scruffy
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Any members out there from Arizona? Need info. Contemplating a job/relo to Scotsdale area.
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ARIZONA???
- Thread starter scruffy
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glennmac
Veteran Member
Scruffy, I have been there several times. I liked it a lot in the visitor sense, but I don't know that I would want to permanently live there.
Phoenix is a booming city in the middle of the desert, ringed by mountains. The landscape looks like the moon -- very little natural vegetation -- but I find it attractive. If you like the woods and trees, however, you probably would quickly have withdrawal symptoms. Also, the summers are brutal: 110 - 115 degrees. The city could not have existed without the invention of air conditioning. But you can drive 5 or 6 hours north to Flagstaff, passing through beautiful country and about 4 climate zones.
Scottsdale is one of the ritzier, expensive suburbs. Lots of county clubs and spas for the top 1% of the top 1%. Very nice. Lots of imported orange trees that need constant irrigation.
I'm not sure what you would do with a tractor there. Maybe brushhog lichen.
Check it out if is a serious job offer. Spend some time there. I'd go there in a heartbeat over Brooklyn if those were my two choices.
Glenn
Phoenix is a booming city in the middle of the desert, ringed by mountains. The landscape looks like the moon -- very little natural vegetation -- but I find it attractive. If you like the woods and trees, however, you probably would quickly have withdrawal symptoms. Also, the summers are brutal: 110 - 115 degrees. The city could not have existed without the invention of air conditioning. But you can drive 5 or 6 hours north to Flagstaff, passing through beautiful country and about 4 climate zones.
Scottsdale is one of the ritzier, expensive suburbs. Lots of county clubs and spas for the top 1% of the top 1%. Very nice. Lots of imported orange trees that need constant irrigation.
I'm not sure what you would do with a tractor there. Maybe brushhog lichen.
Check it out if is a serious job offer. Spend some time there. I'd go there in a heartbeat over Brooklyn if those were my two choices.
Glenn
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Hi Scruffy,
I moved to AZ about six months ago (from upstate NY) and LOVE it. I happen to live in Tucson. What was already said about Phoenix/Scottsdale is true. Population is projected to grow by another 50% by 2025, so there is likely to be fair to good economy. The desert doesn't bother me (no snow). The people are more laid back, friendly. I especially like the fullness of the sky, and the easy warm winters. It is also true you don't see that many small tractors out here---I guess because there is no lawn to mow. But there is a lot of ranching, horses and some big farms of sheep. You can surely figure out plenty to do with your tractor.
Thomas
I moved to AZ about six months ago (from upstate NY) and LOVE it. I happen to live in Tucson. What was already said about Phoenix/Scottsdale is true. Population is projected to grow by another 50% by 2025, so there is likely to be fair to good economy. The desert doesn't bother me (no snow). The people are more laid back, friendly. I especially like the fullness of the sky, and the easy warm winters. It is also true you don't see that many small tractors out here---I guess because there is no lawn to mow. But there is a lot of ranching, horses and some big farms of sheep. You can surely figure out plenty to do with your tractor.
Thomas
Glenn,
I LOVE the woods and mountains, and although the summers may be brutal at 110-115 degrees, my wife can be even MORE brutal!!! ;o) (She'll thump me for that one).
The job offer is a very serious one, full-time permanent position at a healthy figure, plus full benefits. I am familiar with Flagstaff, (love the area), and somewhat with Tucson. Other than driving through, not with Phoenix, other than it is huge ( I hate cities!), but Scottsdale is on the northeast corner, and the job site is on the very outskirts. (Potential for rural living w/o entering city?)
Opportunity for tractor use? Mow cactus?
So far other companies interested in convincing me to move are in New Jersey, and the one in Brooklyn, as well as one full time in Long Island, and one six month stint also in Long Island N.Y. Have no desire for that area, what would I do with a tractor there?
Thomas, I have a good friend in Tucson, and another friend's Dad lives there. This company mentioned the possibility of transferring to Tucson when the open a new site up there...they plan on having a staff of 800 in Tucson within the next two years.
