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You got some good advice here. I'm Asian (Philippine born ethnic Chinese) and find as stated, that Asians tend to be spread out.
Salaries I guess would depend on the industry. IT and medical field are those that compensate reasonably decent as opposed to the regular service jobs.
Hi everyone, I just need some info from long-time Phoenix natives before I really make the big move. I've been researching various states where I can finally settle down, and as much as I'd prefer to try the rain and greenery of Washington state, I can't afford to live there on a single income, and I'm not sure if I can handle the long, dark, and freezing winter months. Since I'm from Vegas, I can tolerate the desert heat so the Phoenix summers won't be much of a deterrent for me. I think there also seems to be a better cultural atmosphere in Phoenix as well as healthcare, education, and farmers markets and such. The cost of living is affordable, it's a pro-gun state, and AZ doesn't observe the silly daylight savings time. What I'd like to know more of is the following:
What areas of the city would be safe for a single person to move into, especially when I'd probably be renting for the first year. Would renting cost as much monthly as owning a house?
Hello EvaB.
I’m not a long-time Phoenix native but I’m sure I can offer some answers for your questions.
Lots of safe areas exist even in the centralized areas. We rent in Arcadia, it’s a little more expensive than some areas but it’s very safe.
I like it here for many of the reasons you listed----
Better political climate, good job market, affordable cost of living, decent healthcare, and lots of things to do for recreation.
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Would I need to retake both the written and road test before getting an AZ driver's license?
I didn’t have to. Your car might have to go through emissions testing if it reaches a certain age but I have a fairly new car and it wasn’t required.
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Originally Posted by Eva_B
Jobwise, I'll be looking for a lab tech position...what are the good hospitals and reference labs? Are the salaries lower in AZ relative to the cost of living?
Honor Health and Banner have good reputations. I developed breast cancer last year and I found a super great surgeon and oncologist in the Honor Health system. Both of them are in the north Phoenix area.
On the pay scale issue----
I found a pretty good paying job here but the salaries are lower than California where I moved from. Cost of living is better and your money goes a lot farther here.
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Originally Posted by Eva_B
What are the tax rates?
Much lower than other big cities. Everything seems more reasonable here cost-wise but I’m not sure how it compares to Las Vegas.
We looked at Las Vegas as one of the cities to move to and it seemed a lot cheaper than California so it might not be all that different here.
I know Nevadans don’t pay state income taxes but Arizonans do, that’s one thing to think about when comparing tax rates and costs of living.
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What's the traffic and transportation like? I like driving, but I wouldn't want to commute too far to work and home.
This is my one big complaint about Phoenix. Rush hour traffic stinks and everything seems so scattered about. Even if you live in a centralized area you might have to do a ton of driving depending on where your job is and other errands are.
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Where are the flood zones? I'm a little afraid of monsoon season...
Monsoon season is nothing to get excited about. We get a little thunder, lightning, gusty wind, and rain every now and then but it’s not like you’re going to get deluged. Phoenix summers get more clear skies than storms. Doesn't the monsoon season affect Vegas too?
The heat is the main topic of concern but being from Vegas I’m sure you’re used to it.
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Originally Posted by Eva_B
What's the population diversity? Is there a fairly good mix of races where a minority wouldn't stand out too much?
It’s a pretty good mix----lots of Hispanics and a fair share of blacks but it’s majority white. Different races and cultures blend in pretty well here I think. I don’t notice any overt racism at all.
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Originally Posted by Eva_B
How bad is the scorpion problem?
Lol, you live in the Nevada desert and you’re worried about scorpions here? It’s like the monsoon season storms, they’re around but they aren't in swarms or attacking people all over the place. I haven’t seen any scorps since I moved here.
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Originally Posted by Eva_B
Are there a wide variety of casual restaurants for eating in and take out?
You betcha. Restaurants of all kinds for whatever your taste is.
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Originally Posted by Eva_B
What are the main internet companies? Is it Cox?
Cox and Century Link. Both companies advertise on TV like there’s no tomorrow.
