Phoenix profile, not a pretty one.
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2/16/2006
After, living in Phoenix,AZ for the last 12 years I am done with this city. I can't wait to get out of here.
As much as I did not like it when I first got here. I like it even less now.
This place is now too expensive with housing cost exceeding the 200k, 250k and 300k range in areas within or near the cities center (This includes the greater metro area).
You would have to move around 50-60 miles away or further to get under 200k for a home.
Also the summer heat here is unbearable. Most of the time you hibernate within your home or elswhere with the A/C cranked up, to include your car. If the car is outside with no shade you will not be able to get your car to cool down for a long long time, it might have to get dark before it cools down. Even if it does cool down, you will never get your car to level that it is comfortable, and forget it if you have kids.
This city has grown leaps and bounds and has a great deal to offer as far as outdoor activities, sports, arts and culture. Phoenix has a zoo and a couple zool like places on the outskirts of Phoenix. No Aquarium, no real amusement parks or theme parks, it does have a few water parks.
If you want green this aint the place for you. Phoenix has done its best to implement man made green areas but it isn't enough. If you are from back east or an area with lots of parks and greenery; you will be very disappointed with the parks from that vantage point. However what the lack in green they make up for in the amount of park areas in and around the area.
The metro area is huge and is sprawling and you will most definetly need a vehicle here. The transit system here is very sub par. There are plans for a light rail system, but no construction has begun, and by the time they are done with it the size of the cities and the size of the rail and coverage areas will not matter. Phoenix is way behind in terms of transportation and did not plan soon enough or far enough in advance; in order to not make the same mistakes other cities have made. But, those cities have been big cities for centuries not decades.
Schools here are average at best and do not excel in many areas.
Arizona is also a right to work state, so while there may be an abundance of jobs; you may not get paid very well for your sweat; unless you are a white colar worker.
Also, while people may seem friendly outwards; i have found that there is an inability to make long and lasting friendships. Also customer service and custo
Nico | La Vergne, TN