Living in the Phoenix area?

[HealthyinMN]

We just found out this week that DH is going to be transferred to the Phoenix area sometime this year. We currently live in MN so this is a BIG move for us .

Does anyone who have moved there from such a different climate have any suggestions? How is the cost of living there? Should we look to live in the city or in a suburb? We actually dont mind living in either but will want to move into a "home" not just some house .

I would like to hear any experiences about this area if you could spare the time to write it out!

Thanks in advance for any info! Websites would also be good if you had any in that form too!

[Kjente2]

two of my sisters have moved there. one directly from minnesota, the other via washington state. They LOVE it there. The cost of living is less than it is in MN. The people are mostly transplants so they are open to meeting people and building new friendships. They've been having fun touring around.
You live in air conditioning a couple months a year..I think exterminators are part of your household expenses every couple months..there is nothing to freeze the bugs.
edited to say that its like a huge sprawl between hills so its both city and suburb at the same time, everything runs into the next.

[lisalee]

Expenses depend on which part of the valley you live in. Right now the West valley (Glendale, Peoria, Avondale, Surprise, El Mirage etc) are going through a temendous growth boom. New houses relatively well priced are everywhere. A year or two ago, it was the East Valley (Chandler, Mesa, Tempe etc) Each side has a lot going for it. Central Phoenix is also nice.

As to the weather, Get ready! We are starting to inch our way towards
the 100+ days. When you first get here, it won't feel that bad because it isn't as humid. You will learn that most errands are best done early in the morning or late in the evening during the summer. And summer temps usually last until September (at least they stay in the low 100's)

Our winters are the best!! If you want snow, you can drive north to Prescott or Flagstaff and points north.

Having said all of that, I have to tell you that I love living in Arizona! I tried moving away September-01 but came back last July. I'm much more the desert rat than I ever knew. We have wonderful sunrises and sunsets!

Welcome to Arizona!

[kwormann]

Have to say, if I was going to leave Houston, it would be to move to AZ! I have friends that up and moved from Chicago and live in Goodyear, west of the city. They LOVE it! They have great views of the mountains and the housing prices seem to be great The desert is amazing! You will have sooo much fun!

[TamiKnight]

Can't tell you much about adjusting to a move here, because I've lived here my entire life, but I'd be happy to answer any questions you do have. As has already been said, we're one big, sprawling metropolis. There aren't many areas that feel "urban" in the Valley. You will definitely want to consider job locations when you determine where to live. Also, if there are children to consider, I can definitely give you some info on school districts here. Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions.

[HealthyinMN]

Thanks for all of the responces so far! You have eased some of my concerns!

I have another question thats been on my mind.... When I think of the desert area I think of *snakes* and I really do not care for them. Do you really see them a lot in the urban areas or what is the situation on that? I would flip the day I came home and saw a snake in my living room

Thanks!

[TamiKnight]

In 43 years, I've never seen a snake in the city. It's not that it's unheard of, but it's not common. You're most likely to see them if you live in a new area built on the outskirts of town where their habitat is being dug up. I had a neighbor once (in a brand-new house) who came home and found a rattlesnake in her backyard after a flood. Scorpions are more prevalent, and some areas have serious problems with them. Again, though, I've never seen one personally.

[ErinM]

Besides, if you ever do see a snake, all you do is call the Fire Dept and they'll come take care of it! (Or at least they do in Fountain Hills...)

I lived in AZ for 9 months, and I never saw either one, except in a glass cage!

[green1]

Welcome to AZ! We moved here 2 1/2 years ago from Columbus, OH. We love it! And have not seen any creepy crawlers!
The southeast valley is booming!(Chandler and Gilbert)And the housing is still pretty affordable. There is so much to do in Phoenix. Sometimes it is hard to decide!
As for the weather, it is a dry heat!

[MrsReber]

That's great! What an exciting move! My dad lives in Scottsdale and my grandma lives in Mesa. They're all very happy there. We were just there a couple of weeks ago to visit. They have more problems with coyotes than snakes, although my dad has seen a couple of snakes. They're just sure to plug up any holes they see in the yard. The coyotes have been known to scale the wall in their backyard (about 6 feet), but they don't attack anyone. They're just worried for their dog. They also have havolinas, which are very ugly wild pigs! I didn't have the pleasure of seeing them, but they're nasty! My dad has been out there for a few years and they really do love it. He says it's like being on vacation every day. The landscape is breath taking.

