Home is where the heat is?
October 17, 2015 1:12 AM Subscribe
I got a fantastic job offer, but it's in Phoenix. I'm not sure I'd like living in Phoenix. Is it worth taking a much (much!) better job if you're not crazy about the locale?
My partner and I live in the Midwest, and we love it. I'm originally from here, but she's from SoCal and was excited to move away.
I've worked at the same company for over 10 years, but that time has been broken up over a couple of cities. A supervisor from a previous assignment called (unsolicited) and offered me the job.
The new position immediately has more promotion than I'd expect to see in 5 years in my current office, comes with a sizeable raise, and could be career-ending, in that the project might extend for decades.
If it was in any other city, I would have accepted on the spot. But, having been to Phoenix a couple of times before, I'm not sure we can handle the sprawl. Or the drought and future water shortages.
We own a house in the Great Lakes watershed, and I'd always been comforted that we were more-or-less set for the seemingly upcoming water difficulties. But you have to have a job to pay a mortgage, and things are pretty bleak here.
Have you ever moved to a place that was so different, and did you learn to love it? Or were you so miserable that you grew to resent it?
My partner and I live in the Midwest, and we love it. I'm originally from here, but she's from SoCal and was excited to move away.
I've worked at the same company for over 10 years, but that time has been broken up over a couple of cities. A supervisor from a previous assignment called (unsolicited) and offered me the job.
The new position immediately has more promotion than I'd expect to see in 5 years in my current office, comes with a sizeable raise, and could be career-ending, in that the project might extend for decades.
If it was in any other city, I would have accepted on the spot. But, having been to Phoenix a couple of times before, I'm not sure we can handle the sprawl. Or the drought and future water shortages.
We own a house in the Great Lakes watershed, and I'd always been comforted that we were more-or-less set for the seemingly upcoming water difficulties. But you have to have a job to pay a mortgage, and things are pretty bleak here.
Have you ever moved to a place that was so different, and did you learn to love it? Or were you so miserable that you grew to resent it?
One thing to consider, Phoenix is hotter than hell in the summer, and "summer" is at least early May-end of October. Getting off a plane in August is like walking into a blast furnace.The heat keeps you inside in the air conditioning just as much as cold and snow keep people inside in Winter in northern places. For someone from a different climate, it is really oppressive and depressing. On the other hand, some people get used to it and come to love the stark beauty of the desert. It is lovely in January. I hope you and your partner make a choice you can live with about this and it works out well in the long run.
posted by mermayd at 3:19 AM on October 17, 2015
posted by mermayd at 3:19 AM on October 17, 2015
I moved from the Bay Area to a town that hits 105 and up regularly in the summer and I ended up really liking it. But I came from a super urban city, so what I liked most were all the gardens and trees. This was before the drought though. I made friends and had a good time, but I was pretty proactive about it. There was also a lot of sprawl, and it is an adjustment to have to commute miles in the heat (even in an air conditioned car). People seemed to stay inside more during the summer days and then be out and about after 8 at night but it would still be in the 80s at night. It took awhile to get used to it. Also you do have to be a lot more mindful of water in a drought state. No 25 minute showers.
posted by gt2 at 3:34 AM on October 17, 2015
posted by gt2 at 3:34 AM on October 17, 2015
My parents moved to Phoenix after I went away to college/the Army. When I went back during the summer to visit them, it was 122 degrees out. There is no getting used to that kind of heat. I was jet-lagged, so I woke up about 3 a.m. one day and decided to go for a run, since it was only in the 90s at that point. I saw people mowing their lawns, because it's just too hot to do it when the sun is out for several months out of the year. That was when I decided that I was never going to live near my parents again.
posted by Etrigan at 4:29 AM on October 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by Etrigan at 4:29 AM on October 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
For my career I moved twice to places I would have never considered (a midwest university town, Las Vegas). Each time I knew ahead of time that in 3-4 years I'd be out with a career boost. The things that made each place better than tolerable were: 1) New friends, 2) Let go of what I wanted in the new place that simply wasn't available, 3) Actively explored the culture, locale and cuisine to find what I resonated with, 4) Pulled items off my life long mental list of things I try if only I had the time and found one that became a passion, 5) When life got me down I looked at effect on my IRA/401k/Lifestyle of the pay bump to make the move and the anticipated pay bump for my new skill set.