I don't mind the desert, my wife loves it, and the son, well, not sure there, he suffers severe asthma bouts on occasion.
I would be more interested if I can locate something within a 30 mile arc on the northeast side, but no way will I live in the city area.
Thank you Glenn, and Thomas for your input. There are parts of Arizona I like much more, but these nasty habits (eating, living expenses, etc) will allow one to accept some discomforts in life.
I LOVE the woods and mountains, and although the summers may be brutal at 110-115 degrees, my wife can be even MORE brutal!!! ;o) (She'll thump me for that one).
The job offer is a very serious one, full-time permanent position at a healthy figure, plus full benefits. I am familiar with Flagstaff, (love the area), and somewhat with Tucson. Other than driving through, not with Phoenix, other than it is huge ( I hate cities!), but Scottsdale is on the northeast corner, and the job site is on the very outskirts. (Potential for rural living w/o entering city?)
Opportunity for tractor use? Mow cactus?
So far other companies interested in convincing me to move are in New Jersey, and the one in Brooklyn, as well as one full time in Long Island, and one six month stint also in Long Island N.Y. Have no desire for that area, what would I do with a tractor there?
Thomas, I have a good friend in Tucson, and another friend's Dad lives there. This company mentioned the possibility of transferring to Tucson when the open a new site up there...they plan on having a staff of 800 in Tucson within the next two years.
I don't mind the desert, my wife loves it, and the son, well, not sure there, he suffers severe asthma bouts on occasion.
I would be more interested if I can locate something within a 30 mile arc on the northeast side, but no way will I live in the city area.
Thank you Glenn, and Thomas for your input. There are parts of Arizona I like much more, but these nasty habits (eating, living expenses, etc) will allow one to accept some discomforts in life.
TomG
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Scottsdale, Like Phoenix, is very urban and not at all old southwest. Scottsdale attracted many retired military senior officers--very clear and conservative, not at all like your namesake.
Lots of tractors in the state though, if not around Phoenix. Lots of vegetable production during the winter. Oh, get used to the idea that August & September vacations are desirable to get away from the heat. Most people at my dad's place in Lake Havasu (hotter than Phoenix) turn off their hot water heaters during the summer. The water gets hot enough for showers just running through the city water system.
Lots of tractors in the state though, if not around Phoenix. Lots of vegetable production during the winter. Oh, get used to the idea that August & September vacations are desirable to get away from the heat. Most people at my dad's place in Lake Havasu (hotter than Phoenix) turn off their hot water heaters during the summer. The water gets hot enough for showers just running through the city water system.
bsauter
Silver Member
My inlaws live in Green Valley full time. About 30 miles south of Tucson. I didn't like it the first time went out there to visit but after a few more trips I gotta tell ya I love Arizona. Last year I rented a Cherokee and we went into the mountains going to the old ghost towns. Fun! I am a photographer and the southwest has great light. I missed all the vegetation and didn't like all the brown when we first went but it really grows on you. Never been there in the summer but my inlaws say they do thier walking and activities in the mornings and evenings and stay inside in the middle of the day.
Never been up north, only as far as Phoenix (didn't like the city that much) but hope to see the milder climates sometime.
Good luck with your decision.
Brad, Kubota L3010HST, loader, R4 tires
Pictures at http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=179207&a=9183978
Never been up north, only as far as Phoenix (didn't like the city that much) but hope to see the milder climates sometime.
Good luck with your decision.
Brad, Kubota L3010HST, loader, R4 tires
Pictures at http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=179207&a=9183978
glennmac
Veteran Member
I've spent some time in both Phoenix and Tucson. Tucson used to have more of an old world cowboy feel. But that was 15 years ago. I like Phoenix better because it is proportionately closer to the northern Arizona mountains.
By the way, Arizona Highways magazine is one of the most beautiful in the world. The photography is stunning. I used to subscibe to it just for that reason.
I think is was in Arizona, but could have been in New Mexico: Came to a sign that said "Welcome to Nowhere, Arizona, Population 0". About 100 yards down the road is a sign saying "You are leaving Nowhere, Arizona". Got a photo of my car with both signs visible.
