Phoenix, Arizona
SperlingViews

N C is a bad state to live in Period if ure a man - 3/14/2012

to all the brothers thinking of moving to NC u better talk to people first whose already lived there before u because tis a bad darned state that out to get the black man i once lived there too and thats the main reason why i dont anymore[more...]

I grew up here. What its really like. - 2/8/2012

I grew up in in Phoenix during the 70's. It was a nice place to be as a kid with all the friendly people and tight nit communities. We all knew the neighbors and kids all played together. The weather didn't seem to hot as a kid growing up. I remember we would take Cave Creek Road up North to Bell Road, which was out of town then.. We would ride motor bikes and watch the trucks play in the mud. Phoenix was pretty small because it was really an under developed undiscovered place. I think by the late 1980's things really changed. As the years past more and more people moved here from places like California and back east.. Usually people trying to get out of their cold weather cities and into the sun. The Phoenician population was still in place really, but we now had a melting pot as far as population. People got ruder and ruder as more and more people moved in. People started to live in a "Bubble" and nobody knew their neighbors anymore, nor do they have the time to speak to anyone. Traffic became a major issue*but when you compare it to other bad traffic places its not really that bad*. I think what makes Phoenix traffic so frustrating is when its 115 degrees outside and your air conditioning is on max...the air conditioner can barely keep up to keep you cool and you sit behind traffic waiting waiting and waiting moving inch by inch. In Phoenix during hot months (~ Mid April-October 31) You're not going to walk to grocery stores or malls unless you want heat stroke. During the huge economic boom in the 90's things were great, but more and more people moved in and it got worse and worse. Phoenix expanded wider and wider. When we had all this extra work needing to be done illegals moved in to pursue their dreams. Soon after gangs took over and drugs were rampant. Crime rose and people became even more angry and frustrated in their Valley of the Sun. Now the economy went to hell and we have all of these extra people and little work to go around. Wages used to be good, but were driven down because anyone is thankful to just have a job. There really isn't much union presence being its a right to work state. It's real tough to find a native Phoenician because they have moved out. If you're lucky enough to find a real native then they will still be pretty friendly. Like most other Phoenician's I moved out around 2010 because I couldn't take it anymore. The Heat seems worse, the pollution, over population and basic respect is gone. Not much to do really in Phoenix because after you've done it a few times there isn't much to replace it with. Lot's of bars and shopping. Some mountains to trek, but they're pretty jagged so be careful. Stuff that can survive the desert is pretty mean and tough...usually poisonous. All in all I would say it was a wonderful place to grow up in, but that was in the 70's. It is so bad today that I wouldn't even consider raising a family there anymore. There are other places in AZ that are probably still pretty nice, but it won't be anywhere near Phoenix, AZ.[more...]

Outdoor Activities - 10/31/2011

Pheonix is an amazing place where you have year round activities. There are multiple hiking ranges scattered throughout the city, countless running and biking trails and the home of Spring Training, baseball, hockey and football.[more...]

Love the desert!! - 10/30/2011

Phoenix metro area is very diverse, plenty of things to do, dry area and a good place to raise a family. Sure they have crime but nothing like ATL, MIA, NYC, LAX ect. The weather is nice six months out of the year and like any other place goes to the extreme the other six months ofcourse humidity is not a problem and when it gets to hot in Phoenix go north to Prescott and Flagstaff which have four seasons and never gets above eighty five. Most people you meet will not be from the area and that is a good thing, the area and state have been exploding with people over the past twenty years and that is a good thing, the state has alot of room for growth. The state overall is conservative but most of the major cities are moderate or liberal. I have lived all over america and this is the place that stole my heart.[more...]

