Moveing to arizona

[ranman]

hey
i am thinking about relocating to Arizona around phoenix. i`m tired of cold winters and a real slow economy. im a master plumber so work isn't a problem.
for anyone who lives there what is life like there? we have been on vacation there in July so i know its hot, but what is the day to day like. are the schools good? hows the crime?
thanks for your input
ranman

 

[bigoltool]

Scotsdale is a nice part of Phoenix but pretty spendy! Used to live in New Mexico right on the Line with AZ!

 

[Shanling]

Compared to Dearborn, your cost of living will be higher. I know they have those COL calculators out there on the net. I would find one and run your numbers. If I were going to Phoenix, it would be Scottsdale for me but property in Scottsdale is much higher than Phoenix itself. You can say that Scottsdale is to Phoenix what Beverly Hills is to Los Angeles. I love the area and was out there visiting friends in July. And yes, it not just hot in July, it is FRICKIN hot!

 

[ranman]

thanks for the tips

 

[ranman]

hey where has horger been? i think he lives there

 

[BiG-T]

(ranman @ Sep. 10 2006,07:53) hey where has horger been? i think he lives there

...hogger......I don't know who horger is.

Ping runeight!

 

[ranman]

name change?

 

[BiG-T]

(ranman @ Sep. 10 2006,18:45) name change?

Yup!

 

[jzdad]

I live east of Phoenix in a small town called Queen Creek.  I bought our house 4 years ago for $209k and it's now worth +$450k.  The growth areas are east and west.   Less crime on east side.  Housing prices have gone thru the roof, but has leveled out.   Some of the schools are over crowded from all the people moving here from Ca and Nev.  My kid's school just got 4 portable buildings for extra classrooms.  I volunteer there, so I can know they have a decent facility and pay their teachers well.  You can research AZ schools and look @ their test scores.  Schools that have a bunch of children from illegal aliens will have much lower scores, and they drain the staff's time, but that's a whole 'nother subject.  I would move here and get an apartment for at least 6 months, and decide which area you want to buy a house in.  The further east or west you go, the more affordable the housing.

 

[runeight]

Here I am!

My thoughts? Phoenix is to big for me. A rat race like L.A. Long commutes, major traffic, crime..hell..PHX Police department could not get any new recruits due to the shootings down there. I lived there for eight (8) months and that was enough for me.

Arizona is a right to work state so expect less wages for your profession. Allow commute time if working across town. Expect high engery costs in the summer although newer homes have much better AC units now than in the past. Education is lowest in Arizona. Believe me it show sometimes.

To be honest, and THIS is me speaking, Arizona is just a beautiful State to live in. Golf on Sat. and Ski on Sun. Problem is every area of this State is growing. Housing is getting high to the point of "out of control". Plenty of housing available so yes, I would take the above advice and rent for a while. Me, I would move to a smaller area out side of Phoenix.

Have you thought of Las Vegas? Fastest growing area in the Country. Always has been. Big time construction too! Casino's and the likes. Better weather, 24/7 kind of town. No State Sales Tax either! Plenty of high paying jobs for your skills.

Don't let me discourage you. Living out West is wonderful. Three months of heat is just like three months of winter. Just a trade off. Phoenix is not for me. Small town guy from Indiana. Even the town I live in now is getting to big for me.

Research on the web or call the local area chamber of commerence. They will send you all the stats on the area.

Here is a good link to read as to local events.

http://www.fox10.com/
http://www.azfamily.com/

Any other questions drop me an email.

runeight

 

[sixreps]

I have been here (AZ) now for 22 yrs yes it's hot in the AM and in the PM. Crime, cost of living, school, homes, fun. just like any other state you have to be in the location that is best for your needs. I'm in Chandler working in Mesa (Boeing) and I love this place. but don't buy a black car.

 

[ranman]

(sixreps @ Sep. 12 2006,10:59) I have been here (AZ) now for 22 yrs   yes it's hot in the AM and in the PM. Crime, cost of living, school, homes, fun. just like any other state you have to be in the location that is best for your needs.  I'm in Chandler working in Mesa (Boeing) and I love this place. but don't buy a black car.

yep found that black sucks for cars there. our explorer is black, our last vacation it cooked.
thanks fellas