Phoenix metro is getting too big IMO (Tucson, Yuma: lower-class, quality of life)

[magnum0417]

Originally Posted by gearedtowardssalad

I lived in Tempe and actually had a decent gig for that company who just built that new office complex on Town Lake, but yeah I agree with you. I wanted to move down to Tucson, but finding a job that pays over $15/hr is next to impossible down there.

Tucson is my preference in every aspect but...employment opportunities and income potential. Regardless of what some may say, Phoenix is "settling" for those who have actually explored, AZ,CA,NV and other neighboring states as I have. Phoenix is a decent plan B destination but not my final destination. It is "settling" but atleast I can admit that. Now higher desert towns in this region I could easily spend my golden years as I already have acreage up north to eventually build on.Until then, the motorhome has been a blessing.

[magnum0417]

True arizona living

[gearedtowardssalad]

Originally Posted by magnum0417

Tucson is my preference in every aspect but...employment opportunities and income potential. Regardless of what some may say, Phoenix is "settling" for those who have actually explored, AZ,CA,NV and other neighboring states as I have. Phoenix is a decent plan B destination but not my final destination. It is "settling" but atleast I can admit that. Now higher desert towns in this region I could easily spend my golden years as I already have acreage up north to eventually build on.Until then, the motorhome has been a blessing.

Exactly. I do believe a lot of people legitimately like the Phoenix metro and see it as a land of opportunity. Especially if they're coming from more urban metros like NYC, LA, Chicago, Seattle etc. but I again stress how it's all relative here. For instance, I'm from Minneapolis and I originally left because of the annoying and pretentious provincialism that exists there. In 2008 until 2011, I found Phoenicians to be extremely friendly and it was easy for me to make friends and COL was a dream. After 5-or so years of growth, once I moved back in late 2013, perhaps my ability to adapt had gone out the window and now it's maybe easier for those from larger cities than Minneapolis to adjust. I don't know, maybe I'm thinking too much. Regardless, I hope to end up in Tucson, Flagstaff or Albuquerque/Santa Fe eventually. Although I think a few of those cities may be pipedreams due to, as previously mentioned, COL and/or lack of decent-paying employment opportunities.

[New Horizons]

Originally Posted by magnum0417

True arizona living

Nice! I'd love to have a small motorhome, a Minnie Winnie 22' would be perfect. But I'm thinking of a NV200 van, making it my daily driver that can double as a stealth camper. BTW have you been to Dockweiler RV Park in LA? It's just south of LAX, right on the coast. A perfect getaway to cool off in the summer.

[magnum0417]

Originally Posted by New Horizons

Nice! I'd love to have a small motorhome, a Minnie Winnie 22' would be perfect. But I'm thinking of a NV200 van, making it my daily driver that can double as a stealth camper. BTW have you been to Dockweiler RV Park in LA? It's just south of LAX, right on the coast. A perfect getaway to cool off in the summer.

My two beachside spots have both been in Oceanside. Paradise by the Sea RV Resort and Oceanside RV Park. Right on Coast HWY 1000 ft from Buccaneer Beach which is a local spot so stay out Zonies !! LOL

[magnum0417]

Cardiff by the Sea has plenty of parking/boondocking to be had near the beaches as well along Coast HWY. First come first serve. Also the OB Dog Beach have parked the RV there too. No parking between 2 and 4 am so you can get the best spot right at 4am. I Usually snooze at Morongo Casino for a bit in Banning and wake up at 2am to make it to OB by 4. I really try to avoid LA although I enjoy OC along PCH from Huntington down to San Clemente.

[magnum0417]

Cardiff by the Sea....Catch a wave you'll be sitting on top of the world !

[Packard fan]

Originally Posted by gearedtowardssalad

Exactly. I do believe a lot of people legitimately like the Phoenix metro and see it as a land of opportunity. Especially if they're coming from more urban metros like NYC, LA, Chicago, Seattle etc. but I again stress how it's all relative here. For instance, I'm from Minneapolis and I originally left because of the annoying and pretentious provincialism that exists there. In 2008 until 2011, I found Phoenicians to be extremely friendly and it was easy for me to make friends and COL was a dream. After 5-or so years of growth, once I moved back in late 2013, perhaps my ability to adapt had gone out the window and now it's maybe easier for those from larger cities than Minneapolis to adjust. I don't know, maybe I'm thinking too much. Regardless, I hope to end up in Tucson, Flagstaff or Albuquerque/Santa Fe eventually. Although I think a few of those cities may be pipedreams due to, as previously mentioned, COL and/or lack of decent-paying employment opportunities.

It's NOT your imagination. I def had some good times in Phoenix around 2010-11; moved to Bullhead at the end on 2012, took a day trip Phoenix in late 2014 and, was GLAD to be back here in this super hot, meth head infested town a few hours later. That's pretty damn bad.

[magnum0417]

Originally Posted by Packard fan

It's NOT your imagination. I def had some good times in Phoenix around 2010-11; moved to Bullhead at the end on 2012, took a day trip Phoenix in late 2014 and, was GLAD to be back here in this super hot, meth head infested town a few hours later. That's pretty damn bad.

I prefer BHC too. Besides my enjoyment of Laughlin , the water access at your door step I love. I happily rent a jet ski for $80 / hour at The Riverwalk. As with other small AZ towns I enjoy , job prospects and income potential have deterred me with my wife's medical issues which has kept us in PHX. If I was single I would take a huge pay cut and enjoy easy living elsewhere in this state.

[elcajones]

Originally Posted by DougStark

I understand your point, but your parameters (distance in miles) do not take into account for the fact that a lot of the land area in southern CA can't be developed because of the terrain (mountains, canyons, cliffs, huge boulders, etc.) On the other hand, the majority of the Salt River valley is relatively flat and can be built on (with the exception being our well known local mountains that are obviously not suited for development (nor should they be.)

Case in point: Drive from San Diego east on highway 94 to the small town of Campo. Wow, what a drive. The terrain is extremely hilly, has huge boulders and rocks everywhere. Totally unsuited for urbanization.

Nastiest border patrol check point ever is on that 94. Otherwise, beautiful countryside. San Diego is a good deal smaller than the valley though.