I live about 30 minutes from San francisco but got a possible job opp in Phoenix AZ. Should I go?

Question

It would about double my annual salary, but I have never been to AZ before and I am kinda skeptic about the change. At the same time it also sounds exciting though.

Answer 1

The bottom line is you should seriously consider it now if you're certain it IS a solid long term job opportunity. The overall cost of living here is considerably less (especially rent or home costs & most taxes).The summers are Hot, but about 8 months a year it is near ideal weather! No, it is defihitely NOT anymore "sexist" nor "racist" than other progressive larger city areas of the US depending upon the type of job you have.I would suggest a 2-3 day weekend trip ASAP to feel more confident about this area as well as the people and general daily environment.

Answer 2

We moved here years ago from California and we love it! You have to realize that it is going to be a big change weather wise then what you are used to but that is not necessarily a bad thing. We love the heat which is not bad except a couple of months in the summer. That is why God made air conditioners anyway.... Winters are lovely and it hardly ever rains. The money alone should bring you here, you can live much larger than you could in San Francisco.

Answer 3

Definitely go. Arizona is great! I love it here. You have about 8 months of fantastic weather, and about 3 or 4 months of air conditioning.
The cost of living is less than California, so you should be set with the money you'll be making. Consider buying a house in the east valley (east of Phoenix) like Gilbert. It's rated the 16th best place to live in 2006 by CNN's Money Magazine.

Answer 4

Well, housing in Phoenix is cheaper than in SF and quite affordable. It is also quite spread-out and a nice place to live. But it is not like SF at all and doesn't have much of the arts or culture. The downtown of Phoenix is basically empty of people at night and consists of mostly business buildings... There isn't a whole lot to do out here actually and the place is kind of spread-out, which means you have to drive to places. There are just a few big malls here, not many. It is hot in the summer and cold in the winter... People have their air-conditioning on in the summer usually and then the heater on during the winter... It's also only hot for like 3-4 months out of the year... It doesn't snow here like some other cities.. Over here, it just have stretches of low-rise apartments, lands, shops... Some areas are residential areas with many nice looking housing which can be cheaper than those in SF. The best thing to do is to come to Phoenix for a visit. That is the best way to know about the city. Surrounding cities like Tempe, Scottsdale, Chandler are pretty nice areas too and seem to be more residential like with many nice housing... The best thing to do is to come here for a visit first to see for yourself and get a feel for the place... But, I think with the job offer you have, you don't have anything to lose if you move to Phoenix unless you find it miserable here without the culture and arts like in SF or the lifestyle like in SF. It is different here in Phoenix than in SF. You don't see people around here on the streets much except in the big malls. That's where you see many people. There are many hispanics and mexicans here and also quite a number of blacks.. It is not much of a contemporary or modern city or even upscale.. But that's just my opinion. The best thing to do is to come and visit and decide for yourself.

Answer 5

WOW, double your SF salary in PHX will go a long way.
If the job is open in the next few days, take it, it will be a good move.
If you have several months, i suggest you get on southwest airlines and fly there for a weekend in july or august....dry heat or not, its pretty darn hot...and sometimes by thanksgiving, you want it to cool off already and its still HOT
I had a summer job there in 1993, and I loved it.
If you like the "arts" and the "culture" that SF has, you will be miserable without it, as nothing is quite like SF.

Answer 6

Well its ok...depending on where you live....I would go for paradise valley or cave creek if you can but traffic can get pretty bad in the mornings if its in downtown phoenix (dont be afraid of the guy who yells on the corner and tries to make you read the bible...he may yell but its not that scary) lol, that was a joke except there actually is a guy there. well... I'm moving out because its so crowded. and becauz cali's drive like maniacs...we do too! lol!

Answer 7

It doesn't get the four seasons there,but mild winters, warm spring, hot summer, and warm fall,,, but if it gives you some financial freedom, and able to purchase your first home,, I would jump at it,, real estate is reachable, without breaking your pocket book, than here in the bay area,, I ,myself, am fortunate, that I got a home, before they skyrocket.. My next opp is to sell here and retire maybe in AZ... Goodluck, take a chance to get ahead in the world...

Answer 8

I worked and lived there in 02, and I am still kicking myself for leaving. The weather is incredible, the scenery is beautiful, and the history within a days drive is incredible. I would hight recommend. In fact, first chance I get to go back I am there.

Answer 9

Go spend a weekend or more in Phoenix. It's very hot and dry there, but cost of living in less than San Francisco. Having lived there, I think the whole state is racist and sexist compared to what you're used to.

Answer 10

It's one of the best places to live. I've been there since 1991, and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. Great weather, great people and affordable housing. Go for it! Life is full of adventures.

Best of luck