NYC, people use signals when switching lanes. It's an adventure driving home to Tempe everyday having to constantly be on the defensive for people cutting me off without signaling. People tend to be courteous here in person. However, they morph into very self centered individuals on the freeways. Signals are optional it seems.
I've stopped using my turn signals to change lanes around here. More often than not, if I use my turn signal, nearby drivers will actually speed up to try to block my lane change. I've had that happen occasionally while driving in other cities, but it's a regular occurrence in Phoenix. I've decided that using a turn signal in Phoenix traffic has become more dangerous than not using it.
I've stopped using my turn signals to change lanes around here. More often than not, if I use my turn signal, nearby drivers will actually speed up to try to block my lane change. I've had that happen occasionally while driving in other cities, but it's a regular occurrence in Phoenix. I've decided that using a turn signal in Phoenix traffic has become more dangerous than not using it.
This is completely true, however please keep using them for those of us that commute on a motorcycle they are very important!
I think I have a pretty unbiased comment because I'm from all over (military brat). I've lived in small rural towns and big bustling cities. So I'm only going to give my three major pros and three major cons of Phoenix.
Pros: Weather, honestly the weather channel might say 100 degrees, but it doesn't even feel close to that......Almost everyone who lives here is from somewhere else. So you get to meet interesting people...Slower lifestyle (for the people who like that)
Cons: Being a slave to your car, the Quik Trip gas station and your mechanic...Too resort like. Some of us aren't retired and get to sip on martinis while golfing all day...The valley metro, is very pro walmart and cookie cutter.
It's just a matter of who you are and where in life you are. Retired, older Republican who's ready to slow it down, then phoenix is right up your alley. For a young or middle aged adult, who wants career/education opportunities for themselves and/or children, night life, and walkability, just make phoenix a pit stop.
Last edited by tonyurban; 05-07-2012 at 01:51 PM..
Reason: grammar
I have lived in Phoenix for 4 years now after moving here from New England and feel like I can give a good perspective at least on how I feel about the city. It's a bit long though, sorry!
When I first moved to Phoenix I hated it. I missed the green trees and water of the North East, but after living here for a few years I love it by the end April and hate it by the end of September. The weather throughout the winter is beautiful, and if you're into outdoor activities there are tons of hiking and bike trails. There is a bike trail that runs along the canal system straight through the city and can take you from one end to the other. Other than the bike paths I personally consider riding a bicycle a death wish. People just do not pay attention, and everyone drives some kind of truck, they don't use turn signals, and everyone is always on their cell phone. The roads are usually 2-3 lanes on each side with 40-60mph traffic. Even trying to cross on foot is a harrowing experience. The city is not pedestrian friendly.
The desert itself is strikingly beautiful, and if you venture out 30-60 minutes in any direction outside of the city there are places to explore. I have never seen anything like the desert here, and that alone was worth moving out here. With that said, if you are in the position where you can't afford to venture out of the city, or much less afford much of anything you're kind of screwed. Beauty in Phoenix comes with a price tag. If you want water, green grass, or large trees they are in the neighborhoods that can afford the water. The public transportation is deplorable, with buses often running only once an hour and never matching up. I've heard a lot of good things about the new light rail, but I am so far north it's of no use to me. You absolutely need a car to get anywhere, without one you are screwed.
As for night life Mill Ave is fun, but I'm not a big night life person so I won't go in to it too much. Downtown Phoenix has gotten better but it's still kind of depressing. I went to a Cinco De Mayo festival in downtown Phoenix and nearly ever shop front was empty. The festival itself was a letdown with more than half of the 30 or so tents just set up for advertising. Phoenix lacks a real community feel to it, and with the issue of immigration coming up so often I feel like it is a very divided city.
There are lots of great places to eat if you know where to look (yelp!), and the Mexican food is out of this world!
Housing is cheap cheap cheap! I pay 670 a month for a beautiful apartment, compared with east coast prices it's a resort! However most places lack character. There are lots of call center jobs, which once you get into you're a shoe in anywhere, even if they are miserable. I dislike the sprawl of the city, with giant suburbs, strip malls, etc. However, I have found a lot of really cool places in shady strip malls so don't discount them! With the suburban sprawl comes the cheap housing, so it's really a double edged sword. I have heard it's nearly impossible to buy a house out here now because of out of state investors paying cash for everything. Personally I find this ironic since most of these homes aren't built to last 20 years. The walls are literally stucco, chicken wire, styrofoam, and then plaster on the other side. It will be interesting to see what the city looks like in 10, 15, or 20 years. The problem with suburban sprawl is that people don't bother fixing up the old homes, opting to sell them and just build a new one. So you have aging suburbs that slowly turn into ghettos, and then the nicer areas continue to move farther away from the city center in every direction.
