Anyone familiar with Phoenix?

[xjchad]

Sooo....
I had an interview for a job in Phoenix yesterday.  I guess it went well because they made me an offer.
It would be a huge change for our family to move so far, but we've talked about it more lately since it's so dang expensive to live in Socal.
Cost of living being so much less in AZ, we could afford a much nicer place with room for all the kids to play.
Do any of you have any experience or info on Phoenix?
Also, any experience or advice on moving your family to a new state?
Thanks!
Chad

[BenCantrell]

Good luck if you decide to make the move!

Here's my photo album from a 3-day visit to Phoenix a few years ago.  Suckers are from the Salt River just east of town, carp are from irrigation canals in Gilbert, and the chubs are from Fossil Creek a few hours to the north.

https://goo.gl/photos/LX1ZrwtZ2QkZ4rSL7

[Pinoyfisher]

Good luck if it indeed happens! This is gonna make my ascent on the shark list much easier

[WheresMyBeer]

Been going up for baseball quite a bit over the years, and my son will be going to ASU.

I really like the neighborhoods in Arcadia near Scottsdale (Camelback Mountain). Those are some nice homes. Also spent time in Chandler and there are tons of cool homes built on canals. Good bass fishing. Ocotillo (sp?) has homes on golf course, plus the waterways. Tons of great neighborhoods. Zillow is your friend. Good luck!

[xjchad]

Thanks for the advice and info guys!
This really is a great community and I'm thankful for all that I've learned here!
I'm still undecided and have until next week to give an answer. 
I'm currently at a job that I love and has very good future potential, but as you all know, it's not cheap to live in Socal, and with 5 kids, it's even harder.  I'm dying to get my family out of the bad neighborhood we are in and into a house that has more than just an 8'x12' slab of cement for a back yard.
Two weeks ago the police shot and killed a guy 30 yards from our front door.  I heard the shots and imediately gathered all the kids to the other side of the house.  I HATE that we have to worry about that kind of thing 

On the other hand, as attractive as the job and cost of living is in AZ, I'm afraid of making a big move and then being stranded if it doesn't pan out or something. 

We're still prayerfully considering all the options and weighing the pros and cons.  Thank you for all the wisdom, it really helps!

[Latimeria]

It's a tough decision Chad.  I personally believe unless you get some great job that pays so much that you could move back if needed, it's not worth leaving.  Most people who left can't afford to move back if they wanted to.  Also Phoenix gets hot as hell and has its share of riff-raff even more so since it's an easier place to live.  I've been there a number of times, but never in the summer.  I can't even imagine what it feels like in the summer.

Just my 2 cents.  I know you'll make the right decision as you seem to have your head screwed on straight.... except for the fact you have 5 kids!  lol

It's so hot in Arizona that...

-the birds have to use potholders to pull worms out of the ground.
-the potatoes cook underground, and all you have to do to have lunch is to pull one out and add butter, salt and pepper.
-farmers are feeding their chickens crushed ice to keep them from laying hard-boiled eggs.
-the cows are giving evaporated milk.
-the trees are whistling for the dogs.
-you no longer associate bridges (or rivers) with water.
-you can say 113 degrees without fainting.
-you eat hot chiles to cool your mouth off.
-you can make instant sun tea.
-you learn that a seat belt makes a pretty good branding iron.
-the temperature drops below 95, you feel a bit chilly.
-you've experienced condensation on your butt from the hot water in the toilet bowl.
-you would give anything to be able to splash cold water on your face.
-you can attend any function wearing shorts and a tank top.
-The 4 seasons are: tolerable, hot, really hot, and ARE YOU KIDDING ME??!!
-you discover that in July, it takes only two fingers to drive your car.
-you discover that you can get a sunburn through your car window.
-you notice the best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance.
-hot water now comes out of both taps.
-it's noon in July, kids are on summer vacation, and not one person is out on the streets.
-you actually burn your hand opening the car door.

[WheresMyBeer]

It's so hot in Arizona that...

-you can say 113 degrees without fainting.
-the temperature drops below 95, you feel a bit chilly.
-you would give anything to be able to splash cold water on your face.
-you discover that you can get a sunburn through your car window.
-you notice the best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance.

These I've experienced in person.
(I've been there a few times when it was 119-120)

[xjchad]

Haha, thanks for the levity Tom! 
Helps take the pressure off a bit!

[Pinoyfisher]

What does your wife think?

[xjchad]

What does your wife think?

She's torn as well.  The opportunity to afford a nicer home in a nicer neighborhood with better schools is very appealing.  The distance away from family and friends is not so much.  The heat is not too much of a concern since we are from the antelope valley and it regularly gets 110+ in the summer there as well.

My current company just made me a pretty good counter offer, so we're still 50/50 LOL!

[Pinoyfisher]

What does your wife think?

She's torn as well.  The opportunity to afford a nicer home in a nicer neighborhood with better schools is very appealing.  The distance away from family and friends is not so much.  The heat is not too much of a concern since we are from the antelope valley and it regularly gets 110+ in the summer there as well.

My current company just made me a pretty good counter offer, so we're still 50/50 LOL!

Will the counter enable you to move to a better neighborhood?

[Pinoyfisher]

My family's safety trumps all.

[xjchad]

Hey guys,
Thank you all so much for your advice!  I received a counter offer from my current employer that made it an easy decision to stay put.

[Latimeria]

Hey guys,
Thank you all so much for your advice!  I received a counter offer from my current employer that made it an easy decision to stay put.

Personally I think you made the right call. Besides, it sounds like if things get good there then there might be an opportunity upgrade neighborhoods!

Good news Chad.  Congrats!

[Pinoyfisher]

Good news! Especially with your recent SURF gear purchases