Moving to Phoenix, AZ - any advice

[buckgrad04 2]

Hi BBT, we are looking to make a move to the Phoenix area (from the Carolinas).  We are also looking at the surrounding areas of Glendale, Scottsdale and Tempe.  I will likely be living in an apartment for a while as we get a feel for the area.  I am a finance executive so will be looking at opportunities in that field while still trading the market open.  Any advice on where to look, what to avoid, areas to look into and stay away from, etc.?  Thanks for any advice you are able to offer!

[WilliamH 67]

@MBlais and @Greg D

 

I know both of you live or have lived in Arizona. Can either or both of you provide some feedback for him? Thank you SO MUCH in advance. He really wants to make a big move

specifically for his trading and needs some insight into this area.

[AAgnostic 4]

I live in Phoenix for a long time ( about 10 years), but I'm an introvert so I never go out much. Apart from the extreme hot in the summer, Phoenix is a reasonable place to live in my opinion. Lots of authentic Mexican food. Lots of friendly outgoing people, and a lot of fun activities to do. Well, some people think Phoenix is a bit ghetto though. I can see why say that, but again everyone is different. If you can afford it, I would recommend to live in Scottsdale. It is a much nicer place, but it is a lot more expensive. There is Talking Stick casino in Scottsdale too... which is very nice 🙂

[buckgrad04 2]

Thanks AAgnostic, there are certainly ghetto parts to every big city.  If someone were to ask me for certain areas to stay away from in Charlotte I could give them 3 right off the top of my head.  Anything like that in Phoenix?  I'll be paying a mortgage and rent for awhile but I won't sacrifice safety just to save a few bucks. 

[Greg D 22]

I was born and raised in Phoenix AZ and graduated from U of A in Tucson in 1988 (Bear Down AZ!).  My knowledge is a little limited as I left AZ in 1989 and lived in Los Angeles (Glendale to be exact) for 4 years and I moved to MN in 1993 as my wife is from MN! I will always love AZ but a lot has changed since I left. South Phoenix is the bad part of town (always has been).  I have family/friends that live in north Phoenix as well as in Scottsdale, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Surprise, etc. One day soon I'll move back to Phoenix during the winters (to avoid the MN snow, cold) and I plan on moving to north Phoenix or north Scottsdale area. It's in the extreme north area where you'll find the pristine desert and lots of outdoor activities (running, hiking the mountains, bicycling, very little crime. etc) but not so much outdoor activities in the summer months. When I tell people I'm from Phoenix they usually say, I didn't know anyone was born there as it's such a transient state. I believe this thinking was derived from the real estate boom and the quest for affordable housing for Los Angeles people. Phoenix is a great city and I believe you and your family will love it there!!

[buckgrad04 2]

Thanks Greg.  All the areas you mentioned where your family and friends are at, are areas that others have mentioned as good locations too.  I've also heard West Phoenix is an area to avoid.  Thank for your input, as I get a better idea of where I may end up I'll likely reach out to you for an opinion! 

[MBlais 27]

I have lived in AZ since I was three, went to College in Tucson just like Greg (Go Wildcats!!) but moved back to Phoenix for a job at an architecture firm.  I have lived all over the Valley in my 39 years.  Scottsdale and Tempe are both great places to live with lots of things to do nearby.

Downtown Phoenix has had a major revitalization over the past 20 years and there are lots of incredible condos downtown, along with the baseball stadium, tons of cool local places to eat and shop, the art museum, history museum, science museum, etc.  I have 4 kids so downtown/condo living doesn't work for my lifestyle, but if I didn't have kids, I would absolutely live downtown.

If you have any more questions or want to chat more privately, you can email me at [email protected]

Michelle

[buckgrad04 2]

Thanks Michelle!  Once I have a better idea of what area I may end up in, will definitely send you an email.  Thanks!