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What BestPlaces Users Say about Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona is a bustling city known for its warm climate, desert landscape, and vibrant cultural scene. It is a popular destination for tourists and a growing city for residents, with a population of over 1.7 million. Located in the Sonoran Desert, Phoenix offers a unique lifestyle and attracts people from all over the country. To get a better understanding of what it is like to live in Phoenix, we will summarize user reviews from BestPlaces.net and provide insights from four different reviewers.
According to reviewers on BestPlaces.net, living in Phoenix has its pros and cons. One reviewer, Joe, shared that "Phoenix has something for everyone. The weather is great, the cost of living is affordable, and there is always something to do." Another reviewer, Maria, echoed similar sentiments, stating that "Phoenix is a wonderful place to live. The weather is amazing, the city is diverse, and there are endless opportunities for outdoor activities." However, not all reviews were positive. John mentioned that "the heat in Phoenix can be unbearable at times, and the city lacks green spaces and nature." Similarly, Sarah shared that "Phoenix has a lot to offer, but the traffic and urban sprawl can make commuting a nightmare."
Many reviewers mentioned the Phoenix job market as a major advantage. Susan stated that "the job market in Phoenix is booming, especially in industries like healthcare, technology, and tourism." Another reviewer, Alex, added that "the cost of living may be slightly higher, but the job opportunities and salaries in Phoenix make it worth it." On the other hand, some reviewers expressed concerns about the cost of living. Mike shared that "housing prices in Phoenix have been increasing rapidly, making it difficult for some people to afford living here." He also added that "utilities, groceries, and property taxes are also on the higher side."
The cultural and recreational offerings in Phoenix were highly praised by reviewers. Jane mentioned that "Phoenix has a rich art and music scene, as well as numerous festivals and events throughout the year." Another reviewer, David, shared that "there are plenty of parks, hiking trails, and outdoor spaces to explore in Phoenix, making it a great place for nature lovers." However, not all reviewers were satisfied with the city's cultural offerings. Mark noted that "compared to other major cities, Phoenix lacks diversity and cultural experiences." He also stated that "the nightlife scene is not as vibrant as I would have liked."
In conclusion, Phoenix, Arizona, offers a unique lifestyle with its warm climate, diverse culture, and job opportunities. However, the high cost of living, extreme heat, and lack of green spaces were concerns mentioned by some reviewers. On the other hand, the city's cultural scene and recreational activities were highly praised by many. Overall, it seems that living in Phoenix can be a great experience for those who enjoy warm weather and a bustling city lifestyle.
based on 449 ReviewsGet to know Phoenix with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Phoenix
quality of life isn't - 11/16/2006
I've lived in phx for 15 yrs.The over all quality of life has really gone down-hill. The city is about 20+ years behind in addressing growth,and that's being conservative.The over-all transportation system is over-whelmed.Public transportation is a joke, though "transit 2000" was passed.They are just starting to build light-rail,local freeways are a mess--in trying to handle traffic of today, with a transportation infrastructure from 30 yrs ago. Drivers here are totally inconsiderate--they like to speed up when they see you using signals, and then flip you off if you're able to squeeze your way in and then 'gate you the whole way in to work.We are also rated #1 for red light runners,so if you visit--give yourself a couple seconds on the green before you go. There are a lot of hit and runs because a lot of the mexican population is unlicensed, unregistered,and uninsured and they don't want to get caught. It recently was voted the "dumbest state in the nation",perhaps due to the high
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best bang for your buck in AMERICA - 11/12/2006
I grew up in the MIdwest and must say Phoenix is such an easier life in this perfect weather
Cons
hot in the summer, but nowhere near as bad as a winter in the midwest. I'm a UPS driver with no AC, I do just fine. The more you deal with the heat the better you adapt, don't run for AC to AC and just be glad your not cold and wet and remeber YOU DON't HAve to shovel heat.
-Lack of culture and community in most parts
-Crime is high in bad neighborhoods,, Stay out of them!!! and use common sense, you'll be just fine
-Bad drivers, just be defensive and youll be fine
-Lack of fresh air compared to other climates
PROS!!
-Diverse people from many different places make for good company
-Beautiful scenery
-Hiking and many other outdoor activities are abundant
-CENTRAL Geographic LOCATION is perfect for a diverse variety of getaways for example. No matter what direction you travel (N, NE,
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Think Twice before moving to Phoenix - 11/10/2006
The worst place I have ever been to. My wife and I moved here from NH so I could attend school for 16 months. In those 16 months I have never experienced such rude,arrogent, all me type of people. They cut you off in lines at Wal-Mart and fuel stations and don't say anything they could either shoot,stab or beat on you. No one ever says please or thank you. Their driving habits are something else. Go slow thru green lites they run them all the time. They race past you to a red lite only to mouth or flip you off for going to slow to that lite and now you are right next to them, again say nothing. They pass you on the right at over 70mph and cause high speed accidents that are an every day event here in Phoenix. Drive any of the major highways and it won't be long before you either see an accident or you are an innocent driver now involved in one and some have no insurance so keep yours up to date at all times. If you own a motorcycle make sure it is locked,bolted down,disabled or
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Moved away after twelve years - 11/7/2006
My two daughters and I moved from Phoenix to Pennsylvania at the end of July after living there for twelve years. Of course the end of July is a great time to leave Phoenix for the NE and the beginning of November is just about when you start wondering if you've made a mistake. Then I remind myself of the graffiti on our street and the homeless guys pooping in our alley, which thanks to Phoenix's great zoning I was responsible for cleaning up (no lie). Add to that the fact that I didn't realize how bad my lungs had gotten until I was back here for a couple of months and could actually breathe again. I will definitely be back to Phoenix to drop some serious mid-winter vacation cash. But move back?
