Phoenix Arizona

[Magus]

[COLOR="DarkSlateGray"]Mainly to the folk who lives in/been to/know about Arizona.

I don't talk about what I do too much mainly because I don't do anything at the moment. However, October 6, 2008 (Graduation Oct something 2009.. And there are bonus / extended-like programs that'll help you finish paying off your tuition.) I'll be starting school. (6 fricken long years since I've been in school. You know how that goes.. Procrastinate > Financial issues > long wait) In any case, I'll be attending U.T.I. (Universal Techinical Institute. That car school that's been getting advertised all over the place.) I'll be in the Avondale area. I plan on relocating Aug 27 so I can get familiar with the environment, and get a job and whatnot (I want to leave earlier than that, but "parents money, parents rules" so I won't rush it.)

Unfortunately, there are no dorms, but I do get apartments in it's place. The housing department emailed me a list of apartments to look into, and I must say majority of them sounds promising, some expensive, but promising nonetheless. I do intend to have a roommate though, so, yeah. Also, majority of these apartments that're listed are in the Avondale, Glendale, Goodyear area. All are fairly close to the campus. (1 in Peoria.) In case some of you want to know the name of a couple of these apartments: Palm Valley Luxury (Goodyear AZ), Northern Greens (Glendale AZ)

What's it like there?

Outside of the excessive heat and bugs (scorpions), what should I expect?

I probably won't have any time for it since I'll be working and going to school, (6 hours every morning and work in the afternoon or evening) but what kind of side activities are there to do? I'm in Detroit, so I wouldn't know what kind of side stuff to do outside of going bowling, skating (fights), malls (fights), or going to restaurants. (All of which, outside of bowling is pretty boring to me now, atleast here anyway)

I have a friend in Arizona (who I can't get in touch with for nothing) that says jobs are easy to come by. True? I'd actually almost settle for anything seeing how jobs seems to be dwindling each month.

Uh.. It'll feel really good to get out of the state for a change (off of the EAST COAST/MIDWEST for the first time.) I haven't been stoked about anything in a long time... so, yeah. Go me "shrugs"[/COLOR]

[Kenso]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]I haven't been to Phoenix in about 7 years, so I could be a little off here, but I'll go with what I remember.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]Don't worry too much about the heat. Don't get me wrong - it's definitely warm. But while 100 degrees sounds pretty bad, it's actually fairly tolerable when the humidity is all of 2%.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]What there is to do depends a lot on your interests. I know that one of the malls has a [B]2-floor[/B] arcade, which I thought was cool as hell. There's a waterpark nearby, and if you have the time on a weekend at some point, Flagstaff isn't too far of a drive (I went there to check out the Grand Canyon, which was pretty cool).[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]If you're into any medieval Ren Fair stuff, there's a group down there that does it, and I could probably get you contacts for that (my mom and stepdad are/were a part of it - not sure if they're doing it right now thanks to real life and all that).[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]If you like basketball or other sports, keep in mind that you can do that pretty much all year round in Arizona. It just doesn't really get cold enough to make it so you can't have some fun outside. (Although it does get hot enough that you can't sometimes.)[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]When I was down there, they had a laser tag place, which was loads of fun, but I don't know if it's still there.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]Anyway, don't know it that helps any, but there's what I can think of right now.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[Korey]

[FONT="Franklin Gothic Medium"]Well, it's been a while since I myself have been to Phoenix, but I do know there is a bunch of sporting events you can attend, such as Arizona Diamondbacks games, Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Coyotes and a few others I'm sure I'm forgetting. Scottsdale is a nice place to live, however it's VERY expensive. I know there's a bunch of stuff to do near ASU and if you're looking for [strike]girls[/strike] fun, there's sure to be things for you to do there even if you don't go to school there. Perks of living in the area ;)[/FONT]

[chibi-master]

Well, it gets so hot there that the sun just ruins cars by eating up the paint jobs, so beware of that. And I'm sorry, I know you said to [I]besides[/I] the heat. Also, BEWARE OF BURGLARS!!!:o Heh heh...that's just my personal warning as I am paranoid about robbers, burglars, kidnappers, etc.:animeswea

[Magus]

[COLOR="DarkSlateGray"]This is some good stuff.

