Moving to Phoenix (income, jobs, home)

[Zacharias]

Hey all,

I'm a 28 y/o male moving to Phoenix in less than a week!! I start a job there in mid January. A couple questions if I may...
I'm pretty much set on moving to an apt. complex just north of Bell on 7th St. I've read the Phoenix crime stats and looked at the posts here and it seems that north of Bell should be OK. I am not overly concerned about crime anyway. (I lived in the city with the highest crime rate in the PNW) But if you have any opinions...?
I will be living in, I assume, the Deer Valley or North Mountain Urban Village, is that what y'all call it (no I'm not from the south lol)? I'd rather be closer to downtown Phoenix but since a lot of Phoenix is decentralized, I should be OK right?
I am excited about the Phoenix Mts, and all the hiking opportunities out there. I'm a total novice hiker but looking to explore this hobby in Phoenix.
I'm gay, and barely out, and would like to meet gay people for friendship and more. (Lord, that sounded like a craigslist ad!!!) I know there are bars, but is there a lot of gay groups or gay social stuff? I'm from a VERY progressive area but it is so superficial here, a situation plagueing most of the US cities I imagine. I am White American but speak Spanish and would love to hang out with some nice latinos, not gangsters (I read about the 35th and Van Buren area).
I'm also excited about all the volunteer opportunities available in Greater PHO. I'd like to do some work with the latino population, helping immigrants get adjusted etc, although I'm sure there are plenty of latinos who can already help out that in regard. Any comments on the availability of such opportunities?
Ok I've just kind of rambled on and if you think my post is disjointed, I would agree. But at least I used discrete paragraphs!!
Looking at this post I realize people will think I'm a gay hypersexual hiker who wants to volunteer to help the community. Does that make me an enigma? I always to be one...
Seriously, any replies will be greatly appreciated and I look forward to living in your beautiful city very soon!!!


Zacharias

[CodyW]

One thing: Phoenix's abbreviation is PHX. Not PHO. =P

7th Street and Bell isn't bad. You could definitely do a lot worse. There aren't a whole lot of gay-oriented things in Phoenix. There are a few clubs here and there.. But it seems like the gay people here are always hiding out. Its a shame.. :'(

Don't go up to someone and say "I want to be your friend because you're Latino!" ...That would be politically incorrect.

Other than that - You're probably pretty much set.

[Zacharias]

Hey Cody, Thanks for the reply. I like PHX better than PHO, the latter reminding of phosphorus or something.

I'm pretty cool with politically correctness although I hate a large deal of it (I call janitors janitors not sanitary technicians). I tend to identify more with the Latino population....don't know why necessarily.

I'm looking forward to arriving there as it's been in the high 30s here in the daytime!

I'll be looking for people to show me around once I get there.

Zacharias

[sablebaby]

7th st and bell, I drive through there daily on my way home. My BF used to work at the intersection as well. First of all, becareful with traffic. It has been nationally ranked as one of the deadliest intersections. I'm not sure if it still is, but there always seem to be a problem, not sure why. Well, probably due to the high amount of traffic (ok, I'm answering my own questions!). But there are probably more reasons. Also, my bf hated working up there and he has been transferred all over the valley. It tends to be a lower income area. But like Cody said, you could do a lot worse!

There are a lot more gay bars/clubs/churches down in central/downtown area nowadays. I just past a gay church yesterday at 7th ave and Indian School, called Community Church of Hope (something like that). I think it was painted pink, with numerous rainbow flags (so it's VERY out!).

We do have a gay/lesbian/transgengered community, you just have to look for it. Most people in phx seem to say we don't, but you do have to look for it. We are not as out as San Fran, by any means, but that doesn't mean we have nothing. But you will find more in the central phx/downtown areas, and tempe as well.

Good luck on your move. I hope you find Phx a great place to live. If you have any questions, just ask away!

[dwsmith56]

Dear Sablebaby, My handle is Dwsmith56, I'm interested in moving to phoenix, Could you please tell me what is the economy like in phoenix as far as jobs. I'm from Detroit and I currently lives in Michigan and the economy sucks

[sablebaby]

Originally Posted by dwsmith56

Dear Sablebaby, My handle is Dwsmith56, I'm interested in moving to phoenix, Could you please tell me what is the economy like in phoenix as far as jobs. I'm from Detroit and I currently lives in Michigan and the economy sucks

Our economy seems to be pretty strong. MUCH better than Detriot. We average 600 new residents each day to AZ, so we have to have jobs. What industry are you in, or looking at?

[Zacharias]

Thanks salebaby for the information. That is concerning about the 7th and Bell interesection but I'm a safe driver and there are some pretty hairy intersections in the Seattle area with which I'm familiar.

I will have SO much exploring and learning to do when I get there. It's overwhelming and exciting. Thanks again.

[CodyW]

Theres ..A LOT to explore. According to Wikipedia.. The Phoenix metro is 14,573 sq. mi in size. o.o

I feel so small now.

Anyway - If you're planning on exploring, try to memorize both the West AND East Valley road systems. I've lived in the west valley all my life, and, I get EXTREMELY lost in the East Valley (Okay.. so maybe its not that bad =P )

But still. I don't know why the south east valley cities break the numbering system.. But the far west valley does it too. I like the numbering system. -_-

[sablebaby]

Originally Posted by Zacharias

Thanks salebaby for the information. That is concerning about the 7th and Bell interesection but I'm a safe driver and there are some pretty hairy intersections in the Seattle area with which I'm familiar.

I will have SO much exploring and learning to do when I get there. It's overwhelming and exciting. Thanks again.

It really isn't as scary as it sounds. After re-reading my post and thinking about it, if it was very dangerous I wouldn't be driving through there. I have a million ways to get home, but I choose to drive right through there. I'm just a little more aware of it than most intersections. They have made more improvements, with a red light running camera on one side and a dedicated turn lane into the grocery store (people would always take the first driveway into the Fry's and back people up and cause accidents). So, I'm thinking it's not as dangerous as it used to be. But I would say to becareful on every street in Phx. But I'm sure you're used to that being from Seattle. We have some crazy drivers out here!

What area do you plan on working in?

[Zacharias]

Cody,
You want me to learn West AND East Valley streets? Not unless you're driving! Seriously, I'm just gonna start with Phoenix Metro.

Sable,
I'm gonna be working just below North Mountain which I hear is not the greatest area, but I'm not gonna sleep there so I don't care.

If the moving company can do it pretty soon and the apt. people go fast (holidays suck for getting things done fast), I should be in Phoenix by the 8th or 9th!!