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Originally Posted by Eva_B
Are there local guides who could show me around Phoenix when I visit?
I’m sure there are but we didn’t need them when we moved here.
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Originally Posted by Eva_B
Thanks for the assistance!
You're welcome, and I hope you decide to move to Phoenix. My husband and I moved last year from Sacramento and we like it so much better here than there.
Hi everyone, I just need some info from long-time Phoenix natives before I really make the big move. I've been researching various states where I can finally settle down, and as much as I'd prefer to try the rain and greenery of Washington state, I can't afford to live there on a single income, and I'm not sure if I can handle the long, dark, and freezing winter months. Since I'm from Vegas, I can tolerate the desert heat so the Phoenix summers won't be much of a deterrent for me. I think there also seems to be a better cultural atmosphere in Phoenix as well as healthcare, education, and farmers markets and such. The cost of living is affordable, it's a pro-gun state, and AZ doesn't observe the silly daylight savings time.
Others have already given some good answers to your questions , but I'll add that I personally like AZ because of the fact that we're pro gun, and we don't observe DST. I'm also a staunch proponent of our right to work atmosphere, and how labor unions don't have much of an impact here. I think you're right about Phoenix having more of a true city feel than Vegas ... however, Vegas has the casinos, mega concerts, and nightlife that Phoenix tends to lack.
As far as the heat is concerned: the summers are slightly hotter in Phoenix than Vegas, but there's not too much difference overall. As they say: it's a dry heat. Vegas is typically less humid and receives less rain, so the dry heat factor would probably apply more appropriately to Vegas than Phoenix during much of the summer. Being a native, I should be used to our summer heat, but I've become more sick of it the longer I live here & grow older.
All useful tips, thanks again! Job first, then move...check! I've noticed job postings for HonorHealth and Quest, but I should probably visit the area to get a feel for the commute. I worry that as I get older, the heat could affect me in a bad way too, but I think the cold and wet of Washington state would be worse... I'm torn between either freezing in the winter or roasting in the summer! Vegas is similar to PHX, but I'm not a nightlife person, and I hate DST! Makes me wonder now what could be the biggest difference for choosing AZ over NV other than the job market? I no longer even consider CA because of the higher cost of living and lower quality of life if you don't have the money...
All useful tips, thanks again! Job first, then move...check! I've noticed job postings for HonorHealth and Quest, but I should probably visit the area to get a feel for the commute. I worry that as I get older, the heat could affect me in a bad way too, but I think the cold and wet of Washington state would be worse... I'm torn between either freezing in the winter or roasting in the summer! Vegas is similar to PHX, but I'm not a nightlife person, and I hate DST! Makes me wonder now what could be the biggest difference for choosing AZ over NV other than the job market? I no longer even consider CA because of the higher cost of living and lower quality of life if you don't have the money...
The only things Vegas has going for it over Phoenix are the abundant nightlife, and of course the casino action. People from Phoenix and southern CA to go Vegas on the weekends for the party atmosphere, to see a show or two, and gamble. I don't see Vegas as a good place to live if you want to establish a good career without having to work in the casino, hotel, or entertainment industry. Phoenix definitely has the better job market.
Some would argue that Vegas has the better variety of cuisine and shopping, but I disagree. The area along & near the Strip has a wide assortment of places to dine & shop, and some are internationally recognized. In all honesty, you can get all or most of those things right here in the Phoenix area, but they're not concentrated in one area.
You're right that the climate in Vegas is similar to Phoenix, but there are some notable differences ... such as: Phoenix has slightly hotter summers, somewhat higher humidity, and more rainfall on average. Vegas is where the "but it's a dry heat" slogan really fits during the summer months. Winters in Vegas tend to be colder, especially the overnight lows. Newcomers don't seem to mind the Phoenix summers ... in fact, there are those who seem to thrive on the heat, but they're in the minority. For most people, the constant heat for four months or so gets tiresome and hard to handle the longer they live here. Different strokes for different folks.