Everyone told me it takes 3 years to acclimate to the Vegas heat. The first year was the worst, obviously. The second I saw markedly more heat tolerance. By the third summer, 107 in the early evening didn't stop me from doing outdoor strenuous sports.
posted by Homer42 at 4:38 AM on October 17, 2015 [6 favorites]
Everyone told me it takes 3 years to acclimate to the Vegas heat. The first year was the worst, obviously. The second I saw markedly more heat tolerance. By the third summer, 107 in the early evening didn't stop me from doing outdoor strenuous sports.
posted by Homer42 at 4:38 AM on October 17, 2015 [6 favorites]
Every city has pros and cons, IMO. Some have a few more pros, some have a few more cons. Overall though, I think humans are extremely adaptable creatures. At first, it will be shocking. Then you'll "learn to stop worrying and love the locale." We're biologically made to adjust to our situations and find them tolerable—even enjoyable. (Personally, I've always just needed a few friends, a cool coffee shop, a trendy local bar, and a few places to go do things outside when the weather's nice. Pretty much every city has that. Everything else is just bonus.)
posted by uncannyslacks at 5:39 AM on October 17, 2015
posted by uncannyslacks at 5:39 AM on October 17, 2015
I find the heat in Tucson depressing and oppressive and I've been here 20+ years. It's even hotter in Phoenix and both cities are just going to get even hotter in the future. We had highs in the mid-90s just last week. There are people here who can handle it, and can do crazy things like go running at mid-day in June, but I'm not one of them.
posted by Squeak Attack at 7:39 AM on October 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Squeak Attack at 7:39 AM on October 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
Well, maybe think of it as an assignment with a limited term length (5 years? 10 years?) to stack up some cash and then move somewhere else / retire somewhere else.
I moved to Tucson from Boston just in time for summer. I think Tucson's summer is a tiny bit less intense than Phoenix, but it's stilll pretty damn hot. It felt oppressive at times in July and August, and I got a bit of cabin fever. But here's the thing - compared to the utter, utter shit winter that I went through last year in Boston, it's a cake walk. And here's another thing - now that October hit, it's smooth sailing pretty much all day long. I personally like the small city vibe in Tucson, but I don't have much experience in Phoenix. Tempe by ASU seems really nice though, if you don't mind being around college students.
I agree with you that water is a troubling thought for the future - that's why we might not buy a house here. But we can rent for so much cheaper than Boston and save for a future house easily because the Cost of Living is so cheap. I don't think that water is a big issue on the 5-10 year horizon because the Central Arizona Project (CAP) water is still doing fine, and there are a lot of cuts we can make to frivolous water spending before we start really hurting.
So, in conclusion, maybe think of it as a shorter time scale move, try it out (especially if relocation is covered) and see how you like it. Also, try visiting around now if you want to experience what we in Arizona call, the good shit weather.
posted by permiechickie at 8:27 AM on October 17, 2015
I moved to Tucson from Boston just in time for summer. I think Tucson's summer is a tiny bit less intense than Phoenix, but it's stilll pretty damn hot. It felt oppressive at times in July and August, and I got a bit of cabin fever. But here's the thing - compared to the utter, utter shit winter that I went through last year in Boston, it's a cake walk. And here's another thing - now that October hit, it's smooth sailing pretty much all day long. I personally like the small city vibe in Tucson, but I don't have much experience in Phoenix. Tempe by ASU seems really nice though, if you don't mind being around college students.