[quote name='Kenso']What there is to do depends a lot on your interests.[/quote]
At this point, I'm actually willing to try some new things... Golf for instance, and in the winter I'd probably go up to Colorado and try snowboarding/skiing. I've never been into medival settings. A Knight's Tale was the only medival setting theme I actually liked. (No God of War or King Arthur for me.)

[quote name='chibi-master']Well, it gets so hot there that the sun just ruins cars by eating up the paint jobs, so beware of that. And I'm sorry, I know you said to [I]besides[/I] the heat. Also, BEWARE OF BURGLARS!!!:o Heh heh...that's just my personal warning as I am paranoid about robbers, burglars, kidnappers, etc.:animeswea[/QUOTE]
I've read/heard about some of the jokes for the the heat in Arizona. Hopefully the apartment I end up in will be/have air conditioned/ners. As far as burglary, if they're desperate enough to steal from someone whose going to be living off of Hot Pockets and Ramen, then by all means, I'll spare a couple of dollars to share the food. Or are people stealing air conditioners or something? I'm not worth anything and it's just me that's moving to Arizona so I doubt if I'm kidnappable. Crime is really something that don't bother me (In terms of living in fear) since crime is unavoidable.

Korey, as tempting as looking for women sound (And I am interested in meeting a latina... No reason really, just never had a conversation with one yet), I think I'm going to spend majority of the school year to myself and work before getting into more drama-ish stuff.[/COLOR]

[Kimmeh]

[SIZE="2"][FONT="Arial"][COLOR="Indigo"]I live 30 minutes from Phoenix. Thus I know Arizona.

All I can say is during the summer expect to wear light clothing because it does get hot. And plenty of sunscreen. Burns out here are the worst. Also, be weary of the fact that we do have big, dangerous insects like scorpions and tarantulas...

Winter time is nice. It can get chilly.

But yeah...

I love Arizona. =)[/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE]

[SaiyanPrincessX]

[SIZE="1"]Ah, the title to this thread caught my eye right away. I was born in Arizona(Maricopa county), lived there for eleven years. I don't currently live there now unfortunately, but I plan to move back. I miss it so much.

The sun dulls the paint of cars, but it much better than having your car rusted out from the freakin salt in winter time here! The sun does crack the interior(dashboard) aswell.

The insects may be big, but you won't see many scorpions or tarantulas in Phoenix, if atall. Although the closer you are to the desert the higher the chance. The same goes for the rattle snakes. Coyotes do [i]not[/i] eat children! When I lived there I only saw one coyote, and he was extremly skinny and harmless. Other animals you may see are:

- road runners
- horny toads, which are awesome. They have horns or spikes all over them, but they're harmless and fun to pick up.
- jack rabbits
- mountain lions (closer to the desert obviosly)
- elk, deer
- Gila monsters(poisonous lizards), known for there thick tails, and the orange and black coloring.

Expect plenty of cacti, especially the Saguaro Cactus("sah-wah-roh").

Sandstorms roll in every once in awhile, or more. :p Plus monsoon season, which could start around July. The most rain you'll probebly see there, and following this would be a lot of flash floods.

Summer time is hot, but its dry heat obviously. In the winter the average is in the 60s but it can drop below 40 at night. You won't get any snow in Phoenix, although there was a time I remember getting some back in 89', lol! It stuck for maybe a half hour. It snows in places like Flagstaff, Show Low, Prescott, and others.

Things to do...in the summer time, definetley swimming! Its the best past time in the summer. Almost everyone has a pool, and there are tons of public pools. Biking, hiking, water skiing, rafting, kayaking.

In the winter time, if you like snow go up to the mountains, or one of the places I listed.

Also, camping is great there! When I lived there we went camping all the time, all year round. I don't do camp grounds, I prefer to be [i]away[/i] from people when I camp. Putting around on the lake is fun. We used to camp next to the lake, so you have the desert, and the water. Good times! Lake Pleasant was one of my favorites, however I don't know how it is now. Some lakes to injoy while there are Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, Lake Pleasant, Lake Powell, Lynx Lake, Apache Lake, and many more. Yeah golf is big there too.

