ASU2003

In a few years I will be looking to move to the southwest, once again. And was wondering which city I should pick? Do you have any other suggestions of cities that I should consider?

Some of the stuff I was judging these cities on was their warm weather (it's snowing here on March 21st), some of them have a beach, stuff to do, house prices, political views, ability to find a job in my feild, night-life, trade shows, hiking, mountain biking and a few other things.

Portland, OR & San Jose, CA are two cities I will have to visit. The attitude there is for me, but there are a few things I would need to find out about it first before wanting to live there for 10-20 years. Housing prices in CA are out there and may be a problem.

oberon

None of those places are cheap to live in. You haven't really outlined what you're looking for. I don't know what your political views or field are. San Diego, Phoenix, and Las Vegas don't really have mountains to speak of. LA's urban sprawl is nasty. Phoenix may be warm, but it's way TOO warm, especially in the summer. That 3 million people actually live there continues to amaze me.

Your goal for warm weather is incompatible with cheap housing, nightlife, and mountain terrain. Or at least I assume that's what you were looking for when you say 'hiking' and 'mountain biking'. Perhaps you should prioritize a little more.

Where do you live now, by the way?

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feelgood

I couldn't decide between San Diego and Phoenix. I wouldn't choose LA because of its high crime that would make me stay awake through the night just to protect my family.

Plus, there's always the option of living in a small town outside of those cities that wouldn't be subjected to its high crime, high property value, etc

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Cynthetiq

I hate the southwest since I grew up in Southern California for 20 years.

The laid back lifestyle that requires one to drive a vehicle everywhere is annoying at best.

If you are picking a city, pick a REAL city. Suburbia living is equal all the way around the world.

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Elphaba

Mazatlan, Mexico

Boo

Sorry, but there is not a choice in the poll that I could force myself to move to. Too much heat, crime and gangs.

What state is Other in?

Try the Northwest.

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World's King

Denver, Colorado.


I live here already... So I'm not really a good voice for this...

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abaya

Why are you limiting yourself to these cities? People could not pay me enough to *avoid* those places (sorry to those who live there). San Diego may be passable, but it's nothing compared to the Northwest. You said you might consider Portland, OR: fair enough, but try a little farther north, in the lovely Emerald City. Then again, maybe I'd rather keep Seattle for myself...

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Sweetpea

i'm sorry, but Chicago is fantastic and it's not on your list. and i would move there in a heartbeat.

That being said.. i'm in seattle and i love it here.



i think... go and spend some time in each city, do some research and think about what fits *your* lifestyle and interests and go from there.

sweetpea

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ASU2003

I did live in Tempe, AZ(outside of Phoenix) for 6 years. I know some people there, and I liked it a lot. It was hot from June-August, but I could adjust my schedule a little. The one downside is that there is no real beach. I'm not sure how often I would go to the beach, because I have always lived hundreds of miles away. And I might be able to drive there now a few times a month, even from Phoenix or Vegas. When I was living in Arizona before, I didn't have much money and couldn't travel very far. Although I have visited the tourist parts of all 4 of the cities above, I don't know what they are like to live in. I do know that a lot of people are moving there, and for good reason.

I live in Ohio right now, and it is great from May-Oct. But, it is supposed to be spring, and it is snowing and cold outside. I have a very outdoor type of lifestyle. If the weather is nice, I will ride my bike up to 10 miles each way to get someplace. I like rock climbing, swimming, and hiking. I think I could do those things in any of those cities. I grew up in Michigan, so I've had enough cold, snow and rain. I would rather drive to the ski hill than live by it type of thing. All I've done for the last 4 months is sit indoors because it is too cold to do anything, except skiing and snowboarding.

cj2112

L.A. sucks to live in, smog is a problem, housing prices are ridiculous, traffic is unbearable, and the job market is tough.
However, I'm not a fan of the big city lifestyle either. I grew up in Long Beach, CA. and left when I was 21....that was 16 years ago. I hope I never have to live there again.

Carno

I would go for San Diego. I loved it there when I went. Also, I have to agree with sweetpea and say Chicago as well. It's an awesome city.

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snowy

If you want to live in a city that still has reasonably priced neighborhoods with low crime rates, excellent public transportation that links you to the entire city and the suburbs, and super-nice people...go to Portland. Seattle is also great, but lacking the transportation network and has a higher price tag, especially close to the city. Portland, at least, still has some relatively cheap neighborhoods within shouting distance of downtown. The same cannot be said for the Emerald City, sadly.

I have visited the SW yet I would never choose to live there. There are better places to live in this country, as far as I am concerned.

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Poppinjay

San Diego has a huge homeless problem, because of the year-round warmth. I actually saw one homeless guy berate another homeless guy because he didn't have a job.

Phoenix is like one big suburban neighborhood that never ends. The one thing I thought would be cool was the restaurant with the jungle theme. Turns out that dining to sound of wild beasts is not very conducive to conversation.

Las Vegas and Los Angeles have way to many people at their last shred of dignity and desperation.