I agree with you that water is a troubling thought for the future - that's why we might not buy a house here. But we can rent for so much cheaper than Boston and save for a future house easily because the Cost of Living is so cheap. I don't think that water is a big issue on the 5-10 year horizon because the Central Arizona Project (CAP) water is still doing fine, and there are a lot of cuts we can make to frivolous water spending before we start really hurting.
So, in conclusion, maybe think of it as a shorter time scale move, try it out (especially if relocation is covered) and see how you like it. Also, try visiting around now if you want to experience what we in Arizona call, the good shit weather.
posted by permiechickie at 8:27 AM on October 17, 2015
Longtime Phoenix resident who recently left for the Pacific Northwest last year. I'm actually struggling to adapt to my new home... I miss Phoenix quite a bit.
Here are a few thoughts.
First, you'll get used to the heat. One good thing about the heat is that it doesn't prevent you from getting out of the house, unlike heavy rain/snow. The city doesn't shut down during the summer and there is still a lot to do.
Second, when you get to Phoenix you'll realize that it's very much a city of neighborhoods. People who don't know this city generally think it is just a bunch of sprawl and beat. To be sure there are sprawling, dull suburbs and lots of them. But there are also some really vibrant places to live and spend time, like parts of Scottsdale, the Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix, the downtown Gilbert area, the North Central area (along Central Avenue stretching North of downtown). There are actually green neighborhoods too... especially North Central and Arcadia.
Third, Phoenix is an exciting place to be in terms of new culture, new art, new food. The city is growing up and becoming more diverse and accepting by the day. Frankly I miss having so much cheap, great food around. I could give you dozens upon dozens of recommendations for all kinds of tasty food in any variety, just about. One of my favorite places for example is a Middle Eastern/North African market which has a small Lebanese food stand inside... the best shawarma and falafel I have had anywhere.
Finally, Phoenix is so close by to a ton of things to do. Hiking in the desert is incredible during the fall, winter, and spring. The city has several foothills you can climb and hike... Camelback Mountain is very dramatic and I can't think of anything else like it in any other American city. Head an hour and a half out of town, tops, and you can make it to Prescott, a fun town with good hiking and outdoor stuff to do. Two hours gets you to Flagstaff, a great college town up in the pines. Two hours and you're in Tucson which has great local flavor, excellent food, and a unique culture. Phoenix and Arizona generally are really an outdoor person's dream so long as you don't mind driving to cool stuff.
As far as true downsides go, Phoenix does have a crummy rush hour, but it's still far, far better than somewhere like Seattle or Chicago, much less LA. Phoenix is sprawling to be sure... when I lived there I regularly drove 30 minutes to get to places I liked. But generally, it's actually a pleasant city to drive in... Wide lanes, well maintained roadways (mostly, except for rougher areas). Statistically it is one of the safest cities to drive in, in the US. Phoenix does have some rough areas like any major city, though some of these areas have amazing restaurants and things to do. And of course there is the wingnut Arizona politics going on, but thankfully, you can tune it out.
If you have some specific questions about neighborhoods please feel free to message me here privately on MeFi. I'd be happy to suggest areas to look into that would help your commute or give you things to do. I could give you much more feedback if I knew where your job would be located in town, for example!
Best wishes! I hope you give it some consideration!
posted by Old Man McKay at 9:56 AM on October 17, 2015 [7 favorites]
Here are a few thoughts.
First, you'll get used to the heat. One good thing about the heat is that it doesn't prevent you from getting out of the house, unlike heavy rain/snow. The city doesn't shut down during the summer and there is still a lot to do.
Second, when you get to Phoenix you'll realize that it's very much a city of neighborhoods. People who don't know this city generally think it is just a bunch of sprawl and beat. To be sure there are sprawling, dull suburbs and lots of them. But there are also some really vibrant places to live and spend time, like parts of Scottsdale, the Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix, the downtown Gilbert area, the North Central area (along Central Avenue stretching North of downtown). There are actually green neighborhoods too... especially North Central and Arcadia.