My friend's and I used to see who could stand on the blacktop the longest during the summer in bare feet. Of course I don't reccommend doing this, though it was good fun! ;)

If you like the desert, then its the best place to be. I love the desert, the smell of it when it rains is amazing. ^_^[/SIZE]

[Magus]

[quote name='KimmehWolfwood'][SIZE="2"][FONT="Arial"][COLOR="Indigo"]
Also, be weary of the fact that we do have big, dangerous insects like scorpions and tarantulas...
[/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE][/QUOTE]

[quote name='SayianPrincessX']The insects may be big, but you won't see many scorpions or tarantulas in Phoenix, if atall.[/quote]
[COLOR="DarkSlateGray"]I'd pretty much do what I do if I see a mouse/rat... Run. =) (I'm quick to jet too..)

SayianPrincess, I actually started to just PM you instead of make the thread. Didn't think there would be too many people who'd knew much about Arizona. (did a search and whatnot, and saw your name pop up in all the threads =))

[quote name='SPX]- [b']road runners[/b][/quote]
Holy crap.. They exist... Do they look like the Road Runner from Looney Tunes, and can they run that fast?

[quote name='SPX']Sandstorms roll in every once in awhile, or more. :p Plus monsoon season, which could start around July. The most rain you'll probebly see there, and following this would be a lot of flash floods.[/quote]
That's actually a lot better than what we get. Freakishly crazy scary type weather. I'm certain you've experienced it. I think Ohioians get the same type weather us Detroiters get.

[quote name='SPX']It snows in places like Flagstaff, Show Low, Prescott, and others.[/quote]
Snows a lot? Because I really do want to try out skiing/snowboarding atleast one time.

Oh. How far is Avondale from Phoenix? I hear about 40 miles or something. Is it in the desert?[/COLOR]

[SaiyanPrincessX]

[quote name='Phenom'][COLOR="DarkSlateGray"]SayianPrincess, I actually started to just PM you instead of make the thread. Didn't think there would be too many people who'd knew much about Arizona. (did a search and whatnot, and saw your name pop up in all the threads =))[/QUOTE]

I'm flattered. :animeswea

[quote name='Phenom']Holy crap.. They exist... Do they look like the Road Runner from Looney Tunes, and can they run that fast?[/QUOTE]
Yes they do exist, lol. I remember seeing one run accross the street next to my house. They are fast, but not like Looney Tunes Road Runner, haha.

This is what they look like.
> [URL="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v219/SaiyanPrincessX/Roadrunner2.jpg"]Roadrunner[/URL] <

Also, here is what a horny toad looks like. Technically they're Horned lizards.
> [URL="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v219/SaiyanPrincessX/HornyToad.jpg"]Horny toad[/URL] <

[quote name='Phenom']That's actually a lot better than what we get. Freakishly crazy scary type weather. I'm certain you've experienced it. I think Ohioians get the same type weather us Detroiters get.[/QUOTE]

The last time I was there my brother, me, and my grandma were at a public pool on top of the slide and you could see the dust storm coming towards us in the distance. Everyone was forced to go into the bathrooms like sardines. Another time when we were younger I remember looking out our back door and you could barely see five feet in front of you because of the dust.

Ohio has retarded weather. The temprature fluctuates so much.

[quote name='Phenom']Snows a lot? Because I really do want to try out skiing/snowboarding atleast one time.[/QUOTE]
There are several ski resorts in Arizona. Heres an image I found to help you.

> [URL="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v219/SaiyanPrincessX/m-arizona-skiing.gif"]Skiing in AZ[/URL] <

[quote name='Phenom']Oh. How far is Avondale from Phoenix? I hear about 40 miles or something. Is it in the desert?[/COLOR][/QUOTE]
Actually I think its less than 20 miles, or just at. Its 23 miles from Avondale to Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix. Avondale is also the home of the Phoenix International Raceway.