Phoenix area is the pits - stay away! - 10/17/2011

I have finally woken up and decided to move back to the Chicago area, and it's about to become freezing every day starting next month. I've lived here for over 11 years because I hate cold weather and now I can't wait to get back to it. It's gotten worse here in every single respect. Every so-called urban improvement here is a huge money making scam. If you've ever seen Logan's Run, this is exactly what downtown Phoenix feels like - if you're over 30, you will be routinely ignored or stared down like you come from outer space. They renamed it "central Phoenix" just so it sounds more appealing to the Facebook and Twitter crowds! People over 40 are the only half normal ones, and that's assuming they come from somewhere else. The Arizona natives are the most flaky, non committal, conceited, insolent, arrogant, selfish egocentric, dishonest and amoral people I've ever met in my 41 years. It's all about looks and how ripped your waist line and how fat your wallet is from your gigantic trust fund. Most people I have met in or from LA are way more down to earth, humble and respectful than in the Phoenix area. I can go on and on. Tailgating is at epidemic levels. Schools are bad, people are always rushed and giving you dirty looks. they nearly push you out of the way at the FEW malls they have in town. Yes, there are too few malls and here is proof: Every one of them is filled to capacity during the holiday shopping season. I grew up in Chicago and never have seen anything like it! Anyway, kudos to the negative reviewers because they all have contributed more wisdom to this board. Oh by the way, it is 13th largest metro area, so the "5th largest city" is only counting Phoenix city limits, not the suburbs. So that is just another scam. Search it in wikipedia if you don't believe me![more...]

My home town what have they done to it. - 10/1/2011

I'm 47yrs old was born in glendale AZ but lived in phoenix all my life and have watched as the city gets worse and worse over the years. The culprit ? well thats an easy one there are way too many people living here and that doesn't even include all the people who are gere illegally..in my opinion over population is the root cause of most of the problems here the traffic the pollution the crime the drugs etc etc. the list goes on. you know that saying the more the better that is completely false this place is too hot and too well sourounded by mountains which hold the pollution in i drive all over the city for work so i see alot and i see how people are nowadays and i don't like it i hate to say it but it seems like at least half the people are either ignorant or insane or both based on what i've seen over the years but i should point out that a great many people here are originally from other places and felt free to bring their special "personalitys" with them. i'm never leaving my hometown warts and all but i must admit u really don't want anything to do with 85-90% of the population i keep to myself and try to avoid places where people gather for alot of reasons i was born and rasied here so here is where i live if someone is thinking about moving here all i can say is i hope for youe sake that you are well off and can buy a nice house in scottsdale or paradise valley unless you don't ind living in a city overrun with meth labs and drop houses and one of the highest high school drop out and teen pregnancy rates in the us and all the while it feels like the govenment here is shady pandering to whatever segment of the populating is the larfest or fastest growing at the time. phoenix does have some redeeming qualitys for example if you like the summer heat we have that and then some it literally lasts deom the begining of may to the very end of october but it will feel like it will bever end because it's soo hot even hotter than they tell you it is you know that when they tell you it's 115 degrees you better believe it's really at least 120 degree! these are the honest facts from someone who's been here almost 50yrs i don't care if this never gets posted i just hope at least one other person gets to read this. phoenix is not for the faint of heart or anyone who is overly concerned about what other people think or do for that matter because those people would most certainly suffer any number of mental break downs here on the other hand if you like extreme heat most of the year crowds and traffic everywhere you go and sporting events then by all means you'll feel right at home here...[more...]

Horrible City - Don't move there - 9/16/2011

Phoenix is hot, ugly and polluted. There are few good jobs there. The pay is awful compared to the cost of living. It is a buyers market for labor so they don't HAVE to pay decent money. The people are rude, snobby(don't you just love uneducated snobs?), ill-mannered, ruthless, cruel, selfish, shallow, stand-offish, aloof, uncaring, poorly educated, and critical(do as I say, not as I do). There is a lot of white trash and most people there came to Phoenix because they couldn't make it anywhere else. They wore out their welcomes back home. They strut into town thinking they are conquering heroes. As far as multi-culturalism is concerned, if gangs, crime, drugs and government dependency is YOUR definition of it then good for you - but not for me. Bad behavioe seems to be rewarded in Phoenix. There is ZERO culture. Culture in Phoenix consists of vomitting in the parking lot of a sleazy country western bar parking lot after you've had too many Miller Lites. The crime is terrible. Domestic violence is a huge problem. Gangs are everywhere. I read once where it was estimated that 25% of the adult population in Maricopa County was functionally illiterate. That's probably a huge understatement. The schools suck. The teachers and administration are really arrogant don't give a flip if you don't like something they do. The traffic is awful. Gridlock while it's 115 degrees is hell. If you are thinking of moving from a snowy city...don't. Learn to deal with cold winters becasue the trade-off is just not worth it. [more...]

