I decided in 2011 to move to Phoenix, after some back and forth to LA,
in May 2014 I made the final move after purchasing a house - Phoenix is now my official home
Pros:- Housing is very cheap (~$120 SQFT) with big lots attached.
- Parking is abundant, everybody has driveways.
- Not much traffic, when there is, you can drive on local streets.
- People are friendly.
- Pretty good hospital, doctors etc. (Mayo Clinic, MD Anderson sister hospital, Phoenix Children's)
- Major sports teams and venues - Diamondbacks, Cardinals, Suns, Coyotes.
- Baseball spring training, 1/2 major league teams spend their spring training in greater Phoenix area.
- Driving distance to several major cities: LA 5.5 hours LAS 4.5 hours TUS 1.5 hours.
- PHX is hub for UA and SW.
- Winter weather doesn't go below freezing, rains only several times a year in the summer.
- Lots of great shopping and Walmart's, CVS (1.5 hour drive to TUS for Prepaid REDcard)
- 125K+ Jews live in the metro area, many options for meat/dairy food.
- All Trader Joe's carry empire chicken, turkey and glatt beef. Sprouts carries empire chickens and turkey.
- Gas is cheaper than NY and LA
Cons:- 100+ degrees on 100+ days a year, dry heat but still pretty hot (most people have swimming pools)
- Job opportunities not abundant like in other major cities, but there are several headquarters for major Co's. like US
