Young East Coasters Considering Phoenix Area

[locolife]

Originally Posted by ka3la

Yeah - this took a turn I wasn't expecting I'm pretty confident that we can both find jobs here and live comfortably - especially because my company has a large office downtown that I can transfer to.

It always does on this forum unfortunately, with your job already lined up you’ve got the biggest issue taken care of, I think you’ll find plenty of like minded friends especially if you chose to live in a more central part of the valley. The idea that’s metro Phoenix is overtly conservative is just not accurate, precinct level voting shows pretty clearly where the divide is across the valley. https://decisiondeskhq.com/data-dive...-precinct-map/

I spent about 5-6 years in the northeast and I have fairly independent political views, I’ve not found Phoenix to be oppressive to those with different opinions and actually I’ve been quite surprised how progressive the city can be on certain topics such as expanding light rail, adding equality protection. Like any city, there’s plenty to improve on but growing at a clip of 90,000 people a year means there’s more than a few things people like about the valley.

[Tokinouta]

Its laid back here compared to back east. Flip flops, tank tops, are the norm. Work attire is equally laid back, not many suits in 110-degree weather.

I will differ about the heat. For one, visiting during the hottest part of the summer isn't going to tell you much. You're not acclimated yet. It will take a few years to acclimate and tell whether it bothers you or not. I would plan a few years to see if you like it, after that if you don't you can move elsewhere. Keep a moving fund for that purpose until you settle on a location. Id say give it at least three years.

Unfortunately, most people move during the honeymoon phase before they acclimate to the heat and find a solid environment here. It's really hard to tell the first few years. I would have a plan to stay three years then decide if this is a good fit. Politics change, as do job markets and weather. Give yourself plenty of time.

People move slower here as a rule than back east. Try and relax, set a few goals and make sure you rent a house with a pool. Summers are great with a pool, without it they can make you feel like you're stuck indoors and you may get SAD. Yes, we get that here. It's like a winter without a fireplace and skiing. It's just a drag without a pool and BBQ.

If you're able, explore a few states a couple years at a time. Why not!

We are only six hours from San Diego, Los Angeles, and Vegas. Explore.

[Java Jolt]

Originally Posted by locolife

Phoenix metro is a big area and despite a national reputation as being quite conservative the Phoenix and Tempe are fairly liberal, Phoenix for example has had Democratic mayors since 2004 and both cities have developed and passed anti-discrimination equality standards that you’d probably never expect given the national attention the valley usually gets.

On the flip side I’d say Arizona has always been more of libertarian leaning than conservative, it’s a region that prefers to let people live as they may and has kept government fairly small. Generally, this has meant low taxes and a pro-business mentality that’s been very successful. Times have changed a bit and there’s currently a major push by the public to overhaul our failing public education system. This will be an interesting social test as to how low taxes should be and how much do we value a quality education as a fundamental right.

Hopefully that helps a bit, I’ve found everyone here to be fairly accepting in day to day life, after 15 years in the valley my friends span all walks of life from LGBT to straight hardcore Republican and everything in between. Generally most people get along well and I’ve never felt ousted due to having a difference of opinion.

Very well-written.

I complain a lot about the ultraconservative legislature and their slashing funds for schools but that's on a state level, the majority of people I run across in the Phoenix MSA are much more moderate and pro-education.

Phoenix has some very conservative suburban areas especially in the east valley, I think that is the main reason why so many hardcore republicans are elected to county and state offices.

You're right about Phoenix and Tempe, they are more liberal and I think anywhere in the MSA would be accepting for new arrivals regardless of political persuasion.