Moving from OH to AZ (Phoenix, Tucson: homes, job market, income)

[marjorystbx]

My husband and I are planning to relocate to Arizona this summer. I have a degree in art but have been working in a nursing home. He is working in retail. We wanted to move before we get too settled and start having kids. From what I have seen online Phoenix seems like the best place to move for a job, but I was wondering if that was true? We would rather live in Flagstaff or somewhere in the Prescott area (to avoid the 120 degree summers) but it doesn't sound like there's a very good job market in either of those areas . Any opinions on this being true or false? Also, is it a super competitive job market? We will both be job hunting over the internet and I am hoping that won't hurt our chances...

[beTucsonan]

It's a numbers game, that's all. Phoenix is the 6th largest metro in the nation while Flagstaff and Prescott are relatively small mountain towns. Where do you suppose there are more job opportunities? Second to Phoenix is Tucson, by the numbers and by the opportunity as well.

As for internet job hunting, that's always less desirable to an employer for a number of reasons, but the effect is minimized in a city like Tucson or Phoenix since they are used to people relocating. In a small town, who knows?

[agorski]

Prescott is a retirement town, so both retail and nursing homes are common. So you might have decent luck finding jobs.

[paradiseca]

I would look at Phoenix first, second, and third. I think the area around Sun City, El Mirage, and Surprise would be pretty attractive for someone working in health care. Phoenix is definitely the bright spot in Arizona and the rest of Arizona isn't so bright unless you are retired.

[UpTownJon]

Originally Posted by bajaaz

it's a numbers game, that's all. Phoenix is the 6th largest metro in the nation while flagstaff and prescott are relatively small mountain towns. Where do you suppose there are more job opportunities? Second to phoenix is tucson, by the numbers and by the opportunity as well.

As for internet job hunting, that's always less desirable to an employer for a number of reasons, but the effect is minimized in a city like tucson or phoenix since they are used to people relocating. In a small town, who knows?

+1

[marjorystbx]

Thanks for all the tips I can't wait to move

[HTY483]

Originally Posted by marjorystbx

Any opinions on this being true or false?

I would say it's largely true. Gore Industries is in Flag if you're biomedical engineer, programmer or electronics person. NAU is there as well. Other than that your opportunities will be limited to local grocery stores and restaurants.

[jlawrence01]

Originally Posted by BajaAZ

It's a numbers game, that's all. Phoenix is the 6th largest metro in the nation while Flagstaff and Prescott are relatively small mountain towns. Where do you suppose there are more job opportunities? Second to Phoenix is Tucson, by the numbers and by the opportunity as well.

As for internet job hunting, that's always less desirable to an employer for a number of reasons, but the effect is minimized in a city like Tucson or Phoenix since they are used to people relocating. In a small town, who knows?

In general, I agree.

However, before the OP makes this move, you better have a darned good idea of what your current positions pay in Ohio vs. what you will be paid for them in AZ. I have a feeling that the wage structure in AZ will be less, often much less than in the three major cities in Ohio. This is particularly true in the Tucson vicinity. The job my nephew works in Columbus pays 40% less in Tucson and offers less benefits.

The costs in AZ are not much cheaper, especially in Phoenix. You will save considerably on taxes as AZ does NOT have local income taxes and a state income tax rate that is half of Ohio.

I hope this helps.