By the way, Arizona Highways magazine is one of the most beautiful in the world. The photography is stunning. I used to subscibe to it just for that reason.
I think is was in Arizona, but could have been in New Mexico: Came to a sign that said "Welcome to Nowhere, Arizona, Population 0". About 100 yards down the road is a sign saying "You are leaving Nowhere, Arizona". Got a photo of my car with both signs visible.
TomG...my namesake?? Lost me there. Wouldn't mean my son would you? If so, I didn't stick him with the name, Mom did! I wouldn't do that to the oldest boy, but she got to the Doc before I got my two cents in! Besides, her 98 cents carried more weight!
Brad, having grown up in the Pacific Northwest, I can relate to the first time 'brown' syndrome! I will have to say that the desert is beautiful after a good rainy period.
Everything imaginable blossums, last for a day to a week or two, and then its back to the brown tones again.
Remember going through New Mexico shortly after a few days of rain, the Sugaro (sic) National Forest was absolutely gorgeous, but I never figured out where they got that 'Forest' part from, ain't no trees!
Glenn, the geographic relationship of Phoenix to the Northern mountainous area didn't escape my notice! As to the ARIZONA magazine, I too have viewed it many times, and enjoyed the exquisite photography (a longtime passion of mine).
Everywhere I've lived, I've always researched the area's history, which is another 'thing' of mine. It always makes an area come more 'alive' and enjoyable by providing some insite to local customs, etc. Arizona has a lot of history that I already know, but lots more to make it more interesting.
Sound like I am trying to convince myself? Not really, I think the Wife is already 80% sure of my decision, but still a few steps to go through. They show a lot of interest, and there H.R. department head contacted me yesterday. (? Since when H.R. before final face to face interview?)
Today they asked if I minded skipping the phone interview, (all I've had is a quick chat to ask if I was interested, available, and 'portable'-they will pay moving expenses) and going straight to the in-person interview, as they want to move as quickly as possible. (Didn't like the fact that I've been dickering with a couple firms in NoCal - ain't letting them know that I have no desire to be stuck in the Silicon Valley area!)
We'll see! Can't convince me to wear western boots though, been doing that all my life. Gave up on Stetsons, cause every child ruined at least one, and that got too expensive!
For some reason, my kids always considered them to be an excellant 'stool' or pad or something.
<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by scruffy on 10/25/00 04:41 AM.</FONT></P>
Brad, having grown up in the Pacific Northwest, I can relate to the first time 'brown' syndrome! I will have to say that the desert is beautiful after a good rainy period.
Everything imaginable blossums, last for a day to a week or two, and then its back to the brown tones again.
Remember going through New Mexico shortly after a few days of rain, the Sugaro (sic) National Forest was absolutely gorgeous, but I never figured out where they got that 'Forest' part from, ain't no trees!
Glenn, the geographic relationship of Phoenix to the Northern mountainous area didn't escape my notice! As to the ARIZONA magazine, I too have viewed it many times, and enjoyed the exquisite photography (a longtime passion of mine).
Everywhere I've lived, I've always researched the area's history, which is another 'thing' of mine. It always makes an area come more 'alive' and enjoyable by providing some insite to local customs, etc. Arizona has a lot of history that I already know, but lots more to make it more interesting.
Sound like I am trying to convince myself? Not really, I think the Wife is already 80% sure of my decision, but still a few steps to go through. They show a lot of interest, and there H.R. department head contacted me yesterday. (? Since when H.R. before final face to face interview?)
Today they asked if I minded skipping the phone interview, (all I've had is a quick chat to ask if I was interested, available, and 'portable'-they will pay moving expenses) and going straight to the in-person interview, as they want to move as quickly as possible. (Didn't like the fact that I've been dickering with a couple firms in NoCal - ain't letting them know that I have no desire to be stuck in the Silicon Valley area!)
We'll see! Can't convince me to wear western boots though, been doing that all my life. Gave up on Stetsons, cause every child ruined at least one, and that got too expensive!
