6 yrs living here, I can't help but miss the ocean and greenery!

[BIG CATS]

Originally Posted by smoochaz

That is the 11mile path from Tempe to Scottsdale where you don't feel like you're in a desert- no cacti in sight, !

There are tons of cacti, but less than youre accustomed to seeing.

[smoochaz]

haha big cats where? maybe further south - we go from 90th & shea to mccormick quite often and dont' see cacti except possibly in peoples yards where they've planted them not on the path

[BIG CATS]

Originally Posted by smoochaz

haha big cats where? maybe further south - we go from 90th & shea to mccormick quite often and dont' see cacti except possibly in peoples yards where they've planted them not on the path

I jump on at 90th and Shea, too. I ride from there to Tempe Town Lake and back, and youre correct, theyre mostly in yards, but youll see a lot along the path just south of Indian Bend, and along many of the golf courses along the way. Once you get down by Osborn area, lots of cacti to be seen around the path.

[asufan]

Umm, there's cactus by the ocean too Of course I grew up in Mission Viejo which is by Saddleback Mountain, the wilderness park and also near Aliso & Wood Canyon Park. Lots of trails with cactus and even scorpions and rattlesnakes. Much prettier than the dirt and rocks our mountain trails feature though IMO.

[Not Jan]

Yup - we have lived here nearly one year, and I am not just missing the ocean, but water in general. We used to not have to travel far to reach pine-lined lakes, or to get to the ocean. There is just less natural diversity in the immediate area - and I am craving something different.

Love the people we have met. Love the schools. Love the neighborhood. Love living in South Tempe. Love the price of gas. But, especially in summer, the redundancy of the heat/moisture, along with feeling trapped indoors has made me think of moving to greener pastures for 2016.

To the OP - it must be difficult with young children. I wish you well as you try to figure this out!!!

[BIG CATS]

Originally Posted by asufan

Umm, there's cactus by the ocean too Of course I grew up in Mission Viejo which is by Saddleback Mountain, the wilderness park and also near Aliso & Wood Canyon Park. Lots of trails with cactus and even scorpions and rattlesnakes. Much prettier than the dirt and rocks our mountain trails feature though IMO.

Try the Superstitions. I think theyre the most attractive mountain range here close to Phoenix. Also try hiking up Toms Thumb in Scottsdale. Lots of huge boulders at the summit, makes for a unique hiking experience.

[asufan]

Originally Posted by BIG CATS

Try the Superstitions. I think theyre the most attractive mountain range here close to Phoenix. Also try hiking up Toms Thumb in Scottsdale. Lots of huge boulders at the summit, makes for a unique hiking experience.

Oh yeah, I think the Superstitions in particular are pretty. I used to hike almost everyday, typically it was South Mountain though. I'm just saying it doesn't compare to the beauty of a place such as Aliso & Wood Canyons IMO. It's relatively green with more interesting terrain and vegetation, some areas of the trail are completely immersed in shade from the trees. And in certain points you can see all the way to Catalina Island.

[Jukesgrrl]

If you've been here for six years and still feel this way, yes, you should go back. I'm a great lover of the Jersey Shore (GSP Exit 100) but I got used to Arizona after about four years. I don't even think the Shore is the same after Hurricane Sandy. Some might say better than ever, but I'm not sure it has the same vibe anymore. But the things you're not liking here are never going to change.