Phoenix Native
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5/16/2007
I don't know why there are such mixed reviews about Phoenix, I'll give you the real deal from a born and raised phoenician. The obvious, it's HOT in the summer! Up to 115-119 degrees, but when people say it's a dry heat,they're right. You're not going to go running outside in the dead of July. It's definately tollerable, unlike (to me) Chicago, where you're in a continual state of sweat! The weather aside from the summer, is fab! There's a decent amount of culture, it's just not in your face culture like New York, Chicago, or DC for example. My husband and I love finding new little restaurants, and you can in Phoenix, the difference is you have to look for them. We live in the "Central Corridor" about 5-10 miles North of Downtown. This is a great area, treelined streets, and friendly people. The "Valley" aka, the phoenix-suburb area, is very spread out and each area has a distinct feel. East Valley (Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek) is a very Mormon area with lots of strip malls and Applebee's types of dining. Scottsdale & Paradise Valley is a higher income lifestyle with many great resorts, dining and nightlife (for the club dwellers). Phoenix proper is all over the map. Downtown and South Phoenix, have high crime rates, but central and north central are very family friendly. The West Valley (Goodyear, Suprise, Sun City)uhhhh, unless you're backwoods or looking to retire, don't go there. No culture and kinda wierd. Overall, I would never leave Phoenix, I love it here.
Katy | Phoenix, AZ