Summers in Arizona kills just as many older people as winters do in very cold states. If you want to hid indoors all summer, you will love this place. Your utility bills is the summer will rival those that you get it the winters there also. There's so many people that overcompensate by moving to the desert to escape 10 ft of snow. Theres plenty of places between the two extremes. Why move from the freezer to the oven when you can move to the pantry? Of course, like most, you've already made up your mind. Please don't shoot yourself in the foot with stubborn pride.
Robert | Glendale, AZ | Report Abuse

Sallie, Please do not be discouraged by all these posts. My 5 year experience on the West side was UTTERLY FANTASTIC, and I dream every day of moving back. I do NOT understand where these (young-sounding) whiners are getting their unfortunate perceptions. I've lived in many, many states, and the Phoenix area was THE BEST ever for friendliness, acceptance of all cultures, CLIMATE, ease of getting around, total colorful desert beauty, reasonable cost of living (dead in the middle for the whole country), and proximity to thousands of miles of glorious parks and places to visit. If you must go snow skiing, it's a mere two hours away. Really? Where else can you do so much, indoors or out, in day trips? I used to hike in Sedona frequently. Food is great; NOT $150/plate! And I don't eat Mexican unless I make it myself. :) People either love or hate Sheriff Joe. Frankly, for all the politics, he has done infinitely more good! He has a heart and bailed out the animal shelter's debt by using prisoners to run it, and the prisoners love it! Use your head in normal safety precautions and it's probably safer than many/most parts of the country! I mean, you're from Chicago. Need I say more? AND, the majority of my co-workers were from Chicago! Seriously, and for years, they love it and wouldn't be anywhere else. Best of luck to you.
Hannah | Chattanooga, TN | Report Abuse