WHY I HATE PHOENIX! Or is it Feeniks? (Scottsdale, Tempe: real estate, job)

[movin'on]

Originally Posted by Artliquide

Like I said, you can say whatever you want, but I'm going to respond.

That is fine. That's why we talk in Internet forums. However, if you ever really have an issue, you need to take it up with TPTB. That is all. Have a pleasant evening.

[Artliquide]

Originally Posted by movin'on

That is fine. That's why we talk in Internet forums. However, if you ever really have an issue, you need to take it up with TPTB. That is all. Have a pleasant evening.

I think that my question is legitimate, though now that I know that you live here and can't pick up and leave, I understand your frustration. However, my question is: why do people who don't even live here, or who do and can leave, trash Phoenix in its own forum? I really want to know because it doesn't make sense, unless it's intended to be malicious.

[artvandelay]

I've been here for 2 years, and I really dislike it. I came for family reasons, and now am stuck for house reasons. I've had my bitter moments as well, and I do agree with LOTS of the city's criticisms, but I figure I'd better make the best of it because I'm stuck for a while. It takes more time and effort here than in a world-class city, but you can find things to do. My biggest obstacle is trying to meet people.....who actually talk and do things together. If not for my persistence, I would know only ONE neighbor instead of the 3 or 4 I have met. That's important to me since property crime is a way of life here. Complaining on these forums has helped me to vent, but what actually benefited me was asking natives or long-time residents where to find the things I can't find.

As for education, I have 3 years before my oldest begins school. Then, I'll have to weigh the pros and cons of staying. But until then, I hope to be a positive change agent, without getting shot at.

[movin'on]

Originally Posted by Artliquide

I think that my question is legitimate, though now that I know that you live here and can't pick up and leave, I understand your frustration. However, my question is: why do people who don't even live here, or who do and can leave, trash Phoenix in its own forum? I really want to know because it doesn't make sense, unless it's intended to be malicious.

I've already addressed this. Ok, you win. I won't say anything else.

If everyone wants to extol the virtues of Phoenix in a thread titled "Why I hate Phoenix," Have at it. I have bigger fish to fry on my end anyway.

[Artliquide]

Originally Posted by movin'on

I've already addressed this. Ok, you win. I won't say anything else.

If everyone wants to extol the virtues of Phoenix in a thread titled "Why I hate Phoenix," Have at it. I have bigger fish to fry on my end anyway.

Right on yo

[aj661]

I hate repeating myself. I just wasted over a hour responding to several recent posts, mostly about the intent of this thread. Then I decided to skim over the thread and found that I had already answered these same questions over a year ago. Did I mention I hate repeating myself? Anyway, I decided to leave a couple of the responses so I would have something to show for my time. Time that I could have used to do something constructive. I probably would have wasted it on something else but that's beside the point.

Originally Posted by movin'on

You are correct. There are good things and bad things to every situation. Still, and nonetheless, perhaps this thread should be renamed? I mean, if one does not want to hear criticism of Phoenix, it should be renamed?

Absolutely not. I gave it this name for a reason.

Back in the late 1950's when I started this thread, it seemed virtually impossible for anyone to get a straight forward answer to a simple question. I mean, how does a question about residential lot sizes draw a warning about the summer heat? So I was dead serious about it being a place for those who hated Phoenix to unload. Didn't matter to me if the comments were highly opinionated, misleading or outright inflammatory b.s. Others have legitimate gripes about Phoenix and the valley in general. I thought it would be a good idea to collect all their thoughts in one place. If I was moving to a new city, I'd want to read their opinions too.

Originally Posted by Artliquide

...However, my question is: why do people who don't even live here, or who do and can leave, trash Phoenix in its own forum? I really want to know because it doesn't make sense, unless it's intended to be malicious.

Because some miserable souls can only derive a pittance of happiness by making others angry, depressed or afraid; yet I had hoped that these folks might be attracted to this thread like flys to and stop interjecting their negative comments everywhere else. It didn't work. In fact it had the opposite effect for the most part. Most people posted positive comments here on the "Why I hate Phoenix" thread, while over on vegaspilgrim's "In defense of Phoenix" thread, people bashed Phoenix. It's apparent most people can't follow simple instructions. Or just choose not to. Oh well. I need to find something constructive to do, but I think I already said that.

[movin'on]

Originally Posted by aj661

I hate repeating myself. I just wasted over a hour responding to several recent posts, mostly about the intent of this thread. Then I decided to skim over the thread and found that I had already answered these same questions over a year ago. Did I mention I hate repeating myself? Anyway, I decided to leave a couple of the responses so I would have something to show for my time. Time that I could have used to do something constructive. I probably would have wasted it on something else but that's beside the point. Absolutely not. I gave it this name for a reason.

