Just moved to the Valley - from SC - first impressions (construction, living in)

[RoundelSix]

Hey everyone. This is a great site for info and I enjoy reading the area threads. I just thought I would contribute by giving me first impressions of the Valley.

We got here mid-May. My wife and I are in our mid-twenties and moved out here to make a go at things... after finishing our grad degrees, we did not want to stay where we grew up just because it was "easy". No jobs yet but we are both diligent and I am confident we will find work before we run out of money and starve =) Also, as a side note, we are staying temporarily near the NW corner of the 101. So here are the first impressions:

Cons:
118 is hot, even with a dry heat.
Commutes can be long as the Valley is so spread out.
We know few people, so job searching has been mainly limited to online applications, which are not terribly promising or helpful.
Lots of sun
Traffic is plentiful at times, but it hasn't been too bad so far

Pros:
Well designed road system, ramps, and freeways
Lots of sun
Fruit is cheap here
Very little humidity (by the way, 40% may be higher than normal, but it is not even close to high)
Access to a lot of different stores due to PHX being a large metro area
Proximity to hiking and outdoor activities

I've already spent a fair amount of time working outside, even in 110+ temps. It isn't pleasant, but there seem to be a lot of people that act like its over 100 degrees for like 8 months out of the year. To me, anything below 90 will be rather comfortable, and I'm sure that will come back in a few months. We like the area and are holding out for being able to start our careers here. Don't know what the big deal is with the heat, if you don't like it, go inside. At least here you can cool off in the shade.

[azdr0710]

best of luck with the job searches....

yes, most of the various freeways in the Phx area were built only in the last twenty years, so they had a chance to make them big and modern for an already big metro area....we're all very lucky for that....carpool lanes and new alignments are being added now in some spots, so construction will continue for many more years.....

though it's an old, tired joke, the "but it's a dry heat" line is very true.....July and August are very tough, though, with the normal increased humidity.....

there's always been plenty of land here, so it's cheaper to build out rather than up....thus, urban sprawl....

drink plenty of water....wear a wide-brimmed hat....wear sunglasses.....

[PoppySead]

People say that when they first move here about the heat. Same with all the people moving to the cold places, they go on and tout how the cold isn't as cold as all the horror cold stories they heard before arriving. Goes to show you it's probably livable anywhere in the country regardless of heat or cold extremes. If someone is living there before you then chances are you'll survive as well. Glad you realize it. I believe we are all pretty durable. Try and dwell on the pros and you should do great anywhere.

[sheena]

Originally Posted by RoundelSix

Hey everyone. This is a great site for info and I enjoy reading the area threads. I just thought I would contribute by giving me first impressions of the Valley.

We got here mid-May. My wife and I are in our mid-twenties and moved out here to make a go at things... after finishing our grad degrees, we did not want to stay where we grew up just because it was "easy". No jobs yet but we are both diligent and I am confident we will find work before we run out of money and starve =) Also, as a side note, we are staying temporarily near the NW corner of the 101. So here are the first impressions:

Cons:
118 is hot, even with a dry heat.
Commutes can be long as the Valley is so spread out.
We know few people, so job searching has been mainly limited to online applications, which are not terribly promising or helpful.
Lots of sun
Traffic is plentiful at times, but it hasn't been too bad so far

Pros:
Well designed road system, ramps, and freeways
Lots of sun
Fruit is cheap here
Very little humidity (by the way, 40% may be higher than normal, but it is not even close to high)
Access to a lot of different stores due to PHX being a large metro area
Proximity to hiking and outdoor activities

I've already spent a fair amount of time working outside, even in 110+ temps. It isn't pleasant, but there seem to be a lot of people that act like its over 100 degrees for like 8 months out of the year. To me, anything below 90 will be rather comfortable, and I'm sure that will come back in a few months. We like the area and are holding out for being able to start our careers here. Don't know what the big deal is with the heat, if you don't like it, go inside. At least here you can cool off in the shade.

Where in SC are you from?

[chazk14]

Originally Posted by PoppySead

People say that when they first move here about the heat. Same with all the people moving to the cold places, they go on and tout how the cold isn't as cold as all the horror cold stories they heard before arriving. Goes to show you it's probably livable anywhere in the country regardless of heat or cold extremes. If someone is living there before you then chances are you'll survive as well. Glad you realize it. I believe we are all pretty durable. Try and dwell on the pros and you should do great anywhere.

I hate it when people just say "oh its 100 degrees year round". No its only hot for about 4 or 5 months the other 7-8 months are gorgeous.

[RoundelSix]

Originally Posted by sheena

Where in SC are you from?

Grew up in Charleston, but was living in Greenville (northwest SC) for the past 6 years.