And as for the summer, it is hellish! It's all the pavement that makes it so bad. If you go even 20 minutes North out of the city the temperature will drop over 10 degrees. Often it feels like there is more heat coming off the pavement than down from the sun. Cars love to break down in the summer heat, and tires must be maintained! I personally don't have any air conditioning so it's going to be a long one.
Overall I am glad I moved to Phoenix, I think it has been a great experience. However I long for more culture, character, and water! I'll be moving once my lease is up in September, just one more summer to go!
I have lived in Phoenix for 4 years now after moving here from New England and feel like I can give a good perspective at least on how I feel about the city. It's a bit long though, sorry!
When I first moved to Phoenix I hated it. I missed the green trees and water of the North East, but after living here for a few years I love it by the end April and hate it by the end of September. The weather throughout the winter is beautiful, and if you're into outdoor activities there are tons of hiking and bike trails. There is a bike trail that runs along the canal system straight through the city and can take you from one end to the other. Other than the bike paths I personally consider riding a bicycle a death wish. People just do not pay attention, and everyone drives some kind of truck, they don't use turn signals, and everyone is always on their cell phone. The roads are usually 2-3 lanes on each side with 40-60mph traffic. Even trying to cross on foot is a harrowing experience. The city is not pedestrian friendly.
The desert itself is strikingly beautiful, and if you venture out 30-60 minutes in any direction outside of the city there are places to explore. I have never seen anything like the desert here, and that alone was worth moving out here. With that said, if you are in the position where you can't afford to venture out of the city, or much less afford much of anything you're kind of screwed. Beauty in Phoenix comes with a price tag. If you want water, green grass, or large trees they are in the neighborhoods that can afford the water. The public transportation is deplorable, with buses often running only once an hour and never matching up. I've heard a lot of good things about the new light rail, but I am so far north it's of no use to me. You absolutely need a car to get anywhere, without one you are screwed.
As for night life Mill Ave is fun, but I'm not a big night life person so I won't go in to it too much. Downtown Phoenix has gotten better but it's still kind of depressing. I went to a Cinco De Mayo festival in downtown Phoenix and nearly ever shop front was empty. The festival itself was a letdown with more than half of the 30 or so tents just set up for advertising. Phoenix lacks a real community feel to it, and with the issue of immigration coming up so often I feel like it is a very divided city.
There are lots of great places to eat if you know where to look (yelp!), and the Mexican food is out of this world!
Housing is cheap cheap cheap! I pay 670 a month for a beautiful apartment, compared with east coast prices it's a resort! However most places lack character. There are lots of call center jobs, which once you get into you're a shoe in anywhere, even if they are miserable. I dislike the sprawl of the city, with giant suburbs, strip malls, etc. However, I have found a lot of really cool places in shady strip malls so don't discount them! With the suburban sprawl comes the cheap housing, so it's really a double edged sword. I have heard it's nearly impossible to buy a house out here now because of out of state investors paying cash for everything. Personally I find this ironic since most of these homes aren't built to last 20 years. The walls are literally stucco, chicken wire, styrofoam, and then plaster on the other side. It will be interesting to see what the city looks like in 10, 15, or 20 years. The problem with suburban sprawl is that people don't bother fixing up the old homes, opting to sell them and just build a new one. So you have aging suburbs that slowly turn into ghettos, and then the nicer areas continue to move farther away from the city center in every direction.
And as for the summer, it is hellish! It's all the pavement that makes it so bad. If you go even 20 minutes North out of the city the temperature will drop over 10 degrees. Often it feels like there is more heat coming off the pavement than down from the sun. Cars love to break down in the summer heat, and tires must be maintained! I personally don't have any air conditioning so it's going to be a long one.
Overall I am glad I moved to Phoenix, I think it has been a great experience. However I long for more culture, character, and water! I'll be moving once my lease is up in September, just one more summer to go!
I am from the Northeast as well and have lived here for 14 years. Thanks for your honest opinion on what life is like in the desert. I'm always interested to hear people's take on it. The "love it by the end of April and hate it by the end of September" is exactly how my wife feels. She is more inclined to cooler weather, whereas, I prefer the heat.
I noticed in your post you never once mentioned any of the mountain cities like Prescott, Flagstaff, Sedona or Payson. Have you ever visited them? Honestly, having those options in the summer make living bearable! Where are you planning to move once your lease is up? Back East or will you stay West?
I have lived in Phoenix for 4 years now after moving here from New England and feel like I can give a good perspective at least on how I feel about the city. It's a bit long though, sorry!
When I first moved to Phoenix I hated it. I missed the green trees and water of the North East, but after living here for a few years I love it by the end April and hate it by the end of September. The weather throughout the winter is beautiful, and if you're into outdoor activities there are tons of hiking and bike trails. There is a bike trail that runs along the canal system straight through the city and can take you from one end to the other. Other than the bike paths I personally consider riding a bicycle a death wish. People just do not pay attention, and everyone drives some kind of truck, they don't use turn signals, and everyone is always on their cell phone. The roads are usually 2-3 lanes on each side with 40-60mph traffic. Even trying to cross on foot is a harrowing experience. The city is not pedestrian friendly.
