I'm new in Phoenix Metro
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10/6/2012
I'm not going to knock the Phoenix area. I'm so new it wouldn't be fair to residents or people thinking of moving here. So my review is based on what I see out and about in the area. Basicially how it feels for me and not necessarily for everyone. So please keep that in mind. Yes it is very sprawled out like no place I have seen to this extent. I have been all over the USA and the closest in appearance to this would be Los Angeles. So think really big. To say there is alot of driving would be a huge understatement. You really have to have a decent vehicle here in top working condition. Breaking down in this heat where distance could be so far from your home etc, could be dangerous to say the least. So an investment in a decent vehicle is just about mandatory, and that means expense and upkeep Unless you live in the central core there is very limited transit here. I am not liking that at all, and I think it will become a problem with me. There are walls everywhere around residences, or so it can seem to someone not from here. I detect a vibe of withdrawal from people here that is very noticeable. Rather insular enviroment, that is compounded by the throngs of seasonal visitors coming and going. There doesn't seem to be a sense of place here at all and that is not good.
Yes it will be nice weather for about 6 maybe 7 months of the year. The rest I am told and what I am seeing now. (Oct and we have had high 90's and 100 heat still). I'm guessing Phoenix is getting hotter earlier and staying hotter longer now, with whatever is going on with the worlds climate.
So its a nice place but I think I am going to find other than the months of comfortable weather. This Metro will hold little of interest for me. Miles of driving to basically strip mall after strip mall. Chain restaurants and throngs of people coming and going, doesn't seem like it will end up being a thrill for me. I don't get the design of the region and the lack of planning, beyond its entirely commerical with some residences thrown in. Mostly concrete desert is what it seems.All this concrete world obvioulsy contributes to the high heat here. Downtown Phoenix is the dullest downtown I have ever seen for a big city.
To each thier own though. You could do worse than Phx metro in the USA, but for me I don't think this place is all that great. So please visit and spend as much time here as you can before moving here. Visiting and living in a place are two very different experiences. Also rent before buying dispite how cheap the housing is. You really need to learn about the area before buying. So you know if the fit is right for you or not. All in all as far as a lower cost of living. Add it all up and it probably isn't all that cheap. Yes cheap house and thats it. Very high high electric bills with all this AC going. Car insurance is higher. I can figure that one out for myself after living here awhile. Lots of accidents. Alot of gas to be spent for all this driving. Food isn't any cheaper by no means. There is sales tax that always seems to be close to 10% on just about everyhing, other than grocery bought food. Keep that in mind it may not be so cheap for you here.
So like anywhere not just Phoenix. Really make sure a place is better for you before moving there, and add everything up about a place. Not just the warmer weather and cheaper house should be part of your criteria. You need the full picture of life where your moving to. You can really self defeat your purpose in life if your not careful. Again this is my review and not meant to slam the place even if may come across that way. I just wanted to be honest and this is really an honest appraisal of a place in the sun.
Jim | Sun City West, AZ