Why live in Phoenix?
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9/8/2018
I lived in Phoenix for over 13 years, my husband was born and raised in Buckeye. Let's not forget the MAJOR COMPLAINT of living in Phoenix (or most parts of AZ): HEAT. The temperatures are rising, and as Phoenix continues to build, the heat will only increase (think “concrete jungle”). When it’s 115 degrees outside, you can’t even get into your car after it’s been in the parking lot for an hour. Don’t kid yourself, it is extremely hot between May and October. Hey, if it’s 100 degrees on Halloween, for anyone stating October is nice month, you have a very strange idea of nice weather. In the summer, you become a prisoner of your own house. Pool water doesn’t cool down enough to be comfortable in July/August. And, be prepared to spend a lot on A/C. Plus, there really aren’t any real seasons. Even summer all year long gets old. 300 days of sunshine comes with a price. Here are a few more things about Phoenix and the surrounding area that I’m not a fan of:
1. Brown, beige, tan...you can't escape those colors in the land, housing, shopping centers. There appears to be no other color. Everything looks the same.
2. Dry. Your skin literally begins to crack, and your eyes and throat dry out easily. I would wake up with nose bleeds every day in the winter.
3. Dry EXCEPT, the months with Humidity (Monsoon Season). Someone said there's not that much humidity, but when it's 100+ degrees and the monsoons are in swing for 2-3 months, the humidity is staggering. I live in Florida now, and believe me, I would take this humidity over Phoenix’s.
4. No water. This is serious. There are drought conditions most of the time. Where is the water going to come from? What future is there for water in Arizona overall??
5. Influx of Californians. They can't afford CA, so they're moving to AZ. Think about that future, folks. Every resource will become more difficult to get (e.g., water), and prices will be driven up.
6. Pollution. Phoenix sits in a valley where pollution settles. In fact, smog is so bad that if you work in downtown Phoenix, you may start experiencing breathing problems or allergies. (On some days, you can’t see the mountains through the yellow band of smog.)
7. Speaking of allergies. It used to be if you had them, you moved to the desert, but Phoenix has so many invasive trees, allergies are actually worse for some who move there. Plus you battle dust in the air, daily. And don’t forget about that smog.
8. Zero lot lines. You buy a new house and it's literally within 10 feet of your next door neighbor.
9. No grass on your property unless you live in an older community where it hasn’t been banned. Yes, BANNED.
10. Scorpions and termites. Yup, they're a huge issue with all the building being done more and more in the outskirts. And it’s not a question of will you get termites, it’s when. We never did get rid of our termites.
11. Education is bad. Some of the worst in the country, and it's not getting better.
12. Traffic is bad. You’re driving in the 6th largest city in the U.S. without any major mass transportation. And think how bad it will get with all the Californians moving there (not that I'm insulting Californians).
13. Illegal immigrants everywhere. You can’t go to Home Depot without seeing them lining the sidewalks waiting for work. Even in affluent areas. (Another problem with using vital resources – remember, hospitals can’t turn them away just because they’re illegal or don’t have insurance.)
14. Drugs and crime. Bigger cities just have more of both – it’s a fact throughout the US.
15. Guns are very easy to get, own, and walk around with. You don’t need a license to carry or open carry in AZ. I’m a gun owner and I can’t believe how cavalier that state is when it comes to gun control.
16. Sports. Okay, this could be considered good if you like sports. Phoenix has major baseball, football, hockey, and basketball teams. The problem is, who pays for all those new sports venues and roads leading there? AZ tax payers. So if you don’t like sports, you’re screwed.
17. And personally, for a water-baby, it’s too damn far to get to a decent body of water for boating and other water sports, etc.
The only thing I disagree with that most people complain of is the supposed lack of jobs. There are more large companies moving to the Valley, so I can’t understand anyone having a hard time finding a job (at decent rates, too!). I suppose it depends on what you do for a living, but technology jobs are growing. I am a contractor and found it very easy to find work at a good rate. The other good things about the greater Phoenix area: Good shopping and great restaurant choices; the Mexican food is plentiful and awesome. Hmm, I guess that's it. 17 things I hate and 3 I like. But, you have to decide for yourself.
Kristin | South Venice, FL