Thinking about moving to AZ

[Red Stwokay]

So what have you all got for me! Input desired... Worst time(s) or area(s) for rain, heat, etc. Crime areas. Best of AZ?

I'm in CT now and sick of the snow, ice, rain, cold, gray, miserable days. Rising crime. Increasing government intervention in our lives. Taxation, etc...

It would be nice to have weather conducive to convertibles, motorcycles and outdoor activity. Any info or help appreciated. Thanks

[windypoint]

Are you retired? The economy isn't strong here, but the weather is fine. Tucson is the place we decided to spend Winters.

[gomarlins3]

I have found this site to be helpful when looking at areas not near you (or even the one you live in now to see if it is accurate). Click on the 'Info' button of the area you are thinking about.

http://homes.point2.com/Neighborhood/US/Arizona.aspx

[Dr. Jimbo]

Sedona is bitchin'. Some kooky folks and tourism is the mainstay of pay. It beautiful and there are a lot of great places to hike. 4x4 needed in some areas.

[TheCarGuy2021]

I have many friends who have moved out there, none regretted it.

[Red Stwokay]

Originally Posted by windypoint

Are you retired? The economy isn't strong here, but the weather is fine. Tucson is the place we decided to spend Winters.

I'm semi-retired. We're 50 & 51. The wife got laid off, thinks she'll find work... Fat chance I say, her friends try to tell her there's nothing out there and she's over 40... But I figure for what I can buy a house for there I can give mine away here and be evenish. I'm looking at the weather advantage but have been asking around at the other site as well. Dust may be a concern. How bad is dust out there? I liked Nevada as well but that's real dusty, didn't think AZ was bad but from what some say...

Another place I liked, dry as well, is San Diego. Dry weather and the ocean to boot but high crime, socialistic attitudes, government overspending and intervention...

It's tough when you're getting on in life and just want to be kind of left alone, unmolested by government etc. I'm a bit of a realist and looking at the family traits realize I'm in the 0-20 left zone, actually lucky to still be here... Morbid maybe but I'd rather plan for the worst, enjoy what I've got and hope for the best.

[Red Stwokay]

Originally Posted by gomarlins3

I have found this site to be helpful when looking at areas not near you (or even the one you live in now to see if it is accurate). Click on the 'Info' button of the area you are thinking about.

http://homes.point2.com/Neighborhood/US/Arizona.aspx

Thanks, I'll check it out. I did a lot of checking on the net but most info is old or manipulated. The best bet is still talking to the people that live where your looking and I'm fortunate enough to be involved with a great bunch willing to share and give it straight! Thanks.

[Red Stwokay]

Originally Posted by Dr. Jimbo

Sedona is bitchin'. Some kooky folks and tourism is the mainstay of pay. It beautiful and there are a lot of great places to hike. 4x4 needed in some areas.

$edona Yah, I hear it's very nice but $$! Think I can pass on the snow however...

[Red Stwokay]

Originally Posted by TheCarGuy2021

I have many friends who have moved out there, none regretted it.

Thanks for the info. People seem to like it there but ya here stuff like this...
"June is our hottest month but it is a "dry heat." Temps range from 110-121. About the second week in July our monsoon hits. The temperature drops but the humidity rises. Temps range 100 to 108. Monsoon lasts until the middle of September but temperatures stay a bit warm. Towards the middle of October the temps go down and our winter begins. Temps range from the 60's to the 70's until middle of April."

Anyone confirm or deny all that rain? Seems contradictory?

[philiam]

Might be dry heat, but it's hot! You won't want to spend much time out of doors during the day. The place I would consider would be Southern Oregon, around Bend. I love the Oregon Coast, but they do have a bit of weather in winter. Bend is inland and more desert like.

[Scooter]

My company moved us to Tucson for a year and a half, and while nobody wanted to go, almost all of us loved it and hated coming back. Best place I've ever lived (to be fair not a huge pool, NV, CA, and AZ). Awesome lightning storms, really nice people, and a small town feel even though it's the 30th largest city in the country. Beautiful green desert, and it's too bad I got my S later and never got to run Roller Coaster Road with it...

[Scooter]

Originally Posted by Red Stwokay

Thanks for the info. People seem to like it there but ya here stuff like this...
"June is our hottest month but it is a "dry heat." Temps range from 110-121. About the second week in July our monsoon hits. The temperature drops but the humidity rises. Temps range 100 to 108. Monsoon lasts until the middle of September but temperatures stay a bit warm. Towards the middle of October the temps go down and our winter begins. Temps range from the 60's to the 70's until middle of April."

