Arizona

Fy1124 · May 2014

Anyone on here live in Arizona? My husband and I are considering it because it's so much more affordable than California, where we currently are, Cali is rediculous expensive! I just wanna know more about the lifestyle there...we won't have any family there just a few friends, which is what's making us think twice about it.

rachmckenna · May 2014

I lived there for 5 years. Definitely look into the different areas. I worked in Glendale and lived in Phoenix and safety was a huge issue in both areas, which is one of the reasons we moved back to MI. Scottsdale is nice, but really expensive. Chandler is a great place to raise a family. There are a lot of outdoor things to do if you like to hike, but it is overwhelmingly hot. Pm me if you have any specific questions.

BTBergstrom · May 2014

I have a bunch of family in Tucson and I hated visiting there. I'm from pnw though so not sure I could ever get used to living there. I always called it the armpit of the usa. It's hot and smelly.

myfriendscallmemeg · May 2014

I know @DisneyAddict1‌ is from there!

My mom starts her new job in Mesa next week! So in two weeks I'll have something I can report back.

desertmouse39 · May 2014

I grew up in Mesa, and most of my family still lives in the valley. It has changed a LOT since I was a kid, but I am there visiting quite a bit and I think most of the changes have been for the better.

AZ tends to be a fairly conservative state and that has always been a challenge for me, as a tree-hugging, human rights loving, Jewish liberal. Also, I HATE the heat. It makes me angry and feels oppressive at least 4 or 5 months out of the year (in the PHX area). There are a lot of very conservative and right-wing thinkers and this is reflected in a lot of the politics and decisions. However, there are a lot of diverse cultural opportunities and 'things to do' as well, and as far as raising a family, I think there are great areas to do that. I'd have to know more about what you are looking for before recommending parts of the valley that might suit you - I happen to love Tucson and also Flagstaff, but Flagstaff has awful schools, all around.

Despite the expense, the Bay area has always been where I've felt most at home and as we are preparing to leave New Mexico we want to return to central or northern CA, not AZ. Feel free to PM me if you like, but @DisneyAddict1 might be the best resource, since she lives there now.

jessher · May 2014

I used to live in Tucson and I think it's great. More liberal than Phoenux and less fussy.

Mskris66 · May 2014

I live in Gilbert and I love it

it's a little newer and there is so much growing on this side of the valley. We also have a lot of friends on this side of town so it's been nice. I grew up in north Scottsdale/cave creek area and it's a beautiful part of town but a little bit more expensive. Our friends with kids have said nothing but great things about the school district in the chandler / gilbert area so I am excited about that when it's time for little man to head to school. What they say is true, the heat sucks. It's brutal 3 months out of the year, but the rest of the year is beautiful. I'm not sure where in California you live exactly and how close you are to water, but that is one thing you would probably miss. However San Diego is a 5 hour drive, Vegas is close, we have Lakes here, up north in the mountains is beautiful to visit the snow, Sedona is a nice drive... Lots of positives and I really do love it here

If it's in the budget, I would definitely look for something with a pool... This is our second summer with ours and cannot believe we went without one as long as we did!

amandoza23 · May 2014

I'm here because of the military and I hate it. I'm in Yuma, but have visited Tucson, Scottsdale, and Phoenix many times and I wasn't a fan of that either. I was born and raised in California and we will be going back when my husband gets out in a year and a half. It is cheaper here though.

Fy1124 · May 2014

Thank you everyone!! These answers are great....one of my main concerns is the heat because I know how hot it gets out there! I was hoping that AC and a pool would cut it for us. I've never lived anywhere but California my whole life so I'm afraid to move and hate it! I'm more than willing to give it a try though @-)

CactusGirl · May 2014

I live in Arizona; about 2 hours from Phoenix. We own a house and lived in Gilbert for many years. I love Gilbert! There are a lot of good places around the Phoenix Metro area, and also some I would not like to live. I am not a huge fan of Tucson, personally. If you have any more specific questions I'd be happy to answer them.

And it does get hot, but you adjust. Are you looking to buy or rent?

Fy1124 · May 2014

@CactusGirl‌ were looking to buy out there...that's what I also thought, I'm sure we'll adjust!

Brittlamarche · May 2014

I live in Gilbert and love it. I lived for awhile in chandler too and it's great. What everyone else said is true. East valley is better for families. The heat is ridiculous but air conditioning helps you get through. Then winter comes and you watch snow falling everywhere else and think "yup. This is why we live here".

myfriendscallmemeg · May 2014

Gonna throw out a shameless plug. If you wanna have another baby with a CNM near Gilbert/Mesa my mom starts delivering babies June 2nd down there!

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