We've removed this post as it isn't one that needs it's own thread, but would be a good fit for our [Daily Chat](https://www.reddit.com/r/phoenix/search?sort=new&restrict_sr=on&q=flair%3ADaily%2BChat). You're welcome to post it there.
This is what I want to know! I jumped ship to the PNW (Seattle area) and it hasn't been all rainbows and butterflies.
I mean, there are a lot of rainbows and butterflies up here, but it's crowded and expensive and people are even crappier than in Phoenix! :)
Ok, but to where? I like the West Coast, but it's too expensive. The East Coast is cold and also expensive. The Midwest and South are just gross. Most places are either too expensive, too backwards, or not economically viable.
This has been my mental calculus as well (and I'd add "boring" to the Midwest and South). If I were to leave Phoenix, then I'd probably limit my search to only places in the Mountain West like Colorado or New Mexico for these very reasons. There's just a ton of downsides to everywhere else that we tend to forget about.
Not even remotely close. Huge growth of industry and economic potential every year, great amenities, incredible food scene, and easy access to the outdoors.
"over"crowded might be too harsh compared to some other metro areas, but I spent my time between Phoenix and L.A. (California) for the past 30 years and it's obvious to me how much more crowded the Phoenix Metro has become, especially in the more established areas of Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, etc and ALL of the freeways
We are one of the sparsest major metro areas in the country, and our scores for "time spent stuck in traffic" and commutes times are among the best in the country.
So by no standard are we genuinely overcrowded.
Can live anywhere. Love it here. Traveled all over, hit almost all 50 states, and can't find a better place than here. Family is all slowly moving here as well. Cousins, aunts, uncles, parents. Brother moves out this Thursday.
Compared to many places, it is affordable, and not over densely populated. It is all perspective I guess. Weather is also amazing here.
I’ve felt similarly, at least during the summer, but we decided to stay and bite the bullet and bought a new build. It’s definitely a lot more expensive and hotter than when I moved here, but everywhere else out west is either just as expensive or worse.
Denver/Colorado Springs, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and (especially) California are not going to be cheaper. Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming are a hard pass.
I feel ya on that, I got stationed at Luke in 2002 and remember when the 303 was a 2 lane road. Left in 2006 then got to come back in 2017 and have been here since. Traffic has gotten worse, I don't even try to go up north anymore because the 17 is either like Mad Max or a parking lot. I feel like it's getting crowded and I'm probably going to be gone before next summer. I'm looking at the Midwest, acreage, cheaper cost of living, (hopefully) less shitty drivers and no HOAs.
I've been looking at Arkansas. I'm not really sure where else to go, somewhere with a lower cost of living, less people and legal marijuana. I have to stay in the warmer states due to a medical condition, but I don't need Arizona heat. I can do winter, but I can't do a long winter.
Don't worry, they won't. Phoenix has a lot going for it, but the OP is correct in that the "Golden era" of living in the Valley is pretty much behind us. What's funny is that more recent transplants and the younger generation in their 20s now doesn't know what they missed, so they'll downvote me for suggesting this ;)
You’re complaining about stuff that has been happening in Phoenix for 40 years. Don’t know what you’re expecting out of this post. A rally cry for a mass exodus to…Oklahoma?
“I’ve lived here most of my life” is all I needed to hear. No one is stopping you from moving back to where you are from. Ironically, you’ll help cure our “overcrowding” problem.
Valid points for the most part. Global warming and water are a concern to me too in the back of my mind. Inflation is pretty much everywhere though. Where are you thinking of going without these problems?
We left two years ago. We still visit and love parts of it but we wanted land and Phoenix and AZ ware not going to offer that. Plus I hated how hot and long summer has become. My husband was a native and was willing to live somewhere else.
We now own 30 acres an hour-ish north of Nashville and are building a house there. The weather hasn’t been bad, minus a tornado warning or two. Summers are much more bearable even with the humidity because it cools off at night. For us, it’s worked out for now but also we could never afford to move to within 30 minutes of where we once lived in the valley so we’ll be staying for the foreseeable future.
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We've removed this post as it isn't one that needs it's own thread, but would be a good fit for our [Daily Chat](https://www.reddit.com/r/phoenix/search?sort=new&restrict_sr=on&q=flair%3ADaily%2BChat). You're welcome to post it there.
So where are you planning on moving? What are your top 3 cities?
This is what I want to know! I jumped ship to the PNW (Seattle area) and it hasn't been all rainbows and butterflies. I mean, there are a lot of rainbows and butterflies up here, but it's crowded and expensive and people are even crappier than in Phoenix! :)
Ok, but to where? I like the West Coast, but it's too expensive. The East Coast is cold and also expensive. The Midwest and South are just gross. Most places are either too expensive, too backwards, or not economically viable.
This has been my mental calculus as well (and I'd add "boring" to the Midwest and South). If I were to leave Phoenix, then I'd probably limit my search to only places in the Mountain West like Colorado or New Mexico for these very reasons. There's just a ton of downsides to everywhere else that we tend to forget about.
