thinking about moving to Phoenix (Mesa, Scottsdale: apartments, for rent, job market)

[coolfern]

Hi,

I'm a 24 yr. old single female looking for a change of pace from New Hampshire, where I've lived for most of my life. The city I'm most familiar with is Boston, not far from me. I want to spend the winter somewhere warm- anyone with any feedback about living/working in Phoenix versus Mesa? i.e. cost comparison, employment opps, nightlife and fun, singles? Any info. would be appreciated

Thanks!

[exit2lef]

Originally Posted by coolfern

Hi,

I'm a 24 yr. old single female looking for a change of pace from New Hampshire, where I've lived for most of my life. The city I'm most familiar with is Boston, not far from me. I want to spend the winter somewhere warm- anyone with any feedback about living/working in Phoenix versus Mesa? i.e. cost comparison, employment opps, nightlife and fun, singles? Any info. would be appreciated

Thanks!

Phoenix is quite different from Boston in terms of density, design, terrain, vegetation, etc., but Mesa might seem like another planet in comparison. Phoenix is the core city of the metro area. It is considerably more decentralized and less walkable than Boston, but it has great desert parks and it is where many of the area's cultural amenities are located. Tempe and Scottsdale, two of Phoenix's inner suburbs, are known for their own nightlife and entertainment.

Mesa is an outer suburb, located east of Tempe and Scottsdale. While it has made strides with its new Arts Center, Mesa is very suburban in character. It tends to appeal more to residents who are not seeking urban amenities or who don't mind a long drive into the city.

[MsKatieKWalker]

Mesa and Phoenix aren't far enough apart to worry about which job market is available. One thing you can applaud about Metro AZ is the freeway systems. There are multiple routes to any area in the cities. I personally preffer Phoenix, but I like the feel of the big city as opposed to the suburban scene. As long as you don't trap yourself in Eastern Mesa, which only has one freeway out, you could go either way. It's cheaper to rent in Mesa for the most part.

[uconn99]

24 and single? Live in either old town Scottsdale or Mill Avenue area in Tempe. Both are walkable, Tempe/Mill Avenue a little more walkable and both have the night life. Tempe is more of a college bar scene while Old town Scottsdale has more lounges and upscale clubs.

Being born and raised in Connecticut and only 70 miles from Boston, you are in for a huge change. Please visit a few times before moving here. What you hate about New England you will soon miss once moving here.

[sablebaby]

When you say "warm" for winter, what does that actually mean? Do you mean 80 degree weather throughout the season or do you mean warmer than where you are now, even if that's only 20 degrees warmer? If you are thinking Phx is 80's during the winter then you better think Florida for that. If 40-60's during the day and 20-40's at night, then you're in the right place.

[sfw1979]

Phoenix is a HUGE difference in weather then NH (origianl posters state). 40-60..maybe in Dec and Jan, but even then it's usually still mid 60's which is beautiful weather... Feb and March climd into the 70's for the most part... In NH you still can get snow storms in those months..Easter in the northeast usually has a little snow on the ground.

Phoenix Average Monthly Temperatures

To the original poster...do you have any work skills..or a trade? What kind of job are you thinking of getting?

Either way, you should do fine. Apartments for rent are cheap in comparison to the north east...

Good luck!

[azsundevil]

What do you like to do in your free time? That makes a big difference when relocating. Some people want big dance clubs while others are happy with a Target close to home. Others want to be close to hiking or art galleries. Do you love older architecture or do you want everything to be brand new? I think these questions will help you find an area that would be good for you. Are you still looking at Austin and San Diego or have you settled on Phoenix?

[irwin]

If you want a more city atmosphere, I would stick with either downtown Austin or parts of San Diego. If you want a younger, more communal lifestyle I would stick with a place like Pac Beach or Mission Beach in San Diego. Austin definitely has a more "quirky" vibe to it with a better music scene, although the big downfall is the heat and size of the city (Austin is really not that big of a place and the flight connections can be a pain). It is also overwhelmed by UT which can be good and bad. Phoenix...well...I hated the place but it does have some benefits. It's closer to outdoor activities like the Gran Canyon and Sedona that are not the desert, yet....just a word of warning...it is still pretty warm there and definitely not "lush" like you would get in a more temperate climate. You also get the whole "west coast" vibe thing to it at a cheaper price than California, if that is your thing.

Personally, Phoenix is too sprawling and lacks walkable areas you can find in places like Austin and San Diego. Not saying the later are ANYTHING near as walkable as Boston, but better than Phoenix by a long shot. Good luck.

[londonbarcelona]

Originally Posted by sfw1979

Phoenix is a HUGE difference in weather then NH (origianl posters state). 40-60..maybe in Dec and Jan, but even then it's usually still mid 60's which is beautiful weather... Feb and March climd into the 70's for the most part... In NH you still can get snow storms in those months..Easter in the northeast usually has a little snow on the ground.

Phoenix Average Monthly Temperatures

To the original poster...do you have any work skills..or a trade? What kind of job are you thinking of getting?

Either way, you should do fine. Apartments for rent are cheap in comparison to the north east...

Good luck!

It only gets to the high temperature here for around an hour each day in the winter, it's COLD here in the winter!!!!!

[sheena]

Originally Posted by coolfern

Hi,

I'm a 24 yr. old single female looking for a change of pace from New Hampshire, where I've lived for most of my life. The city I'm most familiar with is Boston, not far from me. I want to spend the winter somewhere warm- anyone with any feedback about living/working in Phoenix versus Mesa? i.e. cost comparison, employment opps, nightlife and fun, singles? Any info. would be appreciated

Thanks!

Employment opps, nightlife, fun, singles? Not Mesa. Move to Tempe, Scottsale or up in Peoria by the Cardinals stadium.