I liked San Jose when I lived there as a kid, but it's expensive. I recommend the southeast coast.

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Leto

I've been to San Diego. I found it to be quite exotic, yet small and contained, so that would be my first choice, if I had to choose from that list... but wait.... there's other.

For my other, I would pick Vancouver in a heartbeat, even though it is expensive, probably more expensive than any other on that list, when it isn't raining, the environment is specatcular. When it is raining, it's still great.

* edit

3 million in Phoenix??? holy crap I never new that. That's almost the size of Toronto, but out in the desert!

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ratbastid

Consider Salt Lake City, UT. I know, I know... But listen. It's clean, it's safe, the people are nice, and there's a surprising amount to do there. All the outdoor activities you can imagine, and plenty of nightlife in the city, once you learn how it works. You're just a few hours from Moab and some of the most amazing terrain on the planet. You've got six ski resorts within a half hours' drive.

lurkette

I was going to mention SLC. Despite the overwhelmingly Mormon population (or probably because of it) there is a thriving counterculture there. It's beautiful geographically, and housing is disgustingly affordable.

Portland is amazing, as well.

My #1 choice would be San Francisco, if I could afford to live there :-/

I'm afraid the cities on your poll list are at the very bottom of mine, right above "anywhere in Texas."

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The_Jazz

I've lived in LA and San Diego, and I hated the sprawl. If that's a factor at all in your choice, then none of the picks are going to be satisfactory for that reason. What are the criteria that you're considering?

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xepherys

I voted for Phoenix (I live in Tempe now). As was said before, you can drive easily to LA or San Diego or Vegas or Mexico from here within a few hours time. There are no "natural disasters" to deal with here, just some heat.

Oberon, have you ever BEEN to Phoenix? We're surrounded by mountains. You can't look any direction and not see them. *boggle* We have a few decent sized peaks right INSIDE of the Phoenix metro area.

LA has too much sprawl. San Diego is nice, but Cali has too many issues... mudslides, earthquakes, floods, etc. Vegas is a nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there. I say come on back to AZ!

Grasshopper Green

I've never been to Phoenix, so I can't consider that one. The other three are fun to visit, but there is no way in hell I'd ever move to any of them. I live in SLC, and it's as big a city as I ever want to live in. However, I'm biased to the southeast, so if I moved anywhere, it would definitely be in NC or SC someplace.

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oberon

Yes, I have. But it's been a few years and I couldn't remember seeing any. Sorry for the mistake.

But still, my main objection to Phoenix: How can you live with the ~25 >110°F (and ~90 >100°F) days a year?

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ASU2003

It isn't for everybody, but I managed just fine. After 4 or 5 months, it gets to you and you are glad it gets cooler. I was thinking about it some more today, and I think I will pick Eastern Phoenix again. Portland would be a great place to build a summer home if I was close to retiring. But, one of the things I'm looking for is a job and I think I would have better luck in Phoenix. I think I might have to visit Portland before making up my mind, since my mindset is very similar with the eco-friendly and fun people there. I tend to be a closet nudist in the summertime(with the blinds drawn) But, I'm sure they would think, he works for a DoD agency, he's a fed!

Now that I have a car and some money, escaping Phoenix on the weekends in the summers and going camping or mountain biking wouldn't be a problem. Even driving to Lake Havasu or San Diego wouldn't be bad.

Salt Lake City is an interesting pick. I am living the lifestyle of a mormon, minus the church and praying part.

Chamaeleontidae

None of the choices really appeal to me, so I choose other... I think if I were to move it would be to the north, closer to or up into the Great White North.... I like snow, and hate the Heat... Quebec City area would be nice... Maybe the Atlantic provinces or upper VT, NH or Maine...

Hmmm, places with much less people...

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TotalMILF

Oh, hell yeah! Welcome back!!

The job market here really is fantastic. In Michigan the only job I found was shift manager at Starschmuks, and it took me several months to even find that crappy gig, but down here awesome jobs are practically thrown at you.

And you're right, there are many places you can take a long weekend and visit to escape the heat. Yay Phoenix!!

n0nsensical

They're all crazy. L.A. is better than the rest of those cities combined. =P

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Amnesia620

Having been born and raised in California, then moving to AZ when I was 10, as much as I loved California (and still do), I would have to say I absolutely loved the people and the atmosphere in Las Vegas, NV. People there were really really cool, and I'm not talking about store owners and what not...I mean the people from there.

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Rodney

Of your list, San Diego. It's got the most consistently good year-round weather I've ever seen, and there really is a downtown, and a lot of different cultures. And you can swim in the damn ocean all year long. I remember hanging out at the beach one evening in November, down by the old roller coaster, and it was as warm as a summer night where I come from.

Yeah, there are downsides, and yes, there's a large homeless population, but that comes anywhere where the weather's good and the police aren't actually running them out of town (and that happens in a lot more places than people acknowledge). Homelessness is a national problem.

Anyplace on the west coast is expensive now, but give it a year or two; housing prices have started to fall in San Diego.

