A couple random questions...moving may 10th (Phoenix, Mesa: environment, luxury)

[NezzaBlue]

Good morning,

I am moving with my fiance to Ahwatukee on May 10th from Connecticut.
We have leased a gorgeous apartment and are counting down the days as we are extremely excited. With that said, I have a couple random questions that I was hoping you guys could help with...

1) Scorpions? Is this really an issue that I need to worry about on a daily basis? Like looking in my shoes?

2) Can someone just give me a glimpse as to what a typical electric bill might be? I know its hard to estimate, but a guess would be great.

3) Also if there are any important things I should know about Arizona, thats not on any online articles or books? Like insider information. I am aware of how extremely hot it can get and we are ready for that, but if there is any other hints or tips I would be so grateful...

Thanks in advance for any responses....

[Cj81]

ok, well I have lived in Phoenix for over 13 years and this is what I can tell you.

1. Scorpions- I have seen a few since I have lived here, never in my home. It just depends on the area you live in, most people will tell you they have never even seen one. Some people have a lot of problems. You are more likely to have problems if you live near the mountains or in a new construction area but that doesn't mean you won't anywhere else. Ask your neighbors once you have moved and see if they have any problems, chances are you won't even see any.

Electric Bill - this really depends on the square footage of your apartment and how cool you like to keep your home. I have lived in several apartments and I would say that on average your looking at $150 in June, July, August and probably around $50 in the winter months.

other tips - well yeah its hot in the summer and if you can deal with that you should be fine, you will be able to kick back all winter long in shorts and watch the weather reports back East and laugh. We also have a lot of the same problems you would find in any other major city - traffic, pollution, etc.. hmmm , well we get some wicked thunderstorms in the summer months, don't drive through a wash with water in! If your car gets stuck, you will get a ticket and fined for breaking the "stupid motorist law"
I can't think of anything else at the moment. Good luck, hope you enjoy Phoenix as much as I do.

[AksarbeN]

Scorpions, be cautious for a while after moving in. You may never have problems with them (most don’t have them) but you will want to become familiar with your new location.

Electric bills,,,,, you will hear a different amount from everyone, there is alot of things that influences the bill. You can call the APS or SRP give them your new address and tell them your are moving into the house and would like a history of the billing amounts. They are normally happy to do this.

Insider information,,,,, don’t travel on the freeways during rush hours if you can avoid them. Always find shade when parking your car, and leave the windows down just a little ½ inch or so will do it.

[Cyanna]

1. Scorpions - never hurts to be careful. Check the sheets at night before getting into bed and if you don't want to check your shoes every day just buy a shoe rack to store them on. However, you probably won't see any at all inside your apartment.

2. Electric bills - I still have a copy of the last one I made before I moved to the UK in February 2001, and this was for a two-bedroomed apartment in Mesa. The cost was $107. But also keep in mind that my daughter and I both worked different shifts and I also had my school-aged son. When most were asleep we still had things like lights and televisions or computers on.

3. I highly recommend that you get into the habit of always taking a small bottle of water with you for drinking when you go out. Another option is to go to the local Circle-K and buy a Big Gulp. Its vitally important to avoid dehydration, especially during the months of July and August.

[jlhct]

Nezza,

As I recall we are coming from the same hometown. I made the move and have been here for about 1 week. The thing I have learned so far like someone said is to make sure you are concious of where the sun is when you park. It's not something I thought about at home but here it just seemed to come naturally

You will love is, espically coming from the 'Port. There is really no compariason!

Good luck & congrats on the move!

[NezzaBlue]

Originally Posted by jlhct

Nezza,

As I recall we are coming from the same hometown. I made the move and have been here for about 1 week. The thing I have learned so far like someone said is to make sure you are concious of where the sun is when you park. It's not something I thought about at home but here it just seemed to come naturally

You will love is, espically coming from the 'Port. There is really no compariason!

Good luck & congrats on the move!

That's right. I remember you. Congrats to you as well for making it there safe and sound....Did you fly or drive? Thats another thing we are debating about. We have a small dog and are a little worried about him on the plane.
And yes I can not wait to get out of the "Port"...My friends car got stolen yestersday for the second time. Ridiculous. I have just learned to keep my crappy car and but one when I get there...lol

So are you enjoying it there?

[jlhct]

Originally Posted by NezzaBlue

That's right. I remember you. Congrats to you as well for making it there safe and sound....Did you fly or drive? Thats another thing we are debating about. We have a small dog and are a little worried about him on the plane.
And yes I can not wait to get out of the "Port"...My friends car got stolen yestersday for the second time. Ridiculous. I have just learned to keep my crappy car and but one when I get there...lol

So are you enjoying it there?

