Newby to Phoenix...lots of questions :) (Scottsdale, Peoria: truck rental, best city, rental)

[martina26]

Ok, so my move is scheduled for right after Christmas. Never been to Arizona before, but I was recently in Las Vegas in July if that is any indicator of what to expect from a Phoenix summer. I am super excited to move and here are all my questions, thank you so much for reading and taking the time to respond !

1. Will my car blow up or melt? Its a black car, black leather interior and black tinted windows. I am aware this is not the best "summer car" but I am stuck with it due to $4k negative equity in the loan I have on it. Its a Volvo, quite popular up here in Seattle, not sure how these type of cars behave in extreme heat. Is extreme heat bad for engines and what can I do to protect my car? Any advice/thoughts?

2. What is traffic really like? Seattle is known for some brutal traffic, it takes me about 1.5 hours to drive 15 miles to my job. Is Phoenix better or worse than Seattle? Tell me about the worst commutes, the freeways to avoid, the streets to avoid etc.

3. What is the job market like? I am a personal banker and really want to work for Desert Schools Credit Union or Arizona Federal. Does anyone know anybody who works there and how hard/easy it is to get hired on?

4. I am trying to spend the least amount of $ possible to move. Should I sell off my furniture and rent a furnished apt in Phoenix until I get a job and can afford to buy new furniture? Or should I hire a moving company or drive a uhaul? What would be the most financially sound decision? I have never moved long distance before.

5. Gangstas/hoodlums. I currently live near the "ghetto" of south Seattle and am not afraid of its inhabitants, you get used to them after a while. Can I expect to see a lot of gang bangers in Phoenix or is that just a stereotype of the city? I am planning to live in one of the Phoenix suburbs.

6. Do any of the trees change colors in fall? Or is it just cactuses and palm trees down there?

7. Will I need a winter coat? I hear it can get chilly there in winter, I have checked average weather trends for Phoenix but dont trust charts. How cold does it get?

8. Can you get sunburned in January/February?

9. What do you like about living in the Valley of the Sun?

10. What do you dislike about living here?

Thank you!!!!!

[vegaspilgrim]

Originally Posted by martina26

Ok, so my move is scheduled for right after Christmas. Never been to Arizona before, but I was recently in Las Vegas in July if that is any indicator of what to expect from a Phoenix summer.

Very similar. Phx is actually slightly hotter than Las Vegas, and during July/August/September is more humid, due to the monsoon season. I'd say if you could handle Vegas in July, you can handle Phoenix.

1. Will my car blow up or melt? Its a black car, black leather interior and black tinted windows. I am aware this is not the best "summer car" but I am stuck with it due to $4k negative equity in the loan I have on it. Its a Volvo, quite popular up here in Seattle, not sure how these type of cars behave in extreme heat. Is extreme heat bad for engines and what can I do to protect my car? Any advice/thoughts?

Owwchh... black leather-- I feel sorry for you. As far as I'm aware, the heat doesn't really affect the engine, as long as your radiator is in good shape. The heat does do some weird things to your car, often in unexpected places. Especially your battery. My car wouldn't start up one night this summer after work and I had to get it towed. (The battery itself actually wasn't dead, it was something with the terminals, but same hassle to me nonetheless). I recommend getting a good fold up reflector to put under the windshield (NOT a sunshade, but an actual reflector), and using it religiously. It makes a HUGE difference when you enter your car. Having tint is a really good idea. As for your car blowing up? I don't think so.

5. Gangstas/hoodlums. I currently live near the "ghetto" of south Seattle and am not afraid of its inhabitants, you get used to them after a while. Can I expect to see a lot of gang bangers in Phoenix or is that just a stereotype of the city? I am planning to live in one of the Phoenix suburbs.

It all depends what part of town. I was talking with someone I met yesterday who lives by 55th ave and Thomas in West Phoenix. He was telling me that he hears gunshots-- automatic fire-- all the time at night, and his entire neighborhood is pretty much all illegal immigrants now. He said you can see bullet holes all over the place there. So don't kid yourself, there are REAL gangbangers here. There are many areas which you would be advised to stay away from-- West Phoenix (Maryvale), South Phoenix, Laveen, the parts of East Central PHX in close proximity to the airport, for starters. However, there still are many good parts of town too. There are many threads on this forum about where is good and where is not.

