African American Female considering moving from Chicago to AZ (Phoenix: renting, student loan)

[Mandad86]

Hello all, I am new to the site. Been scrolling through some threads to hear others opinions on Phoenix and surrounding areas. I am a single black 30 year old female with one child who isn't school age just yet. I'm born and raised in Chicago and have lived on southside, westside, suburbs, you name it, just ready for a change. I am sick of the winters here and looking to move somewhere warm with lower living costs. I would be transferring my job down there and probably renting for a while before deciding to buy. From what I've heard Phoenix does not have a large black population (which is fine), but I have also heard that the population is pretty mixed meaning no one ethinicity lives in certain areas. Coming from Chicago that would be refreshing as this city is very segregated. On the other hand I also have been told that Phoenix is very racist and want to hear peoples thoughts/experiences on the subject. I know that type of behavior is everywhere, especially living where I do, but I've never experienced it and would not like to move somewhere new and have to worry about it. I have been looking at the Chandler/Gilbert area. Seems like a good area for someone with a child.

[goolsbyjazz]

Originally Posted by Mandad86

Hello all, I am new to the site. Been scrolling through some threads to hear others opinions on Phoenix and surrounding areas. I am a single black 30 year old female with one child who isn't school age just yet. I'm born and raised in Chicago and have lived on southside, westside, suburbs, you name it, just ready for a change. I am sick of the winters here and looking to move somewhere warm with lower living costs. I would be transferring my job down there and probably renting for a while before deciding to buy. From what I've heard Phoenix does not have a large black population (which is fine), but I have also heard that the population is pretty mixed meaning no one ethinicity lives in certain areas. Coming from Chicago that would be refreshing as this city is very segregated. On the other hand I also have been told that Phoenix is very racist and want to hear peoples thoughts/experiences on the subject. I know that type of behavior is everywhere, especially living where I do, but I've never experienced it and would not like to move somewhere new and have to worry about it. I have been looking at the Chandler/Gilbert area. Seems like a good area for someone with a child.

Hi! My initial response to you is come on over! There are many people from Chicago now living here for many of the same reasons you want to leave.
Let me get right to the racist chatter. It is more the exception than the rule. I'm an African American male who has lived here nearly 20 years. I have travelled all over the state and can count on two fingers where I "may" have encountered racial tension. I can say I never felt unwelcome. Yes, the black community is much smaller here, but I don't necessarily see that as a disadvantage. Much of the prejudice I've seen out here has surprisingly been aimed at Mexicans, especially those who are undocumented.

Chandler and Gilbert are nice cities with Chandler being more diverse in terms of people groups and jobs. I think you will like the change of pace living in Arizona would afford you and your child, if you come with an open mind. Arizona is known as a good place for people who are looking for a fresh start in life. Unfortunately it is also a very transitory place in that people come, enjoy it for a few years and then move elsewhere. Some, however, don't like it at all and get out as fast as they can!

You need to know that we rank near the bottom when it comes to funding for public education but that does not mean we don't have good schools. It does mean you will have to pay close attention to whatever school you enroll your child in. Chandler has a very good school system. Gilbert's system recently went through some turmoil, but there are decent schools.

Arizona is a desert. Desert living is quite different, but if you can embrace it as it is you will do well. Again, I say come on over, I believe the change will do you good.

[ledf6691]

I am a career coach and an author and I would like to share some ideas with you. I'm working on writing a book now and I would suggest to you to go back to school. The University and get a degree in a recession proof career with the highest paying salary you can find. Don't stop with just a Bachelors degree get a Masters Degree go to a good school and borrow the money if you have too, it will pay off in the long run. Move to the Highest cost of living state or city like NYC or LA just to name a few because you want to be earning the highest wage you can in your working years. You don't want to move to the lowest cost of living area in your working years, save that for your retirement years. Just a thought. Good luck and be careful.

[ArrisSevvin]

Moderator cut: .

@mandad86
I think you'll find plenty of opportunity here without much concern over your heritage. The black population here is only a tenth of the Hispanic and half again that of white. You're almost a novelty.

I know of many Hispanic communities, but blacks seem to mingle well. I can't say that I've ever noticed a black community here. I come from Richmond, VA, so I am fully familiar with prejudice and how it can tear lives apart. I think you'd find very little of that here.

They call this the Valley of the Sun, 3000 square miles of shadeless flat. There are two seasons here, spring and hell. I haven't worn a coat in two years. Not that we don't have the occasional cold snap, but the last time it snowed here the residents were wearing Mammoth pelts.

As for crime, it depends on where you end up. There are good and bad parts to the valley. But I don't think our worst is near as bad as what I imagine you've known in Chicago. I don't know how less expensive you'd find it. For my case it pretty much doubled living expenses when I moved out here. But salaries are higher, so it worked out.

