Moving from MD to AZ

[rcmsw]

I am a long time reader, first time poster....

Anyway, this is my experience, I have lived in East Mesa for about three years now and I am a married African American woman with two children. As for diversity -- there is almost none! We have not personally experienced blatant racism but you will stand out as a black family. My daughters have been asked about their hair and skin color on numerous occasions.

My husband and I are originally from Southern California and we figured the West was the West. We are used to racial diversity and the “live and let live” mentality... but AZ is a different place.... prior to moving to Mesa we lived in Henderson, NV (just outside of Las Vegas) and even though we lived in Las Vegas we felt more connected to the city and the people. Most of the people that we have met here feel disconnected. Especially, in Mesa where we live the area is mostly Mormon and extremely conservative. My family enjoys amusement parks and the coast so we have decided to relocate to Florida next summer.

I think that there are good things about AZ but before moving here or anywhere do the research. I am a graduate of Arizona State and my family enjoys going to the college games but there is not much more for my girls ages 8 and 13 to do especially in the summer. We do have a pool but there is only so much swimming you can do especially when the water gets hot (the 110 -120 degree temps heat the water) in the summer. I think if we knew then what I know now we would not have come to AZ.

Don't get me wrong there are still a lot of questions about the move to Fl and yes it is humid -- but for me I will take humidity and diversity over dry hair, skin and lack of culture any day.

[Lorann]

I've been in AZ for over 3 years, we're in Goodyear (west valley) and I have to agree w/ rcmsw. Most of Queen Creek is Mormon and VERY conservative. Also, there is a ton of homes that aren't selling out there leading to foreclosure, etc. Also check into the schools, AZ is not known for good schools. We moved to Goodyear primarily for the schools. Good luck to you.

[VerradoGal]

Phoenix, Arizona is a great place to live. I suggest coming out in the summer time to test the extremely warm weather. That's about the only cruel thing out here, except for the occassional jerk or two but you'll find them in every state.
Good Luck. Jobbing.com is a good place to post a resume.

[catpiperx]

Racism is everywhere..I'm white and my husband is hispanic/black and we have 2 girls---we've lived in predominantly black areas and we've lived in predominately white areas...we live in CA currently and we still get the "lookie loos" but you have to take it with a grain of salt---we have found that while people may not understand or feel threatened, that seems to stop once they get to know us and realize that we are people too! And besides, if you don't like it, well then LOOK AWAY!!! We've been married for over 17 years and you learn to develop a sense of humor at the uninformed!

Seriously though, I do still have concerns because of my children, I won't tolerate them being mistreated and can be very vocal about that! There are jerks or morons everywhere and in every state----don't believe that just because it's California we are "all laid back" and have that attitude, I've actually dealt w/more racism here than in other areas!

[ChristianDJ]

I would like say that my wife and I have been together for 17 years and we hacve 2 girls 15yrs and 4 yrs.....we are thinking of moving to Yuma, Az. I have been offered a job with a Christian radio station as the station manager....please someone tell me more about Yuma.
Churches:
Schools:
Housing:
and anything you can think of

I would like to mention that we are an interacial couple, I am hispanic/black, she is white and our girls are very beautiful.....they are daddy's lil princesses.

I am very much involved in youth ministry and I sing on our chutch worship team and direct our youth worship team. I am a motivational speaker and love people
I will be heading out to Yuma next week to see if I am going to accept the position......help me out.

thank you

P.S.
Please be as honest as you can.