Better than most, but not without problems
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2/6/2006
Moved to PHX area in 85, moved away in 91, back again in 05. Area is easy to get around in with streets laid out on large grid. Weather is comfortable and pleasant from mid-October to mid-May. Summer heat is not uncomfortable in and of itself; rather, it's the duration that drives people 'crazy'. Yes, there are about 3 months where the temperature simply will not drop below 80. But, you could always drive up to the mountains, or go to San Diego, LA, or Grand Canyon. After 20 years of unstoppable growth, it's true: traffic is worse (the streets aren't any bigger!). But that's to be expected when you build a city like this.
Phoenix really needed a visionary (like me!) back in the 60s, before the growth was overwhelming. Imagine a desert city with tall buildings, dense walkable neighborhoods, and green parks filtering the developed areas. Tall buildings create both wind and shade, making the immediate surroundings cooler in the daytime. You get above 3 stories here and the views are phenomenal! Instead, Phoenix is 90% single-story ranches with no view, spread too far apart to create a social fabric, indeed 'a sense of place'.
All in all, it could be better, but there are neighborhoods with quiet, tree-lined streets where an average Joe can make his paradise. That's better than most cities out there.
Michael | Phoenix, AZ