San Jose's okay, but expensive; there's not really a center to it. Okay, they've tried to build one, but it's kind of artificial. Many many cultures and a lot of good food, but in many ways it's just a giant suburb, though one that's got many historic features. Mainly, San Jose and the entire Silicon Valley are about work; so although i like San Jose, it's not exciting. The weather's pretty good, and you can be at the coast fairly quickly, but that water is cold; surfers wear wetsuits.

Psycho Dad

I've not spent a lot of time (less than a week) but I've visited all those cities. San Diego impressed me the most out of all of them. I really enjoyed my trip there (Marine Corps graduation for my son) and will likely revisit some day. Of course that isn't enough information to recommend moving.

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ncgti

From the list - San Diego by far!!!

cdwonderful

Having lived in San Diego for 20 years, It is a culturally diverse city (area actually)
I just moved to Las Vegas, it seems alright.
but my vote is AMSTERDAM!!!!

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Da Munk

I've never been to Phoenix, but I've been to the others and San Diego was definitely my favorite of the three. Nice weather, plenty to do, and if you get bored of the city you can always head to Tijuana.

xepherys

Well, it certainly does take a bit of getting used to. When I lived in Michigan and heard people talk about the "dry heat" I thought it was just a gimmick, but it really DOES make a difference. I'd rather it be 115°F with >10% humidity than 101°F with 80% (San Antonio, TX) or 99°F with 85-90% (Singapore).

Aladdin Sane

Austin, Texas if I had to move.
The only thing not to like about Austin is the traffic. It's a great city.

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oberon

Yeah, that's what I used to think too. I also used to live in Michigan.

But still... 115@10% is just as insane as 95@80%... you can't go outside without becoming uncomfortable. At least in CO we see maybe 5 days over 100 (with <10% humidity), and it cools down to like 65 at night, so the summer isn't uncomfortable. And we have winters too (although I guess that is a minus for many folks, but I think seasons are awesome).

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hotzot

London, England

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kielvsworld

Living in PHX/Tempe border on South Mountain, so yes, there are plenty of mountains here (which is is why it's known as the valley of the sun, without sounding like a smart ass, valleys are flatlands surrounded by mountains and peaks).

The heat sucks, that's for sure. Someone said PHX is just one giant suburb, and is %100 correct. The entire city is setup in 1x1 mile grids with almost always atleast two or three lane roads. The Freeway system does a pretty good job too. Public transporation is evolved into an extensive system of buses and soon (2008/9) there will be a light rail system running from North-ish PHX through south scottsdale, tempe, and west mesa. It should be a boon but I'm betting it'll be used just as much as other street level metro's like the one being used in Houson (ie, not much). PHX will probably always be locked into car culture. Other than that, It's pretty nice, safe in the newer areas (look at Chandler/Awhatukee/Gilbert in the east and probably avondale/glendale/north scottdsale..basically I'm just describing the outer suburbs. Yes, did I mention this place is wicked hot in the summer months?

Housing prices are high, but if you don't like the problems of Vegas or socal, phx has alot to offer. I should mention downtown PHX isn't really that special, something I find strange after visiting other typically smaller cities with huge impressive downtowns. Just south of PHX downtown is a terribly poor and depressed area, I mean a stones throw from the stadiums it gets really bad, all the way south to the mountain, although, it is getting much better and as the area has grown it should only continue to do so.

One thing that does bother me more and more is the pollution, because it's very difficuilt for mother nature to clear it out with the lack of any ocean breezes or rain for that matter.

PHX is a few hours from SD, Mexico or LV, all places I drive to (just came back from SD two weeks ago for spring break) and the flights are cheap too.

Anyways, I like the place and have lived here since 92, can't say if if or when I'll move.

OH, if you do move or stay here in the summer months, it's really not that hot, the humidity is very low, so it's not like you feel like your going to die (which is what you feel like in TX or OH or any of the places ppl described.) The problem is when you get into your car, put on your seat belt and give yourself 3rd *f'in* degree burns from the seatbelt, try to grab the stearing wheel only to give yourself more 3rd *f'in* degree burns on your hands.. You have to be smarter than the heat and prepare for it..

basmoq

Cleveland BABY! I just moved here a year ago and I love it!

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CoyotePrime

Currently live in a small town about 50 miles southeast of Phoenix. It's just about ideally located, midway between Phoenix and Tucson. The Phoenix region is currently adding roughly 15,000 people every month, construction of everything imaginable everywhere.
Yes, summer is hot-we LOVE air conditioning! Actually saw a lady last summer driving her car while wearing oven mitts... hilarious sight. But the rest of the year is great, makes enduring the summer worthwhile. :-)

ASU2003

I have lived in Tempe year-round in 2002-2003, and it was hot, but halfway manageable. I attempted to use a little A/C as possible at my place and spent time where they had A/C during the day. I thought August was the worst month, by that time you just wanted it to cool off. Now, I will be able to drive outside of the heat during the weekends.

Housing prices are still cheaper in Arizona than San Diego, but I'm not planning on spending that much time inside.