I drove. I have no pets so that wasn't a concern, but it was really cool to be able to drive across country, it's quite an adventure. If you need more info on that, routes, etc just let me know. I still have all my maps LOL

That is too bad about your friends car, yeah just drive the crappy one out here then after you put all those miles on it if you drive (about 2500 to be exact) and then get a new one when you get here. I had to buy a new one before I left because the old one gave out, thats another story though LOL

I am enjoying it so far. I just came back from the park for the 2nd day in a row. It's windy right now but about 75-80 degrees. Everyone is out just enjoying the day.

I won't even ask how the weather is back home LOL

[AOYAS]

Hi!

When I first moved to the Phoenix area, I lived in an apartment in Ahwatukee...San Melia...it was sooo nice! Is that the apartment complex you're moving to? If so, you'll LOVE the pool....it's awesome!

Anyway, when we lived in Ahwatukee, we never saw a scorpion. We've had a few in our home in Goodyear (southwest side of town) since moving here a year and a half ago...maybe one every few months...but we also live at the base of the mountains out here. Even though I've only had a few scorpions in my home, I ALWAYS check my shoes before putting them on. Just because you don't have an abundance of them, doesn't mean that a rogue (he he) scorpion won't end up in your warm, dark shoe (that's the type of environment they like). I've known two people who've been stung by scorpions (one lives in Gilbert, on in Chandler) that were in their shoes, and one person who was stung by a scorpion that was in his pants (that were hanging in the closet). I don't want to alarm you, because chances are you'll honestly never even see a scorpion, but you should be cautious. How long does it take to shake out your shoes, anyway...like 3 seconds?? Worth it to me!

One thing to watch for in Ahwatukee at night...roaches. Even if you're the cleanest person in the world, and you live in an "upscale" clean neighborhood, they're almost everywhere at night here because of the warm weather. My husband and I used to go for walks in the evening and at night when we lived in Ahwatukee, and you literally have to watch where you step, because you'll see them all over the sidewalks at night. Don't get me wrong...they're aren't piles of them or anything...but you'll probably encounter a few if you're outside for any lengthy period of time. They'll usually get out of your way, but it would gross me out. I always said I had wished someone would've mentioned that "problem" to me before I moved here, so I would have been more mentally prepared!

You asked for suggestions...I have a very important one: Make sure you buy a SUNSHADE for your car. You can get them at most drug stores, grocery stores, Costco, Walmart, Target, etc. This is probably one of the most important things you can do for yourself in the summer here in Phoenix. When you leave your car parked outside for more than 15 minutes or so, be sure to put a sunshade in your windshield. It really does help to cut down the heat that builds in your car...even if you have tinted windows. Mind you, your car will still be HOT and stuffy when you return to it, but the sunshade makes it a lot more bearable, and it doesn't take as long to cool down.

Good luck with your move and ENJOY PHOENIX!!

[shroom]

Another thing in addition to "Turn Around, Don't Drown" is: NEVER leave your pets (or or any living thing) in a car, even on mild days. The interior of a car can rise to 100* or more very fast, even in Spring & Fall, and well over 130* during the summer. Because dogs & cats don't perspire, those temps will dehydrate & kill them very quickly due to hyperthermia. A K9 dog died in March after being left in the officer's vehicle for an hour or so ... on a nice Spring day.

[uconn99]

And yes I can not wait to get out of the "Port"...My friends car got stolen yestersday for the second time. Ridiculous. I have just learned to keep my crappy car and but one when I get there...lol

You do realize Phoenix has the highest car theft in the country? I have had my car stolen twice from gated luxury apartment complexes in both Tempe and Chandler.


1) I have been here almost 7 years and I have come apon a total of "1" scorpion. Nock on wood! For the most parts they are rare, many apartment complexes will spray for insects free of charge if you ask for in. Some do it monthly. Like someone has already said, roaches will be a bigger problem. I have lived in 2 very nice apartment complexes and both had roaches, big ones too. They come up through the drains in the bathroom, sometimes find them in the shower.

2) I live in a 1200sf condo now and my electric bill in July/August ran around $250-300 a month. I kept the AC around 72 so cooler than some. Winter it can be anywhere from $50-$80 depending on if you use heat (yes, we need heat sometimes evan coming from the northeast).

3) Park in shade or a garage. Don't leave pets inside a car EVER, they will die within 15 minutes.