I enjoy this site, and more AZ questions. (Phoenix, Scottsdale: home, tech jobs)

[ComputerGuy]

I'm surprised that I never came across this site before, but then again, I never thought about moving before. Anyway, I'm new, but so far I really enjoy reading the posts here.

I have a few questions. I have the post about the possible move to AZ from Jax, FL, and I'm curious about broadband. I'm someone who must have broadband, and I need it fast. I may be mistaken, but it looks like comcast services the Scottsdale area, but I might be wrong.

I realize that I'm about to ramble, so my apologies in advance. I'm looking to visit the AZ area in 2008, and for once I'll look at my vacation different, since I never ever plan on living in the city that I visit.

I'm really curious about computer related jobs, gyms, book stores, movie theaters, etc.

I ran a search on google maps and it seems like the Phoenix, Scottsdale area are about 45 minutes away from each other, give or take.

My wife and I really like the West Coast, although California is not really one of our options. I realize that I can easily search for books stores and other activities on the web, but I would rather hear it from the people who know and live there.

Heat is not a concern, since I'm in Jacksonville, and from what I've read the scenery is beautiful. I know there is good and bad everyone, but AZ is really appealing to me.

Thanks to all who respond.

[jco]

I'm confused about what the questions are? We have lots of tech jobs (was that one?).

[Mnslickinaz]

I have high-speed cable with COX CABLE in Scottsdale.

[nitram]

Phoenix and Scottsdale abut each other, they are neighbors. There are as many jobs, gyms theaters etal as any other major city. Remember the Phoenix metro area is the 5th largest in the country and probably has every amenity you'd be looking for.

[ivanabacowboy]

I live in northern Phoenix. I can be in Scottsdale in about 45 seconds by crossing the street-at points they are adjacent. I can be at Sky Harbor Airport in give or take 20-25 minutes outside of rush hour. The area I live is generally between Kierland and Desert Ridge. Right at the upper loop of the 101 freeway. Lots of new upper end development, construction going on up here. Both residential, retail and office.

I have Broadband with Cox-not sure if different parts of the city have different providers. They have different speed packages you can buy, 1.5, 7 and 12 mbps down (slower up of course). I presume all the other major carriers are similar. Obviously the faster the connection the greater the cost. The 7 works fine for me just surfing the internet and working from home when needed. Tho my son who is into gaming and downloading carp wants me to get the 12 of course...

Computer related jobs: a gazillion in just about every respect. Book stores--->all I have found are the chains (Barnes & Noble, Borders, one of which is in every major shopping area) but I assume there are independents as well. Gyms: I have one directly across the street from me that is really nice, and I know there are others. Movie theaters: I know of 3 (Desert Ridge, Mayo and Fashion Square) and believe there are more.

Shopping is everywhere. As are golf courses and resorts/spas. ;-) Restaurants on practically every corner. Numerous grocery stores.

To give you an idea: within a give or take 4 mile radius of where I live, I have 1 hospital (Mayo Clinic). I can count 3 chain bookstores, a half dozen to dozen "major" shopping plazas (ie include Big Box retailers and mega many other stores) and probably a few dozen minor ones, movie theaters, more than a dozen grocery stores of about 6 or 7 different names, big name spas (ie the mega hundred dollars a night during winter getaway type places like Westin Kierland, Fairmount Scottsdale Princess, Mariott), at least one major golf course (think it is TPC, I dont golf or would be more familiar obviously...), a bazillion office buildings and 10 bazillion restaurants. I have 2 "anchor" indoor malls within a 15 or so minute drive, Scottsdale Fashion Square and Paradise Valley. The Scottsdale Airport for smaller private/commercial flights is also just a few minutes away.

The scenery is gorgeous. A lot different from Florida tho (I have been to FL many times). But beautiful in a different sort of way. Without all the flying & creepy crawly bugs, hurricanes and oppressive humidity. ;-)

Good luck in your search! I just relocated here a few months ago from Ohio...

[ComputerGuy]

Thanks for all the answers, and yes jco, one of my questions was about jobs. I realize that I was rambling all over the place. This information has helped a lot. Thanks.

[Master Shake]

I believe Scottsdale offers Cox cable or Quest DSL. There may also be a few small, independant companies spread out here and there. No Comcast here!

[Captain Bill]

Originally Posted by Master Shake

I believe Scottsdale offers Cox cable or Quest DSL. There may also be a few small, independant companies spread out here and there. No Comcast here!

I have Cox broadband in Gilbert.

Bill

[jlhct]

Originally Posted by ComputerGuy

Thanks for all the answers, and yes jco, one of my questions was about jobs. I realize that I was rambling all over the place. This information has helped a lot. Thanks.

Hello,

I moved here from the East coast and am also in the IT field. The IT market seems to be doing pretty well here.

Come on out and give it a try!

[SMG]

Comcast is not a service provider in Arizona. Cox covers the metro area and QWEST provides DSL and VDSL if one is close enought to there CO. There are numerous wireless providers as well. Cox does a pretty good job. The upload speeds are slow, thats for certain.