6. Do any of the trees change colors in fall? Or is it just cactuses and palm trees down there?

There are some old neighborhoods that might have a handful of trees that lose their leaves around Thanksgiving time, but it's miniscule. Yes, a lot of cactus and palm trees, also a lot of Mediterranean/subtropical plants-- orange trees, jacarandas, and cypress trees for example. Keep in mind, the newer the part of town you're living in, the less vegetation.

7. Will I need a winter coat? I hear it can get chilly there in winter, I have checked average weather trends for Phoenix but dont trust charts. How cold does it get?

You'll need a jacket, but you don't need a ski coat here unless if you planning on taking winter trips to Flagstaff or Colorado or something. Winter days during the peak of the day are still pretty warm, and you could go without a jacket during the peak hours of the day almost year round. However, winter nights and early mornings can get VERY chilly. Especially once you start getting used to the heat here, you lose your tolerance for cold-- even mild cold can start to feel bone chilling.

8. Can you get sunburned in January/February?

Absolutely, if you're in the direct sun in the middle of the day for a long time with no sunscreen.

9. What do you like about living in the Valley of the Sun?

1. The roads and freeways here are top notch. Well maintained, well light up, and state of the art freeway construction. 2. Mexican food-- more options and varieties of Mexican food here than just about anywhere else in the country. Okay, I'll admit, I actually like Gringo Mex better than the "real thing," but even when it comes to Gringo Mex, there are TONS of places to eat here. 3. I love the wacky, colorful politics here. Figures like Sheriff Joe, Governor Napolitano, John McCain. Plus other oddball characters like Alice Cooper who dig their nose into politics every so often. I consider myself a moderate republican with libertarian leanings, so for me, Arizona is right up my ally politically. Throw in all the snowbirds, the drunk college students, the Mormons, and the Mexicans, and you have a real cast of characters, that you'll only find in AZ.

10. What do you dislike about living here?

1. The hot, intense, and monotonous sun. 2. Very little vegetation, hardly any shade anywhere. 3. Downtown PHX and central PHX in general. As steve22 said once: "there's not much of a "there" there to be close to." 4. Illegal immigrants, gangs, and crime. 5. Pollution. 6. Traffic on I-17 north of Phoenix. It ruins all the fun of getting away to the north on the weekends.

[sheena]

Originally Posted by martina26

Ok, so my move is scheduled for right after Christmas. Never been to Arizona before, but I was recently in Las Vegas in July if that is any indicator of what to expect from a Phoenix summer. I am super excited to move and here are all my questions, thank you so much for reading and taking the time to respond !VEGAS IS SLIGHTLY COOLER IN THE SUMMER

