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Thinking of Emigrating to Phoenix AZ?

by MIB Mastermind
18 replies
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Hey Warriors,

As you can see from my title I'm thinking taking the plunge and moving my business and family to Phoenix AZ, possibly Scottsdale.

I'm from Scotland so this will be a big move for me and my young family (3 kids under 5 years old) I'm going on holiday to America for 1 month in August and plan on visiting Phoenix and Florida, as those are places I'm considering re locating too.

So if any fellow warriors have any experiences they can share regarding this part of the country please share them, and give me some pro's and con's... if possible.

Things I'm looking for are :

1. Good schools
2. Good standard of living
3. Weather (I no it's HOT)
4. Real estate prices (money goes far)
5. Night life & entertainment

Thanks

~Bryan
  • Profile picture of the author AnniePot
    Well, I did write a detailed response to you, but for some reason, the powers that be have deleted it. As a Brit who has lived in the US for donkey's years, I thought my input would be useful to you, but clearly the moderators disagree with me :confused:
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    • Profile picture of the author ThomM
      Originally Posted by AnniePot View Post

      Well, I did write a detailed response to you, but for some reason, the powers that be have deleted it. As a Brit who has lived in the US for donkey's years, I thought my input would be useful to you, but clearly the moderators disagree with me :confused:
      Unless there was politics or religion mentioned it may of just been a forum glitch, it happens sometimes.

      Byran, I noticed the two locations you mentioned are as different from Scotland environmentally as you can get.
      August is a good month to visit both places though. You will get a good idea of what you can expect from Mother Nature in both places then.
      I would also check out theses states. Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, even both Virginia's.
      You can find good and bad schools, standard of living, and property values, pretty much every where and often within walking distance of each.
      Night life and entertainment depends on what you like.
      Also keep in mind, what I said is coming from someone living in the Northeast who has lived and traveled in the Southeast. Someone from a different area will have different advice
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      • Profile picture of the author AnniePot
        Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

        Unless there was politics or religion mentioned it may of just been a forum glitch, it happens sometimes.
        As long time immigrants from the UK to US ourselves, I wrote in detail about the immigration laws and required visas. People cannot just set up home here without going through an immense amount of red tape. It takes years sometimes.

        I also pointed out considerations such as necessary health insurance - very expensive! The US doesn't have social medical programs.
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        • Profile picture of the author Bill Farnham
          Originally Posted by AnniePot View Post

          I also pointed out considerations such as necessary health insurance - very expensive! The US doesn't have social medical programs.
          You also posted a link to a subject that is not permitted on this forum that leads to an automatic deletion of your post due to past problems with those types of things.

          It was the same link in a thread you posted that also got deleted.

          Politics, in any form, is not allowed to be brought up here.

          And for good reasons.
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          • Profile picture of the author waterotter
            Originally Posted by Bill Farnham View Post

            You also posted a link to a subject that is not permitted on this forum that leads to an automatic deletion of your post due to past problems with those types of things.

            It was the same link in a thread you posted that also got deleted.

            Politics, in any form, is not allowed to be brought up here.

            And for good reasons.
            LOL Bill, we were both responding at the same time. Fine minds think alike!
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            • Profile picture of the author Bill Farnham
              Originally Posted by waterotter View Post

              LOL Bill, we were both responding at the same time. Fine minds think alike!
              Jody, if you could type a little faster I'd really appreciate it.

              Right now I'm busier than a one armed paper hanger and could really use the time for other things.
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        • Profile picture of the author waterotter
          Originally Posted by AnniePot View Post

          As long time immigrants from the UK to US ourselves, I wrote in detail about the immigration laws and required visas. People cannot just set up home here without going through an immense amount of red tape. It takes years sometimes.

          I also pointed out considerations such as necessary health insurance - very expensive! The US doesn't have social medical programs.
          I'm guessing it's the link you included as the reason for being deleted. I noticed the thread you started that included the same link has also been removed.
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        • Profile picture of the author MIB Mastermind
          Originally Posted by AnniePot View Post

          As long time immigrants from the UK to US ourselves, I wrote in detail about the immigration laws and required visas. People cannot just set up home here without going through an immense amount of red tape. It takes years sometimes.

          I also pointed out considerations such as necessary health insurance - very expensive! The US doesn't have social medical programs.
          I've done the necessary research and have been told I will/should get a visa without any problems.