For some reason, my kids always considered them to be an excellant 'stool' or pad or something.
<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by scruffy on 10/25/00 04:41 AM.</FONT></P>
TomG
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Sorry, 'namesake' wasn't quite the word I wanted. It's just that you call yourself 'Scruffy,' and that is pretty well opposite of what I've experienced from Scottsdale, which isn't much nor recently.
Anyway, I'll spin a short tale. Not long after I got out of the military, went back and finished school (in the late 60's), I visited some school friends. We rode our motorcycles up a mountain canyon in Colorado, the idea was to cross the divide, travel some jeep trails to another highway and come back over a different pass and down another canyon.
The road was only paved part way up the first canyon then, and we started collecting a parade of cars behind up who wanted to go faster than us. So, we pulled off about 20' onto the right-of- way to let them pass. So, from a cabin about 300' away strides this 50ish guy and a poodle. He gives us a strident lecture about being in his front yard, and in effect, threatened to shoot us. Mind you, we weren't colour wearing Harley sorts, and we were on county land, but still it's a little peculiar for 20 year old guys to threatened to be shot by an old guy with a poodle. However, we just listened to the rave and left. The guy was very clean (that's my point).
Well, as it turned out, I recognized the poodle. It belonged to a former roommate's girl friend (later married). I knew quite a bit about the guy, her father, the retired colonel, from Scottsdale, and I sort of remembered they had a cabin in the area. Anyway, from what I heard and what I experienced, I figured that if this guy was happy in Scottsdale, then I just wouldn't fit in there. I suppose there is justice though. I imagine the colonel lived in agony, because his future son in law would almost certainly never be man enough to threaten to shoot somebody because he claimed public land as his own. As far as I knew, the girl friend never invited anybody to the cabin when the colonel was around. Wonder why? Oh yes, and it was a real good ride that day, even given the colonel.
Anyway, I'll spin a short tale. Not long after I got out of the military, went back and finished school (in the late 60's), I visited some school friends. We rode our motorcycles up a mountain canyon in Colorado, the idea was to cross the divide, travel some jeep trails to another highway and come back over a different pass and down another canyon.
The road was only paved part way up the first canyon then, and we started collecting a parade of cars behind up who wanted to go faster than us. So, we pulled off about 20' onto the right-of- way to let them pass. So, from a cabin about 300' away strides this 50ish guy and a poodle. He gives us a strident lecture about being in his front yard, and in effect, threatened to shoot us. Mind you, we weren't colour wearing Harley sorts, and we were on county land, but still it's a little peculiar for 20 year old guys to threatened to be shot by an old guy with a poodle. However, we just listened to the rave and left. The guy was very clean (that's my point).
Well, as it turned out, I recognized the poodle. It belonged to a former roommate's girl friend (later married). I knew quite a bit about the guy, her father, the retired colonel, from Scottsdale, and I sort of remembered they had a cabin in the area. Anyway, from what I heard and what I experienced, I figured that if this guy was happy in Scottsdale, then I just wouldn't fit in there. I suppose there is justice though. I imagine the colonel lived in agony, because his future son in law would almost certainly never be man enough to threaten to shoot somebody because he claimed public land as his own. As far as I knew, the girl friend never invited anybody to the cabin when the colonel was around. Wonder why? Oh yes, and it was a real good ride that day, even given the colonel.
TomG, well If we move to the Scottsdale area, then I suppose they will want to run me off for not fitting their mold so to speak. I wear a beard, and no-one has ever accused me of being pretentious! As Popeye would say, I am what I am, a country boy. They may keep their 'airs' and pretentions, but I will be true to myself. I got 'fired' (not really but similar) from one job (I was the Site Manager) because I wouldn't wear the 'shirt and tie' when a district manager came for an onsite visit. I told him I wouldn't and I didn't. He took it as my not showing him respect. So what? A phone call to the western regional manager, and I took a promotion and moved on to another larger site, with the understanding that I would not wear a tie. Clothes do not make the person, nor do they accomplish the job at hand. Airs, bah humbug!
