Late 20's moving to AZ (Phoenix, Scottsdale: house, college, to live)

[tomtom1]

Hi,
My boyfriend and I are moving out to Arizona this summer. We are both 27 years old. We still like to go out and have a good time but are over the college bar scene. Have any suggestions on the best place for us to live?

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by tomtom1

Hi,
My boyfriend and I are moving out to Arizona this summer. We are both 27 years old. We still like to go out and have a good time but are over the college bar scene. Have any suggestions on the best place for us to live?

A little confusing, Tomtom . . . are you "moving to AZ" or, since you posted in the Phoenix area, only considering Phoenix?

[vicevilla]

Scottsdale is alright for what you're looking for.
I'll tell you what though, if you are over the college bar scene MOS DEF dont move to Tempe.

[joninaz]

Agree with the Scotttsdale rec in general, but there are growing pods of cool places in many parts of town and you can live really close or between many of them.

Also, I disagree that Tempe is just a college age destination. There are a lots of interesting eateries and "adult" places, even on or near Mill. See House of Tricks, Cafe Boa, etc.

[43north87west]

Originally Posted by tomtom1

Hi,
My boyfriend and I are moving out to Arizona this summer. We are both 27 years old. We still like to go out and have a good time but are over the college bar scene. Have any suggestions on the best place for us to live?

I'm waaaaay over amateur nights myself. I don't particularly enjoy nightclubs because I don't like drunk people or drugs (I know I'm painting with a broad brush) but I *do* enjoy happy hours and a few afternoon drinks on a Saturday and Sunday. Scottsdale has a lot to offer for that, plus plenty of places with good nightlife. The nightlife here, from what I've experienced, is not very collegiate, although you'll hit an amateur night once in a while. Lots of twenty and thirtysomethings, and beyond. I've come to love it.

[shiphead]

I like Tempe > Scottsdale. Scottsdale has all the nature and outdoor stuff, like Tempe. The only problem with Scottsdale is everything is still a bit of a driving distance.

This would only be the case because Tempe is surrounded by freeway's, while Scottsdale has the crappy 101.

[allio27]

You actually have two options: Scottsdale or Phoenix. What kind of stuff are you into?
If you're looking for expensive clubs with all the bells and whistles, go to Scottsdale. Don't get me wrong, I go to Scottsdale quite frequently with my friends and have a great time, but it gets a bit pretentious at times. Think of it this way: When all those frat boys and sorority girls of ASU grow up they either stay in Tempe or they drive due North, and graduate to Scottsdale. On the upside of Scottsdale, it really is pretty and clean there.
If you're more of the cozy dive bar and artsy type, then head to Phoenix. Phoenix until about 5 years ago was 100% crap, but since then it's been breaking thru culturally, slowly but surely. It's a lot more laid back in Phoenix. There have been many weekends that I've been on the couch, not wanting to put forth the effort of beautifying myself to death, throw some mascara on and run out the door. There are a ton of bars and restaraunts that have taken on more of an artistic flair, and while the action isn't as consistent as Scottsdale, it's improving more and more all the time. I can't remember the last time I went downtown and came home with a feeling of "Well, that sucked."
I know it sounds like I'm putting Scottsdale down, but really I'm not. Scottsdale has a lot to offer... just depends on what you want to have offered to you I guess.