Third, Phoenix is an exciting place to be in terms of new culture, new art, new food. The city is growing up and becoming more diverse and accepting by the day. Frankly I miss having so much cheap, great food around. I could give you dozens upon dozens of recommendations for all kinds of tasty food in any variety, just about. One of my favorite places for example is a Middle Eastern/North African market which has a small Lebanese food stand inside... the best shawarma and falafel I have had anywhere.
Finally, Phoenix is so close by to a ton of things to do. Hiking in the desert is incredible during the fall, winter, and spring. The city has several foothills you can climb and hike... Camelback Mountain is very dramatic and I can't think of anything else like it in any other American city. Head an hour and a half out of town, tops, and you can make it to Prescott, a fun town with good hiking and outdoor stuff to do. Two hours gets you to Flagstaff, a great college town up in the pines. Two hours and you're in Tucson which has great local flavor, excellent food, and a unique culture. Phoenix and Arizona generally are really an outdoor person's dream so long as you don't mind driving to cool stuff.
As far as true downsides go, Phoenix does have a crummy rush hour, but it's still far, far better than somewhere like Seattle or Chicago, much less LA. Phoenix is sprawling to be sure... when I lived there I regularly drove 30 minutes to get to places I liked. But generally, it's actually a pleasant city to drive in... Wide lanes, well maintained roadways (mostly, except for rougher areas). Statistically it is one of the safest cities to drive in, in the US. Phoenix does have some rough areas like any major city, though some of these areas have amazing restaurants and things to do. And of course there is the wingnut Arizona politics going on, but thankfully, you can tune it out.
If you have some specific questions about neighborhoods please feel free to message me here privately on MeFi. I'd be happy to suggest areas to look into that would help your commute or give you things to do. I could give you much more feedback if I knew where your job would be located in town, for example!
Best wishes! I hope you give it some consideration!
posted by Old Man McKay at 9:56 AM on October 17, 2015 [7 favorites]
I feel like there's *maybe* some missing info that could help more with this decision, or maybe not, but these are the things I think of:
Do you have children or are likely to have children, because choosing to later move away from a place (if you move to Phoenix, say) where your kids have all their social roots becomes a much more complicated choice for parents
How invested is your former supervisor? What if they leave that company? Perhaps something where you feel some assurance that the job won't suck because you are familiar with the one who made the offer could turn to something much less satisfying, in a location that (possibly) doesn't offer a lot of other quality of life benefits from your perspective.
Is it the sort of job that glitters up your resume significantly? If so, your risk is much lessened, since you will likely be able to turn that to your advantage if you do decide the location is not for you after all and you want to look elsewhere. If not, it's probably more of risky move on your part, despite the higher pay.
How susceptible are you/your partner to "environmental sadness"? I'm not sure how to describe this, but some people are much more affected by their environment, which can include all sorts of things: weather; climate; natural aspect; pedestrian-or bike-friendly; upscale or homey, artsy, crunchy, sophisticated; old vs new, etc. Personally, I'm on a scale from nearly totally agoraphobic to confident and breezy, depending on the setting, but I think I'm dialed up abnormally high.
As a personal anecdote, I'll say that I'm significantly less happy where I live now compared to the city we last moved from. We did it because for my husband's work it became imperative, and because my work was mostly portable. Also, there are some complicating factors in my situation, which include moving to a different country to begin with, but the city we moved to was a city I loved, and the city we relocated to was not a city I would have chosen to leave my home country to live in. But bringing it back to a less complicated scenario, when I was still in the US, I was a wretched mess when I lived in Dallas, and really happy and centered when I lived in New Orleans... even though I actually hate the heat, and both places are waaaaaay too hot for me. (And so is where I live now, arrgh!) The essential environmental difference there wasn't temperature, in my case.
