minneapolis to phoenix advice (Tempe, Gilbert: relocation, foreclosure, rental)

[hg_emily]

Hello, first of all, I'd like to say that this site has been very helpful to me, good information. I am a Minneapolis native and my husband and I will be relocating to Phoenix this summer. I have lived here my whole life (with the exception of attending college in Wisconsin) and my husband grew up in North Dakota, and then lived in Arizona (Tempe) for 8 years while in school.

I would love input from others in regards to the job market, cost of living, etc. I am an esthetician at a skin care clinic, and my husband is a tattooist (but also has much experience as a chef/manager in the restaurant business.

I know there must be a lot of other midwesterners out there! So, I'm curious as to how the adjustment has been for you. Thank you so much for your input!

[vegaspilgrim]

There are surprisingly a large number of people in the Phoenix area from North Dakota-- Fargo, ND in particular. I know a bunch of them myself, they're some of the coolest people I know. You'll see tons of MN, WI, IL, OH, and MI plates all over the place, so you'll have plenty of company.

[JDish2000]

There are a ton of employment opportunities... The end of June, into July and August can be pretty hot temperature-wise!

Cost of living is probably average compared to upper Midwest...

[angie36]

The cost of living is soo much higher than the midwest!!! The houses are insane, no yards,all look the same and to drive anywhere it costs an arm and a leg.

[sfw1979]

Originally Posted by angie36

The cost of living is soo much higher than the midwest!!! The houses are insane, no yards,all look the same and to drive anywhere it costs an arm and a leg.

I think that depends where in thre midwest you live. Minnesota can be pretty pricey in many areas.

[hg_emily]

Originally Posted by sfw1979

I think that depends where in thre midwest you live. Minnesota can be pretty pricey in many areas.

I suppose it's a little hard for me to compare, I live in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, and (decent) homes in this area are generally $200-$400k. Well, we wouldn't want to spend more than that, anyways. We are finding it very hard to find homes we can afford in this area, even with home prices being on the decline. Almost everything in our price range is a foreclosure or a fixer-upper, so it's frustrating!

[redcardinal]

Hi - we are also originally from Mpls. We just bought a great new home in Gilbert for under $400. Lots of new development and the builders are offering great incentives. It is easy to negotiate lots of reduction in price. Gilbert is growing with lots of retail, restuarants, and spas. Would be a good place to find work. Our neighborhood is friendly and appears to have nice families. There are good schools in the area but also a few cow farms too! ...just to remind you of the midwest!

[shickey]

I'm also currently in MN and considering a relocation to Phoenix. I can keep my current job which is a plus.

My current plan is to rent a house and figure out neighborhoods. I've been told anything east of 32nd and north of camelback is good livin.

You might want to consider rentals on craigslist, while you get the lay of the land, and how it fits with you.

I too am afraid of the extreme heat, but I think I'll be able to handle it. Besides, it gets hot enough here in minnesota (especially w/ the humidity!)

[TPT]

I'm from the midwest and I have lived in Phoenix for quite awhile. I will be the first to tell you that it will take a few summers to adjust, but the heat only last for about 4 months. The best thing is come November and December, you get to call family back home and let them know that you are still wearing shorts. The biggest difference is that there is almost no humidity. As for housing, prices have dropped greatly, I should know, I am a realtor. If you need help finding a place, I can help. What part of town are you looking at? How big of a house do you want? What size yard?

[tancee]

I am from the Mn metro area and considering relocating to the Phoenix metro area as well. I did a city comparison and found that diffrent areas of the metro of Phoenix can be slightly cheaper than the some Minneapolis metro areas. Utilities seem much cheaper from reading a diffrent thread here. Living in the metro area their school districts vary like here. Job growth is deffinately better than ours. Housing is a bit cheaper as well. Renting a house is cheaper than here. We plan to rent first as well. We are looking at the Gilbert and Peoria areas.