Seattle to Phoenix

[rjs]

Originally Posted by Phoenician55

Hey there! I have lived in Scottsdale all my life. I love it, but I am actually trying to move to Portland. Funny-we want what we don't have. I like downtown Scottsdale, but wouldn't want to live there. It is always CRAZY busy and not as kept up as other areas. I live in North Scottsdale, by Desert Ridge and love it. Everything is booming and with the 101 it is really easy to get around. Just beware, you are going to see a lot of plastic, if you know what I mean.

If you like 7-8 months of constant drizzle, homeless\street people asking for money, meth addicts then you'll love Portland.!

[sberdrow]

Originally Posted by rjs

If you like 7-8 months of constant drizzle, homeless\street people asking for money, meth addicts then you'll love Portland.!

I second that, Portland is so beautiful, but heck, I was always stuck inside for months, usually about 9 months a year. I also was low energy all the time, and I can only guess the lack of sunshine has something to do with it. There is something special about Arizona. Im so glad I finally made the move.

[seattlepeanut]

I do like the old town Scottsdale area - think we will try a rental house first and make sure we "love" it before purchasing. Thank you all, you have been so helpful!

[synapse]

> We have visted the greater Phoenix area several times (even in the dead
> of August!) and really liked a couple areas - Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, and
> Tempe. We are in our mid-upper 30's, no kids and no plans for kids, and
> looking for an area with moderate nightlife, safe, artsy community feel were
> we can walk to coffee in the morning and has great restaurants (wine bars
> are a serious plus)!

I'd forget about Fountain Hills. Nice city, but very car driven, and very isolated compared to the rest of Phoenix. Unfortunately, Phoenix isn't really designed for walking. It's designed for *hiking* - the mountains and such but unfortunately the neighborhoods are too sprawling compared to, say, Seattle.

I think Scottsdale or Tempe woudl be your best bet. Tempe is a bit younger, and has one of the few walkable districts along Mill Avenue. But it's kind of a college area. If you're in your mid to upper 30's, you might find it a bit too college-y. Scottsdale is a bit more upscale, also has a walkable downtown, and lots of art fairs, restaurants, etc. I'd probably lean towards Scottsdale.

There is a third up-and-coming neighborhood in north Phoenix, near Tatum and the 101, called Desert Ridge. While not exactly walkable, the marketplace is, and the neighborhood appears to be filled with thirtysomethings.

Ideas on area's to purchase/rent (we may wait to purchase for a bit given this crazy real estate market!)? Also, ideas on how to incorporate ourselves into the community quickly? We have always found the people in Arizona sooo more friendly than in Seattle ...[/quote]