The real problem with Phoenix weather... (Tempe: living in, zoning, cost)

[Prinny]

We have plantation shutters in our bedrooms, that sure helps if sun is a problem. I never thought the sun was a problem other than it being bright. I just use sunglasses for that problem. You just have to make adjustments. AZ. is just so lovely if you accomodate things to your liking then I think it won't bother you so much! I hope not anyway.

[fcorrales80]

The sun never bothers me or anyone I know but I do like when it gets cloudy and rains. It is a welcomed break and I know people enjoy that too...even if I don't so much. This last winter, when it was very cloudy and rainy from Dec. - Mar. (Phoenix standards), some days felt like Seattle and I was feeling a little down, LOL, I just don't like day after day of grey skies. That to me is horrible.

[Maroon197]

That stretch of rain that you are referring to last winter was still absolutely nothing by any other city's standards. In fact, one of the things that gets me the most about Phoenix weather is that it seems like when it does finally rain, 50% of the time it is still sunny out while the rain falls. For me, finally getting rain and yet still not getting relief from the sun is super disheartening. That said, it was fun to see A-mountain in Tempe turn all green again, even if it was only for a day or two.

[PhxBarb]

Ditto here. I am also from Chicago and I truly truly miss those crash and boom days and nights and pouring rain for hours and hours. Loved to hear the rain on the roof at night. Rarely happens here. And Phoenix needs more trees in the parking lots, as well as some type of Covered bus stops with AC. Pity those poor people waiting outside for a bus with NO SHADE!!! What are they thinking here? Some people walk around with umbrellas in the hot sun, but I doubt it helps much. Very poor planning. And with all this sunshine, where are the solar panels????????????

[nitram]

I dunno, I think the heat beats waking up every morning facing all that dreary weather and snow and the cold, scraping off your windshieled, driving to go to work slipping and sliding and crashing, plus shoveling the driveway and walkway,and having to wear all those heavy cold weather clothes.
With the heat you are flexible to do anything at anytime with a minimum of effort, plus your arthritis pain goes away compared to the cold weather pain, and you don't have to buy so much arthritis medicine etc etc.
Man I love the heat, bring it on.

[movin'on]

Originally Posted by Maroon197

in my opinion, isn't the heat; heat exists in every city in the country at some point during the year. For me, the biggest problem with Phoenix is that the sun NEVER goes away. A year or two ago when we went from October to April without seeing a single drop of rain or even any kind of significant cloud cover, I seriously couldn't take it anymore. It was difficult getting out of bed in the morning just to face another day of the sun blazing down. I know everyone loves sunny weather, but man, there IS such a thing as too much sun.

Anyone else out there ever feel this way about the Valley?

Yes, this is why I keep my house dark. I have dark blue drapes in my bedroom, which I almost replaced when I moved here. Thank God I did not. The heat doesn't help either.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by nitram

I dunno, I think the heat beats waking up every morning facing all that dreary weather and snow and the cold, scraping off your windshieled, driving to go to work slipping and sliding and crashing, plus shoveling the driveway and walkway,and having to wear all those heavy cold weather clothes

Put it this way... snow doesnt fall every day... not even close, lets not exaggerate. On average we get about 5-10 snowfalls between late November and early March. Thats not bad. Especially considering that in a month or two Ill be back wearing shorts, sitting by the swimming pool, etc. And after that I look forward to changing colors, the smell of fall, the cool temps (while you guys still suffer with 80/90/100 degrees). And just think... last summer I only ran the A/C 14 times. You?

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by PhxBarb

And Phoenix needs more trees in the parking lots, as well as some type of Covered bus stops with AC. Pity those poor people waiting outside for a bus with NO SHADE!!! What are they thinking here? Some people walk around with umbrellas in the hot sun, but I doubt it helps much. Very poor planning. And with all this sunshine, where are the solar panels????????????

I completely agree. A while ago on another forum, I posted the same concern about the lack of shade in the Phoenix area, and the responses I received were unbelievable ... such as: "This is a desert. Why do you want to turn this place into something it isn't?" Occasionally, I received the general simpleton response of, "Why don't you move?" It almost reminded me of "Blazing Saddles": "Shade?! We don't need no stinkin' shade!"

You might be able to see by some of my other postings that I'm certainly no tree hugger ... but I don't see why shade trees in such a hot, sunny place like this are even an issue. I recently went up to PV Mall and couldn't believe what I saw: all the nice shade trees were cut down ... and in JUNE of all times! The LAST thing Phoenix needs is more sun & less shade! I'm just glad I live in an older, established neighborhood where there is plentiful shade.

[stilldirrty]

Phoenix isn't for pussies who scream.

Originally Posted by Steve-o

Put it this way... snow doesnt fall every day... not even close, lets not exaggerate. On average we get about 5-10 snowfalls between late November and early March. Thats not bad. Especially considering that in a month or two Ill be back wearing shorts, sitting by the swimming pool, etc. And after that I look forward to changing colors, the smell of fall, the cool temps (while you guys still suffer with 80/90/100 degrees). And just think... last summer I only ran the A/C 14 times. You?

::Off-topic:: yes, four-season weather is mucho nice.

[CA_Dreaming]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

Put it this way... snow doesnt fall every day... not even close, lets not exaggerate. On average we get about 5-10 snowfalls between late November and early March. Thats not bad. Especially considering that in a month or two Ill be back wearing shorts, sitting by the swimming pool, etc. And after that I look forward to changing colors, the smell of fall, the cool temps (while you guys still suffer with 80/90/100 degrees). And just think... last summer I only ran the A/C 14 times. You?

You obviously don't play golf, tennis or have ever surfed. Phoenix is NOT for you. Enjoy your windy cold winters. I will be 5 hours away from Del Mar where I grew up. Stick to the Chicago board.