[RD chef]

I love it here. Yes, the next couple months will be hot, but to me it's better than shoveling snow! I think the cost of living is a little more here, but that could be because I live in Scottsdale. When I go home to visit MN, the gas prices are always cheaper there, no tax on clothing or groceries, etc. I highly recommend Scottsdale. It is a little pricier, but there are very good restaurants, less crime (I go walking early morning or late evening and feel totally safe). Cave Creek (north of Scottsdale) is a growing area where you have more opportunity to custom build. Good luck, it's a big change, but I don't know anyone that doesn't love it here!

[Barrie]

I moved here two years ago from Michigan and I just love it. Everyone tells you about how hot it is in the summer, but you know what? It's really not that bad. When you're used to the mid 80s with 80% humidity of the midwest summers, 110 with 20% humidity feels pretty much the same. Yeah, it's warm, but if you don't work outside it's not really an issue IMO. It's so beautiful here, especially in the winter and early spring. It's sunny almost every day and it feels like being on vacation all the time. The cost of living is definitely lower here than what it was in Michigan (except for gas - we're paying right around $2 a gallon here compared to approx. $1.60 there). I live in Scottsdale too and you still get a lot more house for your money out here than in the midwest. good luck!

[ErinM]

Originally posted by MrsReber
They also have havolinas, which are very ugly wild pigs!

I have seen javalinas. They are pretty ugly, but I will say that the babies look kinda cute, as least IMO!!

[ShanaG]

Erin- We saw javelinas at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson during a recent mini-vacation in Tucson. I thought they were kinda cute What a big change for you in terms of climate and culture – Arizona to Nebraska My SO is from NE. A die hard Huskers fan to the end

HealthyinMN- I have never lived in AZ but have visited many times and absolutely love it. I think you are very lucky to be relocating to such a wonderful area. My SO may be relocated this summer, and I am not so excited about where we will probably end up living

[RD chef]

There is one other thing that I forgot to mention, (this is one of the only negatives I see here). To me, people here are a bit more materialistic than what I was used to growing up in MN. There are definately more fancy cars, clothes, etc. Also, to quote one newspaper columnist, "plastic surgery has become a necessary 'accessory'". I have found a great group of friends (several from the midwest), so it's just about finding the good people, as I'm sure it is anywhere.

[aggie94]

Originally posted by ShanaG
Erin- We saw javelinas at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson during a recent mini-vacation in Tucson. I thought they were kinda cute

Us too! I hung out around the javelina exhibit for quite awhile, just watching them run around. DH had to drag me away.

Healthy, I hope my friend emailed you and gave you some helpful info. I was out there last month visiting her, and the only thing I had trouble with (and I'm sure everyone adjusts in time) was how incredibly DRY it was. I noticed a difference mainly with my skin and my nose (which always felt dry and sticky ), even after I got back home. And you really have to stay hydrated, especially if you spend anytime outside. The dry air can really suck the moisture out of your body.

[MrsReber]

Ah, so that's the correct spelling! Javelinas! I don't know about cute- anything that can eat a prickly pear cactus is simply not right! My stepmother tells me that they don't see well so they charge at things as a defense mechanism. Yikes!

[TamiKnight]

Originally posted by RD chef
There is one other thing that I forgot to mention, (this is one of the only negatives I see here). To me, people here are a bit more materialistic than what I was used to growing up in MN. There are definately more fancy cars, clothes, etc. Also, to quote one newspaper columnist, "plastic surgery has become a necessary 'accessory'". I have found a great group of friends (several from the midwest), so it's just about finding the good people, as I'm sure it is anywhere.

That's why I live in the West Valley instead of Snottsdale...um, I mean, Scottsdale. There's so much silicone floating around out there that it's in the air. I think my boobs get bigger just from shopping in the area! (Sorry to all you NICE people who live out there--it's the OTHER ones I'm talking about!) DH like to go out to Scottsdale Fashion Square and people watch, seeing who can count the most obvious "fakes." Sort of a grown-up version of Slug Bug.