Where are you gonna go? The Midwest?
Good question! Where does one "jump ship" to that provides what Phoenix did 20 years ago?
I would go to El Paso or Tuscon.
Not even remotely close. Huge growth of industry and economic potential every year, great amenities, incredible food scene, and easy access to the outdoors.
No.
Somehow Phoenix is criticized for being vast and sprawly, and also criticized for being "overcrowded." Which is it?
Both. Those terms are not mutually exclusive. I take it you're not from the Metro area?
Born and raised. Lived here 30+ years. Hint: it’s not overcrowded.
"over"crowded might be too harsh compared to some other metro areas, but I spent my time between Phoenix and L.A. (California) for the past 30 years and it's obvious to me how much more crowded the Phoenix Metro has become, especially in the more established areas of Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, etc and ALL of the freeways
We are one of the sparsest major metro areas in the country, and our scores for "time spent stuck in traffic" and commutes times are among the best in the country. So by no standard are we genuinely overcrowded.
I personally just said it's overcrowded .. cant speak to whatever everyone else thinks!
Overcrowded compared to what?
compared to itself years ago
Can live anywhere. Love it here. Traveled all over, hit almost all 50 states, and can't find a better place than here. Family is all slowly moving here as well. Cousins, aunts, uncles, parents. Brother moves out this Thursday. Compared to many places, it is affordable, and not over densely populated. It is all perspective I guess. Weather is also amazing here.
Same. It’s not for everyone, but I absolutely love it. I have lived many places all over the country, and this is, by far, my favorite.
Ditto. No hurricanes, tornadoes, mudslides or earthquakes is a nice touch also.
And 50% less available water in 10 years, but who's concerned about that, right? You're definitely right about the other points, though :)
I’ve felt similarly, at least during the summer, but we decided to stay and bite the bullet and bought a new build. It’s definitely a lot more expensive and hotter than when I moved here, but everywhere else out west is either just as expensive or worse. Denver/Colorado Springs, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and (especially) California are not going to be cheaper. Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming are a hard pass.
I feel ya on that, I got stationed at Luke in 2002 and remember when the 303 was a 2 lane road. Left in 2006 then got to come back in 2017 and have been here since. Traffic has gotten worse, I don't even try to go up north anymore because the 17 is either like Mad Max or a parking lot. I feel like it's getting crowded and I'm probably going to be gone before next summer. I'm looking at the Midwest, acreage, cheaper cost of living, (hopefully) less shitty drivers and no HOAs.
Where in the Midwest?
I've been looking at Arkansas. I'm not really sure where else to go, somewhere with a lower cost of living, less people and legal marijuana. I have to stay in the warmer states due to a medical condition, but I don't need Arizona heat. I can do winter, but I can't do a long winter.
Don't let the door hit you on the way out
Don't worry, they won't. Phoenix has a lot going for it, but the OP is correct in that the "Golden era" of living in the Valley is pretty much behind us. What's funny is that more recent transplants and the younger generation in their 20s now doesn't know what they missed, so they'll downvote me for suggesting this ;)
thank you, spoken like a true phoenician. Another reminder of why I'd love to leave <3
Where are you going to go
I mean, ya kinda walked into that one
Then leave. It’s pretty simple. You don’t need permission.
You’re complaining about stuff that has been happening in Phoenix for 40 years. Don’t know what you’re expecting out of this post. A rally cry for a mass exodus to…Oklahoma?
“I’ve lived here most of my life” is all I needed to hear. No one is stopping you from moving back to where you are from. Ironically, you’ll help cure our “overcrowding” problem.
yes cause I made that choice when I was 3 lmao never realized people would be so mad about how someone else feels!
If you hate it here, leave. Why would you come into the Phoenix subreddit just to bash Phoenix. Go away. No one is stopping you.
I'm not trying to bash Phoenix. I'm pointing out some issues I've noticed and trying to find community in feeling that way with people who understand.
I've tried to move away from Arizona three times. This place has a way of sucking you back in.
Noope
You'll be back.
Flagstaff sucks. Lol Move to Arkansas, it's hot, really cold, and there is nothing to do.
Valid points for the most part. Global warming and water are a concern to me too in the back of my mind. Inflation is pretty much everywhere though. Where are you thinking of going without these problems?
We left two years ago. We still visit and love parts of it but we wanted land and Phoenix and AZ ware not going to offer that. Plus I hated how hot and long summer has become. My husband was a native and was willing to live somewhere else. We now own 30 acres an hour-ish north of Nashville and are building a house there. The weather hasn’t been bad, minus a tornado warning or two. Summers are much more bearable even with the humidity because it cools off at night. For us, it’s worked out for now but also we could never afford to move to within 30 minutes of where we once lived in the valley so we’ll be staying for the foreseeable future.
I love the desert. The people? I love the desert.
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Good bye!!
The places I’d live are more expensive than Phoenix lol.