Anyone confirm or deny all that rain? Seems contradictory?

They're right on, June is the worst and then 12 inches of rain a through summer (well, part of that is in winter). Vegas is real "dry heat", 4 inches of rain if we're lucky. Summer there was so much better... And you get to see the cactus and Ocatillo bloom after the first rain.

[Red Stwokay]

Tough time figuring where to go for the best weather. I love convertibles, motorcycles and just being out doors (in good weather). Here in CT forget it. November we get lots of rain and you go nuts trying to rake up all the leaves before snow fall. It's cold, gray and preciptous from then on. April tends to have some nice days, more than May actually, which tends to be very rainy. Recent Junes have been almost as rainy as May. If it's not raining it's humid. July, hazy, hot, humid, thunderstorms. August same as July. September can be nice or similar to July and August. October is pretty good, the best month, especially early to mid October.

I was researching NC & SC but they get a lot of rain as well and they get very cold as well. The cold this year extended all the way to Miami. When we were -6, NC was 12, SC 18, Miami 34. Florida gets lots of rain as well.

Research showed that Phoenix gets 7" rainfall yearly, people are saying in reality it's much, much more. Three months of rain in summer? YUK. If I want to sit in the house staring out the window at rain I may as well stay here.

Same research showed Las Vegas as 4" anual rainfall and Reno as 7". I don't want to be in a dust bowl but are they wetter in reality than my research has shown?

Just where do you have to go for enjoyable weather on a nearly daily basis?

[slowrodent]

Red,
I'm a Pa. guy from waay back. Lived about 13 yrs in the upper midwest. Moved to Tucson in 2004. Yes, the summers are stupid-hot, but the rest of the year is really nice. You can drive a 'vert a LOT of the year out here... and the sun shines dang-near every day...

My neighbor is from Conn. He moved out here about 2 yrs ago. He says he could be no happier!

But some folks can't adjust to the differences, the lack of lush greenery, etc. If that's your thing, then you may not be happy here.

Good luck on your decision.

Kevin

[philiam]

Just where do you have to go for enjoyable weather on a nearly daily basis?[/quote]

You're describing So. California. But if you have to go to work traffic can be a nightmare. I'm fortunate to live out of town in an area where I'm minutes from some great driving roads. If I make a left turn instead I'm in the thick of things. Winter is the best season here and we actually pray for rain. But, living is expensive.

[Scooter]

Originally Posted by philiam

Just where do you have to go for enjoyable weather on a nearly daily basis?

You're describing So. California.[/quote]

My thoughts exactly. We left there, though, because it's expensive and NV has no state income tax. Yet... But NV only has about 6 months of top down weather, the rest is too hot or too cold. Still worth it for me, though! But if I could get transferred back to Tucson I'd take it in a heartbeat.

[Red Stwokay]

Getting a lot of Chandler reccomendations. I'd like a bit of land around me though. Been living on top of people for years here.

[Decaturflyer]

Carlsbad, CA is the best place I ever lived (I have lived in GA, SC, NC, VA, TX and Japan for 6 months). Every time I go back to Carlsbad I wonder why I ever left.

[Red Stwokay]

How were the Carolina's? I was thinking of them as well but the amount rainfall and this year the cold and snow just made me say, why go there? Florida was also an option but hurricanes suck and the insurance, if you can get it, is out freakin ragous. Also cold there this year. I wish the global warming would end, it's making every where cold!

[Decaturflyer]

Originally Posted by Red Stwokay

How were the Carolina's? I was thinking of them as well but the amount rainfall and this year the cold and snow just made me say, why go there? Florida was also an option but hurricanes suck and the insurance, if you can get it, is out freakin ragous. Also cold there this year. I wish the global warming would end, it's making every where cold!

I am originally from SC. Like any place in the southeast it is hot and humid in the summer and winters are mild. There are a lot of nice places to live along the coast. The up-state area is pretty nice as well if you prefer the mountains. The state has a lot of lakes and rivers, so if you want to live on the water you can do it in the mountains or at the beach. I don't really see the weather as being a big problem for top-down driving. I live 2.5 hours away from SC in GA, I have had 5 or 6 good top down days this winter. In the summer you get occasional thunder showers. We seem to get more rain in the winter, but with the drought rain has been pretty slim this year.