1. Will my car blow up or melt? Its a black car, black leather interior and black tinted windows. I am aware this is not the best "summer car" but I am stuck with it due to $4k negative equity in the loan I have on it. Its a Volvo, quite popular up here in Seattle, not sure how these type of cars behave in extreme heat. Is extreme heat bad for engines and what can I do to protect my car? Any advice/thoughts? WE HAD A BLACK CAR TOO WHEN WE FIRST MOVED THERE. IT'S NOT IDEAL BUT IF YOUR STUCK WITH IT, WHAT CAN YOU DO. THE DASH WILL MELT IF YOU DON'T PARK IN THE SHADE. MY CUPHOLDER MELTED INTO MY DASH.....LOL I DOUBLT IT WILL BLOW UP THOUGH
2. What is traffic really like? Seattle is known for some brutal traffic, it takes me about 1.5 hours to drive 15 miles to my job. Is Phoenix better or worse than Seattle? Tell me about the worst commutes, the freeways to avoid, the streets to avoid etc. TRAFFIC STINKS, WORST COMMUTES EVEYWHERE, ESPECIALLY THE US 60 AND THE 10
3. What is the job market like? I am a personal banker and really want to work for Desert Schools Credit Union or Arizona Federal. Does anyone know anybody who works there and how hard/easy it is to get hired on?
DESERT SCHOOLS HIRES MOSTLY HISPANICS SO IF YOU ARE HISPANIC IT WILL BE EASY. IF YOU AREN'T HISPANIC AND DON'T SPEAK SPANISH YOU PROBABLY DON'T HAVE A SNOWBALLS CHANCE IN THE DESERT.
4. I am trying to spend the least amount of $ possible to move. Should I sell off my furniture and rent a furnished apt in Phoenix until I get a job and can afford to buy new furniture? Or should I hire a moving company or drive a uhaul? What would be the most financially sound decision? I have never moved long distance before. SELL YOUR FURNITURE AND THEN SHOP AT TERRYS OR GARAGE SALES
5. Gangstas/hoodlums. I currently live near the "ghetto" of south Seattle and am not afraid of its inhabitants, you get used to them after a while. Can I expect to see a lot of gang bangers in Phoenix or is that just a stereotype of the city? I am planning to live in one of the Phoenix suburbs. YES LOTS OF GANG BANGERS IN THE PHOENIX AREA AND IT'S SUBURBS
6. Do any of the trees change colors in fall? Or is it just cactuses and palm trees down there? SOME DRIED UP LOOKING GREENISH TREES AND SOME WILL CHANGE COLOR HERE AND THERE.
7. Will I need a winter coat? I hear it can get chilly there in winter, I have checked average weather trends for Phoenix but dont trust charts. How cold does it get? YOU WILL NEED A JACKET FOR THE WINTER NIGHTS, DEC, JAN,
8. Can you get sunburned in January/February? SOMETIMES
9. What do you like about living in the Valley of the Sun? PALM TREES AN NO SNOW

10. What do you dislike about living here? ILLEGALS, CRIME, POLLUTION, TRAFFIC
Thank you!!!!!

........................................

[Artliquide]

Originally Posted by martina26

Ok, so my move is scheduled for right after Christmas. Never been to Arizona before, but I was recently in Las Vegas in July if that is any indicator of what to expect from a Phoenix summer. I am super excited to move and here are all my questions, thank you so much for reading and taking the time to respond !

1. Will my car blow up or melt? Its a black car, black leather interior and black tinted windows. I am aware this is not the best "summer car" but I am stuck with it due to $4k negative equity in the loan I have on it. Its a Volvo, quite popular up here in Seattle, not sure how these type of cars behave in extreme heat. Is extreme heat bad for engines and what can I do to protect my car? Any advice/thoughts?

2. What is traffic really like? Seattle is known for some brutal traffic, it takes me about 1.5 hours to drive 15 miles to my job. Is Phoenix better or worse than Seattle? Tell me about the worst commutes, the freeways to avoid, the streets to avoid etc.

3. What is the job market like? I am a personal banker and really want to work for Desert Schools Credit Union or Arizona Federal. Does anyone know anybody who works there and how hard/easy it is to get hired on?

4. I am trying to spend the least amount of $ possible to move. Should I sell off my furniture and rent a furnished apt in Phoenix until I get a job and can afford to buy new furniture? Or should I hire a moving company or drive a uhaul? What would be the most financially sound decision? I have never moved long distance before.

5. Gangstas/hoodlums. I currently live near the "ghetto" of south Seattle and am not afraid of its inhabitants, you get used to them after a while. Can I expect to see a lot of gang bangers in Phoenix or is that just a stereotype of the city? I am planning to live in one of the Phoenix suburbs.

6. Do any of the trees change colors in fall? Or is it just cactuses and palm trees down there?

7. Will I need a winter coat? I hear it can get chilly there in winter, I have checked average weather trends for Phoenix but dont trust charts. How cold does it get?

8. Can you get sunburned in January/February?

9. What do you like about living in the Valley of the Sun?

10. What do you dislike about living here?

Thank you!!!!!