The desert itself is strikingly beautiful, and if you venture out 30-60 minutes in any direction outside of the city there are places to explore. I have never seen anything like the desert here, and that alone was worth moving out here. With that said, if you are in the position where you can't afford to venture out of the city, or much less afford much of anything you're kind of screwed. Beauty in Phoenix comes with a price tag. If you want water, green grass, or large trees they are in the neighborhoods that can afford the water. The public transportation is deplorable, with buses often running only once an hour and never matching up. I've heard a lot of good things about the new light rail, but I am so far north it's of no use to me. You absolutely need a car to get anywhere, without one you are screwed.
As for night life Mill Ave is fun, but I'm not a big night life person so I won't go in to it too much. Downtown Phoenix has gotten better but it's still kind of depressing. I went to a Cinco De Mayo festival in downtown Phoenix and nearly ever shop front was empty. The festival itself was a letdown with more than half of the 30 or so tents just set up for advertising. Phoenix lacks a real community feel to it, and with the issue of immigration coming up so often I feel like it is a very divided city.
There are lots of great places to eat if you know where to look (yelp!), and the Mexican food is out of this world!
Housing is cheap cheap cheap! I pay 670 a month for a beautiful apartment, compared with east coast prices it's a resort! However most places lack character. There are lots of call center jobs, which once you get into you're a shoe in anywhere, even if they are miserable. I dislike the sprawl of the city, with giant suburbs, strip malls, etc. However, I have found a lot of really cool places in shady strip malls so don't discount them! With the suburban sprawl comes the cheap housing, so it's really a double edged sword. I have heard it's nearly impossible to buy a house out here now because of out of state investors paying cash for everything. Personally I find this ironic since most of these homes aren't built to last 20 years. The walls are literally stucco, chicken wire, styrofoam, and then plaster on the other side. It will be interesting to see what the city looks like in 10, 15, or 20 years. The problem with suburban sprawl is that people don't bother fixing up the old homes, opting to sell them and just build a new one. So you have aging suburbs that slowly turn into ghettos, and then the nicer areas continue to move farther away from the city center in every direction.
And as for the summer, it is hellish! It's all the pavement that makes it so bad. If you go even 20 minutes North out of the city the temperature will drop over 10 degrees. Often it feels like there is more heat coming off the pavement than down from the sun. Cars love to break down in the summer heat, and tires must be maintained! I personally don't have any air conditioning so it's going to be a long one.
Overall I am glad I moved to Phoenix, I think it has been a great experience. However I long for more culture, character, and water! I'll be moving once my lease is up in September, just one more summer to go!
You're right about the call centers....and those are IT jobs? There is nothing wrong with Stucco, they are even using it in very high end communities in VA, now. Here is a Del Webb house built in 1937, that he lived in....looks pretty good for 75.....http://www.realtor.com/realestateand...544?source=web
most of these homes aren't built to last 20 years. The walls are literally stucco, chicken wire, styrofoam, and then plaster on the other side. It will be interesting to see what the city looks like in 10, 15, or 20 years. The problem with suburban sprawl is that people don't bother fixing up the old homes, opting to sell them and just build a new one. So you have aging suburbs that slowly turn into ghettos, and then the nicer areas continue to move farther away from the city center in every direction.
I agree with the vast majority of your post but this is incorrect. Stucco homes can and do last 60 years and longer, and they're built so frequently out here because other options like wood siding do not. And they're not plaster on the inside. They're drywall, like all other houses built in the last half century or so. It won't be too interesting to see the new houses in 10-20 years because the city is literally full of stucco homes much older than that already.
And a well-managed city will turn those neglected city centers into desirable historic areas, and encourage gentrification. Ghettos really aren't the norm. The 'old' becomes 'charming' or it gets torn down and replaced with new.
I agree with the vast majority of your post but this is incorrect. Stucco homes can and do last 60 years and longer, and they're built so frequently out here because other options like wood siding do not. And they're not plaster on the inside. They're drywall, like all other houses built in the last half century or so. It won't be too interesting to see the new houses in 10-20 years because the city is literally full of stucco homes much older than that already.
And a well-managed city will turn those neglected city centers into desirable historic areas, and encourage gentrification. Ghettos really aren't the norm. The 'old' becomes 'charming' or it gets torn down and replaced with new.
The construction technique of using styrofoam and chicken wire became popular in the mid to late 80s, at least that is when I started noticing new construction that was doing that. Older stucco homes had something more substantial under the stucco. The chicken wire homes may indeed last 60 years but I don't think that there are yet any that are that old that would prove the assertion.
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New England girl in Phoenix
Where are you planning to move once your lease is up? Back East or will you stay West?