[H20]

Originally Posted by Red Stwokay

Tough time figuring where to go for the best weather. I love convertibles, motorcycles and just being out doors (in good weather). Here in CT forget it. November we get lots of rain and you go nuts trying to rake up all the leaves before snow fall. It's cold, gray and preciptous from then on. April tends to have some nice days, more than May actually, which tends to be very rainy. Recent Junes have been almost as rainy as May. If it's not raining it's humid. July, hazy, hot, humid, thunderstorms. August same as July. September can be nice or similar to July and August. October is pretty good, the best month, especially early to mid October.

I was researching NC & SC but they get a lot of rain as well and they get very cold as well. The cold this year extended all the way to Miami. When we were -6, NC was 12, SC 18, Miami 34. Florida gets lots of rain as well.

Research showed that Phoenix gets 7" rainfall yearly, people are saying in reality it's much, much more. Three months of rain in summer? YUK. If I want to sit in the house staring out the window at rain I may as well stay here.

Same research showed Las Vegas as 4" anual rainfall and Reno as 7". I don't want to be in a dust bowl but are they wetter in reality than my research has shown?

Just where do you have to go for enjoyable weather on a nearly daily basis?

Red just stop it. Spring is almost here. When I'm out in my boat or off in the car on a perfect summer day, which we have plenty of (!), I think it's the best place in the world. You are feeling just like everybody else in CT right now.

[Red Stwokay]

Originally Posted by H20

Red just stop it. Spring is almost here. When I'm out in my boat or off in the car on a perfect summer day, which we have plenty of (!), I think it's the best place in the world. You are feeling just like everybody else in CT right now.

Plus I'm getting old and cranky, at least that's what the wife says!
There are other things besides weather getting me interested also, taxes for one. Neither of us are working and finding any isn't very promissing besides retirement sounds good as long as you can keep the expenses down...

[Red Stwokay]

BUMP for AZ thoughts, ideas and suggestions. Still lurking...

[s2kx2]

Hamilton Montana

[algoguen]

Originally Posted by Red Stwokay

So what have you all got for me! Input desired... Worst time(s) or area(s) for rain, heat, etc. Crime areas. Best of AZ?

I'm in CT now and sick of the snow, ice, rain, cold, gray, miserable days. Rising crime. Increasing government intervention in our lives. Taxation, etc...

It would be nice to have weather conducive to convertibles, motorcycles and outdoor activity. Any info or help appreciated. Thanks

I moved to Phoenix in 1981 when I was 38 yrs old and had retired from
the Navy.

Then it was great. But since then crime has sky rocketed. Read the news!
Its the kidnap capital of the world right now with the drug cartels
from Mexico taking over there.

The weather is tolerable in the summer, yeah its hot and the joke is
that its "a dry heat". when I moved there I had left New Hampshire and
when I went back in June the temp was 95 with 95 percent humidity.
I have to say it was more comfortable back in AZ at 110 and 8 percent
humidity.
You learn to adjust, just like in parts where winter is hard. You go
from an air conditioned house to an AC car to an AC office. when you
get home you jump in the pool. Hopefully you'll have one. About 3 out
of 5 homes have pools.
I had many convertibles while living there. But!!!!! even in the winter time
during the day, the Sun is intense!!!!! Even though the temp is cool
the Sun will cook your brain. I found best time to drive with top down
was in the evening. The end of Sept to about 1st of Nov is the best
weather wise as well as about April-May.
I rode motorcycles in the summer with a helmet on and didn't mind it.
You will find that even though its hot you don't sweat that much. At least
you don't think you do, because the humidity is so low the sweat
evaporates before you feel it. That causes some problems with heat stroke
and other heat related problems. You most drink a lot of water even when
you don't think your thirsty.

The dusk storms in the winter are massive!!! Do a search or google
AZ dust storms for pictures of them. First the wind picks up then you
see a Hugh dark dust cloud coming across the ground covering everything
with dirt, then it sprinkles a little rain enough to turn the dirt on your car
to mud! LOL

I really enjoyed Arizona for many years earlier, but the politics and the
taxes started getting out of hand from the People from Calf selling their
high dollar home there and moving to Arizona where they could buy
mansions compared to what they had cheap. The only problem I had
with that was they brought their liberal Politics with them. Thats when
the taxes started going stupid, Like people paying to have sports complexes Built for private business.
Oh there is one hell of a Sheriff out there. He is great and doesn't
pussy foot around with the criminals. Sheriff Joe.

I left there in 2001 and went full time RV'ing for 3 years then decided to
settle down here in Zephyrhills Florida, Nice twisty hilly roads here. and
Had a Miata (1990) for about 3 years and loved it. Looking for an S2000
tho by the end of this year, I should have it then.

