How hot does it have to get before people stay inside in the a/c?

[AZ_Rookie]

Originally Posted by elcajones

Dude, as a So Cal native to another, I recommend Tucson.Check it out. Phoenix is overrated.

I'm moving within my company - we have business in Phx... And part of the location decision is based on business travel considerations... I requested the move and am so grateful for the authorization (I would hate to have left a great company in order to get out of this hell hole of a state - fortunately I didn't have to).

Part of me would LOVE to live in the middle of the desert with acres and acres between me and the next person - but the realist in me knows coming from the environment I've lived in all my life, Phoenix suburbs is the logical step for now... It's free from (most) negatives I'm leaving, but not so drastic that I wont acclimate... However, once my career is over who knows where I'll end up - could be Tucson... Maybe it will be the middle of the desert with acres and acres between me and the next person.

[locolife]

Originally Posted by elcajones

And if you were looking in Flagstaff, I'd have no advice besides Flag>So Cal. Unfortunately, you're looking to move to this miserable desert.

Miserable? I've had a pretty kick@ss time here. Maybe misery is the state of mind of the person as opposed to the place you're actually in. Tons of fun to be had all around Phoenix, I left for a while and couldn't wait to come back.

I do know some miserable people in Flagstaff, they complain of winters that never end and too many granola folks... I can see the positives in both but it seems people would rather complain about where they are then enjoy it.

[cab591]

Haven't read through all of the replies -- I was initially going to say, I don't change my plans based on the heat (typed it in and everything!), but over about 110-115, I will avoid doing things like hiking in the middle of the day. That doesn't mean I avoid those completely, those activities just shift to early morning or night, when it's a little cooler with less direct sunlight.

That said, it was 120+ the other weekend. On Saturday, I helped a friend tow a car from Union Hills and 7th St to Main and Dobson (anybody who lives here is probably in shock right about now). The kicker? The car being towed, and his truck pulling it, don't have working AC (yes, we pulled it that far with a strap. Took about 2 hours on surface streets going 30mph).

Then on Sunday, I had to move apartments. Same friend helped me with the same truck. THAT was a hot one. I think I drank 2.5 gallons of water that day.

[43north87west]

Originally Posted by RoofTopPigeon

I know the heat is different out there so...
Generally how hot does it have to get; Before
People just Stay inside in the air conditioning?

My opinion: There are only a few days each summer where people seriously change their summer routine because of severe heat. Note that I said their SUMMER routine, which is probably biased to cooler parts of the day if it involves a lot of outdoor time. Other than that, life goes on. For me, 105 is kind of my take it or leave it temperature for some outdoor activities. That gives me a lot of time during the day when I can do what I want before it gets too hot, or after it cools off.

Anyway, we have fewer bad days here than places like Chicago have nice days, so...

[locolife]

Originally Posted by 43north87west

My opinion: There are only a few days each summer where people seriously change their summer routine because of severe heat. Note that I said their SUMMER routine, which is probably biased to cooler parts of the day if it involves a lot of outdoor time. Other than that, life goes on. For me, 105 is kind of my take it or leave it temperature for some outdoor activities. That gives me a lot of time during the day when I can do what I want before it gets too hot, or after it cools off.

Anyway, we have fewer bad days here than places like Chicago have nice days, so...

Spot on, the 110+ days tend to hold me back a bit, meaning I'll cut my outdoor time short or start earlier if I want to do my regular routine. On the record breaking days 115+ I'm probably heading up North or working out indoors. But those are very few on an annual basis. Compared to most cities we've got pretty good weather for a very nice chunk of the year.

[PoppySead]

Originally Posted by AZ_Rookie

Thanks for the wish of luck - I'm looking forward to it (for many reasons)...

Even though I'm not super familiar with all the areas - I've been out there several times and have done a boatload of research... For me, West Valley works better... From what I can tell, much of East valley is wannabe SoCal (which I'm trying to get the hell away from)... I don't like grass (especially in the desert ), Im sick of congestion (and snobby attitudes) ... I like rural and sparse... 100% opposite of the rat-race I'm in now... There are logistical reasons for West Valley too...

As for renting before buying - I strongly considered it... But I see prices going up (as much as 30% in 6 or less months), and interest rates are really low... I feel I'd regret not buying now. Plus I don't like the idea of moving twice in one year... Having that been said - buying from out of state has been the biggest PITA ever! Far more hassle, time consuming and stressful than I anticipated... I'm already in $2K just from the frequent visits to find a place ... For that reason, I kinda feel renting might have been a better choice, then buying from there... Either way, it's a major ordeal that takes a lot of effort and dedication - that I'm confident will be worth it in the end.

It's a good idea if you do your homework. Buying is a lot cheaper right now as rents are climbing by the second. Not a lot of people can afford to buy out here because their income isn't high enough or their credit isn't good enough. Take advantage of that if you have the chance.

A lot of people like the west and north valley. To me, most of it is the same. I can't tell one suburban neighborhood from the other. Pick the location that works best for you.

[AZ_Rookie]

Originally Posted by PoppySead

It's a good idea if you do your homework. Buying is a lot cheaper right now as rents are climbing by the second. Not a lot of people can afford to buy out here because their income isn't high enough or their credit isn't good enough. Take advantage of that if you have the chance.

A lot of people like the west and north valley. To me, most of it is the same. I can't tell one suburban neighborhood from the other. Pick the location that works best for you.

Yep. In escrow in Buckeye right now.

[elcajones]

Originally Posted by AZ_Rookie

Yep. In escrow in Buckeye right now.

I have a soft spot for Buckeye personally, I like the easy access to San Diego. I'd be willing to live there if my office wasn't way in the Southeast valley.