Has anyone ever lived in Phoenix, Arizona?

Question

My husband was offered a job there and we aren't sure what to do. Does anyone know anything about the crime rate or school system? Good or bad experiences in living there? Any help would be appreciated :)

Answer 1

Phoenix is a turning into a sprawling metropolitan area. It is surrounded by cities such as Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, Glendale, Peoria, etc. And each area has its own sort of reputation, "personality," etc. Some parts have gang issues and other places are just fine. And it's all over. You'll hear some people say that Scottsdale is the place to live...but the southern part has just as much crime as several other parts of the valley. You can find some crime statistics on azcentral.com (look for the crime stat link on the left hand side of the page) and on the various police dept websites. Some public shool districts are really struggling. But the cool thing here is that they have charter schools. These are schools that are FREE and typically gear themselves toward some proficiency (perhaps science or the arts). In any case, the charter schools are a terrific option.
I've lived here for about 8 years and moved here from CA. I love it. Wouldn't want to live anywhere else. My son will most likely go to a charter school or a private school when he's of age, but I've got no complaints...

Answer 2

Phoenix is a beautiful place to live. As a matter of fact, I'm moving there 2 weeks from today. I'm very excited. I've lived there for a short while before and been there several times, but now I finally get to stay!!!

You can go to Phoenix's official page. It will tell you everything you need to know.
I think it was in 1993 or 91 that Phoenix was voted one of the best run cities in the world. THE WORLD.
So, I'd say it's a pretty good place to go.

Again, it's an amazing place...Good Luck!
And, Arizona is the fastest growing state in the country.

Answer 3

I live in Surprise, which is a suburb of Phoenix. I'm originally from Wisconsin, and I've lived here for going on 11 years. Summer is hard to get used to (last year we had more than 30 days of above 110 degree temperatures). BUT - there is no snow to shovel, and not a lot of mosquitos or other bugs at night, so sitting out on summer nights is lots more comfortable. Downtown Phoenix and some areas of the suburbs are higher crime and drugs, etc. but you can ask anyone who lives here and they'll tell you the areas to stay away from if you want to move here. There are (very) occasional earthquakes, but not a lot of everything else. Tornados are almost unheard of here - you can get caught in a microburst during monsoon season, but those are really rare too. The city has lots of nice places to live, especially on the outskirts. Phoenix keeps getting bigger and bigger and you can drive from one side to the other and drive for more than an hour. I'd live centrally until you get a job or find out where you're going to school - commutes can be a pain. As far as snakes and poisonous bugs - it depends on where you live. Snakes tend to stay away from people, and almost everyone uses the exterminator (ours comes every 3 months). I've seen an occasional snake on the golf course, and I've seen coyotes (mostly during the winter) and once in a while I'll see a scorpion or a tarantula. I've never been stung or bitten and I wouldn't let fear of them stop me from living here. There are people who've lived here for 15 years that have never seen any kind of snake or icky bug.

Answer 4

I've lived here my whole life and in comparison to most places it's a really nice spot to be in. The school system doesn't rank as high nationally due to all the non english speaking population. The schools overall are pretty good though. Crime is not perfect anywhere but Arizona's about average when it comes to safety.

Answer 5

Here is a site http://www.city-data.com/city/Phoenix-Arizona.html or you can go to azcentral.com to get a feel for the area.

I live in Glendale, which is northwest of Phoenix and I like it better than Phoenix. Like the other poster said, crime varies by neighberhood.

Schools vary by district. This school seems to be highly rated. http://www.greatschools.net/modperl/browse_school/az/601

Oh and there is the heat in the summer too. But the winters are mild and we do have beautiful sunsets.

Answer 6

well im 12 but my mom just moved from phoenix to sieera vista, arizona. she lived in Tuscany Piont right off Black Canyon Highway and all you hold were gunshots and helicopter lights shining in your window in the of the night. stray cats running all over the place. and once in the summer when i was visiting her are neighbors had a party and kept me, my mom, and brothers up all night. well a girl at the party and her boyfriend deiced to go outside and have oral sex right in front of my window. the people who worked Tuscany Piont said they changed the place and were going the build a park for the kids and a gym and just said it was totally better. but they lied just so you would be scerwed because they want your money. so i quess it depends were you live because Tuscany Piont is in Phoenix, Arizona. but the schools i have no idea becuase i didnt going to school there, i to school in chicago were my dad lives since they had a divocre and just visit her for half of spring.summer. amd winter break every year. im glad she moved and only lived there for a year because sierra vista, arizona is much better then the part of phoenix we lived in. Please dont vote mine "Best Answer" if it is. hope this helps and thank you.

Answer 7

I've lived in Glendale 24 of my 30 years. Wouldn't live anywhere else.

Answer 8

good living and good schools in either Chandler or Gilbert outside of Phoenix

Answer 9

It's nice here. Best schools are gilbert. best school in gilbert is Elementary: superstition springs, Jr high: HighlandJunior Highschool: highland High :)