Very happy in Phoenix
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11/23/2010
I'm a 13 year resident of Phoenix who has previously lived in a few different cities across the country (Minneapolis, South Bend, Tampa, Baltimore, DC) I like Phoenix the best for many reasons.
The climate is great almost all year long, June through August is hot and can become unbearable if you have to be outside for long periods, but September through June more than make up for it.
If you're looking for something to do in town you have literally hundreds of options on any given day. By joining a site like Groupon or checking Showup.com you can afford going out as well. If you want a weekend trip Phoenix is only a few hours from the mountains or the ocean, and the desert will leave you breathless with it's beauty.
Public school funding leaves something to be desired, but you can enroll your child in any public, private or charter school that has room for them. As an active parent I've been very happy with the public school education my children are receiving.
Job growth is stagnant right now, but home prices are still low and rents are affordable in decent neighborhoods. In general the cost of living is lower than the National average.
You really need a car here. The metro system system is difficult to navigate.
There has been talk Nationwide about SB1070 and how Arizonans hate Mexicans and is a racist state. That's a bunch of bull. This isn't a race issue and never has been. This is a quality of life issue for American citizens as well as the undocumented.
I'll tell you what I hate ~
I hate that the Federal government gives us mandates about services we must provide to the undocumented, but insufficient funding to carry those mandates out. I hate that a couple hundred people are dying in OUR desert every year trying to get here, either succumbing to the elements or being murdered by the Coyotes and Cartel members who see human beings as nothing but an obstacle to getting the paycheck. I hate that illegal entry was the only reason we were the kidnap capital of the US as well as the car theft capital of the US which drove our crime rate above the national average even though in general our crime rate is DOWN. I hate that our law enforcement can't tell the really bad guys from the people who just want a better life for themselves and their family because they are all undocumented.
I don't agree with SB1070, it goes to far. But it sure did wake America up to our situation, didn't it? Until the Federal Government takes a strong stand on illegal immigration we have to defend ourselves with the resources we have at hand.
Nichol | Phoenix, AZ