Local Economy? (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe: sales, real estate market, apartment complexes)

[jasonfieber]

Hey all!

First off, just want to say how lucky are we to have a forum like this? We can all learn about another city without actually visiting there. This is one of the top 3 websites I visit..along with wikipedia and google. I just want to say that we're all lucky to have a resource like this.

Anyway, I wanted to ask what the local economy is like down there in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area? I currently live in Michigan, near the Metro Detroit area (hmm, wonder why I'm moving). I am 26, single, I don't own a house and don't have any ties to Michigan. I have been working for car dealerships the past 4 years, working for service depts as a service advisor. I recently seen the unemployment rate locally was 5% which is pretty impressive. Is that accurate for you guys? Just want to get a local opinion on how things are doing there? I was originally contemplating a move to Florida, but the economy down there rivals what I am experiencing here in Michigan.

I don't have a degree, so looking for work in another industry would be difficult for me, however I'm open to waiting tables or something until I could find work as my bills are low. I have no children, alimony, etc. I've been consistently researching a metro area that has a warmer climate, better economy, more sunshine and more activities than what is offered here in my metro area.

I've lived in Florida, so I'm not afraid of 90 plus degrees with high humidity..so I'm perfectly ok with high heat!! Again, just looking for info on how you guys are holding up in the recession..and if anyone has any clue on how dealerships are faring that would be excellent!

Thanks in advance guys!

[observer53]

5 percent is low. It's higher than that, around 7.6, I think at last report. The economy here is still generally pretty slow, but better than where you are now.

I was listening to a report on the radio the other day (not a locally based report) that talked about how people are not buying new cars, so are spending their car money maintaining the ones they have... so that businesses involved in that, like tire shops (and presumably service departments and other repair shops) are doing better than the car sales side.

[Design7]

If you are flexible, you can find a job here. I am meeting folks just moving into the area who find work pretty quickly at one of the local retailers. A good place to look is the QT outlets - Convenience Stores - Career Jobs - Salaries and Benefits - Food and Beverages - QuikTrip! They are very popular local self-service gas stations/mini marts that offer good starting salaries to young people and always seem to be hiring. Your background in working with customers may help you there.

The other good thing is that it is quite easy now to find a decent apartment in the $450-600 price range that offer no security deposit deals or a couple of months free rent. Apartment complexes are begging for people because of the lousy real estate market. Stop into any local supermarket and look for a free Apartment Hunters Guide. If you are single and flexible you will have plenty to choose from. If you can line up a job commitment before apartment hunting it will help you land one very quickly. Until then, you can check into week-to-week temporary rentals that are affordable.

Include Tempe in your apartment hunting. Tempe has a younger vibe as it is a college town--you may enjoy the culture more as a young single. As such it offers alot of apartments that are very reasonably priced to meet the needs of students. You may find a good deal there as well and it is very convenient to Phoenix if you need to commute. Again, grabbing a Apartment Hunters Guide (I think that what they are called) may give you a good idea of what is available in your price range.

Photo: Sunset over a fishing lagoon in Papago Park, Phoenix, AZ

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[azriverfan.]

There are a lot of jobs here but they are in retail and construction which might me ideal for someone who is starting out. The criticism of the Phoenix economy is the lack of white collar jobs