People knocking Phx. - 9/1/2011

I see a lot of people knocking the Phoenix metro area. I lived here for 15 yrs. and moved to colorado for four years (aurora), and came back. Why? for some reason I just liked not having to scrape the ice off the windshield, dealing with unplowed roads, having to go 3 miles just to find something for groceries, and cherry creek state park screws up everything as it sits in the middle of the city. None of the roads connect properly...you could be driving in downtown denver and each street name will change from one side to the other. For example, where I lived in aurora, the same road north and south changed names 3 times...try and find an address. If you want to take a drive into the mountains, you could expect the 70 to be backed up for miles, the 25 is worse than the 17, 10, 60 during any time of the day here. You could go to bed at night during october, and wake up to 8 inches of heavy snow by holloween...and then try to get to work on time. At least in the Phx. metro area, you know it isn't gonna snow in october and that it'll take you "x" amount of time to get to work even during the rush to and from work. People say "oh, I'd love to live in colorado", all I say is every city has it's own "flavor". I guess my "flavor" came back to AZ. So, when you want to knock AZ, just remember it IS the >desert<. People that live here >choose< to do so for one reason or another. But for some reason or another it happens to be the 6th largest metro area in the US so the Phx. metro area must have something going for itself. Yeah, it's hot...duh, but I like it here and it's great to be back!...at least I won't be shoveling snow and ice this year! [more...]

What a pit!! - 8/22/2011

I moved out here with my girlfriend because she was accepted into graduate school at Arizona State. More often than not, people in Phoenix are total scrapers, barely getting by and more interested in finding the many manipulative ways to express sub-human, anti-social behavior. There is a level of laziness and hopelessness so prevalent in Phoenix, I found myself not taking anything people say seriously. I don't know what ruins my day more: dealing with the assortment of roaches, spiders, snakes, termites and scorpions or dealing with people in Phoenix. Arizona public schools offers the second lowest level of education in this country, and it shows. My career specializes in Information Technology which requires working with various companies. Jobs pay crap. I see accountants, finacial advisors and other professionals making far less here than they would in other cities, and have consistently heard this sentiment. I know a bugeting/projections advisor who normally made 60k-100K per year in other cities and is lucky with her 45K here in Phoenix. For the 5th largest city the night life is all but defunct. It's all malls and bars with a culture tied to drinking, lifted trucks, immaturity and just getting by. Lastly, this is the only place I've ever lived where you never know your neighbors. This is something that trully creeps me out. Save yourself the trouble and don't move here!!![more...]