1. Yes, summers are very hot. It will be a huge change moving from Seattle, but at least you get to enjoy the spring first Just give it more than one summer before you decide you can't take it

2. Take good care of your car. Cars won't rust as fast as they might in rainer climates, but you need to make sure you change your oil when you're supposed to, especially during the summer. Also, make sure you don't have radiator or oil leaks. Usually, it's the older cars that have overheating problems, but better safe than sorry. I've also had problems with my battery, but I don't know if it's because of the heat. Black cars and black leather are probably not as comfortable in the heat as white, but as long as you have good A/C and use a sun shade/reflector as the other poster mentioned, that will help a lot with the heat. Also, you could lay down a towel before leaving your car, which will keep the seats from burning as much. Get a steering wheel cover, if you don't already have one. I also crack my windows to let some of the heat out of the car while I'm not in it, which seems to help. It's not as bad as it seems, but there are things you can do to make it more comfortable. Just keep your car in good shape. Nothing worse than breaking down on the freeway during the summer (happened to me). Always carry water with you. At least you have a good car.

3. It used to take me around an hour to drive 12 miles, but that was on some of the worst rush hour freeways (60 west and 101 north). Some areas have worse traffic than others. I suggest that if you're looking for a banking job, look close to home. There are those kinds of jobs all over.

4. You shouldn't have too much of a hard time finding a banking or other financial job, depending on your education/experience. I think you'll be fine

5. I guess that depends on how attached to your furniture you are. I would think it would be more expensive to buy new furniture, but you can always find a good deal somewhere. If it were me, and I were taking my furniture, I would go for U-Haul before hiring a moving company, but I know U-Haul can be expensive too. I would look into some lesser known truck rental companies which might be less expensive. Also, if it were me, I would probably keep the most expensive furniture (beds, couches, etc), but only what I need, and buy any smaller furniture here. I think you would save more money doing it that way since furniture could cost you more than moving it.

6. I'm surprised that gangbangers are a stereotype of Phoenix. Sure, there are areas to avoid, but for the most part, Phoenix is middle class, and most areas have moderate to low crime. Crime has been worse lately, but it's not as bad as people say, I'm guessing. You definitely won't be walking by a bunch of gangbangers on the street in most of the city.

7. The native plants in Phoenix are desert plants, so yes, cacti and desert trees (palo verdes, etc) if people in your area choose desert landscaping. A lot of people have palm trees, or other non-native trees instead. If they choose trees that have color changing leaves, then yes, there are some...but not many. We do have color changing leaves outside of Phoenix, within an hour's drive even. If you miss that aspect, I suggest the Boyce-Thompson Arboretum in Superior (about an hour NE of the east valley). Gorgeous! Up north, the altitude increases by about 6000 feet, so you'll see many more alpine and high plateau trees. The eastern and northern parts of the state have a lot of pines and color changing leaf trees.

8. That depends completely on your tolerance. I wouldn't say you need a heavy coat in the Phoenix area. You might want to keep what you have if you want to go north or east, go skiing, etc. A lighter jacket and a few sweaters are enough for me, and I'm used to the warmer weather. I've seen people visit from colder areas during the winter, wearing shorts and tshirts. After a couple years of living here, you start wearing sweaters though. It can get below freezing sometimes in the winter, even in Phoenix, so it's good to have a jacket around just in case, but for the most part, nothing heavy is needed.

9. Of course you can! I have really pale skin. I get a nice tan in the summer (just from being outside), but get ghostly in the winter. However, we usually don't get much cloud cover in the winter...it's usually pretty bright most of the year, so yes, you definitely can get sunburned in the winter.

10. I love the weather in the winter. I love how close other areas in AZ are. I love the beauty in nature both in preserves around town (not that there are many), and outside of town. I love the beauty of the desert, and the smell of the earth after a monsoon storm. I love the desert plants and am easily offended when people say that the desert is ugly. I also have a lot of friends and family here, so that might be what I love too.

11. I dislike how fast Phoenix has grown lately. I don't like the lower than the national average for large metro areas salaries. I don't like the traffic, especially when snowbirds come around hogging the road, going 5mph when I have to get to work. I dislike how conservative Phoenix has been over the years, though that has slowly changed lately.