I don't really know how you can assay this risk, but how likely is it you might get "stuck" there, in the case that you don't feel happy? What are the factors that might influence that? Those are some things to be particularly aware of.
posted by taz at 10:20 AM on October 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
Do you have children or are likely to have children, because choosing to later move away from a place (if you move to Phoenix, say) where your kids have all their social roots becomes a much more complicated choice for parents
How invested is your former supervisor? What if they leave that company? Perhaps something where you feel some assurance that the job won't suck because you are familiar with the one who made the offer could turn to something much less satisfying, in a location that (possibly) doesn't offer a lot of other quality of life benefits from your perspective.
Is it the sort of job that glitters up your resume significantly? If so, your risk is much lessened, since you will likely be able to turn that to your advantage if you do decide the location is not for you after all and you want to look elsewhere. If not, it's probably more of risky move on your part, despite the higher pay.
How susceptible are you/your partner to "environmental sadness"? I'm not sure how to describe this, but some people are much more affected by their environment, which can include all sorts of things: weather; climate; natural aspect; pedestrian-or bike-friendly; upscale or homey, artsy, crunchy, sophisticated; old vs new, etc. Personally, I'm on a scale from nearly totally agoraphobic to confident and breezy, depending on the setting, but I think I'm dialed up abnormally high.
As a personal anecdote, I'll say that I'm significantly less happy where I live now compared to the city we last moved from. We did it because for my husband's work it became imperative, and because my work was mostly portable. Also, there are some complicating factors in my situation, which include moving to a different country to begin with, but the city we moved to was a city I loved, and the city we relocated to was not a city I would have chosen to leave my home country to live in. But bringing it back to a less complicated scenario, when I was still in the US, I was a wretched mess when I lived in Dallas, and really happy and centered when I lived in New Orleans... even though I actually hate the heat, and both places are waaaaaay too hot for me. (And so is where I live now, arrgh!) The essential environmental difference there wasn't temperature, in my case.
I don't really know how you can assay this risk, but how likely is it you might get "stuck" there, in the case that you don't feel happy? What are the factors that might influence that? Those are some things to be particularly aware of.
posted by taz at 10:20 AM on October 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
I live in Phoenix after growing up in upstate ny. I have been here for almost 15 years and I still am not used to this oppressive heat. I am like a hermit during the 100 degree days. If it wasn't for my loving wife and her family that are out here (she is a native), I would have left long ago. We still have disagreements about staying here as I would love to leave she wants to stay.
The other thing is that I have friends that I grew up with that live out here, but they live in towns that are an hour drive away. We don't get around to see each other very often as it's troublesome.
I personally wouldn't do it if I could relive my past, but if you did come out and get the job experience for a while then can build off that to move somewhere else, that could work.
posted by gregjunior at 10:24 AM on October 17, 2015
The other thing is that I have friends that I grew up with that live out here, but they live in towns that are an hour drive away. We don't get around to see each other very often as it's troublesome.
I personally wouldn't do it if I could relive my past, but if you did come out and get the job experience for a while then can build off that to move somewhere else, that could work.
posted by gregjunior at 10:24 AM on October 17, 2015
I would not do this. Life is too short. It's only money.
posted by Violet Hour at 1:02 PM on October 17, 2015
posted by Violet Hour at 1:02 PM on October 17, 2015
I moved to Tucson a bunch of years ago, under somewhat similar circumstances. I was very uncertain I would like the desert -- in fact, I was pretty sure I would hate it. But I moved there anyway for a really great opportunity. It took me about 3 years to actually start to like it. It was a huge, huge adjustment -- culturally, environmentally, socially. But about 5 years in, I started to love it. I love the food, the people, the environment, and yes, I love the heat.
After 9 years, I moved away, and I really miss it. Tucson is my adult self's home -- it's a place I understand and love and fit.
posted by OrangeDisk at 8:27 PM on October 17, 2015
After 9 years, I moved away, and I really miss it. Tucson is my adult self's home -- it's a place I understand and love and fit.
posted by OrangeDisk at 8:27 PM on October 17, 2015
I've moved several times for work in the last 15 or so years.