The Rocky City - 8/7/2011

I've been in Phoenix since November 1998. I can't believe I'm still here. I had originally intended on staying a year or two and then moving on to Austin, TX. Each time that I've tried to leave, something has stopped me. Literally. I've had my bags packed and moving van scheduled several times now. I'm beginning to think the Universe is conspiring against me. Phoenix is interesting but only if your favorite color is brown and you love extremely hot weather, which lasts here seven months out of the year. The cost of living is low but so are the wages. It's not uncommon to be offered $8.50 to $10 per hour to start for an average job and for this they want the moon. In my line of work, accounting, I could easily make $50-60K per year in a city this size anywhere else in the U.S. (Phoenix is the sixth largest city in the U.S.) but here I'm lucky to make $36K. The water quality is one of the worst in the U.S. (and increasingly scarce with the ever growing population) as is the air quality. Traffic is horrendous and getting by without a car is very difficult if not impossible in some areas. I don't happen to have this problem but I know others who do. Coming from San Francisco, where I could leave my car in the garage if I wanted to and easily get to anywhere I needed to go using public transportation; I have found public transportation here dismal at best. Not to mention trying to walk from point A to point B in the heat. The ground is as hard as cement here so growing a garden is not an easy thing to do, combined with the lack of water. We knew we were in trouble when we bought our first tree and the nursery arrived with a jackhammer to dig the hole in the back yard to plant it in. Yes, a jackhammer. Afterwards, the poor tree grew at a 20 degree angle (from vertical) because the ground was too hard for its roots to grow down into. As a result, many trees have an extremely shallow root system and topple over on to cars and buildings with the slightest provocation. Ask me how I know. There's very little grass anywhere in the Valley, other than golf courses, with mostly "rock" yards both front and back. I suppose I should be grateful that I'm not still living right on top the San Andreas Fault but I've never really liked Phoenix and doubt I ever will. I would love to move somewhere else but the cost of living keeps me here. At least I can live in a decent house and not have to pay the $1,500 a month that it would take in another part of the country. This is the only thing that keeps me here. [more...]

Water Concerns - 8/2/2011

Phoenix at one time was a sleepy desert city that was a winter getaway for snowbirds. Then around the late 60s-early 70s a bunch of Californians moved there to escape the high cost of living in their state. By the 80s-90s, Midwesterners, tired of snowy winters, joined the Californians in the mass immigration into the state. Magically, the small town turned into a huge megalopolis almost overnight. People have pointed to the problems with Phoenix and I'm not going to chime in much. However, two things that kind of baffle me is when people complain about the Phoenix "culture" and how hot it is in the summer. People move to Phoenix because they don't want to live in NYC, SF or Chicago, they want mild winters. Also, what did you expect with living in the desert? The main reason for this post is to point out the quiet, but huge, elephant in the room. People don't talk much about the water problem. Phoenix wasn't meant to be occupied by a million some people. Water is pumped in every year, but when is it going to be too many people to serve? This is a bigger issue than the other things facing Phoenix (illegal immigration, sluggish economy, etc.) and could be the thing that bring the city to its downfall. All I can say for people living there or thinking about moving there is take caution and keep this in your mind. They don't talk about it much, but it's a huge problem to be warned about.[more...]

BEFORE YOU MOVE HERE, UD BETTER READ THIS. - 6/14/2011

I lived in phx for 30yrs. its actually a great place to live. the one thing i will say is, being there you have to watch your surroundings and the class of people you choose to mingle with. lots are into trying to impress someone else and not theirselves. everyone is merely in competition with one another. Not too many hometown college grads in phoenix, maybe in the surrounding cities, like scottsdale and paradise valley, cities of an intellectual based community. I ran a business for majority of my time there. lots and lots AND LOTS, of jealous people. Choose a circle that goes to church more often than none, fine dines with wine, maybe plays golf and of course if youre a man, make sure the men in the circle are heads of their households and respects their wives and kids. A lot are not married, just shacked up as well. My parents still reside there, and yes, they are married, college grads, x politicians as well and church goers. take it from me, listen to this advice if one plans on moving there. Stay off drugs as well. I left to pursue my MD degree.[more...]

Ugly,barren , very brown w/ little greenery and HO - 5/23/2011

If there is any redeeming feature to Phoenix it is not readily apparent to the naked eye. The heat is oppressive and it is quite hot from April to October...hot in the morning,hot all day and even hot when the sun sets. We walk at night hoping to escape the heat and return in sweat drenced clothing because it is so hot. And then 7AM the next morning it is still as hot as before. The heat kills just about everything except some cacti. Forbid placing any pet outside or attempting to grow a garden for the heat just kills everything(unless you can afford continual irrigation). And the depressing barren, brown mountains, where again, nothing grows? Sedona is a good 2 hours away but if you need greenery,soft cool breezes and exhiliarating hiking,then you need to make the trek. Overall,Phoenix depresses the heck out of me. I need a place where there is some rain and things can grow and your pets don't fry outside. I'm out of here.[more...]