Back in the late 1950's when I started this thread, it seemed virtually impossible for anyone to get a straight forward answer to a simple question. I mean, how does a question about residential lot sizes draw a warning about the summer heat? So I was dead serious about it being a place for those who hated Phoenix to unload. Didn't matter to me if the comments were highly opinionated, misleading or outright inflammatory b.s. Others have legitimate gripes about Phoenix and the valley in general. I thought it would be a good idea to collect all their thoughts in one place. If I was moving to a new city, I'd want to read their opinions too. Because some miserable souls can only derive a pittance of happiness by making others angry, depressed or afraid; yet I had hoped that these folks might be attracted to this thread like flys to and stop interjecting their negative comments everywhere else. It didn't work. In fact it had the opposite effect for the most part. Most people posted positive comments here on the "Why I hate Phoenix" thread, while over on vegaspilgrim's "In defense of Phoenix" thread, people bashed Phoenix. It's apparent most people can't follow simple instructions. Or just choose not to. Oh well. I need to find something constructive to do, but I think I already said that.

Actually, you had a really good idea and still do, if it weren't for the fact people keep getting insulted about responding to said topic of this thread!

[KateSeraSera]

Well, Garson, not only did I grow up here during the 1950's and fled in the 70's as soon as I was done with college, but I can't wait to flee from here again and I'm working on it. You say I don't have a clue well, we are talking here about our personal experiences yes? If so, I think it's just fine that you have your views and I have mine.

I will be happy to leave to you the heat, strip malls, low paying service jobs, sexually-based promotions and harassement, lack of uniqueness, lack of diversity, lack of support for the arts and culture, lack of unique stores, lack of fresh and unusual grocery stores (thank heaven for TJs), lack of a place for older, educated, eclectic people to just hang out and meet others of like kind, lack of social and cultural sophistication, overpriced and mediocre restaurants (although there are some very good restaurants here now). As I said there are some amazing things about Arizona. The skies, clouds, geology, monsoons, desert...hmmm, let's see what else is there? If anyone has any ideas about some great places to hang out for a person over 50, please let me know - maybe I'm missing something. I wish all of you well, if you have found your Casablanca here!

[Elmonellie]

Originally Posted by oscottscotto

... That has to be the most arrogant, out-of-touch post I have ever read. It is also very unintelligent sounding to generalize so much and/or brag about one's own intelligence and "eclecticness".

That post sounded pretty sad to me. Another person "trapped" in Phx surrounded by idiots and fools and much to "special" to be subjected to such horror. This type of post is written (imho) by an unhappy person who thinks they are quite superior to others...but can't even manage their own life to the point where the actually LIVE in place they like.

[Artliquide]

Originally Posted by KateSeraSera

If anyone has any ideas about some great places to hang out for a person over 50, please let me know - maybe I'm missing something.

I'm only 30, so my tastes may be different from yours, but maybe not. My personal fun places to hang out are coffee shops, specifically when there are open mic nights (I used to go and sing at 2-3 per week, and I might start again this summer)...AZopenmic has a bunch of them listed if that's your thing...I also love to see good/ecclectic local bands at holes in the wall. Some of my favorite small venues are Hollywood Alley, Cellblock, Mardi Gras, The Last Exit, Shayna's...I avoid all of the nu-metal bands if I can, but there are quite a few electronica, folk, industrial, goth, experimental, ambient bands in the valley (and some in Tucson, who come up here as well). Once you find a band you like, it's easy to find more, since they usually book similar styles together. First Fridays is a great way to see some good art and hear some good bands as well.

I love to be in nature as well. The Boyce Thompson arboretum is fun. There are tons of secluded camping spots close to water outside of Phoenix as well. Sometimes, I love to be at Papago Park at sunrise or sunset. Peaceful. It's a good place to ride a bike around too.

I think that the best place I've found to meet people and have some good, casual conversations are local coffee shops. One of my favorites over the years was Mama Java's in Phoenix. It's comfy, and they tend to have some great mellow artists play there. I also used to sell jewelry at the Willow House, but I don't make it to central Phoenix much anymore (since I'm in Gilbert now).

I also loved the Emerald Lounge and Gentle Strength, but both are gone now

I've also been known to hang out at local libraries on occasion. There's always something interesting going on somewhere. New Times is your friend if you're interested in doing something spontaneous.

So, that's a list of stuff to do, as an artistically inclined 30 year old. Maybe there's something for you in all of that.

PS: one more thing. If you're interested in Photography and urban exploration like I am, there are some really interesting industrial sites around town (abandoned). Just have to keep your eyes open.