moving to az

[Donja]

i am from pa and will be moving to avondale in oct and was wondering what its like out there?? How easy is it to find a job?? Are ppl friendly?? Are there any good daycares or preschools?? Whats there to do for families, and couples around the area?? plz let me know!!

[embrown]

Hi,

I am responding because my husband and I are from Wisconsin and Ohio respectively and moved to Avondale 3 years ago. It is a huge culture shock. I was sick for a week getting acclimated to the heat (I know it's a DRY HEAT, but 120 is still hot!). We have since become more used to it (I'm not sure anyone gets 100% used to the heat) and we like it the West Valley better than any other part of the Phoenix area, but as with anywhere else there are some neighborhoods better avoided. We live in Harbor Shores right behind a Harkins theatre with one of the worst reputations for car thefts and fights. We will be moving this month needless to say. My recommendation would be either Avondale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park (although a little more expensive), and if you really want something quieter and cheaper and don't mind the commute, Buckeye is an option. I would avoid Tolleson if possible and central and southern Phoenix. On a positive note (depending on how you look at it), there are tons of foreclosure bargains right now, so instead of moving out here like we did during the real estate boom, you can actually get houses here for almost half what they are appraised at

I'm afraid as far as jobs go that will depend on your field. We seem to have an overabundance of jobs available in the medical field, but if you just want general employment the prospects are not good. Arizona is a "Right to work" state, which means you don't have many rights here. If at all possible I would have job before moving out here.

I homeschool both my younger kids because I did not like the schools here, but my two older kids finished their high school here and said the school was fine, much easier than the schools they were used to. I'm afraid I can't comment on child care as I don't use it (I'm on disability from the Navy and stay home).

Also, as we don't go out much I can't comment on that, but there are lots of family things to do if you look. I would invest in a book called "Arizona Mama's Handbook" when you get here. I have found it to be a very useful resource.

I think for the most part people are friendly, but we miss a sense of community. The heat forces people to stay indoors all summer and we have had to go looking to find groups to get involved in.

Overall, I don't think Arizona is a bad place to be and the bottom line, as you know is that everyplace has good and bad, it's what you make of it.

I don't know if this helps or not, but feel free to contact me if I can help in any way.