I've been able to maintain my old friendships, both online and because I travel a lot.
If I hadn't moved to a city I had serious doubts about I never would have met my current husband.
People are interesting everywhere. Landscape changes but you'll get used to it.
posted by littlewater at 11:00 PM on October 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
I've been able to maintain my old friendships, both online and because I travel a lot.
If I hadn't moved to a city I had serious doubts about I never would have met my current husband.
People are interesting everywhere. Landscape changes but you'll get used to it.
posted by littlewater at 11:00 PM on October 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
I’ve lived in the Phoenix area (Tempe) most of my life. I’ve never missed a day of work (or school) because of the weather. Sure, it gets hot, but it’s not as bad as you might think. The temperature only exceeds 110 an average of 19 days each year. Yes, it tops 100 about 100 times each year, but with the low humidity, 100 is tolerable. I work indoors; on weekends I plan indoor activities (movies, museums, malls). Early mornings are beautiful and lots of folks adjust their hours to do outdoor activities around the break of day. Oh, and the drought isn’t an issue in Phoenix like it is in much of the southwest (maybe it should be, but it isn’t).
But to answer your question, Have you ever moved to a place that was so different, and did you learn to love it? Or were you so miserable that you grew to resent it?
I lived in SoCal for three years. The weather was beautiful but I found it difficult to make lasting relationships and the cost of housing meant I'd never be able to own a home there. I wasn’t miserable, but I wasn’t as happy as I wanted to be. Then I moved to upstate NY for two years and I truly hated the weather. Summers were humid and the winters were brutal. I didn’t resent it, but it helped me to realize I preferred extreme heat over extreme cold. My first day back in Arizona I drove through a fast food restaurant and the employee at the window greeted me with enthusiasm and I realized it was the genuine friendliness of the locals that I missed most when I lived in CA & NY.
It sounds like you have a great job opportunity. Take it!!! Find a cozy neighborhood close to work (so you don’t have to deal with the sprawl). There will likely be everything you need within minutes of any place you choose to live in the valley. I have 3 independent coffee shops, an independent bookstore, more restaurants than I can count, multiple movie theaters, indoor and outdoor malls, all within 15 minutes of my home. Our politicians are an embarrassment, but the people (most of them, anyway) are awesome.
Move soon, the weather will be great for the next 6-7 months.
posted by kbar1 at 12:32 AM on October 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
But to answer your question, Have you ever moved to a place that was so different, and did you learn to love it? Or were you so miserable that you grew to resent it?
I lived in SoCal for three years. The weather was beautiful but I found it difficult to make lasting relationships and the cost of housing meant I'd never be able to own a home there. I wasn’t miserable, but I wasn’t as happy as I wanted to be. Then I moved to upstate NY for two years and I truly hated the weather. Summers were humid and the winters were brutal. I didn’t resent it, but it helped me to realize I preferred extreme heat over extreme cold. My first day back in Arizona I drove through a fast food restaurant and the employee at the window greeted me with enthusiasm and I realized it was the genuine friendliness of the locals that I missed most when I lived in CA & NY.
It sounds like you have a great job opportunity. Take it!!! Find a cozy neighborhood close to work (so you don’t have to deal with the sprawl). There will likely be everything you need within minutes of any place you choose to live in the valley. I have 3 independent coffee shops, an independent bookstore, more restaurants than I can count, multiple movie theaters, indoor and outdoor malls, all within 15 minutes of my home. Our politicians are an embarrassment, but the people (most of them, anyway) are awesome.
Move soon, the weather will be great for the next 6-7 months.
posted by kbar1 at 12:32 AM on October 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
We just moved to Phoenix (Chandler) a little over a month ago. We came here from Orlando FL (8.5 years) and Seattle WA (30+ years) before that. Our primary reason for moving was to GTFO of Florida; we settled on Phoenix because my family has migrated here bit by bit from Seattle, and I didn't want to deal with the high state income tax of California. My arthritis needs warm weather, so we can't go anywhere with cold winters.
