Considering moving from North Florida to Phoenix. Wow its dry. Input needed. (allergy, live)

[Stacksilverson]

Hey everybody,

I'm considering moving from North Florida to Phoenix for work and I have some questions and concerns.

So I've visited Phoenix multiple times in the spring and really loved the city. The culture, things to do/see, and the desert landscape are pretty cool compared to where I'm from and looks like it would be fun to try out. I already have a better job lined up at my company there too so it works career wise too. Overall it makes sense on paper.

My only concern is the climate/weather. I've been out there to visit before but only for maybe 2 or 3 days before returning home. I was out there looking at places for 8 days last week and had some real trouble. The first couple of days I didnt notice anything other than my lips and mouth being a little dry with some skin dryness as well. By day 5 or 6 the tops of my hands were essentially peeling off and extremely dry. My nose was full of blood and I was bathing my hands and head in lotion constantly with no relief. I was also drinking an exorbitant amount of water (3 liters plus daily) with no avail. The worst thing that happened to me was that I was having a real hard time regulating my body temperature. Even though it was a very pleasant March day weather wise, I was freezing cold at all times. My body could just not get warm no matter what I did. I was wearing 3 or 4 layers of shirts with 3 layers of socks and still not warm. Needless to say, people were looking at me like I was crazy. This was the most troubling thing I experienced that made me doubt if I could make it in the desert climate. I got back to Florida a few days ago and when the wave of humidity hit me I almost teared up it felt so good. It was pouring rain when I got back and I rode with the windows down all the way home. The relief was amazing and everything has almost healed up now.

So has anyone else experienced this? How long did this last for you? Any remedies? Humidifier? I've done research online and I know people go through transition periods before getting acclimated to the weather but mine seemed rather harsh with the body temperature thing really messing me up. The city looks great, but going from the wettest place in the nation (90% humidify almost daily) to the dryest (I saw 8% when I was there) might be too much for this swamp guy.

Thanks again.

[Burning Madolf]

You sound like a tropical plant.
What kind of shape are you in generally speaking?

[JGMotorsport64]

Your body adapts. When I go back east for work or whatever for more than a week, I come back to Phoenix dried out and with allergy problems for about a day or two then I’m back to normal.

Some things you just get used to (ashy skin and chapped lips and can remedy quite easily)

[HollyhockGarden]

Hi Stacksilverson --

First, welcome to City-Data!

Yes, Florida to Arizona is a big change. Spring is usually a very dry time period in the Phoenix area, with not much rain at all. In the summer, we get "Monsoon" storms which bring thunderstorms. The humidity is typically higher in summer and the thunderstorms often occur in late afternoon/early evening, cooling the air. But it is still hot, I'm not going to lie.

I did not experience any body changes when I moved here, so I do not know what to tell you. I do know that some people who move here cannot stand the climate and move back. I think the ration is about 1:3, but it may have changed. This is going to have to be a judgement call on your part -- only you will know whether you want to take the risk.

Another aspect to consider is how your company feels about relocation costs. Will you have to pay back the relocation costs if you do not stay a certain amount of time? Will you be able to apply and get another job with your company if you chose to move back? Will the company be willing to pay relocation costs from Phoenix back to Florida [or to another spot]. Also, if you are part of a couple, what happens with your spouse's employment? Moves get complicated pretty fast.

Good luck with your decision. It may be that the opportunity for a job promotion at this stage in your career is at the perfect time, and you may get used to the heat and enjoy your stay. Maybe you can stay for several years and then move somewhere else. Think about it carefully and make you decision. Things will work out!!!

[Stacksilverson]

Originally Posted by Burning Madolf

You sound like a tropical plant.
What kind of shape are you in generally speaking?

You are quite right about that. I've lived in multiple FL cities but always in FL. It can be 90 degrees with 95% humidity and I feel fine. Don't even break a sweat

I'm 31, thin but fit. Well hydrated. I am sober and don't drink caffeine/coffee or anything else that would dehydrate me. I figured I could handle the heat and make up the difference in humidity with water intake. My body really did not like the lack of humidity. The body temp regulation issue gives me pause.

AZ would be a fun change for me and a great opportunity for my career, but I'm not looking to go out there and suffer for a year either...

[Stacksilverson]

Originally Posted by JGMotorsport64

Your body adapts. When I go back east for work or whatever for more than a week, I come back to Phoenix dried out and with allergy problems for about a day or two then I’m back to normal.

Some things you just get used to (ashy skin and chapped lips and can remedy quite easily)

That's reassuring. The chapped lips and dry skin was no big deal really and I'm sure would get better over time. But I cant deal with the body temp issue if it's long term. Gotta get that figured out before committing.

[Stacksilverson]

Originally Posted by HollyhockGarden

Hi Stacksilverson --

First, welcome to City-Data!

Yes, Florida to Arizona is a big change. Spring is usually a very dry time period in the Phoenix area, with not much rain at all. In the summer, we get "Monsoon" storms which bring thunderstorms. The humidity is typically higher in summer and the thunderstorms often occur in late afternoon/early evening, cooling the air. But it is still hot, I'm not going to lie.

I did not experience any body changes when I moved here, so I do not know what to tell you. I do know that some people who move here cannot stand the climate and move back. I think the ration is about 1:3, but it may have changed. This is going to have to be a judgement call on your part -- only you will know whether you want to take the risk.

Another aspect to consider is how your company feels about relocation costs. Will you have to pay back the relocation costs if you do not stay a certain amount of time? Will you be able to apply and get another job with your company if you chose to move back? Will the company be willing to pay relocation costs from Phoenix back to Florida [or to another spot]. Also, if you are part of a couple, what happens with your spouse's employment? Moves get complicated pretty fast.

Good luck with your decision. It may be that the opportunity for a job promotion at this stage in your career is at the perfect time, and you may get used to the heat and enjoy your stay. Maybe you can stay for several years and then move somewhere else. Think about it carefully and make you decision. Things will work out!!!

This is great info thank you. Just what I was looking for. It's looking like I might be that one out of three you were talking about. My company wouldn't pay for relocation costs either way so it's all on me. No spouse to worry about. I'm thinking I come back out in May for a couple weeks to see if I can hack it.

[Burning Madolf]

Originally Posted by Stacksilverson

You are quite right about that. I've lived in multiple FL cities but always in FL. It can be 90 degrees with 95% humidity and I feel fine. Don't even break a sweat

I'm 31, thin but fit. Well hydrated. I am sober and don't drink caffeine/coffee or anything else that would dehydrate me. I figured I could handle the heat and make up the difference in humidity with water intake. My body really did not like the lack of humidity. The body temp regulation issue gives me pause.

AZ would be a fun change for me and a great opportunity for my career, but I'm not looking to go out there and suffer for a year either...

It's good that you are fit and not/weren't doing things that add to the pain (like drinking too much alcohol/caffeine). So I think you probably could adapt. I grew up in the NE and worked every hazy, hot and humid summer outdoors and loved it. Out here it took some time to adapt, but I figured it out. You probably can too but your issue sounds more like whether the opportunity is worth it or not.

[Ponderosa]

It sure sounds like you should stay in Florida. I've been here over 40 years and have never had a need for chapstick, lip balms or lotion of any kind.

[ringler24]

Your body will adjust to all of this. When we first got here I couldn't wear my contacts because they glued to my eyeballs and had to put vaseline on my feet every night. All is well now 8 months later.