Relocation to Phoenix or Tucson (Scottsdale, Chandler: homes, private schools, universities)

[TM726]

My husband and I are considering a relocation from the Detroit area to Phoenix or Tucson. As a fitness professional, the fast food & lazy lifestyle does not leave many prospects for him in terms of job. Are there good prospects for fitness professionals in this area? We are looking for a health conscious area with ample outdoor activities, gyms, and healthy & organic foods. I am a teacher and am curious about the educational system in Arizona. Currently, I am a teacher at an International Baccalaureate school and would like to continue in a similar school. We also have a 7 month old son and are interested in an area that is family friendly with a younger population. As I am certain the city itself is more expensive, what are the suburbs that are best for young families, but still in good proximity to Phoenix or Tucson. What are the best features that Phoenix and/or Tucson have to offer? What is the downside of living in Phoenix or Tucson?
Thank you in advance for you help!

[miamiman]

There is still a huge fast food market in Arizona. Just because this isn't Michigan doesn't mean that there aren't a bunch of fat, lazy slobs lounging around stuffing burgers, pies, and cokes down their throats all day long.

Tucson is generally cheaper than the Phoenix area, though neither are very expensive. Phoenix and Tucson are not like other metropolitan areas; urban areas are not necessarily more expensive than suburban areas.

The best prospects for fitness jobs would likely be in Scottsdale. There are quite a few health conscious people in and around Scottsdale, and also plenty of gyms to go along with that lifestyle. I spend a lot of time in Tucson and have noticed that yoga is pretty big down there. Also, I'm sure that the resorts in both areas could use fitness trainers.

I can't speak much for education in this state, as I do not have children. However, Arizona is ranked near the bottom when it comes to public education spending. Thus, I would suggest seeking private schools if possible. There is one public school in Tucson, Basis, that I believe was ranked in the top 10 of public schools in the country. There is a huge inconsistency between the quality of schools in this state. The three universities in this state (Northern Arizona, Arizona State, and University of Arizona) are mediocre at best, so that might be something you want to consider as well.

Tucson and Phoenix are in the same state but are not very similar at all. Phoenix is generally full of new infrastructure and homes, embraces growth, is much hotter, is MUCH larger, and is much more conservative than Tucson. Tucson is more laid back, is much cooler during the summertime (up to 20 cooler degrees at night and 10 degrees cooler during the day), is full of environmentalists and preservationsts, generally shuns growth, is smaller, has older infrastructure (although the suburbs are have tons of new development), is in a more scenic location (subjective), and is significantly more liberal than Phoenix and Maricopa County.

For what you're looking for, I suggest Tucson. However, if you're looking for new development, a bigger city (possibly more opportunities), a dynamic city that's constantly changing, and a more conservative environmnet, Phoenix is your city.

Good luck.

[fcorrales80]

Tucson was rated as one of the 10 healthiest and fittest cities in American by Men's Health and some other sources. Scottsdale, Tempe, and Chandler often fall into the fittest cities as well. Phoenix is generally in the middle of the pack, lots more people, lots more body shapes, LOL!

Maybe this thread will give more insight into the area; there is discussion about race, education, diversity, etc.
https://www.city-data.com/forum/phoen...nsidering.html

[azdr0710]

miamiman makes a very good summary.....

I'd add that many people are chasing few jobs now out here....fitness pro may be a job that isn't in high demand in this poor econ environment.....