[RD chef]

Tami,
LOL about your comment on the fact that your boobs get bigger just by shopping here. (I'm to illiterate to know how to do quotes in the message). Gosh, I live in Snobsdale and my boobs haven't gotten bigger We call Scottsdale Fashion Square, Scottsdale Fashion "Show", as it definately is a place you can people watch.

[aggie94]

The last few posts remind me of the feeling I had one afternoon that I spent on my vacation hanging out at Biltmore Fashion Park. DH had gone golfing with his friend, so I headed over there to eat lunch/read and do a little shopping. Shopping my foot. WINDOW shopping is about all I could do. I could almost feel my wallet getting lighter just LOOKING at stuff. I ended up buying one or two things at W-S and some treats for my pups at the Three Dog Bakery, but holy cow, I looked at a cute toothbrush holder at this bath place that cost over $500. Yikes.

[TamiKnight]

I like the "Scottsdale Fashion Show." Never thought of that, but you are SO right. DH and I live a life of voluntary frugality so we can put 25% of our paychecks into a retirement plan (making up for all those years I stayed home raising kids and didn't work) and donate to our church and other charities. We drive older cars, etc. It's funny how people who WORK in Scottsdale making less than we do act like we shouldn't be allowed to park in their parking garages, etc. because our car is 9 years old and not a luxury car (just a boring, mid-size sedan). DH developed a new appreciation for me after walking around looking at price tags at SFQ this weekend. He looked at the tag on an orange tank top ($150), turned to me and said, "You'd never spend that--would you?" Poor thing. Thought he was going to have a heart attack. However, like everywhere else, there are good people everywhere. I'd say that, overall, people in the Valley of the Sun are friendly and caring. Sometimes people just get caught up into others' expectations.

[ErinM]

Originally posted by ShanaG
Erin- We saw javelinas at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson during a recent mini-vacation in Tucson. I thought they were kinda cute What a big change for you in terms of climate and culture – Arizona to Nebraska My SO is from NE. A die hard Huskers fan to the end

My SO may be relocated this summer, and I am not so excited about where we will probably end up living

Yeah, it is quite a change, but I like it! Really, the only thing AZ had going for it (for me) was consistent, nice weather. Here, it is a little cooler, but more humid. And we're getting rain. Last week, when it was just nasty and rainy, all I wanted to do was go home, put on comfy clothes, light some candles, cuddle with my dog, and read a good book! If I was still in AZ the weather would never be bad enough to justify that!

Yeah, I'm discovering just HOW die hard they are!! At least they understand my Packer love, so that's all that matters. I accept them, they accept me!

Where do you think you'll be relocated to?

[ShanaG]

Erin- The job SO applied for is a regional type job, and as far as I know we could live anywhere within the region, as long as it is relatively central, near an airport, etc. The region includes Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, part of Indiana and part of Ohio.

I have grad school plans, though, so I am hoping really hard that we can live near a state university that offers the program I so desperately want to enter.

He finds out soon, so I may be posting lots of questions here in the near future as we try to decide where to live.

Editing to say I need to adopt your benevolent attitude toward those zealous Nebraska fans Sometimes I find the exuberance kinda annoying. Of course, I love quite a few of them dearly. Almost all of my SO's friends from NE are extremely wonderful people And I have to admit, the games are awe-inspiring as far as the atmosphere and enthusiasm of the fans.

[ErinM]

Shana - Those places don't sound too bad! It's a beautiful area of the country. I'll keep my fingers crossed that it works out the way you want it to.

What do you want to go to grad school for?

As for my benevolent attitude, well that could all change come football season, since I haven't lived through that yet. We'll see. I'm pretty tolerant of any and all fans except Minnesota Viking fans (apologies to those fans on this board! ) I have to agree, I bet the atmophere is something else...I'm used to that in WI, so it's okay by me!

[ShanaG]

Erin,

I'm hoping to go to grad school for Latin American area studies. I was accepted at University of Kansas with plans to start in the fall. Now I gotta start the application process all over again

Oh, well, I am trying to be positive. Thanks for asking!

