Is it really Hell.... Should I move to Phoenix? (to buy, living)

[gigi927]

Hi prizm,

I grew up in Chicago and lived there most of my life, and spent the next 6 years after that in downtown San Francisco and its environs. I have now lived in Phoenix/Scottsdale for the last 4 years and am about to relocate to Austin. The primary reason for me personally (and there are other financial and career reasons for my husband and family) is that Phoenix, IMO, is sorely lacking in the cultural, high energy, city vibe that you describe enjoying so much in Manhattan and that I enjoyed in both Chicago and SF. I really don't want my kids growing up here because I don't think they will be diverse enough culturally.

I should also mention that being a bonafide foodie, the restaurants here have continually disappointed me. I can name two or three where I've had superior meals in 3 years. The rest have been equally priced to restaurants in San Francisco and the food has never even dreamt of being in the same league as San Fran.

The final complaint I have here is that everyone drives everywhere. There is no walking to a corner market, or mom and pop boutique or shop. There is no real sense of neighborhood. I have way fewer friends here than I have in any other city I've lived in.

You definitely should come and experience it for yourself and stay a few days - you might like the altogether different vibe. I live up toward Carefree and the mountains and landscape are truly gorgeous and at night it's very relaxing and pretty...but if you've been an urban dweller and want to stay one...this is not the place. Good luck!!!

[SpeedyAZ]

If you like the city vibe and high-energy type of place, you will not like it here. I'll be quite honest and say don't move here if you are looking for that type of place. I prefer the Suburban type of area, everything is perfectly manicured and it's relaxing at night. I don't want a city vibe, it just gives me a headache thinking about it. I love living in the suburbs, great people and no constant traffic waking me up.

[elfyum]

Why don't YOU move to NY?! It just struck me while I was reading through these posts that you'd probably love it! It's the perfect place for what you seem to want.

[prizm]

Well.. thanks for everyone's feedback. It's funny how some people paint the city as a black hole and others as paradise.

From what I have heard I have to see it for myself to get the vibe. However, to be honest, I'm not liking what I've heard thus far.

[SpeedyAZ]

From what I have heard I have to see it for myself to get the vibe. However, to be honest, I'm not liking what I've heard thus far.

Here's a pro-con list based on my 7 years of living here:

PROS:
Great People
Good Schools
Plently of activities
Spectacular weather 9 months of the year
Rarely a rainy or cloudy day
Beautiful mountains
Gorgeous Sunsets
Plently of areas to shop, eat etc
Booming economy

CONS:
Crime is bad in some areas
Bad Traffic
Very hot for 3 months of the year

The pros outway the cons in my case. Others will tend to disagree but this is how I feel.

[Dwayne Pipe]

Originally Posted by gigi927

the food has never even dreamt of being in the same league as San Fran.

Food that dreams? Interesting...

Yesterday, an entre in San Francisco emailed me to say "If an entre in Phoenix even DREAMS it's as good as me, it better wake up and apologize!"

[Iggy]

DO NOT COME HERE....
We have enought NYers here already.
Try Dallas or Ft Worth. The temperature is lower there.... hehehe
Or maybe Oklahoma City....
St. Louis is also a cool spot in the summer.
Denver and Colorado Springs is cool too.
Only kidding......

It will be a shock no matter where you go. If you are young make the change. You only live once. Enjoy life and take chances. Who knows you may like change.
This is from a guy that has traveled all over the US and world and I'm living in Arizona now.
Take the plunge....

[Iggy]

Originally Posted by SpeedyAZ

Here's a pro-con list based on my 7 years of living here:

The pros outway the cons in my case. Others will tend to disagree but this is how I feel.

Yes SpeedyAZ I agree with what you are saying. We will probably hear from many that hate it here and complain but I must agree the PRO's outdo the CON's here. Life is great here for my family and I'm glad I decided to buy in 2004.

Lets hear all the folks who have just moved here and hear why they did.

[gigi927]

Originally Posted by Dwayne Pipe

Food that dreams? Interesting...

Yesterday, an entre in San Francisco emailed me to say "If an entre in Phoenix even DREAMS it's as good as me, it better wake up and apologize!"

if you're going to make fun of my post, at least spell ENTREE correctly.

[starryeyes]

Originally Posted by prizm

I'm shaking in my shoes. I can't believe how people hate Phoenix.

So here's the deal. I live in Manhattan. Love it This city is sooooo amazing. Don't want to leave, but the almighty dollar calls. Phoenix opportunities are calling. But ****, is it really worth it? I love the culture, people, vibe of New York City. I'm guessing Phoenix is just an incredible hell hole. That is the vibe I'm getting from long time residents.

Just shoot straight. Would I regret every second of living in Phoenix if I moved from NYC? Is there really no culture? Cool areas to live? Is it THAT awful?

-d

I live in PHoenix, and am making my plans to get out. It used to be a nice place. But the last few years have shown a major decline. The illegal immigrants have really caused the quality of life to fall flat, as well as the influx of so many people from other places. We don't get just the "good people," we get those who are chased out of other places. The housing market has inflated so badly that most people can't afford a decent home anymore - it's ridiculous to pay huge amounts to live in the GHETTO, for heaven's sake. NOT TO FORGET we presently have three serial killers running loose on our streets - two serial shooters and the "Baseline rapist" who has murdered 5 women and raped numerous others. There are many reasons to move to Arizona, but not right now. Besides that we have a governor that is so pro illegal aliens that it's ridiculous. She wants to give them the VOTE, for heaven's sake. So I strongly advise you not to move to PHoenix. I grew up here, have been here since I was born in 1961. I've seen the changes, and many were not good. This used to be a friendly place. Not anymore.