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Hi, I have lived in Surprise, AZ for a year now. It isn't working out for us. It is too far away from Phoenix and there are days where you can smell pollution in the air (ozone, I think). My daughter has sensitive lungs and gets coughs that are hard to get rid of when there is a lot of particulate in the air.
Soooooo, we are thinking of moving to far east Phoenix, like Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, or Mesa. For air quality purposes though, we are also considering moving to Tucson, Prescott, or even Santa Fe, NM. I have looked into these areas a little. Enough to know that they have better air quality than where I live (some more than others) and that they all have rock climbing, but I can't decide where I would be happiest.
These are the things that I like in a city in general (not necessarily in order):
- Outdoor rock climbing nearby(the more variety, the better)
- Clean air (I don't want to be able to smell pollution in the air on ANY given day)
- Fun things to do for kids (amusement parks, water parks, etc. are a plus)
- Rock climbing gym
- Health food stores (kids also have food sensitivities, so it's a must to have alternatives available): Sprouts, Trader Joe's, etc.
Other notes:
I tend to like warmer climates and larger cities as a general rule, but I have lived in Prescott a while back when I was a teenager and survived alright. Also when I was younger, I lived actually in Phoenix for a little while (before I had kids) and can say that I do love it, but I'm concerned about the air quality for my daughter's sake. It is supposed to be better, I just don't know if it's enough for her to be okay without moving there and seeing how she does. Oh, and I am graduating in June and will be a high school math teacher.
If you can comment in any of the above areas I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks in advance for any and all help!
Last edited by Heather again; 01-17-2013 at 12:37 PM..
Heather - I always want to convince people to move to Santa Fe because I think it's a fantastic place to live... but judging from your list, Santa Fe is probably not the place for you. Here's why:
These are the things that I like in a city in general (not necessarily in order):
- Outdoor rock climbing nearby(the more variety, the better)
I'm sure we have rock climbing here, but I've never met anyone who does it. I know TONS of people who hike, mountain bike, and ski... but not a single one who rock climbs.
- Clean air (I don't want to be able to smell pollution in the air on ANY given day)
Ok - we have clean air. Fantastic clean air. You'd like that part.
- Fun things to do for kids (amusement parks, water parks, etc. are a plus)
Santa Fe is SMALL city. 60,000 people. And that's not 60,000 people right up against a city of 2 million. It's 60,000 people surrounded by high desert and mountains. There are very very few typical fun things to do for kids... no amusement park, no water park. We have one outdoor public pool, one roller skating rink that's open two days a week, one childrens museum appropriate for ages 7 and under, several dance and gymnastics places to take lessons, several public parks -- but they don't compare to ones in larger cities, and tons of outdoor space.
- Rock climbing gym
Nope.
- Health food stores (kids also have food sensitivities, so it's a must to have alternatives available): Sprouts, Trader Joe's, etc.
This we have. Sprouts, Trader Joe's, Whole Food, Vitamin Cottage, a food Co-op, etc.
And as for the "warmer climate" you're seeking... it's not here. Santa Fe averages similar temperatures as Buffalo, NY. We have tons more sun and far less snow, but we're a four season place here. Highs are in the 80s in the summer and lows are in the teens in the winter. Last week it was negative 5 when I drove my kids to school. C.O.L.D.!!!
Last edited by cynanthus; 01-18-2013 at 11:09 PM..
Heather - You might want to check out Albuquerque for that big city vibe and for the kids activities. A little ways out of that city and you can hike, rock-climb, etc. The temps in Abq. are at least ten degrees warmer year-round compared to Santa Fe, and it's about 2,000 feet lower in altitude.
For the most part the folks here are very friendly, open to different lifestyles and very diverse in all sorts of ways. Politically it's pretty liberal, as is Albuquerque. Think 180 degrees from Phoenix.
As anywhere people tend to mirror the image they get from those in front of them. Showing an open, honest and respectful attitude will get you that behavior in return.
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