I've Been Loving it in Phoenix for 10 Years
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2/22/2010
I'm pretty surprised to read the bad reviews that I have about Phoenix on this website. I'm guessing that most people write when they have something to complain about but don't bother when they have something nice to say.
I'm originally from Northern Wisconsin and had lived in Michigan and Illinois prior to moving Phoenix. I have been to practically every major city in the United States and many outside of the US and I would not likely leave Phoenix.
For those that complain about the people here, I don't get it. Most people that I've met here are transplants from the Midwest. Maybe the problem is that they're new to the area and trying to fit in as much as you are but you don't realize it. If you give them attitude and aren't friendly to them, then they won't be friendly to you either. Same as everywhere else. I've nothing but good to say about the people here (straight, gay, old, and young).
As far as the weather goes, it gets quite hot for 3 months out of the year but the other 9 months are amazing. I was completely acclimated to the summers here after my second year and even more so to the winters. I went back to Wisconsin in July when it was only in the upper 70's and thought I was going to die because of the humidity.
Traffic can be bad, but not anywhere near a alot of places I've been. If you hate commuting then Phoenix probably isn't the place to move to (depending on where you live and work).
Downtown Phoenix doesn't have a lot going on for it yet but they're working on it. The Light Rail is operational but has a ways to go before it's practical for most people. The Scottsdale area does have a reputation for being very materialistic (hence, the nickname Snottsdale) but has a lot going for it as far as entertainment, nightlife, food, and shopping. Tempe (Mill Ave) is very eclectic and a lot of fun for old or young. The Valley is very vast and diverse so I can't imagine that someone couldn't find something they love here as long as they're not static and/or cynical.
Mark | Phoenix, AZ