I hope you have a good move, and see ya when you get here Hey, at least you don't have to give up your Starbucks

[jco]

2. What is traffic really like? Seattle is known for some brutal traffic, it takes me about 1.5 hours to drive 15 miles to my job. Is Phoenix better or worse than Seattle? Tell me about the worst commutes, the freeways to avoid, the streets to avoid etc.

3. What is the job market like? I am a personal banker and really want to work for Desert Schools Credit Union or Arizona Federal. Does anyone know anybody who works there and how hard/easy it is to get hired on?

4. I am trying to spend the least amount of $ possible to move. Should I sell off my furniture and rent a furnished apt in Phoenix until I get a job and can afford to buy new furniture? Or should I hire a moving company or drive a uhaul? What would be the most financially sound decision? I have never moved long distance before.

2. It really depends on where you live. If you're trying to commute from Queen Creek to Phoenix, that's a killer commute. I moved here from Seattle, and Seattle traffic/commute is much worse IMO.
3. I just saw a finance report saying that we're the third best city for finding a job. Only Salt Lake City and Raleigh beat us! Try Deer Valley Credit Union as well.
4. Have you looked into getting one of those POD things? We discovered that a cross-country move with a 2-3 bedroom truck costs $700 less than a 3-4 bedroom truck with UHaul. Basically, we're selling $700 worth of furniture.

[Briboo]

I am planning on moving to Peoria right after the first of the year ... I currently live in Northern MI ... am very anxious to get away from winter here (beautiful, but very "hard") ... I've never been out of the state of MI in my life ... I have a "modular home" to move to ... in a "park" in Peoria (very close to Sun City) ... any info anyone can give is greatly appreciately - this will be a very big change for me! ... I am very "excited", "aprehensive", "excited", "nervous", "excited" ... excited wins!

[ivanabacowboy]

I just moved here beginning of September. From Cleveland, Ohio.

1. Will my car blow up or melt?..

Nope. Tho as others said, regardless what color your car is make sure you have regular maintenance. Avoid leaving meltables in the car during the warmer parts of the year (crayons, chocolate bars and the like can do nasty things to the interior at 115'...and pop cans/carbonated water bottles WILL eventually explode lol!). A sun shade/protector will be helpful in summer. You will learn not to always look for the CLOSEST parking spot. You will begin looking for the parking spot waaayyyy on the other side of the lot with the scraggly little tree that provides 10 square feet of shade....

2. What is traffic really like?...

I live in northern Phoenix and work in Scottsdale. Traffic is nowhere near as horrendous as Cleveland. THAT SAID-if at all possible, stick to surface streets. I understand the highways are where the big problems are. I intentionally moved to a location where my commute is 10 straight miles down surface streets (Scottsdale Rd). Without road construction or light traffic, my commute is 15-20 minutes (traffic lights). Majority of the main streets here are all a "grid" spaced give or take 1 mile apart, east/west or north/south. (There are a few exceptions, and this doesnt hold for side streets.) So even if my main route is somehow bad, I know I can cut over at any one of a half dozen main streets and get to work that way.

3. What is the job market like?

I am in banking (not at the two you mentioned tho). From what I understand, Phoenix area has one of the best job markets in the country. Try to see if you can convince an employer to finance your move--->doesnt hurt to ask. ;-)

4. I am trying to spend the least amount of $ possible to move...

My employer paid for my move. But to give you an idea for full service where they pack everything, transport your car (ie drive it right into the truck with your furniture lol!), 2 bedrooms--->and my bank had a cut rate contract so this is a huge discount......approximately $13,500 was the final bill! And I didnt have like large pool tables, appliances (I rented before), spas or anything like that, just basic household furniture. Youch! If you have furniture you want to keep, as suggested look into smaller moving companies or UHaul. And make sure you figure how to get your car here (ie will you drive or transport it). If I had to pay for my move, I have about 4 pieces of furniture I would not have wanted to give up. I would have UHauled even just in a van with a tow bar for my car. Use this time as an opportunity to "purge"--->get rid of things you will never wear, things you have never used, things which are broken. The smaller you make the load, the easier the move (and unpacking...) will be.