Here in Florida I think the weather is better for convertible driving
as although we have some good rain storms, the winters are great,
the temp ranges from 45-75 from Oct-Apr, but plenty of summer time
top down weather as well. I lot of car club activities too.

All in all there are pros and cons for anywhere you might want to live.
If you are retired like I am, its easy to go from one place to the other as
long as you don't tie yourself down with property!!!!
My double wide home cost me 35K fully furnished, plus $350 a month for
the lot lease. Some places are more, some are less. Nice thing about
this set up is, if a hurricane wipes it out I can always take the insurance
and go buy another one somewhere else.
Right now prices are ridiculously low for used mobile homes (double wides)
The are selling in my Park for 15-25K right now. But that also means regular
homes prices are down as well so, its a buyers market right now.

I would suggest taking a trip to Az and Florida in July to see the worst,
and then doing the same in the Winter to see the best. Your gonna like
both of them either way. You just have to learn like my Ole Mom told me
many years ago, take the bad with the good or the good with the bad.

I don't know if this helped, but I enjoyed remembering each places
memories that comes to mind when I think of them.

Best of Luck regardless of where you pick, just enjoy life..

[Red Stwokay]

Originally Posted by s2kx2

Hamilton Montana

Gotta chuckle there. My brother teases me that I should move to Montana since I hate liberalism so much... I hate winter though and Montana has a super douper winter... thanks.

[Red Stwokay]

Originally Posted by algoguen

I moved to Phoenix in 1981 when I was 38 yrs old and had retired from the Navy.

I left there in 2001 and went full time RV'ing for 3 years then decided to
settle down here in Zephyrhills Florida, Nice twisty hilly roads here.

If you are retired like I am, its easy to go from one place to the other as
long as you don't tie yourself down with property!!!!
My double wide home cost me 35K fully furnished, plus $350 a month for
the lot lease. Nice thing about this set up is, if a hurricane wipes it out I can always take the insurance and go buy another one somewhere else.
Right now prices are ridiculously low for used mobile homes (double wides)
The are selling in my Park for 15-25K right now. But that also means regular
homes prices are down as well so, its a buyers market right now.

I would suggest taking a trip to Az and Florida in July to see the worst,
and then doing the same in the Winter to see the best. Your gonna like
both of them either way. You just have to learn like my Ole Mom told me
many years ago, take the bad with the good or the good with the bad.

I don't know if this helped, but I enjoyed remembering each places
memories that comes to mind when I think of them.

Best of Luck regardless of where you pick, just enjoy life..

I've actually been considering from southern NC to FL, AZ, NM, NV maybe couple others. I'd love to find the perfect environment or something like this. Little to no precipitation, little to no wind, obviously nothing major like earth quakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, twisters etc. Not fond of humidity but it won't kill me. The dryness out west sounds nice but the dust storms no so much. Winter type stuff is definately OUT! Like temps above 35, no freeze up worries and I guess 110 degrees without humidity is OK but 90 we be nice! Here in CT 80 starts to get a bit uncomfortable because of the humidity, 90 yuk.

My parents retired to south east FL, Jensen Beach, a few hills there then they moved a bit to Stuart. Know the area a bit so that's an option. There's a restaurant in Jensen called Conchy Joe's we all loved, they have one in Melbourne as well. I own land in LeHigh Acres on the south west side, adjacent to Ft Meyers. My sister saw in the news about cheap foreclosures in LeHigh and recorded it for me. So I checked and you can buy homes built 2000 to 2008, 3+bed, 2+bath, 2+gar, CA, on quarter to half acre for under $50K easily. They may need some work, foreclosures... I've visited New Port Richie and the area and like that as well. I just don't like all that rain, the hurricane potential and insurance company issues.

My sister and brother in law just bought recently in a 55 plus community in Appache Junction AZ, they like it but don't live there yet. They've probably got a month total stay there so far. They're going back soon.

It's a lot to kick around. I'd really like to kill as many birds as I can with one stone... I really hate to pick up and start over somewhere else. Been here my whole life, know nearly all the ins and outs of living in this stupid state. But property taxes go up at least a third each time. It's to the point I don't want to see the next increase. Throw in all the other issues and it's like, time to get out...

Thanks for your help and input!

[spfortjohn]

Nice weather, Mild winters, Beach. Low crime, Low taxes and homes are a lot cheeper. 2400 Sq foot with garage for $190000-$225000 Property tax very low about 2200 per year. It does get hot in the late summer but i would much rather be hot then cold.

Econ is not as bad down here either unemployement is only around 5.5%-6%

We are not all rednecks and we do not all sleep with our sisters down here. LOL...

