Phoenix, AZ or San Diego, CA ?

[maverick974]

I don't necessarily agree. Yes, San Diego has somewhat better weather and of course San Diego has a beach but unless you have plenty of money, I'd say Phoenix is a better choice.
I grew up near San Diego. I spent a lot of time there and yes, San Diego is a cool city but so is Phoenix. They both offer a quality of life that is very good but for a guy starting out, I'd say Phoenix is the place to be. The cost of living is much cheaper in Phoenix. Both cities have plenty of things to do and places to see. Entertainment is very good in both cities and if the OP ever want to purchase a home, he would be hard pressed to be able to do it in San Diego.
Overall, yes San Diego probably is better but what gives Phoenix the edge is the opportunities that are available for a person starting out or starting over.
Having a beach and somewhat cooler summers aren't the only things to consider.

[HX_Guy]

How do you not necessarily agree? You said the same thing we did...that if you can afford it, San Diego is the better choice.

Obviously if you make $14/hr in Phoenix and $14/hr in San Diego, then Phoenix is a better choice as that money will o a lot further. But if you make good money and can afford San Dieo, why would you choose Phoenix? What does it offer above SD?

[maverick974]

Well yes, I suppose we are agreed but my point was that a person better make a LOT more money to be able to afford the same quality of life in San Diego as you would in Phoenix. That's all I was saying.
Both cities offer a lot.
There are several reasons I give my nod to Phoenix. The cost of living, far more open spaces and considering that California is in HUGE financial trouble, I think Cali will have no choice but to raise taxes in a big way. California has a huge burden to bear and without raising taxes in a big way or some sort of financial windfall, they will be in trouble for a long time. Just look at their pension system for starters. They are buried.
Arizona isn't in the greatest shape either but far better than Cali.
Phoenix has much to offer. Not necessarily better or worse, just different. Both cities would be a great place to live.

[Shortman]

It would be nice to have a beach, but not required. I did consider Los Angeles and San Francisco at some point, but after researching both of those cities, I figured they weren't right for me. I am sure they are nice cities, and have their good points and bad points, just like every other city, but neither really had what I was looking for.. San Diego, for me, had something that they didn't have..

I will probably head over to the San Diego section soon, so I can get more info on the city. Luckily for me, I tend to settle and adjust quickly. I am sure both Phoenix and San Diego are great ! But I guess, I am just going to have to weigh in the pros and cons of both and actually visit both..

[khuntrevor]

How often do you think the locals actually go to the beach? Especially on the weekends. I remember paying a lot just to park at beach, and it was real crowded and cold.

[j_cat]

With Phoenix, basically either you like it right away, or you never will. There's no such thing as getting used to Phoenix. Didn't happen for me over twelve long years. So go with your gut.

San Diego seems like it would be easier. There's something for everybody there.

[Rialta]

I can't afford SD but I'm still moving there. Never stopped me before. I lived in NYC for 7 years on my low salary I suppose I can live in SD as well.
I'm just sick of living in a place like Phoenix, of course SD is much more expensive. I just want to live in a city that I love instead of one I despise.

[Hawaii4evr]

San Diego's summer average temperature is 80F, winter average temperature is 65. Phoenix average temperature in summer is 102, winter average temperature is 60. San Diego weather trumps Phoenix. Plus, it has a beach. Choose San Diego.