Moving to/Visiting Arizona

[Temporary_User]

I'm going to be down in Arizona Dec. 26-Jan 2.
My dad is looking to retire down there so I'm going to tag along while he checks the area out.
Specifically we are going to be staying in Tempe as we found a great deal on a hotel. Is this a good idea, or would it be better to stay in actual Phoenix? Google maps shows they aren't too far apart.

I'm planning on going to a Coyotes game while I'm down there just to check out the arena (I've only been to the dome and GM place before).
Possibly go to a Suns game as well, but we'll see.

What I'm looking for is general ideas of what I can do and expect while I'm down there, as well as general tips I can pass along to my father about moving/living down there.
Thanks

[GreenTeaFrapp]

Isn't Bouw N Arrow in Arizona also?

[opendoor]

Assuming you have a car, Tempe and Phoenix are very close and basically run into each other, so I wouldn't worry about staying far away from the actual city of Phoenix. Scottsdale, Glendale, and Tempe are all more or less part of Phoenix, even if they're their own towns. I actually like Tempe a lot. Given that the University of Arizona is in the city, it's kind of got a college town vibe, but in a good way.

I've only been to Phoenix a few times, so I'm not really an expert. To me, it seems like a a pretty average city with extraordinary weather. 9 months a year it's almost perfect weather, but it does get ridiculously hot in the summer. I was there in late June once and the temperature was in the mid 40s. It was windy one day and the air basically felt like a hair dryer blowing on me. The whole downtown core was deserted as people basically just stayed indoors in air conditioned areas. However, you also get great weather the rest of the year. I've been there in late October and it was a perfect 25 degrees.

Some of the places around Phoenix are cool as well, especially up north around Flagstaff. You can enjoy the snow up there in the winter and then go back down to the sun in Phoenix.

[MRCboicgy]

What? no Raising Arizona?

[Kipper is King]

Jobbing.com arena is gorgeous. There's bars and restaurants around it too, but other than that, Glendale is lame.

One of my favourite restaurants in Phoenix is Carolina's. There are two (possibly 3 now) locations in the area, one of them close to Sky Harbor International Airport.

Carolina's seriously has some of the most delicious Mexican food I have eaten. It's cafeteria style, but the prices are cheap and the food is so flavourful. The tortillas are sooo soft and fluffy


Also, make the drive out to Sedona. In the town, there are lots of freaky "new age" people, and "tourist information offices" that are actually time share sales (There is one official one though.). Just outside town is some of the most gorgeous scenery you will ever see.

[stuck_in_chuk]

I just got back from a few days in Phoenix. I went to a game (vs. Philly), and the crowd was better and fuller than I thought. It is the Coyotes playing, so you might want to bring a book with you. Stayed one night in Tempe - I'm not sure that there is anything in the actual city of Phoenix that would make me choose it over Tempe. The university and Mill St. scene is pretty nice in Tempe. Weather was amazing. The metro area is hugely sprawling, so a car is a necessity if you want to get around. Good hiking in the metro area, with some nice natural areas like Squaw Peak (not sure what the current PC name is). There is a restaurant called Tavern on Mill which is worth going to on Tues. night as they have $2 tacos and Mexican beer. The food was quite good.

I didn't spend much time in the city, which is kind of a shame. When I go there again (and I'm sure that I will at some point), I will make sure to hit Taliesin West, which is designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and is a historical landmark.

[Bill Bumface]

I still don't really get why people buy vacation properties and move there. Is it just because houses are cheap? Or because they love golf?

I've never been, but why there instead of California or Palm Springs or something?

[GreenTeaFrapp]

Because it's cheap and warm.

Comparing housing prices in Arizona to California is like comparing prices in Saskatchewan to BC.

[Merlot]

My father lives down there for the winter months near Queen's Creek on the golf course. He loves living down there and golfs non-stop. He bought a nice sized house for a great price with the recession but I have also heard great things about mobile homes as well. Just make sure he chooses a gated community and keep in mind the Home Owners association fees, the twice a year exterminator fees (termites can be a problem down there) and the list of items to prepare your place for the very hot summers while you are away.

[Jordan!]

I love living here.. my only complaint is that there are way too many republicans.

The 3 month heat is a distant memory now, it's relatively short compared to the rest of the perfect weather. It really doesn't matter where you stay as there will always be a drive to get anywhere. Unless it's to your local mall to go shopping, but even so I could drive here in my sleep. The Deerfoot is more treacherous than the Loop 101.

I'm not sure what you're interested in, so I don't know what to suggest..

[4X4]

What's the cooler selection like? Will my g/f be ok with it?

[GreenTeaFrapp]

Originally Posted by 4X4

What's the cooler selection like? Will my g/f be ok with it?

Well, his only complaint is Republicans despite his well known love of coolers so I'm guessing the cooler selection is pretty good.