Here are some interesting/pointless facts about AZ.
[SIZE="1"]Population (1994): 4,071,650 (23rd in size)

State size: 114,000 square miles (6th in size)

State Capital: Phoenix (named after the mythical bird the Phoenix)

Major cities: Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Tempe and Scottsdale.

Admission to union: The 48th State

Date entered the union: February 14, 1912

Origin of state name: Named from the Indian word "arizonac" meaning small spring.

Nicknames: Grand Canyon State, Rattlesnake Heaven

Bordering states: California, Nevada, Utah and New Mexico with Mexico on the south.

State bird: Cactus Wren

State flower: Saguaro Cactus Blossom

State tree: Paloverde

Motto: God Enriches[/SIZE]

[Cat]

I live in Tucson its some what different then Phoenix but close enough. I had moved from Vermont where it snows a lot and is cold and rain to the Desert. I'm not sure if where you are is anywhere similar to Vermont is however your body might go though a shock because of the differences. Where sunblock for Phoenix is around 8 degrees hotter then Tucson. For example say its 102 in Tucson, Phoenix is going to be around 110. Drink plenty of water. Your body is going to need the extra water. If you can bring a bottle of water with you when you go out on errands and such that take the whole day. From personal experience I have fainted because of not drinking enough water.

As for activities you in Phoenix there are places where you can go to see snow and snowboard/ski. I would recommend that you go more up to Flagstaff and the northern part of Arizona for snow activities. They are where it tends to snow more. I know there is also river rafting you can do in Phoenix that is fun. Some of my friends went rafting a few months ago and loved it. Hiking is also another that is fun to do. Just be careful of certain animals and at least have one other person with you.

Oh, here is a fun story for you about Phoenix. Phoenix was made on top of a Native American settlement that disappeared suddenly. It was thought they left because of a long drought. The new settlers that found the remains of the old such as water systems and such rebuild over the previous. Thus creating the name Phoenix since a new town was born though the ashes of and old. This is what one of river rafters guides said at least.

[Magus]

[COLOR="DarkSlateBlue"]SP, you're my new best friend. :)

[quote name='SPX']The last time I was there my brother, me, and my grandma were at a public pool on top of the slide and you could see the dust storm coming towards us in the distance. Everyone was forced to go into the bathrooms like sardines. Another time when we were younger I remember looking out our back door and you could barely see five feet in front of you because of the dust.[/quote]
Hm. Dust storms aren't as dangerous as tornadoes are they? At least not in the destructive category, right?

[quote name='Cat']I live in Tucson its some what different then Phoenix but close enough. I had moved from Vermont where it snows a lot and is cold and rain to the Desert. I'm not sure if where you are is anywhere similar to Vermont is however your body might go though a shock because of the differences.[/quote]
I have a friend in Vermont. She say it fluctuates randomly, so I figure it's similar to Detroit, although, I think Vermont gets colder... (not certain if they get hotter/muggier) Thanks for the advice though.

[quote name='Cat']Just be careful of certain animals and at least have one other person with you. [/quote]
Heh, I don't know if hiking is for me. Especially if I happen to run into some animals I've never see before. :D

I suppose I can ask about the people in general. Friendly, rowdy, thuggish...?

Thanks people. Sounds like I'll enjoy Phoenix.[/COLOR]

[Cat]

[quote]Phenom: [COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]I have a friend in Vermont. She say it fluctuates randomly, so I figure it's similar to Detroit, although, I think Vermont gets colder... (not certain if they get hotter/muggier) Thanks for the advice though.
[/COLOR][/quote]I think it does get colder they get below zero pretty much all winter. As for getting hot/muggier I couldn't say. I do know though the last time I visited the east coast I could help but want to get back to the desert. The dry heat isn't as bad as humid temperatures.

[quote]Phenom: [COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]I suppose I can ask about the people in general. Friendly, rowdy, thuggish...? [/COLOR][/quote][COLOR=black]I've personally have had only a few problem when it comes to people. Mostly cause I just happen to walk around and come across someone that was high or drunk. I would say though most Arizonians pretty alright people. They can get a little strange though when it rains. I've had people stop there cars and get out to see if it was true. [/COLOR]