[redhead]

Hi Healthy --

My story is the opposite of yours -- I grew up in Scottsdale, in fact my family still lives in the same house I grew up in in the Arcadia area (which is right where Scottsdale and Phoenix merge). Since then, though, I have lived in Missouri, DC, and now Chicago. In regard to weather, I can tell you that although it will be more pricey, you HAVE to get a home with a pool. Really, the weather is going to be tough for you, and it is so nice to be able to cool off in those hot summer months (6 months out of the year). Whenever I am home and go running with my sister, we jump in the pool right afterwards -- with clothes and tennis shoes on -- you get used to it! I am really partial to the Arcadia area because it is one of the few areas that doesn't look "Arizona-y" -- it is very green and lush. However, the prices have skyrocketed in recent years, so I don't know if that is an option for you. To your point, many of the homes there are true homes -- rather than development that goes up in a matter of months. I have never seen a snake in AZ, for us scorpions and tarantulas were more of a problem -- always, ALWAYS check the inside of your shoes if you left them outside before putting them on. Please let me know if you have any specific questions about the city, I love Phx, and would move back in a heartbeat if I could.

[HealthyinMN]

Thanks again everyone for all of this *GREAT* information! It really has helped a lot and given both of us some peace about moving there. Now I can't wait to go house hunting! I'll let you know how it goes!

Thanks so much!

[HealthyinMN]

Time has flown by!

So DH was offered the new position yesterday and he accepted. They want us to be out there by the end of Oct. (!!)

We had no idea when they we're going to offer him the move so I think we're still in a little shock. We're trying to get the house ready to put on the market by Monday. We are flying out to phoenix on Wednesday of next week to house hunt. Hopefully we can find something quickly!

If anyone has any suggestions I'd be more than willing to listen. They are paying for most everything (Agent fees, movers to come pack and that kind of stuff) so we just need to worry about selling and finding a house.

His office is located north of the city, right off Highway 17, at about exit 209, and just south of (inside) the 101 loop.

We're hoping to find a nice neighboorhood somewhat close - less than a 40 minute commute (or so) to that location. I'm not sure what locations that is by so if your out that way and could give some information on where to look for homes that would be helpful!

Thanks again for all the information!

[HARRYET]

Healthy,

Just saw your post, I haven't been on-line much since the end of last week.

It is kind of hard to give you some of the info your looking for, but I'll try. Given that DH's office is off the 101 and I-17, you could go just about anywhere. I live in Cave Creek, and am probably only 20 mins from the I-17/101 loop. The Loop 101 circles the city, you could live in Scottsdale and the commute to work (depending on time of day, and whether DH is going w/or against traffic) would only be 30 mins give or take. My DH works in Tempe, by the airport, he goes to work at 9:00 and it's only a 35-40 min commute.

Do you have children? If so, then you want to look at the different school districts. Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, Cave Creek are all good school districts. I can't really give you info re: the West side of the city, as I don't live there, and have no friends over there. Everything we do is on the East side of the city.

As far as communities go, a lot of the newer communities are Master Planned Communities, and there are several sub-divisions in each community. Each communities price range can vary. For instance I live in a community called Tatum Ranch, there are several sub divisions within Tatum Ranch, and the housing prices range from 150's to 350's, depending on the community.

some of the communities I can think of off hand are:
**Desert Ridge (east on the 101, exit Tatum, go N)
**Tatum Highlands (east on the 101, exit Tatum, go N, cross Pinnacle Peak)
**Tatum Ranch (east on the 101, N on Cave Creek, or N on Tatum)
**Grayhawk (east on the 101, N on Scottsdale Rd)

There is also several communitites around Beardsley and the 101 and there are several on Cave Creek Rd north of the 101.

I don't know if this is the kind of info your looking for, but I wish you losts of luck!

You will be coming just as the weather is turning. 90's during the day, and quite cool in the evenings.

Also if you haven't read the thread about things to do in Phoenix, there is a lot of good info on shopping and things to do.

Any more questions please feel free to ask or PM me.

Ann