Phoenix the next L.A. (Tucson, Sierra Vista: transplants, universities, earthquakes)

[coolieandre]

Why do so many people say Phoenix is the next L.A.. Is it because of the desert areas, and palm trees, or is it because of other significant reasons? Feel me in, because I have a slight interest in perhaps relocating to Phoenix.

[exit2lef]

The main reason for the "next LA" stereotype is the area's rapid growth and decentralized distribution of people and employers. Regardless, I don't think Phoenix will ever be another Los Angeles. Los Angeles is unique in so many ways. It has industries (most notably, film and television) that Phoenix does not have. Likewise, it has a larger base of presitigious universities. On the downside, it has severe risk factors for natural disasters, especially earthquakes. Phoenix will continue to grow, and people will grumble that it's becoming too much like Los Angeles, but in actuality the cities are distinct and each one needs to chart its own course.

[SOON2BNSURPRISE]

I for one love the LA atmosphere, but not the smog. To tell you the truth though there are a lot of areas that have far worse air than LA. Hope that Phoenix does take the best of LA and make it its own. Lots of people from California move to Phoenix anyway.

I love the Phoenix area and would have it be the future of the West. Maybe there will be a time when people will be fleeing to another area and say that it is the next Phoenix. Is there such a place allready?

[exit2lef]

Originally Posted by SOON2BNSURPRISE

Maybe there will be a time when people will be fleeing to another area and say that it is the next Phoenix. Is there such a place allready?

I've heard Tucson residents complain that their city is becoming "another Phoenix."

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by silverbear

I've heard Tucson residents complain that their city is becoming "another Phoenix."

Yep, they sure do! Wonder who's becoming another Tucson?!

[exit2lef]

Originally Posted by sierraAZ

Yep, they sure do! Wonder who's becoming another Tucson?!

I nominate Sierra Vista.

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by silverbear

I nominate Sierra Vista.

That's what I was thinking, too. Or perhaps Casa Grande. Or is it already a suburb of Phx?

[vegaspilgrim]

There are a lot of cities people call "the next L.A." Growing up in Denver in the 1990s when hundreds of thousands of Californians moved into the state, I heard the same thing there, that the whole Front Range is turning into "the next L.A." After surfing these forums, it seems like people say the same thing about cities like Dallas and Atlanta. After taking a trip to San Diego and parts of the greater L.A. area last week, I would disagree with that statement. The next Inland Empire perhaps.

[homer1976]

Originally Posted by coolieandre

Why do so many people say Phoenix is the next L.A.. Is it because of the desert areas, and palm trees, or is it because of other significant reasons? Feel me in, because I have a slight interest in perhaps relocating to Phoenix.

One word-Transplants.

[wit-nit]

I believe when they say "growing like Los Angeles", most people are meaning uncontrolled urban sprawl in all directions, just like LA has been doing the past 100 years or so.