Moved from MI to PHX area. Here are my thoughts after 1 year!

[gemini2daheart]

Originally Posted by trudawg

I relocated from Ann Arbor, MI (35 miles s.w. of Detroit) to Litchfield Park, AZ about 1 year ago. I moved to Litchfield Park because I had friends in that area and wanted to be near to people I knew, and the housing was affordable. I stayed here in 2005 for two months living on the North side (7th st and Bell) before
I'm a 31 y.o black man and I must admit that I was unaware that the black population in AZ was so little, but that in and of itself isn't an issue to me, because I've lived in some small towns in MI throughout my life. I work for a large power company here (you can probably guess which one...lol) Downtown at the corporate office, where blacks make up about .08% of the workforce and I'd have to guess that Hispanics make up about 2%. I was shocked to see so few minorities in such a large company. I'm smart enough to know how the demographical statistics have incurred. The average age of an employee here is 48! 2/3rds of our workforce is at retirement age, so many of these people came aboard when they're probably weren't alot of minorities around, and hiring practices were alot more conservative. That's cool I understand that.
Now for my biggest gripes and I'll get off the race issue. Obviously there are ALOT of Mexicans here (I didn't say hispanics, because most are really from or decedents from Mexico), and I in my opinion an overwhelmingly majority of them are the most UNFRIENDLY people I've ever come across. Most don't speak to you, don't speak back to you, don't even look at you, and they seem to be working at alot of the establishments that I shop at. I notice the small things, like when you allow a fellow driver to get over, or let someone out who's turning in front of you. Usually a driver will give a wave as to say thanks for letting me in/out. 100% of the time Mexicans will never say thanks. I know this sounds trivial, but it's just the tip of the iceberg. I realize that there are cultural differences, but I thought that manners were universal. Even if you don't speak the language, how hard is it to smile at someone or smile back. Sometimes I go to a MAJOR chain fast food restaurant and the person taking my order doesn't even speak English. I feel as though they feel like they're better than me, and I don't belong in their areas.
Once I needed some tires mounted, and asked one of my buddies to recommend a reasonably priced placed to go. He suggested a place and told me he was just there and was charged $25 to get his tires mounted, when I went They tried to charge me $60! Later when I told my buddy who's Mexican he said it's because you were black. Whites and blacks for the most part are actually pretty friendly, but I have to travel to the North side, or East to be somewhat within my own element.
This is one of many reasons why I'm moving out of the west valley, after my lease is up. As I said before I lived on the North side briefly and I really liked it, and I think if I don't move downtown near my job, I'll move back to the North Side.
-The traffic here is bad, but honestly after a year it almost seems normal. AZers seem to have difficulty merging and alot of times this is what causes some of the back-ups. When it rains out here, I try and work late.....lol Because people don't know how to drive in the rain very good. (But in their defense the roads DO get very SLIPPERY when wet)
-It seems like most of the things to do are in the East Valley, which again is another reason why I'm leaving the west Valley.
-There isn't much to do except SHOP, there are more places to take your money out here than I've ever seen lol.
-The scenery is absolutely gorgeous out here. I love the mountains in the backgrounds. I'm from Michigan where you're lucky to find a steep hill
-Hiking the mountains has been phenomenal. Going quading in the deserts is GREAT.
-The explosive growth and opportunity out here is unparallel.
Having said all that, I'm truly undecided as to how long I'll remain here, I'm getting some excellent training and learning skills that will allow me to work anywhere in the country, so I'm keeping my options open.
If any Michiganders are reading this and contemplating on relocating here, I'd say do it! Michigan's economy is in the dump right now, and it really feels good be in a employees market, rather than a employers market. I've turned down jobs here that my peers in MI would probably cut off a pinky to get.

I feel you 110% about everything you said. I experiance the same thing, being from Detroit (WEST SIDDE!!!)

[shiphead]

Originally Posted by Bummer

I agree, vegaspilgrim.

Rude people are not exclusive to Phoenix as that perception is fairly common with most larger cities.

Simply put, although I understand and possibly sympathize with Trudawg, if anyone wants a "small town atmosphere" . . . DO NOT CHOOSE TO LIVE IN A LARGE CITY. I personally prefer Tucson over Phoenix for that very reason.

exactly. the only problem is finding a job in Tucson.

[Nanny Goat]

As the population has grown, it has gotten much less friendlier. The first 5 years we lived here, people were much happier, in general, it seemed. People would hold a door open for you, make a few small talk comments--now, it's rare to find that.

[The_Cadillac_Lawyer]

Since this post, I have moved downtown in high-rise condo, and I absolutely love it. My drive to work is 8 min. long. I try to stay to the east so that I may not encounter so many cultural barriors.
I still don't know very many people here, so I stick to myself, keeping busy working two jobs.

[MotleyCrew]

Best of luck to you!