The main concern I have about settling down in a city that's too spread out is if for whatever reasons, I'm unable to drive myself to places. At least with crammed cities like NY or Seattle, restaurants and businesses can be just a walk or a bike ride away? Public transportation isn't reliable in Vegas, and from what I hear, it's not much better in Phoenix either...
The main concern I have about settling down in a city that's too spread out is if for whatever reasons, I'm unable to drive myself to places. At least with crammed cities like NY or Seattle, restaurants and businesses can be just a walk or a bike ride away? Public transportation isn't reliable in Vegas, and from what I hear, it's not much better in Phoenix either...
You're going to have a bit of a problem living in Phoenix, if you can't drive. However, many people take Uber where they need to go, in fact, as a part-time Uber driver myself, I've met many people that use Uber as their daily means of getting to and from work, school, etc., as it works out cheaper sometimes than making car payments, insurance, etc.
Phoenix is a great city, with a surprisingly large food scene, and a very large healthcare sector. Mayo Clinic has two campuses here (Phoenix and Scottsdale) and Banner Health has a HUGE presence in the Valley, with several locations. There are also labs such as Quest in the area as well. My one piece of advice to you would be (if you are moving here without a job, I don't recall what you said) would be to find someplace short-term, and then move relevant to your job location. For example: we live in N. Phoenix, just north of Paradise Valley Mall. Great area, close to shops, restaurants, and a short drive to Downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale, so it's honestly perfect for what we need (no more than a 30 minute drive to work). Public transit, while here, is not really prevalent. Unless you live and work off of the light rail, there isn't much reliable transportation here (see above re: Uber, and Lyft is also gaining popularity - there is 1 or 2 major taxi companies in Phoenix, and they are NOT reliable at all).
Best of luck to you. We've been here almost 18 months now, and it's been good and bad for a lot of reasons. Unfortunately we'll probably be leaving in the next 6-8 months). But it's definitely been an adventure!
You're going to have a bit of a problem living in Phoenix, if you can't drive. However, many people take Uber where they need to go, in fact, as a part-time Uber driver myself, I've met many people that use Uber as their daily means of getting to and from work, school, etc., as it works out cheaper sometimes than making car payments, insurance, etc.
Phoenix is a great city, with a surprisingly large food scene, and a very large healthcare sector. Mayo Clinic has two campuses here (Phoenix and Scottsdale) and Banner Health has a HUGE presence in the Valley, with several locations. There are also labs such as Quest in the area as well. My one piece of advice to you would be (if you are moving here without a job, I don't recall what you said) would be to find someplace short-term, and then move relevant to your job location. For example: we live in N. Phoenix, just north of Paradise Valley Mall. Great area, close to shops, restaurants, and a short drive to Downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale, so it's honestly perfect for what we need (no more than a 30 minute drive to work). Public transit, while here, is not really prevalent. Unless you live and work off of the light rail, there isn't much reliable transportation here (see above re: Uber, and Lyft is also gaining popularity - there is 1 or 2 major taxi companies in Phoenix, and they are NOT reliable at all).
Best of luck to you. We've been here almost 18 months now, and it's been good and bad for a lot of reasons. Unfortunately we'll probably be leaving in the next 6-8 months). But it's definitely been an adventure!
Spoken like someone who doesn't use public transit much if at all. There's way more available than just the light rail, with reliable routes on most major east-west roads,( and express routes, some of which may work for what the OP needs). The shift work in health care may be incompatible with public transit, but a lot depends on where the OP ends up living and working, and the hours.
As a recent transplant to Phoenix I have to warn you and anyone else looking to move here to be prepared to shell out a $500 deposit for your electricity. Shock and awe when I found out.
As a recent transplant to Phoenix I have to warn you and anyone else looking to move here to be prepared to shell out a $500 deposit for your electricity. Shock and awe when I found out.
I never had to do that.. and my credit is admittedly in the toilet. What service provider do you have?
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It’s like the monsoon season storms, they’re around but they aren't in swarms or attacking people all over the place. I haven’t seen any scorps since I moved here.