Aside from the heat, (which, since AC, no one even goes outside anymore) I can't think of any reason you wouldn't be comfortable here. No grass to speak of and not many trees, but the views can be spectacular.

[sexxxcblac]

Whuuuuuutupppp, read my post history. This place is the absolute mecca for AA.
I lived in Chi for a few years , westside in K town , amongst a few other places in Chi.
Get here ASAP. leave those crabs in a barrel and climb out.And I'm just not talking
Chi, I'm saying any barrel, USA.
And im not just directing this to AA, this goes to caucasians, mexicans, orientals whatever.....if you're tired of the racial BS in these United States of America, there is a place where everybody gets along and can less where you live, what you drive, where you work, what school you're from or any schooling at all, people just don't care. I didn't understand what they were talking about when said Arizona has a LIVE AND LET LIVE attitude until I came out here. Absolutely unbelievably !
So you're AA ????? ......man, jump in this water and before you do , reach in that cooler and grab me another one.....

That's the Arizona attitude.

[Ponderosa]

Don't be concerned about the racial aspects of your move. Like other posters said, it doesn't get much better than Phoenix for AAs. Integration, acceptance, opportunity. It's a two way street though so come with a positive attitude.

Where to live. Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale are nice places. But they get all the ink. They are older (1990s, haha) and getting built out and more pricey. There are plenty of others to consider. Goodyear (where I live) is the fastest growing city in Arizona. It is new, clean, safe, and, of course, growing like crazy. Follow the footsteps.

[sargeant79]

To echo the other responses already provided, I'd say come on out. I'm also from Chicago...been out here 5 years and haven't looked back. It's safer, traffic is better, cost of living is lower, and the weather is 100 times better as long as you can deal with the heat in the summer.

I also agree with what others have said in that issues with racism in Phoenix aren't anywhere near what they are back East. I think Mexican folks get it directed toward them a bit owing to all the heightened concern and news coverage about illegals, but for the most part race isn't a huge issue in Phoenix. Not saying you won't ever experience racism here, but it really seems to be better than a lot of other parts of the country.

In Phoenix, people are segregated economically more than they are by race. You tend to have lower income areas and more affluent neighborhoods with people of all different races in them. My neighborhood is fairly middle class. I'm white, my next door neighbor is white, and next door to him is an interracial couple (black/white) with a family. Next door to me on the other side is a Mexican-American family, and across the street is a black family from the Sudan who have been in the U.S. only a few years. All of them are really good folks and everyone all gets along great.

[ajonesaz]

Originally Posted by ledf6691

I am a career coach and an author and I would like to share some ideas with you. I'm working on writing a book now and I would suggest to you to go back to school. The University and get a degree in a recession proof career with the highest paying salary you can find. Don't stop with just a Bachelors degree get a Masters Degree go to a good school and borrow the money if you have too, it will pay off in the long run. Move to the Highest cost of living state or city like NYC or LA just to name a few because you want to be earning the highest wage you can in your working years. You don't want to move to the lowest cost of living area in your working years, save that for your retirement years. Just a thought. Good luck and be careful.

So move to the highest priced area possible and take out a massive student loan. Solid advice

OP has a child to care for as well. I was offered a transfer once to NYC, pay was only $8k higher and I probably would have had to live in a slum. Quality of life is more important.

[BIG CATS]

To the OP... lets put it this way... You can go anywhere you want in the Valley here and be ok. Me, being white, would fare FAR worse in Chicago's southside, just because of the color of my skin. Read: Chicago is far more racist than PHX is. Let that sink in for a minute. So, with that being said, make the move! Cmon down! Just bring a positive attitude, embrace the desert, and leave Chicago's lousy politics back where it belongs. Dont turn PHX into Chicago Jr, thats all we ask. See what the politicians in Chicago have done to the city, and learn the lessons.

[stevek64]

Originally Posted by BIG CATS

To the OP... lets put it this way... You can go anywhere you want in the Valley here and be ok. Me, being white, would fare FAR worse in Chicago's southside, just because of the color of my skin. Read: Chicago is far more racist than PHX is. Let that sink in for a minute. So, with that being said, make the move! Cmon down! Just bring a positive attitude, embrace the desert, and leave Chicago's lousy politics back where it belongs. Dont turn PHX into Chicago Jr, thats all we ask. See what the politicians in Chicago have done to the city, and learn the lessons.

Worth Repeating:

"Dont turn PHX into Chicago Jr, thats all we ask."

Or any other city/place people "miss" and want the Phoenix metro to be just like "home" with everything/anything they left behind.

Thank you!