Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub I really would prefer Anaheim or Lake Buena Vista but that is not an option. So what do I need to know? And why does the pics of the desert sandstorms terrify more than a tornado?
Originally Posted By SingleParkPassholder Here's something for you to think about- In this recent essay, the L.A. Times wrote about Phoenix changing climate- <a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2013/mar/14/opinion/la-oe-debuys-phoenix-and-climate-change-20130314" target="_blank">http://articles.latimes.com/20...20130314</a> The Arizona Republic took offense, not really countering the Times' piece so much as attacking L.A.- <a href="http://www.azcentral.com/opinions/articles/20130314editorial-coast-megacity-water-vacuum.html" target="_blank">http://www.azcentral.com/opini...uum.html</a> The general reaction to the two articles was accurately summed up here- <a href="http://www.laobserved.com/archive/2013/03/phoenix_lamely_objects_to_2.php" target="_blank">http://www.laobserved.com/arch...to_2.php</a> All of this highlights the fact that Phoenix, already very warm most of the year, is going to get warmer, even hotter if you will. I just came back from a week in Mesa, AZ., a suburb just east of Phoenix. I go every year in March to see baseball spring training. Normally, March is ideal, with weather in the 70's, sometimes the mid-80's, but this year they set new records while I was there with temperatures hitting 96. In March, during winter. I have had the dubious pleasure of being there on the road for a sandstorm, and it is like being in a blizzard. You're blinded by sand, choking on the dry air, and the air quality after it's over is horrible. There are very nice areas of Phoenix metro, Scottsdale coming to mind, but overall, having visited there every year since 1997 in what is supposed to be the best time of year to be there, I would never, ever live there. The weather is only one of the reasons. To be fair, you will also find quite a few people who will tell you they love it there. I would counter that you should ask them specific questions about the changing climate, and also if they align politically with the governor there, who is to the far right of the far right. Immigration is a VERY big topic there, with Latinos generally looked upon as third class citizens and the root of all their problems. It's not possible, in my view, to exaggerate on that. Overall, the economy there is not very good and there doesn't seem to be any cohesive planning. Mesa, for example, has long stretches of deserted storefronts and entire strip malls empty, yet they just built a brand new mega-mall in the Northeast part of town. If it wasn't for baseball spring training, I believe Phoenix metro would really be suffering. One last thing- it isn't as if I loathe heat or the desert. Matter of fact, in our perfect scenario, my wife and I will retire in eight years to Rancho Mirage, CA. We'd spend six winter months there and six summer months in Chicago. If we're not able to swing two places, we'll settle full time in Rancho Mirage. But for us, Phoenix as a full time residency would never enter the picture, even if I had to choose now for work. I'd rather be unemployed in Long Beach where we are now than working in Phoenix. And again, you'll find people who think I'm full of it, but after 17 years of visiting there each year, that's my opinion.
Originally Posted By ecdc I tend to align with SPP. I had opportunities to move to Phoenix (also Chandler, interestingly enough) and chose not to for some of the very reasons he listed. On the flip side, I have a friend who just moved there and he absolutely loves it. They have a pool and a nice home and he doesn't miss Salt Lake and the weather here at all. So to each his or her own. Personally, I really like areas around Los Angeles. For a while it looked like my old job was going to be sending me to Irvine and I did a lot of research on living in SoCal. Expensive and other downsides, absolutely. But overall, I like it a lot down there and still hope to move someday.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip I would move to Phoenix, though my wife would never agree to it. Having lived 55 years in Minnesota, I absolutely despise cold weather. The heat I could take. Although SW Missouri is much more temperate than Minnesota, it still gets colder in winter than I would prefer. I freeze when it gets below 40 degrees. My former brother-in-law and his family have lived in Phoenix for 30 years now and they love it. The politics are difficult for him... I've always described him as being a little to the left of Paul Wellstone. He was previously director of Catholic Social Services for Phoenix, but left when he didn't like what was happening in the church. He started his own business and now does lobbying for social justice issues. Believe me, in Arizona there is plenty of work to keep him busy! The desert mountains surrounding Phoenix are very beautiful in their own way. The city itself can be a shock at times. I remember driving though south Phoenix once on my way to South Mountain Park. I was shocked to see block after block of businesses surrounded by tall chain-link fences topped with razor wire. I never saw that in even the worst parts of Minneapolis. As with anyplace there is good and bad. Go there in January though and you will think you've died and gone to heaven.
Originally Posted By Autopia Deb The desert can get pretty cold in the Winter, maybe not mid west cold, but it can actually get freezing temps. Phoenix isn't the only place in AZ. I know people who have loved living in Tucson and in the other direction Flagstaff. The Prescott area also has its merits.
Originally Posted By seafairy1622 I lived in Phoenix for 17 years. Summers are very hot but winters are nice. I live in a small town now and miss the city. I loved the Phoenix Zoo, Metro Center,Castles and Coasters ,Broadway Shows, and the Science Center. I moved 10 years ago so it's been a long time since I was there. It was a good place for my kids. There was a lot to do. I don't miss the summers there. It gets hot in the summer where I live now but we don't have the humid heat.
Originally Posted By Pollyana A transplant from Washington state, we have lived in Mesa, AZ for the past 10 years. I really like living here and at this time would not think of moving. The summmers are a mother bear and quite miserable. You just need to know when to get things done, very early in the morning when the temps are still in the 90's.. The sports complexes seem to thrive while other areas have dimished somewhat. We love exploring the surrounding area which is rich in Native American history. Not to mention that our two favorite playgrounds, Disneyland and Vegas are a half day drive away. Ideally, we would live in southern Cali, but that will never happen. We are retiring in May and will have many opportunities to explore more of this beautiful state. Arizona has a lot to offer but you have to be willing to deal with the heat if you choose the Phoenix area.
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub Thanks for advice,friends. I have to decide to remain in Kansas City away from family - move to Fort Worth or Phoenix. I have never been to Phoenix but my son just moved . I have been to FtWorth many times but only to visit my grandchildren. Both locations only appeal to me because of family. Both locations would never be a choice if not for wanting to be close to loved ones.
Originally Posted By KCCHIEF I lived in KC for several years and loved it. I now live in WA state and I truly love our summers but not the 9 months of rain we endure each year. I love the heat and am seriously considering Chandler for my golden years
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub Yep KC winter is finally getting to me as I am getting older and FT Worth only has my grandchildren and nothing else. Well it does have some nice LPers...