          As for taking years, again I've been told from start to finish the process should take no more than 1 year.

          As for paid health insurance that wouldn't be a problem.
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  • Profile picture of the author I.M.Retired
    I would never move to Florida - too hot and humid in the summer and too many hurricanes.

    I would move to Phoenix, Scottsdale or Tucson Arizona with just a moment's notice!
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  • Profile picture of the author Patrician
    Be sure to be as far away from the border with Mexico as you can get.

    They are having all out war there on both sides of the border. This is not a metaphor, it is literal. Kidnappings, murders, general violence, etc.

    Arizona is one of the few states with borders with Mexico that is actually putting up a fight for our sovereignty. (this is not what is creating the violence)

    (and if it wasn't for the fact it can get hotter than hell there (125 degrees F) I would move there just because they are not rolling over for illegal occupation like my state does).
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    • Profile picture of the author Bill Farnham
      FYI.

      There's good news and bad news...

      Home prices in Phoenix have fallen 45% since their peak in 2006.

      Just be very careful when you look for property there. Many neighborhoods will see massive declines in their quality over the next few years due to the fallout of the housing bubble.

      Keeps your eyes wide open.
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    • Profile picture of the author MIB Mastermind
      Originally Posted by Patrician View Post

      Be sure to be as far away from the border with Mexico as you can get.

      They are having all out war there on both sides of the border. This is not a metaphor, it is literal. Kidnappings, murders, general violence, etc.

      Arizona is one of the few states with borders with Mexico that is actually putting up a fight for our sovereignty. (this is not what is creating the violence)

      (and if it wasn't for the fact it can get hotter than hell there (125 degrees F) I would move there just because they are not rolling over for illegal occupation like my state does).
      Thanks for this info I didn't no the severity of the situation.
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  • Profile picture of the author waterotter
    Bill, it my internet service that's slow. I can type faster than my speed!
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  • Profile picture of the author Rose Anderson
    I live in north Florida and I love it. The best way to know is to visit the places for yourself. It is hot and humid, but I hate cold and rain so it works well for me.

    Health insurance is an issue to consider. Private insurance can be expensive.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sunfyre7896
    From someone who has lived in both places, there are pros and cons to each. I would just say that based on your criteria, Phoenix/Scottsdale is good as long as you stay more on the East side of Phoenix or especially Scottsdale. However, Scottsdale is the richest town next to Phoenix, so it will cost more. South Florida by Boca/Ft. Lauderdale/Palm Beach are really nice, but also very expensive. Even more so than Scottsdale. Orlando is also a good area but touristy at times. If you are looking for one of the best values based on housing and cost of living, I would also say to check out Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex or Houston. Austin is too high.
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  • Profile picture of the author homerunhitter
    Be ready for the weather...
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    • Profile picture of the author jeffrey73
      Sunfyre knows Phoenix, Arizona!

      And yes, housing prices are ridiculously low here, and still going down..
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      • Profile picture of the author sylviad
        While I can't offer much in the way of services and housing info, I know what I saw when I did a 3-month tour back in '91.

        I fell in love with Virginia right away. It's beautiful there, and much like England with its lush greenery and scenery. The weather seemed temperate for mid-April (warmer than Ontario, that's for sure).

        Texas (San Antonio area) was extremely hot and humid as was New York. We get lots of humidity here, but nothing like those two areas, and I'm pretty good with heat and humidity.

        I fell in love with Arizona. The weather was gorgeous - dry and warm, but it was only April/May so I didn't get to see just how hot. As much as I enjoyed being there, I didn't realize how "dry and dusty" it was until we got to the California coast and enjoyed the fresh, moist air drifting in from the Pacific.

        Unfortunately, Arizona can be a dangerous place, especially near the border (same with Texas). We camped near Tucson, an area that I really liked and almost moved there after the trip.

        Wherever we went, the people were wonderful, despite what many say about the Americans. We enjoyed many friendly discussions along the way.

        I don't recall where I saw it online, but there's a list somewhere of the towns that have the highest / lowest crime rates. At that time, Arizona was one of the lowest but I'm not sure that's still true.

        If I were to make that move now, I might choose Virginia since it left such a huge impression on me.

        Sorry I couldn't provide more insight, but from a tourist's point of view, this is what stood out for me.

        Sylvia
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