Looking on relocating - 5/18/2011

I am living in So. California and I am looking to relocate due to the bad economy here. I live in Section 8 Housing and on low income of Food Stamps. I am trying to better my life and my daughter's. I have no clue to know where to start. I don't have much skills and trying to educate myself. Please can you give me some advice with jobs there and if I can get my Housing transferred to there. I have never done this before.[more...]

Why I'm here - 5/10/2011

The weather is fabulous in the winter, spring and fall. Summers can be extremely hot, being in a sauna most describes it. This is the best that phoenix has to offer. Outside of the weather, there isn't much to offer. [more...]

GREAT PLACE TO BE... - 5/1/2011

We recently relocated from central OC,CA. We were so stressed and broke. Did not matter how much money was earned, you needed to pay it all out for rent, bills, and cost of living. So we made the move to Phoenix, AZ. We love it! Our kids are thriving! I had to get used to customer service again, it had been a while since I experienced generally nice people while in a retail or grocery store. I like it here because it is friendly, but not overly intrusive. I can raise my kids, and finally get to know them. Our stress level has decreased 1,000 times. I dont really care about night life, if I was interested in that I would be in California or New York. This place is calm and easy... Not all perfect, I do see a lot of mentally disturbed individuals hanging around parking lots. I think that is anywhere you go??. If you were moving to raise a family, you can do it here... rent a house for a family of 5 for $850.00 per month and minimum wage is the same as CA.... I would have never imagined that my kids could play outside and I would be OK with that! Thank you AZ...[more...]

Positive Comments about Phoenix- Metro Area - 2/24/2011

Since I moved to the Phoenix-Metro area 12 years ago, I've yet to find a better place to live. I grew up in NYC, lived in Europe and traveled to most states in the U.S. Yet, I've had a tough time finding a better place to live than Phoenix. With Phoenix, there are many, many different neighborhoods, so we cannot generalize it is either all good or all bad. But, I found a good spot for me. I live in the Northeast Mesa area where every day is like being on vacation. Here's why it's so good: 1. I can hike right out my doorstep 2. I feel safe in my community 3. People are friendly and say hello to each other on the street 4. I'm within a few miles of excellent ethnic restaurants that are not chains 5. I can reach an upscale mall in Scottsdale with a 15 min drive on the freeway if I want to 6. There is work if you look for it. Global companies that are hiring exist here. The people I work with are extremely intelligent & good people. 7. The heat in the summer is long but it's not worse than humidity out East. We have central air, most everyone has access to their own pool or a community pool & the lower cost of living allows us to go on several getaways- up north where it's cooler (Flagstaff, Sedona, Grand Canyon, White Mountains) or drive to California (Big Bear, San Diego). 8. I can BBQ in my backyard almost every day of the year. 9. Weather is good so I can run or bike outside and not even need a gym membership or get fat. 10. Housing:for many, it will be the opportunity to get into a home in a good area that is finally affordable. 11. Good education can be found. Look for the good school districts. My kid attended a charter school that offered an education similar to private schools and she was able to earn a year's worth of college credits for free. 12. I have found the Mexican people to be kind, courteous, respectful and hard-working. In fact, they were here well before any other Americans moved in. Many speak English, have college degrees, work as professionals and raise families. The media doesn't always portray reality,does it? 13. I have found the Mormon people to be excellent neighbors. They are friendly, contribute to society and the well-being of the community. 14. No earthquakes or Midwestern snowstorms The only population I would not recommend Phoenix-Metro to would be for young single people. There isn't a very strong social scene compared to other major cities & there are very few universities. [more...]

A Wasteland - 2/12/2011

Phoenix is Detroit in the desert![more...]