OMG, I love it so much more than Orlando already. Everyone gave me grief about the heat before we moved, but 110° in Phoenix is MUCH more tolerable to me than 90° in Orlando, because of the lack of humidity here. In Orlando, when I'd step outside of the house I'd immediately feel wet and sticky all over. In Phoenix, if I stay in the shade, I don't even sweat. (I still drink plenty of water, though.)
I don't mind the sprawl at all, but of course, YMMV. I love having my choice of grocery stores nearby, and four Costco locations within 10 miles, as opposed to the huge dead-zones that make up the greater Orlando area. And as Old Man McKay said above, there are also a lot of small-town areas in the valley. Downtown Gilbert is adorable, and downtown Chandler has some charm as well. We've been doing a lot of driving around to figure out what area we want to end up buying a house in, and so far we've found a lot of neighborhoods and pockets we like.
There's a ton to do, both indoors and out. The road system (at least here in the east valley) is incredibly easy to navigate. As kbar1 said just above, the people are genuinely friendly everywhere, which is unnerving to get used to from our time in Florida.
posted by themissy at 9:53 AM on October 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
OMG, I love it so much more than Orlando already. Everyone gave me grief about the heat before we moved, but 110° in Phoenix is MUCH more tolerable to me than 90° in Orlando, because of the lack of humidity here. In Orlando, when I'd step outside of the house I'd immediately feel wet and sticky all over. In Phoenix, if I stay in the shade, I don't even sweat. (I still drink plenty of water, though.)
I don't mind the sprawl at all, but of course, YMMV. I love having my choice of grocery stores nearby, and four Costco locations within 10 miles, as opposed to the huge dead-zones that make up the greater Orlando area. And as Old Man McKay said above, there are also a lot of small-town areas in the valley. Downtown Gilbert is adorable, and downtown Chandler has some charm as well. We've been doing a lot of driving around to figure out what area we want to end up buying a house in, and so far we've found a lot of neighborhoods and pockets we like.
There's a ton to do, both indoors and out. The road system (at least here in the east valley) is incredibly easy to navigate. As kbar1 said just above, the people are genuinely friendly everywhere, which is unnerving to get used to from our time in Florida.
posted by themissy at 9:53 AM on October 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
I second taz's statement about the environmental sadness thing. It's hard to know, I guess. I'm a Canadian who has lived in Austin for 15 years now and I still get it. Even after all that time the climate here feels wrong to me, in a deep way. The killer heat, the lack of four discernible seasons, and having to exist moving from bubble to bubble of air conditioning... it all alienates me, subtly. We've just hit the all-too-brief nice weather period of Austin, so I'm feeling pretty good, but boy oh boy, the summers go on forever.
Oh, and the insane politics of Texas. Going from a somewhat progressive place to a very conservative one, it can feel pretty gross if you think too hard about where your tax dollars are going and knowing that your vote is worth nothing outside a municipal level. Arizona sounds about as bad as Texas on that front. Your politics may vary, however!
Austin has a lot of great features that offset the bad, but that said, I've never felt 100% at home here, and I don't know that I ever will. You may be completely different! I have co-workers from Indiana that love the climate here, because, well, northern winters suck too!
posted by picea at 9:29 AM on October 19, 2015
Oh, and the insane politics of Texas. Going from a somewhat progressive place to a very conservative one, it can feel pretty gross if you think too hard about where your tax dollars are going and knowing that your vote is worth nothing outside a municipal level. Arizona sounds about as bad as Texas on that front. Your politics may vary, however!
Austin has a lot of great features that offset the bad, but that said, I've never felt 100% at home here, and I don't know that I ever will. You may be completely different! I have co-workers from Indiana that love the climate here, because, well, northern winters suck too!
posted by picea at 9:29 AM on October 19, 2015
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by flink at 2:57 AM on October 17, 2015 [1 favorite]