Moving to Phoenix soon, trying to get my ducks in a row. They're not cooperating. Stupid ducks.

[JAinAZ]

When it comes right down to it dirtbarbie, moving to AZ is the same as moving anywhere. If you do your homework and go in to it with your eyes open, there won't be any huge surprises. Two months ago my wife and I moved to Sierra Vista from upstate NY without knowing a soul and with no jobs lined up (may not be for everyone). We had savings from the sale of our house to use if necessary, but both have jobs now and are doing fine. It is what you make of it. We are making less than in NY, but spending less too. I certainly know what you mean about needing a change, and say do your research and go for it!

[leavingGA]

I agree. Never be discouraged. Every person is an individual and outcomes can be totally different for similar people in the same circumstances.

I moved from WA back to TX without knowing anyone there and it was just fine. It did not work out in GA but then again, I have hundreds of (estranged and distant) family members and it was still not pleasant.

So it is okay to plan ahead but always keep a contingency plan or two as a back up. That's what I learned from being in GA. Don't expect ANYONE to help you. Try connecting with someone locally who's single and might also want to live in Phoenix.

[dirtbarbie]

Thanks, everyone, for your input. Again the positive AND negative input (was a post deleted?) has made me all the more resolute and painted a clear picture of what I am getting into. Some of you drew a line in the sand and I am going to cross it! I hope those of you who have been out of work for a very long time can find something suitable... if you are an engineer you indeed may have a hard time competing with someone like me for a job at Krispy Kreme, or the housecleaning business, or any other job in the 'very low-paying service industries that dont offer much of a paycheck or a future'. Jobs like that have been my bread and butter all my life, and do not require a degree, just a good attitude. I may be more qualified than some in that I would be happy there, and you would be miserable. In that sense, maybe I'm not the one who is the 'outsider' in that job market. Just an observation.

However it works out, I will be happy. If I go to Phoenix, have a hard time finding work, and have to spend a couple months outside climbing because I have nothing else to do... I will be ok with that. Then I will go somewhere else. I have a Plan B and a Plan C, niether of which involve going on the public dole, lest there not be enough for the out of work engineers

Now, I would really like to hear from some people 'like me' who like thier neighborhood, or who could tell me where I would likely NOT want to live.

[YAZ]

I've lived here 5 short years and while there have been some challenges, life is good.

I had a job offer here in Phoenix before I moved and the place was a joke....lasted 7 months. The apartment that I first lived in was OK, as the rent was so cheap it made everything else a cakewalk.

I'm a machinist in the aerospace industry, and even though the economy is in the crapper there still is a lot of work to do.

I met my wife out here and have some great friends....priceless. Glad I moved here.

We live on the west side of Phoenix; quite close to Glendale. Mostly older block homes in our neighborhood and yes, all of the homes look different. A quiet community with lots of good stuff close by.

Good luck to you dirtbarbie, you're gonna have a blast!