5. Gangstas/hoodlums...

I have yet to see a single gangsta/hoodlum. That said, it is a LARRRGGEE city. Geographically huge. Depends what area you are in. I am up near the Kierland/Desert Ridge/Mayo Clinic areas. This is largely part north Scottsdale, part northern Phoenix---->exceptionally nice area. Actually I have also yet to see a Scottsdale or northern Phoenix police officer doing anything other than directing traffic or responding to a traffic accident lol!

6. Do any of the trees change colors in fall? Or is it just cactuses and palm trees down there?

There arent many trees at least in the parts I have seen that I think would do this. Even the trees I have seen that have leaves, they are small leaves. There are actually a lot of trees that arent cactuses-I was surpised just how "green" it is. But they will not be your typical oak/maple lovely fall color type trees. Tho the further north you get in AZ, I would suspicion they may have some. Once you get near Sedona and north, I think there are "trees" like would change colors, and tons of pine trees. On my first visit to Sedona, I was really amazed. Landscape in Scottsdale: huge cactuses, scraggly type plants and trees. About 30 minutes out: smaller cactuses, little bigger less scraggly trees. About 60 minutes out: much smaller to no cactuses, small pine trees. Sedona: BIG pine trees. It almost looked within 90 minutes or so drive that I was back in Ohio, with exception being the rocks were red rather than dirty brown.

7. Will I need a winter coat? I hear it can get chilly there in winter, I have checked average weather trends for Phoenix but dont trust charts. How cold does it get?

Daytime you could if you were hardy probably get away with wearing shorts 12 months a year (I think the coldest average highs are Dec and Jan around 60's-70's or so give or take). Evening when the sun goes down---definitely bring a light jacket or sweater for like December/January. It will hit freezing. But then warm up during the day.

8. Can you get sunburned in January/February?

Yep.

9. What do you like about living in the Valley of the Sun?

The heat. The many sunny days. The abundant shopping, dining and other places. Not having to shovel snow or wear boots. The area is very clean and very new. The lower humidity most of the year. It was interesting like 2 weeks after I got here there was a microburst (from what I understand is something like a "mini tornado" or something like that which is lots of wind and literal downpour---->for about 10 minutes). My first reaction--->seek cover. What everyone else did--->stand and stare at the rain or walk outside lol! (And within 10 minutes back to complete sun and you couldnt even tell it had just poured...)

10. What do you dislike about living here?

I havent really seen anything I "dislike". But be forwarned it is HUGE-you will have a difficult life if you do not have a car. And there are a LOT of people.

[sheena]

I dislike how conservative Phoenix has been over the years, though that has slowly changed lately.

So true, I should have put that on one of my dislikes. That's another way Phoenix has changed for the worst.

[Artliquide]

Originally Posted by ivanabacowboy

It was interesting like 2 weeks after I got here there was a microburst (from what I understand is something like a "mini tornado" or something like that which is lots of wind and literal downpour---->for about 10 minutes). My first reaction--->seek cover. What everyone else did--->stand and stare at the rain or walk outside lol! (And within 10 minutes back to complete sun and you couldnt even tell it had just poured...)

I wouldn't stand outside during a microburst, but you probably would have no idea that one is about to hit. A microburst is when wind rushes straight down from a storm cloud, with or without rain, and when it hits the ground, it speeds out sideways and curls back upward. The impact against the ground creates great wind speed and can uproot large trees (my parents had one hit their backyard, uprooting a huge tree, causing it to fall on the pool fence, destroying it. Luckily, it didn't fall on their house). They are dangerous, but last just a few minutes and only cover a small area (more than 4 miles would be a macroburst). It's not at all like a tornado, and nowhere near as destructive, but it can be dangerous for sure. Also, I've only heard of them happening during thunderstorms.

[Artliquide]

Originally Posted by sheena

I dislike how conservative Phoenix has been over the years, though that has slowly changed lately.

So true, I should have put that on one of my dislikes. That's another way Phoenix has changed for the worst.

Well, we're a lot less conservative than we used to be...At least we don't have as much corruption as we did in the 80s and early 90s. I guess that's one good aspect of the rapid growth, many coming from Cali.