Thinking of relocating to AZ???

[arabdrifter]

So, MI just isnt cutting it anymore. I've been wanting to live in AZ for some time now. Any helpful info on cities to look for, current jobs, apartments...etc. Much appreciated:)

[arabdrifter]

i also have an uncle who lives 20 mins from the Bay bridge(correct me if im wrong, its been a long time since i've been to AZ). I also have family in the San Fransisco area, so i wont be 100% alone:)

[Bubba1]

It might help to know what kinda work you do.

[arabdrifter]

True, i currently work as a manager at a gas station. I have alot of shipping/receiving experience. Also was a certified HI-LO driver for walmart/home depot. I've taken 1yr of certified welding at my local community college, along with 3yrs of programming classes. So, im really into anything, long as its a decent paying job

[poems2beats]

I lived in the Phoenix area for while. It was ok I guess... Cost of living in reasonable. Compared to California there isn't as much diversity and the night life is ok. The land scape is kind of bland. It seems as if everything was a shade of brown or red. In general people seemed a lot less open minded. There is like 3 moths of the year that get stupid hot. If your going to move to AZ I would recommend moving near ASU, ike somewhere in Tempe.

[Jesda]

Too much sunshine, open spaces, freedom, and abundance. Don't bother.

[nissangirl74]

I live here and love it. Yes, the heat sucks for about three months out of the year but when it gets that bad, you go indoors, turn on the A/C and deal with it. The extremely mild winters are SOOOOOOO worth it.
I don't think it would be an issue for you to find a job. The market here doesn't suck too bad, especially if you are open to options.
What you like to do in your spare time would be the best indicator of where you want to live.
DO NOT MOVE TO EL MIRAGE. EVER. EVER, EVER, EVER. South Phoenix has a bad crime rate, so I'd stay clear of there as well. Tucson sucks a**.
Tempe is a great choice if you like bars / night life. Chandler / Mesa are on the East side (I'm on the West, so I am not as familiar with them), but we have family that live there and love it. Lots of people in the car scene there. Scottsdale is for the uber-rich. We live in Surprise. Beautiful neighborhoods, a lot of it is newer developments. It is also home to the largest retirement community IN THE WORLD, so if you have issues with old people / their driving / getting somewhere in a big damn hurry, just be prepared for delays.
With that being said, I love it. Lord willing, I will never live anywhere else. If you like outdoor activities, we have it all: hiking, fishing, boating, skiing. In the Valley, the climate is either temperate or HOT. However, just a couple of hours North, there are communities that have four seasons. Go another hour North and the amount of snowfall they get in the Wintertime is similar to that of Colorado. We have national sports teams. We have lots of cool places to go, awesome things to see (I like our desert landscape), and we are only 5 hours from Vegas and about 6.5 to san Diego (depending on traffic).
Rent varies widely depending on what you want. Do you want an apartment? House? How many bedrooms? Etc. (Our neighbor just bought a 6 BR, 3 BA, 3 car garage home that was foreclosed on for only $175K). Give me some details and I can help you better.

[arabdrifter]

wow, NISSANGIRL74, you're awesome :hug: Great info so far. Hot weather doesnt bother me in the least bit. Id rather go for blazing hot/dry weather than, hot/humid<like it is here in MI:(. Id like to get a decent apartment($500-600 w/utilities) 1 bedroom as ill be solo. Not too big on clubs n what not, but do enjoy the city life alot. Believe it or not, i've never went hiking or camping, so that what be something new id like to try, if i moved there. Anyhow, keep the info coming. BTW..if it helps here's my FB link to quickly get at me and keep in touch http://www.facebook.com/dave.amer1

[nissangirl74]

Done. I'll do some more researching for you and send you the info. However, what I do recommend if you can swing it, is a visit. No matter what I say or how much I love it, you could get out here, look around, and say, "WTF is she smoking? This place sucks." I would highly recommend you NOT schedule that visit during late June - early September.

[arabdrifter]

Well I'm not virgin to Az. I have been there, and I fell inlove w/everything. But that was when I was 13. I'm 27yrs old now, its been a long time, but have never forgotten my experience. Actually dig the 110*+ weather..lol My uncle lives half hr away from the major airport. I remembered this very long hwy looking bridge(guessing its the bay bridge). The city he lives in, called Globe(not 100% sure). But the area was really nice, and all kindathings were near us

[nissangirl74]

There's been a lot of changes since then. Your description of Globe is odd because Globe is far from almost everything. It's approximately 125 miles East of Surprise, where we live, and 85 miles from Sky Harbor airport. And, it's kind of "weather-beaten". If you liked it, you would LOVE the rest of the state (and would probably choose not to live there )

[arabdrifter]

figured so. its was a long time ago, so i figured things would be much better now:)

[AZhitman]

If you can't find a job in the Valley, you're not trying.

AZ is amazing - there's not one thing about this part of the state that I can come up with a legitimate gripe about.

No natural disasters, cars last forever, good wages, lots of cultural diversity, healthy, active lifestyles, plenty to do, 2.5 hour drive to snow, lots of lakes, good motorsports scene, inexpensive housing, casual attire year-round, low cost of living, amazing sunsets, cheap gas....

Come on out - we'll show you around.

[arabdrifter]

heck ya, thanks for the info Greg:) I have been wanting to come out and visit some members along with some family. Gotta figure finances first, and go from there.

[cellardoorv]

Sigh. This makes me itch to randomly uproot again.

[s0m3th1ngAZ]

Yeah don't go to Tucson...the nearby mt. lemmon is about the only good thing about that place.

[AZhitman]

Sigh. This makes me itch to randomly uproot again.

There's an app... errr, a cream for that.

[Razi]

Me in Arizona summer = Korean BBQ

[AZhitman]

smerr rike pho

[nissangirl74]

If you could get a house for the same money (or close to it) would you rather have a house than an apartment?