[S2KCRick]

Ive lived in Tucson and Phx, Tucson is not all that bad, but Phx blows! Gets up into the 120's, then they get monsoons that cause flash floods. Opening your front door at 1pm in the middle of summer is like opening your oven after being preheated for an hour. Way to hot! Politcal climate is about the same as So Cal, unless your out of the city. Sedona is nice, Flagstaff is cool, and Prescott is ok.

[Old Guy]

Originally Posted by philiam

The place I would consider would be Southern Oregon, around Bend. I love the Oregon Coast, but they do have a bit of weather in winter. Bend is inland and more desert like.

Bend is in Central Oregon in the high desert. Dry like the desert in the late spring until Nov, and it gets hot in the summer, but not AZ hot. It is at altitude so you get your share of snow in the winter.

I live in the Portland area and I've been here for 35 years. I travel all over the country for work and all things considered, I wouldn't live anywhere else. The family chuckled when I bought a ragtop 4 days before I moved back from No Cal. But now they want a ride on a nice day.

Sure, we get a lot of rain, but if you're into the outdoors, this area is fantastic. Wed - Fri this week is going to be sunny and only about 50-55 high temp. I will absolutely drop the top and drive to work at 35 and chilly in the morning.

[Red Stwokay]

Originally Posted by spfortjohn

Nice weather, Mild winters, Beach. Low crime, Low taxes and homes are a lot cheeper. It does get hot in the late summer but i would much rather be hot then cold.

Econ is not as bad down here either unemployement is only around 5.5%-6%

We are not all rednecks and we do not all sleep with our sisters down here. LOL...

I had thought that if I went to Alabama or SC I could put my Rebel Flag (battle flag) plate back on my vehicles. I ran one for years up here on all my vehicles then things got worse... Used to wear T shirts and tanks with the flag but certain people just didn't understand my reason for likeing and displaying it... Now certain law officers will ticket ya for something if they see ya with one... A-holes...

[Red Stwokay]

Originally Posted by S2KCRick

Ive lived in Tucson and Phx, Tucson is not all that bad, but Phx blows! Gets up into the 120's, then they get monsoons that cause flash floods. Opening your front door at 1pm in the middle of summer is like opening your oven after being preheated for an hour. Way to hot! Politcal climate is about the same as So Cal, unless your out of the city. Sedona is nice, Flagstaff is cool, and Prescott is ok.

Originally Posted by Old Guy

Bend is in Central Oregon in the high desert. Dry like the desert in the late spring until Nov, and it gets hot in the summer, but not AZ hot. It is at altitude so you get your share of snow in the winter.

I live in the Portland area and I've been here for 35 years. I travel all over the country for work and all things considered, I wouldn't live anywhere else. The family chuckled when I bought a ragtop 4 days before I moved back from No Cal. But now they want a ride on a nice day.

Sure, we get a lot of rain, but if you're into the outdoors, this area is fantastic. Wed - Fri this week is going to be sunny and only about 50-55 high temp. I will absolutely drop the top and drive to work at 35 and chilly in the morning.

Thanks S2KCRick and Old Guy.

[Red Stwokay]

So still haven't moved or made up my mind but still thinking and listening...

My brother in law is in Apache Junction right now and my sister will be out soon. They're spending about six weeks there, eight for my bro in law.

Their home here in CT is up for sale so they hope it won't be long.

I keep thinking about driving out and staying with them or at their place anyway if they're back here.

So, how are things in AZ these days?

[Red Stwokay]

So as some of you may know we've been getting rain nearly every day here in CT and usually about 2 inches minimum, many storms bring 5-6 inches...

I've been interested in moving to a dry state (weather wise) for some time. My sister and brother-in-law bought in AZ but don't live there yet, just visits here and there until their house here sells. They seem sold on ther weather there but haven't got real experience living there so I'm looking to you folks for curent info and trends.

Also wondering about the real estate market. Thanks.

[Dmaye]

Originally Posted by spfortjohn

We are not all rednecks and we do not all sleep with our sisters down here. LOL...

Well not all of us. i've heard a few rumors here in northern alabama

[philiam]

Arizona real estate is down now, also Las Vegas has a lot of unsold inventory. Both places get quite hot in the summer.

[Red Stwokay]

My sister says it's monsoon time in AZ now but it's still not anywhere close to here. Here in CT we get rain nearly every day and it's in the 3-6 inches of precipitation range. We get flood warnings almost as regularly. The weather sucks big time here...

Probably rode my motor cycle three times this season and drove my S maybe a dozen times if that.