Initial Thoughts on Phoenix-3 Months In

[manhattangirl]

Originally Posted by ncaz2018

Well it’s been 3 months since I packed up my car, left Charlotte, and drove across the country to start my new life in Phoenix, so I thought I’d give an update and share my thoughts on the transition so far:

The weather-I survived my first summer! In all honesty, it wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. For the most part, I’m actually enjoying the dry heat, and am finding it to be far more tolerable than the oppressive humidity on the east coast. On most days, I’ve been able to leave my office at lunch and take a short walk to the cafe around the corner or the Starbucks across the street, despite the 100+ temps. Had I tried to take the same walk back in Charlotte in 80+ degree temps, I’d been drenched in sweat due to the humidity.

The people/social scene- To date, I’ve found the vast majority of people I’ve met to be very laid back and friendly. In the short time I’ve been here, I’ve had no trouble meeting people, and have already started to form a few meaningful friendships. I’ve been pleasantly surprised to find that there is no shortage of single people my age (early 40s) who are looking to socialize and make new friends. And there are plenty of activities and events to keep me busy- happy hours, great restaurants, paint nights, festivals, etc.

The scenery- I’m still getting used to the desert landscape. While the scenery is beautiful in its own way, I do miss the lush greenery of the east coast. With that being said, I’ve heard that Flagstaff is beautiful in the fall, so I’ll definitely be planning some weekend road trips over the next few months.

So these are my overall thoughts to date. I’m still adjusting, but overall I believe this was a good move for me, and I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon.

Welcome! Congrats on making it through your first summer. I much prefer Phoenix summer to NY winter, by the way.



I would like to recommend driving down South in addition to up north. There is not as much forest in the Tucson area as there is in Flag but it is worth the short drive in the cooler months to do a little hiking. and see a dusting of snow.


It sounds as if you are meeting people easily but you may consider joining meetup and Internations ifyou ever want to expand your circle. There are tons of transplants here so I think that helps people to feel welcome. Many people are from somewhere else and the locals are used to "outsiders."

[pbenjamin]

Originally Posted by ncaz2018

The weather-I survived my first summer!

No you didn't, because it's not over yet. Expect another month or so of 100+ temperatures. It's length of the thing as much as the heat.

[locolife]

Originally Posted by pbenjamin

No you didn't, because it's not over yet. Expect another month or so of 100+ temperatures. It's length of the thing as much as the heat.

The lows are already improving though, it’s the little things.

[Jnvlv247]

Originally Posted by locolife

There is one epic "hike" (I use the term hike loosely given that it's a pretty flat, low exertion trail) in Oak Creek Canyon. It's called West Fork Canyon and it's absolutely stunning in the fall. You can check the foliage maps for when peak is expected, typically it's in mid-October and due to the geography and amount of water in the canyon you do get a lot of Oak trees that are amazing each fall.

Where are these maps you speak of? I cannot find a good reliable and current one. When I search I just see Averages and articles from last year or so OR I get the Northeastern maps

[Burkmere]

Originally Posted by pbenjamin

No you didn't, because it's not over yet. Expect another month or so of 100+ temperatures. It's length of the thing as much as the heat.

The average high in Phoenix according to the US Climate web site drops below 100 in six days. Still some 100 days for sure, but also plenty of 90s. The light at the end of the tunnel is VISIBLE. Average lows have already dropped into the 70s.

[ncaz2018]

Originally Posted by locolife

The lows are already improving though, it’s the little things.

I agree. The worst of it is behind us.

[Jnvlv247]

I ride my bike usually and yesterday was great!! I only did half a mile of riding from work to gym and to home but at 5pm, it was nice and hot. The sun was oven like but it was not humid so I didn't sweat. It felt like a nice June day. Drops in DP really make a big diff