In defense of the valley, the unbiased pros and cons of the valley of the sun (Phoenix: photo radar, 2014)

[GQpilot3]

hey everyone

Ive noticed that alot of people on this site like to bash the Phoenix area. While some peoples concerns are real others seem just like pure hatred. I wanted to help people out looking for help on the area. I am 21 years old have lived here for a year and fly planes for a living. There are things that like about it out here and some that I dont. I grew up in the chicago area but im not going to compare the 2 as they are 2 completely different areas. Overall I really enjoy living out here tho. Here are my views on the pros and cons of the area.

Pros:
Alot of activities to enjoy wether it be sporting events, random festivals, parties, you name it.
A great nightlife scene in scottsdale and tempe that will always keep you busy at night, the scene here is def underated and def is top 10 in the nation wether it be the upscale club scene of scottsdale or a more college oriented party scene along mill and what not in tempe there is something for everyone, theres even westgate in glendale. (and before someone goes off and bashes me by saying ive havent seen anything in this area, please realize that I am very well traveled and have seen alot that americas big cities have to offer)
Great weather the majority of the year
great shopping in many different locations
wide well maintained freeways and roads
palm trees and mountains (gorgous natural scenery, sorry if its not green enough for some people)
interesting buildings in many spots
many great areas to hang around (scottsdale, tempe, fountain hills, acadia, biltmore, chandler, arrowhead, the list goes on and on.)
an easy airport to use in skyharbor
alot of the areas are pretty safe to being in (the bad 1s are kinda obvious and you should probably avoid them lol)
gorgous sunsets over the mountains
its affordable compared to most big cities
a city that is constantly changing
and for the guys many gorgous girls all over the valley
im sure theres more but theres some that come to find

Cons:
Extreme heat in the summertime (could be compared to a dreadful winter up north but doesnt last as long)
urban sprawl (cookie cutter homes and strip malls, but not true of all places in the valley)
Bad traffic (but its not real bad when you compare to the likes of LA and other big cities)
photo radar enforcment
crazy cops with chips on their shoulders (yet to get in trouble out here tho)
some of the people are overly pretentious but I have met many good people out and the people arent really that bad
illegal aliens are a problem but its not as bad as its made out to be
dui enforcement is nuts out here (dont drink and drive)
somewhat lack of higher paying jobs (not really a worry to me being a pilot because the pay is universal but to others yes)
walkability is pretty much out of the question except downtown Phoenix, Tempe, and Scottsdale
car theft is a major problem in some areas
ive also heard the schools are not quite great

Thats what I see when it comes to living here. My city is not perfect but none is. For those who bash on the area im not going to judge who you are as I dont know you but I wish your expereinces here would have gone better. I enjoy living here and I believe anyone who moves here can as well. It just all depends on the person. If you truely dont like it then I hope you find a place that suits your needs and wants more then the valley does. I'm sure alot of people are going to bash me for making these comments that are positive about Phoenix but I really dont care. In Chicago I loved the huge skyline, the atmosphere, great nightlife, and the people. I will always love Chicago but that doesn't mean I can't love my new home either. And people are correct in saying its not new york or chicago. Yeah its Phoenix, its own city. And its quite impressive for such a young place.
Hope this helped some people

[GQpilot3]

oh forgot to mention the lack of a skyline in the cons but no biggie haha

[lola8822]

Originally Posted by GQpilot3

oh forgot to mention the lack of a skyline in the cons but no biggie haha

That just depends on where your standing

[GQpilot3]

Originally Posted by lola8822

That just depends on where your standing

ha you can look at it that way i guess

[goolsbyjazz]

Great thread! An honest assessment of someone who doesn't feel the valley is the "armpit" of America, as it's been referred to. I have to admit it took me some time to adjust to life in the desert, but it has grown on me and now I would find it tough to relocate back to the East.

[magnum0417]

Been here sporadically for 20 years and have been a permanent resident for 5 weeks. I personally love Tempe but here's my honest assessment on the East Valley as a whole.

PROS

1) Coming from NY, love the roads. No potholes which saves money on suspension issues.
2) Lower state taxes from paycheck than NY. I choose 3.6% but many choose 2.7% .
3) Grid setup making it hard to get lost around Phoenix and East Valley. Never really ventured to West Valley but I will be seeing some Cardinal games this fall.
4) 4 major pro sports teams.
5) People seem respectful and not entitled to something for the most part.
6) Lovely scenery. 4000 plus foot high peaks surround the Valley of The Sun.
7) Cultural Diversity.
8) International Foods and Restaurants.
9) Awesome Buffets at the Casinos. Especially Red Rock at Fort McDowell. All the Prime Rib and Shrimp you can eat on Thursday for $9.99 with Players Card.
10) Diverse weather and vegetation over short distances due to elevation differences.

I love it here but no place is utopic. Here are a few CONS

1) Photo Radar. I'm sorry it's BS. If you aren't caught in person by a cop, it shouldn't count.
2) I've spent time here in the summer. 115 is hot humidity or dry heat.
3) Being Libertarian, it seems the Government is a bit far right despite those I know being like me here. Social liberal and fiscal conservative.
4) Hate snow and love the winter weather here. However, it does get redundant and seeing 40's and 50's up in Payson or Prescott is a refreshing change for short spurts on weekends. I guess you can say the same about the summer where it's some 20 degrees cooler there too.
5) LASTLY. Freeway Drivers. Signals don't apply to some and you have to use defensive driving. I've driven NYC and it's comparable not for traffic. But for wackos switching lanes without any warning.

In closing, way more positives than negatives. Refreshing to be out here for good after getting small samples for years.

[azdr0710]

Originally Posted by GQpilot3

oh forgot to mention the lack of a skyline in the cons but no biggie haha

yeah, Chicago has a legendary skyline.... but has cold weather, no mountains, humidity....shall I go on??!!....

but heading back there in May to see what I missed last October....what a great city.....

[phxgreenfire]

Originally Posted by magnum0417

5) People seem respectful and not entitled to something for the most part.

Ha ha... that line made me laugh.

[magnum0417]

Originally Posted by phxgreenfire

Ha ha... that line made me laugh.

Call me naive phxgreenfire. Here's where my FISCAL conservatism comes in. NY gives out handouts to the lazy like no other. Welfare galore in NY and CA. Out here in AZ, I believe the state caps you out at around $200 a week unemployment. How long can you live on that unless you live off the grid in a shack near Winslow ?

I LIKE that people are forced to get off their asses and contribute to society when they are physically and mentally capable of doing so. I lived near NYC and Buffalo back east. Lines and lines of young capable individuals bleeding us taxpayers for handouts at grocery stores,etc. Say what you will about the so called "illegals." Many work. On or off the books. THEY WORK. They aren't collecting generous handouts to drink 40's and watch Jerry Springer on our dimes.

[PoppySead]

Thanks for posting. Sounds like we didn't do that bad in your opinion. I agree with most of it. I'm happy here for the most part as well.