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20 Years of Experience - 10/27/2006
With 20 years of experience, here's the scoop: 1)Weather is "California" from mid-Oct to mid-May, otherwise very dry heat, >80 at night. No snow, little rain, lots of sun. Winter outdoors, summer indoors. Hike, bike, climb, swim all you want. 2)The desert is surprisingly green up close but brown from a distance. If you want shade trees, live in the older areas like Central Phoenix. Suburbs are too recently developed and are desolate, including Scottsdale. Drive 2 hours to pine forests, snow, skiing, fishing, etc. 3)Traffic is bad like all other major cities but streets are laid out in rational grid with timed stoplights. Go 41MPH on the major streets and you'll get there in no time (except rush hours). 4)Arts & Culture are lacking due to overwhelming growth. It takes time for this to develop, and that's what's happening now. 5)Easy to find work, but 'right to work' state, so no employee rights. Higher-paying jobs develop slowly, just like Arts & Culture do. Business opportunities
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If you care about your family, don't move here - 10/24/2006
Where to start first!. Huge meth problem in Phoenix, some say the worst in the whole country. The Weather is disgusting. The cost of living here is going up. But I think you could still pick up a decent one bed room in an OK area where there is still something to do. The whole city of phoenix is very spread apart. You need a car in this town, because the bus system is very unpredictable. Especially in the summer. You will see a broken bus delaying peoples days on every route. Jobs are pretty easy to come by. Minium wage is low though 5.15. Being 19, and having nothing to ever do in town. I'd say it is a boring place to live. Before I lived here. I never even did any bad things. If you care about your kids. Don't move anywhere near phoenix. I have seen The most normal kids, turn into drug addicts. This place does not discriminate. It just sucks you in here. I have lost many good friends to this drug infested
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Scam city? - 10/22/2006
Honestly, I don't get it. Family needs caused me to HAVE to live there for 5 years (1998-2003) during which time I experienced the following.
1. Lots of jobs? If you like making Slurpees. Despite the supposed statistics, I found Phoenix to have an appalling business climate and very low saleries. For a city of it's size, there is no visible means of support other than the housing and real estate development industry, which blatantly runs the show. The few corporations headquartered in Phoenix (few corporate headquarters, lots of telemarketing call centers) are nearly invisible and support very few "smart" or "brain" industries. You don't want to be in a "creative" industry in Phoenix. There's no such thing. I firmly believe that most of the job ads posted in and for Phoenix are faked to lure people there from the "rust belt".
2. The climate is ABSOLUTELY BRUTAL! Can't be under-emphasized! Brutal!
3. The environment can be described as "Desert-raped".
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15 yrs here: I’ll tell you good & bad; CONTINUED… - 9/15/2006
15 yrs here: I’ll tell you good & bad; CONTINUED…I apologize to the BestPlaces.net people for going over the word limit, so this is the continuation of previous posting;
Con3) Unemployment.
Pro3a) Where?? There is no such thing in this city. If you have experience in anything & a good work ethic, you’re home free. There are new businesses looking for new employees all the time. But your best bet is to get in with a stable corporate company whose headquarters are in Phx. There are plenty of those (try PetSmart, Honeywell, Dial, to name a few).
Con4) Entertainment/theater/arts sucks.
Pro4a) That’s true, Phx should offer more considering its size, but it also depends largely on which suburb you live. Some areas have improved quite a bit in the last 10 years, especially Tempe, central & northeast (Scottsdale). But, it’s showing improvement in other areas as well, specifically the west area now, w/the new Glendale arena (Cardinals), hosting 2007 Super Bowl &
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15 yrs here: I’ll tell you good & bad; - 9/15/2006
15 yrs here: I’ll tell you good & bad;
Con1) It’s too hot.
Pro1a) Big surprise. Yes, it’s hot from May to September. June, July & August (monsoon) are the worst. But, the weather is great from Sept-April, some perfect months in the mix. All year long, imagine no days of fog, rain, snow, sleet, hail. Imagine 300+ sunny days/year. It’s so sunny here that people grab their video cameras whenever the clouds turn black & the wind picks up. It really makes you appreciate rain when you see it. If you have seasonal/winter depression, this is the place to live. Plus, I hate to use the cliché, but it really is a dry heat. I lived in the Midwest until I was 22, & trust me, there’s a huge difference in comfort levels without all of that sweat rolling down your back/face & mosquitoes & flies swarming around you.
Pro1b) Keep in mind that it’s one of a few states in the US where you can literally drive 1 hr into temp’s 10-30 degrees lower. Prescott is approx 1 hr, & I’ve driven
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no Culture - 9/11/2006
This town has no culture and no visible direction. Phoenix has just become a pace to invest in real estate and exist and that's about
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