Is AZ our next chapter? (Phoenix, Tucson: university, to live, restaurants)

[mysticaltyger]

Originally Posted by BaileyBoys

Based on our situation, could AZ possibly be our next chapter? Coming to visit again and evaluate. Comments appreciated.

I don't see why not. Phoenix and Tucson both have all of the amenities you want. Phoenix has a better airport and arts & culture. Tucson is still good in the culture department. It has a good enough airport (depends on your expectations). Tucson has better weather, IMO. Winters are only slightly cooler than in Phoenix and summers are still hot but a lot cooler than in Phoenix. Phoenix has a more manicured and green look to it than Tucson (I always hated that so many people in Tucson had gravel/dirt front yards when I lived there), but Tucson has better natural scenery (nearby mountains are high and rugged).

As others have mentioned, I think other areas of AZ may be too small to have all the amenities you want.

[infocyde]

Prescott actually has a lot to do, if you like outdoors type of activities. There is also "cultural" type stuff going on through the Yavapai College and other outlets. Is it a thriving cultural mecca? No...but the 100's of old timers that move there are year seem to enjoy it. I lived in Prescott for five years and I actually got burned out there because so many old people are flocking to the area and chasing all the younger people out by inflating rent and housing prices. Other than that it is a much more laid back area, only real hot month is June, yes there are monsoons but they are a blessing to bring the temperature down and nothing like the humidity you experience back East. It can get a little cold and there is snow a few times a year but NOTHING like a Chicago Winter. The snow melts off quickly except on the mountains, making for nice views. The Op would be well served to check out Prescott.

[Hschlick84]

You won't have a problem with Prescott or Prescott Valley, weather is very similar to Denver, just a warmer version with less snow. The area needs more younger people and Millennials to balance the demographics.

[BIG CATS]

Originally Posted by goolsbyjazz

The OP has lived with Chicago's humidity for years and may laugh at what many here consider to be "humid." Monsoon is more humid than we are accustomed to, but it does not compare to Midwest, southeast or northeast humidity. Not. Even. Close.

In the morning hours and evening hours, PHX most certainly can post humidity and dew points that equal what you find in the Midwest. Ive had to shut down many people before who disagreed with me, please don't make me bust out weather data to prove you wrong, too.

[flint8ball]

I'm originally from MI and have lived in Yuma AZ (read HOT) for 4.5 years. My goal is to get a place in Prescott and split time between there and Yuma based on work/weather. There's a reason Prescott attracts retirees. Summer is mild by AZ standards and winter is nothing like midwest winters. Take a look at monthly high and low temps. It's got enough going on, plenty of outdoor recreation and centrally located with 1.5 hours to Phoenix if you want some more heat or things to do.

[goolsbyjazz]

Originally Posted by BIG CATS

In the morning hours and evening hours, PHX most certainly can post humidity and dew points that equal what you find in the Midwest. Ive had to shut down many people before who disagreed with me, please don't make me bust out weather data to prove you wrong, too.

Challenge! (As seen on the Bill Cosby show!)
You are talking morning and evening hours...on some days during monsoon. I am talking about the humidity back east (where I grew up) consistently being higher throughout the day during summers, sort of like our temps are consistently higher.

[hikernut]

The number of days in Phoenix when the humidity is oppressive TO ME is very small. I grew up in the Midwest and so I do know what a humid summer is!

[hikernut]

Thinking some more about this, I think parts of Phoenix or Scottsdale could work really well for you. You'll find lots of interesting restaurants, good medical facilities, easy access to Sky Harbor airport, and lots of outdoor activity possibilities nearby.


You say that you've visited in the summer and are okay with the hot weather. That's honestly one of the biggest downsides from my point of view.

[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by hikernut

The number of days in Phoenix when the humidity is oppressive TO ME is very small. I grew up in the Midwest and so I do know what a humid summer is!

I second this wholeheartedly.

[cgl77]

I'm a 60 year old gay man who has lived in the Denver area (13 years) and now Phoenix. Personally I prefer Phoenix, as Denver is getting very expensive in real estate and people are becoming more and more snarky if that makes sense. Outdoor recreation is excellent in both places, with Denver winning for winter sports if that matters to you.