Phoenix residents convince me to move there.

[locolife]

Originally Posted by hoodyb4.

thank you locolife!

Absolutely! Best of luck with your visit and making what I know is not an easy decision!

[Nn2036]

Originally Posted by locolife

There's no real downtown? Really?

Nobody adjusts 110, we go hiking/biking in the mornings when it's in the 70s-80s. Then it the pool or the many muesuems in our fake downtown.

I guess Mexico and Canada aren't international destinations anymore?

And if you're going to have 1 destination to Europe I'd say London is a good one, once you're in Haethrow you can go anywhere.

I did not say there is no DT but Downtown is pathetic for such big metro. Just look at Portland, much better DT for a metro half the size of Phoenix.

Phoenix has been trying to get flight to Japan. In the end, San Diego was chosen, not Phoenix. I guess they don't think Phoenix is rich or sophisticated enough.

[stevek64]

Originally Posted by Nn2036

I did not say there is no DT but Downtown is pathetic for such big metro. Just look at Portland, much better DT for a metro half the size of Phoenix.

Phoenix has been trying to get flight to Japan. In the end, San Diego was chosen, not Phoenix.

DT like areas are spread out in the Phoenix metro....Mill Ave in Tempe, Old town in Scottsdale, etc, ie independent downtown's in a sense, not just one large main DT. The valley is really a series of large cities, largely suburban, with their own built in "DT" areas so I think it's tough to compare it to places like Portland/ other older cities with mainly one DT area.

As for Phoenix "trying" to get a flight to Japan, it's all a matter of demand of course. Cities in CA, especially southern CA, have a much larger Japanese population there than the Phoenix metro so unless there's steady demand to Japan, we won't see it and no amount of "trying" will make it any different. Aside, it's an easy connect to San Diego, or LA, etc from sky harbor to make it to Japan for those who want to go there.

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by hoodyb4.

I posted earlier that I was offered a job at the VA and am seriously considering the move there.
My wife and I will be visiting next week to check out areas to live and had some helpful input from others on this board regarding neighborhoods within our budget (350-450k)and commute time to work (30min) which I appreciate now my questions.


Why should I move to the Phoenix area vs. Reno where we currently reside? I read yes summer heat brutal, traffic a bear, air pollution a problem, cost of housing going up.


Reno is a nice city 500k pop., mountains (Tahoe), no real traffic to speak of (but growing), seasons not too extreme,good economy with all major shopping etc.
Downside- snow, cold winters, wind, seasonal golf, casinos,c
Ca. transplants raising prop.$$, no major sports teams, smaller airport with many connectors, been here 25 years, ready for a change.

If you're looking for a change, are you really prepared for the kind of drastic change Phoenix would be compared to Reno? First and foremost, Phoenix is a much larger city with nearly 5 million people in the metro area ... so even though we don't have same kind of tourism that Nevada does, the traffic is going to be much more congested here compared to what you're used to. Phoenix also has a much warmer climate, which I'm sure you know already. The thing to keep in mind is: too many newcomers believe they can tolerate temps of 110+ nearly every day in the summer, so they go outside and exert themselves, only to suffer from heat exhaustion/heat stroke. Don't be one of them!

Originally Posted by hoodyb4.

What will Phoenix offer us as we start to look at retirement years with 5-7 year timeline?

The Phoenix area is a prime location for retirees, especially the NW Valley in & around the Sun Cities. Those are age restricted communities, and the housing costs are very reasonable due to the low property taxes (no school taxes to pay). There are also quite a few developments that advertise themselves as "adult communities" but are not age restricted. These are also popular among retirees. Overall, quite a few options to choose from.

Originally Posted by hoodyb4.

What is the true selling points of the area? Why do you choose to live there?

Cost of living is more reasonable compared to other large cities our size ... this is one big thing that attracts people here from higher priced regions like California, Chicago area, and east coast. Some people cite the weather/climate as another factor, but this is very subjective when you factor in the extreme summer heat. A few others will say that Phoenix offers a good combination of big city amenities and plenty of natural wonders in close proximity. As for me, I was born & raised here ... and I remain here mainly for essential reasons like my job and my family are here. Phoenix is far from perfect, but it's my home, and it could be a lot worse than what it is.

[locolife]

Originally Posted by Nn2036

I did not say there is no DT but Downtown is pathetic for such big metro. Just look at Portland, much better DT for a metro half the size of Phoenix.

Phoenix has been trying to get flight to Japan. In the end, San Diego was chosen, not Phoenix. I guess they don't think Phoenix is rich or sophisticated enough.

It has nothing to do with being rich or sophisticated, it's based on route demand using the number of passengers originating from Phoenix that are heading to Japan. It's really not that big of a deal to connect through other west coast cities for Asia flights, I've done it a number of times. I'm sure San Diego has a much larger Asian population that drive more demand for flights to Japan.

So first we don't have a "real" downtown and now it's just pathetic? I guess that means you don't like places like dozens of local eateries, NBA/MLB games, stand up comedy shows, dozens art galleries and museums, performing arts, nonstop festivals, major concert venues and so on? Much like Phoenix as a whole it's pretty convenient parking/riding the train in is easy and it's relatively affordable to live there compared to those "non pathetic" downtown areas.

It also has the highest increase in rent prices in the valley along with 1,000's of new living units going up year after year. I guess there's a few of us that don't think it's so pathetic.

[KurtAZ]

OP: Why would you want to come here if you are already established in Reno? The only change...you are trading a smaller town/city for a much bigger city. That comes with some amenities but it also comes with some costs. Personally...I'd stay in Reno if the only impetus to move to Phoenix was a job.

[Minntoaz]

If I was at your phase in life (going to retire in 5-7 years in which case you can always relocate) it would all depend on COL differences and potentially family. I'm going to assume since you're considering the move family isn't a factor for whatever reason. But COL especially if you are about to retire is huge.

Assuming Phoenix is more fiscally reasonable... I'd keep the Reno place and rent it out. That way in your 5-7 years you can go back to it if you so desire.

[hoodyb4.]

Originally Posted by Minntoaz

If I was at your phase in life (going to retire in 5-7 years in which case you can always relocate) it would all depend on COL differences and potentially family. I'm going to assume since you're considering the move family isn't a factor for whatever reason. But COL especially if you are about to retire is huge.

Assuming Phoenix is more fiscally reasonable... I'd keep the Reno place and rent it out. That way in your 5-7 years you can go back to it if you so desire.

Minntoaz,


That is my thoughts. I did not fully disclose my entire situation. I have a mother in law (healthy 84) who does struggle though with the cold and altitude here and I'm thinking the warmer climate would benefit. We have a house here she lives in besides our main residence. I'm thinking sell our main, rent out hers while we move to AZ for the next 5-7 years and have the option to go back or at least go there for the summer stretches. Another plus is my retirement will be boosted a bit by my Phoenix job transition.
So I'm thinking of finding a place in the area with a casita situation or a mobile home park near where we want to live. In the mean time find a spot in AZ to eventually snowbird when the time arrives.

[BIG CATS]

Reno, baby! That's one other SW city that I would consider relocating to (and there aren't too many). Its a funky town, and the weather is about perfect by my standards.