Phoenix: the good and the bad
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10/1/2008
The weather is hot here. People the world over associate Arizona with very hot, arid weather. Arizona actually means "Arid Zone". Don't move here if you don't like hot, arid climates. I grew up in Phoenix. After living in Japan for 5 years, I have recently returned to Phoenix for the purpose of finishing my degree. Alot of people like to say negative things about living in phoenix, especially those who moved here from out of State. I wonder WHY people would move here without doing a little research first. I don't like the cold...so I don't live in Minnesota. Simple enough, right? Yes, there are some negative things to be said about Phoenix, but what city is perfect? I really wish that people would get outdoors and see some of the great things that Arizona has to offer before making a decision about Phoenix and Arizona.
I have read many complaints about the lack of culture here. I think that there is a lack of European culture that many people may be accustomed to from their home states, but we are very rich in Native American and Mexican culture. I suppose that some people don't consider Native American and Mexican culture "real" culture, but I can't imagine how it can be overlooked.
Arizona does, in fact, have alot to offer the outdoors-minded person. Hiking, golfing, skiing, kayaking, fishing and spelunking are just a few of the things this state offers. There are truly incredible things to see and do here. I am an avid photographer and I often find places that are just incredibly beautiful. There is always a new place to go in the vast desert and mountains that are here. I like to do alot of hiking in the summer months. There are no tourists at that time and also few locals.The West is almost exclusively for those who like adventure and the outdoors.
On the other hand, our public transportation leaves alot to be desired. After living in Japan for so long, I am used to being able to take a train or bus almost anywhere I want to go. To be honest, public transportation is quite frustrating here. Busses are relatively few and far between and it's a terrible thing to have to stand in 118 degree heat for 30 minutes waiting for the bus. Why the city did not provide more shade at bus stops, I will never understand. We do have a light rail system that will open for operation in December. Although I don't agree with the lack of a route from Tempe to Scottsdale, I think the light rail is a step in the right direction.
Currently, there is a big push to "re-vitalize" downtown Phoenix. I wonder, though, was downtown Phoenix ever "vital"? There are some great places to eat downtown including Pizzaria Bianco, which was awarded (again) "best pizza in the United States" by Bon Appetite. Despite this push to "re-vitalize" downtown, on Friday or Saturday night downtown is deserted. Downtown phoenix just doesn't have the feel and flavor that the downtown area of one of the largest U.S. cities should have. There are no street performers, no outdoor food vendors, and no people! However, I really do think that will change. I also think it will be sooner than later (fingers crossed!)
One of the biggest downfalls of Phoenix is our public education system. It's just downright embarrassing. I am lucky that my parents were able to send me and my brothers to Brophy, a private school here in Phoenix.
Overall, I think that Phoenix is not a bad place to live. If you like the outdoors, it's a wonderful place! No, it's not a very cosmopolitan city. It's also really, really hot. Many of the houses here look so alike that it's like an ocean of stucco. But if you're the kind of person that likes to get out and play golf in January or step into your ski/snowboard bindings, then this might be a good place for you. The winters here can only be described as "gorgeous". If you want snow, it's just a few hour's drive into the mountains. If you are already here and you just absolutely hate it, ask a native for some ideas on places to go. There is alot to do in this state.
brian | Anthem, AZ