Phoenix - 1/8/2011

Phoenix is a pretty decent place, depending on what you're looking for. I have lived mostly in the midwest, east, and southeast, so Phoenix was different for me. You'll be able to get most of the positives (warm winters, cheap housing, beautiful terrain) and negatives (some traffic, hot summers, sprawl) from the other reviews, but I wanted to add something a bit different. I'm one of those people that likes culture/arts/music, from funky coffeeshops to great concert venues, interesting restaurants, and arts events like first fridays art walks. In this area, Phoenix surprisingly delivers, and offers a unique blend of "big city" opportunities with small or medium size city charm. Downtown Phoenix, and the area just north along Central and the roads close to that, has some of the best coffeeshops and restuarants I have visited. There are funky bars, diverse culinary selections, tons of local/independent places, and cool art galleries. There is a great small concert venue - the Rhythm Room - and several other places where you can see a lot of independent places. For sure, this is no Austin, SF, or other big cities that offer that scale of culture, but what Phoenix DOES offer that most of those other cities don't is affordability, a small town feeling, amazing outdoor opportunities, and a unique geographic setting. You can hike on amazing trails within the city limits, and be at a trendy wine bar 10 minutes after. One other note - there have been complaints in the racial category recently - with 1070 and some other complaints, but aside from these issues I found Phoenix to be one of the most tolerant places I've lived. Especially in the relatively urban areas - downtown, just north of downtown, Tempe, etc. - its not uncommon to see social groups with people from different racial/ethnic backgrounds hanging out together. In summary, Phoenix can be socially and culturally claustrophobic to some degree because most of the valley is not culturally, artistically, architecturally, etc. interesting - however, a few areas definitely are, which means a lot of the artsy, hip, urban, etc. folk tend to congregate in these areas, translating into several very concentrating pockets of "interestingness." Don't move to Phoenix if you're looking for an alternative to SF, LA, or New York - you'll be surely disappointed. But if you like a relatively small or mid-size feel but want great music, coffeeshops, and love the outdoors, give Phoenix some consideration. [more...]

Phoenix.... Leave it! - 12/23/2010

I came to Phoenix in 1996 when I began college at Arizona State University. I have to say that I was impressed by what the valley had to offer at first. I came from the San Francisco Bay Area, where I grew up; and it was a welcome change of pace. I enjoyed the mountains and desert, the monsoon and the arid climate. After attending college I spent several years in other states (FL, MS, TN, MI) and I must say I couldn't wait to get back to Arizona. I eventually moved back to Arizona and again, enjoyed it. I decided I would purchase a condo and put down roots so to speak. What a disaster that was. Phoenix was an epicenter of the housing screw job. I paid 240 for my condo and now it's worth 59. I'll NEVER get rid of it. Of course this is also a national problem, but if you look at Phoenix it was a widespread raping of the average buyer. Now I will be forced to hold onto this property, probably forever, because I put so much money down. I will end up renting my place out because I cannot stand it here anymore. All the previous comments are dead on. The people here are brain dead. There is NO culture. They say it's hot for 3 months (which is total Bull ..... ) It's more like from May to the end of October. Driving here is a complete nightmare, might as well take your chances on a Mexican freeway. The state is so far behind the times, they built a 3 lane highway and then when they finished started to add a carpool lane because it was already gridlocked. All the gun toting super conservative (Jan Brewer/John McCain/Jon Kyle/JD Hayworth/Joe Arpaio) lovers will love it here. Backwards laws like SB1070, no enforcement of labor laws, no union protection, no re training on unemployment, chain gangs, private/for profit prisons, drop houses, drug cartels, human smuggling, Meth labs, makes for a great living environment (not). I cannot wait to get out of here!!! Phoenix is a total abortion of a city. Sprawled out all over the desert with unplanned, unfunded massive overbuilding with no public transit (except a bus system where you sit in the 119 degree heat waiting for a bus that never comes). Hundreds of thousands of houses sitting empty or unfinished, companies bankrupt, banks taken over by the FDIC, houses/condos auctioned off at 90% losses, homeless everywhere, big investors raping the average middle class person.... STAY AWAY form here!!!! One more thing: I have to laugh reading some of these posts. People that clearly don't even have a grasp of the English language, grammar and sentence structure posting about Phoenix..... so appropriate!! The epitome of this hole of a city!!!! Good luck!! [more...]