Poll - Which metro area do you think is most comparable to Phoenix? (Williams: home, high school)

[Thomasaz]

Originally Posted by FirebirdCamaro1220

I don't know when the last time was you went to California, but the San Gabriel Valley and parts of Northern OC are quite nice these days

I'm familiar with those areas and they're nice. I was being a little facetious, but at the same time it's a bit sad that most of Phoenix is like an outer flung suburb outside of LA.

[JGMotorsport64]

Originally Posted by Thomasaz

I'm familiar with those areas and they're nice. I was being a little facetious, but at the same time it's a bit sad that most of Phoenix is like an outer flung suburb outside of LA.

What’s sad about it? In terms of population the Phoenix MSA and the IE are very similar.

I think people underestimate just how large LA and it’s suburbs actually are. The IE is over 4 million people.

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by JGMotorsport64

What’s sad about it? In terms of population the Phoenix MSA and the IE are very similar.

I think people underestimate just how large LA and it’s suburbs actually are. The IE is over 4 million people.

I think he means that much of the Inland Empire is bland suburbia, and doesn't offer much in terms of attractions or high paying jobs. Forget the fact that the Inland Empire has roughly the same population as the Phoenix metro area. The Inland Empire is basically a massive collection of outlying L.A. suburbs with no real city or urban feel. Phoenix is the core city of Arizona & the SW, as well as the 5th largest city in the nation. We have potential to be more of a top tier destination, and we shouldn't just be satisfied with being similar to the Inland Empire.

[WilmaWildcat]

The Inland Empire contains all those fantastic desert parks and mountain forests; it's not bland. It's closer to dramatic geologic landscapes than Phoenix is; both the lowest and the highest points in the contiguous US, for example. I would live there in a second; and I would live in Phoenix in a second. Both are wonderful. Phoenix does not suffer from comparison to the IE.

The IE has intimate connection to a huge SoCal job market, which is in its favor over Phoenix, though. There is hardly a business sector in SoCal where you can't rise to the top of your career if you are willing to drive; that isn't true in Phoenix. Phoenix has things going for it, but breadth of career choice is not one of them. And if you need to move, it's easier moving around in SoCal than relocating to another city from Phoenix. And this is why I chose Las Vegas in comparison to Phoenix, if the IE wasn't available. Would love to live in Las Vegas, too.

[49erfan916]

Scottsdale reminds me of Roseville ca

[DougStark]

Originally Posted by Burkmere

Actually, MSP metro area is similar in population to the Phoenix Metro, but of course has completely different weather. But having spent time in both now, I think there are many similarities. Namely, the friendliness of the people, the quality of life, and plethora of cultural and other offerings such as sports, outdoor and travel opportunities, etc. It's my opinion, but I think the "friendliness" of the Phoenix metro results from the number of former Midwesterners (we are friendly) moving there...and then its just sort of contagious. That's my take.

Having just spent 3.5 months in the Phoenix Metro for the fist time, I was struck by the friendliness of the people....something I never remotely experienced having lived for 35 years prior in CA.

I'll be back for my permanent move in Oct. Looking forward....

I can just see folks from the Twin Cities roll their eyes at the suggestion that their city compares favorably with Phoenix. They're quite proud of their metro, ya know, and are in solid blue territory.

[JGMotorsport64]

Originally Posted by DougStark

I can just see folks from the Twin Cities roll their eyes at the suggestion that their city compares favorably with Phoenix. They're quite proud of their metro, ya know, and are in solid blue territory.

Phoenix has been blue for a long time. Why insist on something that is not true?

[FirebirdCamaro1220]

Originally Posted by JGMotorsport64

Phoenix has been blue for a long time. Why insist on something that is not true?

The north side (mainly above Northern Ave) is red and so is Ahwatukee. But the rest of the city is Dem, including Downtown where I live

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by WilmaWildcat

The Inland Empire contains all those fantastic desert parks and mountain forests; it's not bland. It's closer to dramatic geologic landscapes than Phoenix is; both the lowest and the highest points in the contiguous US, for example. I would live there in a second; and I would live in Phoenix in a second. Both are wonderful. Phoenix does not suffer from comparison to the IE.

The blandness of the Inland Empire is in reference to the general development of the area: it's vastly suburban, low density, and not much in the way of an urban vibe (see Riverside & Moreno Valley as two prime examples). Its population is pretty close to that of the Phoenix metro area, but there is no true core city. It's basically a huge collection of outlying L.A. suburbs.

[Pink Jazz]

Las Vegas is not surprising, and I'm guessing people are including the Inland Empire with Los Angeles, however, one thing that surprises me after this poll being up for a while is the relative lack of votes for the Florida options. I did expect those to get more votes, which is why I included them in my poll. Is humidity the reason for the lack of votes?