So Arizona?

[evenflow]

I just found out yesterday that I was accepted into a doctoral program in Phoenix. I know it would be a huge change from NJ so i am asking for some feedback. Anyone from Arizona? 

[name]

Before you move, you're sure your letter wasn't from the University of Pheonix aren't you?

[knashdx]

All I know is that they don't get nearly the snow that MN gets, they do have a sports team for the big 4 (MLB, NHL, NFL, & NBA) so sports wise you will be able to follow your favorite sports team. This is what my cousin uses to get me to leave MN since she knows how much I hate winters.

[Darth_Anton]

I'm now in So Cal, but in a lot of respects, it's the same climate as Arizona. Say goodbye to trees. If you're like me, having grown up in PA and had forests as playgrounds, all you get in the desert is brush and lots of sun. Still, don't be psyched out, new places and new experiences are good for the soul.

[iFett]

I'm a bit backwards in your situation.  I grew up in Vegas and moved to MN about 8 years ago.  Hope you bring your tanning lotion.  You'll get used to the extreme heat in time.  Anton is totally right about the trees, that's one thing I didn't like about the desert.

[evenflow]

Any chance for good pizza and bagels? Thanks for the info so far. Its a massive move...On the bright side i would be able to drive to Vegas without much of an effort and hit up SDCC yearly while i am there.

[BillCable]

Congrats on your acceptance!  What are you going to be a doctor of?

Sorry that I can't give you any advice on Arizona.

they do have a sports team for the big 4 (MLB, NHL, NFL, & NBA) so sports wise you will be able to follow your favorite sports team.

Didn't quite understand that.  They show pro sports even in cities that don't have pro teams, so having local pro teams wouldn't aid you much.  So unless Arizona is your "favorite sports team" I don't see how being in Arizona would have any effect.  You'd need NFL Sunday Ticket or something if you wanted to follow another team.

[MistaBinks]

Also has a lot of nice casinos in the area.

[knashdx]

Congrats on your acceptance!  What are you going to be a doctor of?

Sorry that I can't give you any advice on Arizona.

they do have a sports team for the big 4 (MLB, NHL, NFL, & NBA) so sports wise you will be able to follow your favorite sports team.

Didn't quite understand that.  They show pro sports even in cities that don't have pro teams, so having local pro teams wouldn't aid you much.  So unless Arizona is your "favorite sports team" I don't see how being in Arizona would have any effect.  You'd need NFL Sunday Ticket or something if you wanted to follow another team.

Cities that don't have that specific sport tend to gloss over the sport by showing scores and that is about it. By having all 4 there you won't have that issue. There will be coverage and you can sortta keep up with your team.

[evenflow]

Congrats on your acceptance!  What are you going to be a doctor of?

Thanks  , Counseling Psychology

[Daigo-Bah]

Congratulations!  I'm starting a doctoral program at LSU (part-time for now, since I'm an instructor at a different University) in Kinesiology this Spring.  As for Arizona, I don't know jack about it.  We are leaving today (X-Mas!) to drive to New Mexico, but in the mountains, so I won't be much help for you 

[evenflow]

Congrats to you too 

[I Am Sith]

Hey Evenflow, congratulations on acceptance!  I have an aunt and uncle that live in Mesa and have lived there for the past 30 odd years.  They love it out there and my parents usually head out there during the winter to visit them.  The only things I really know about AZ is from a retiree's perspective - golf courses, warm/hot weather, pools, and MLB Spring Training...

However, there has been one thing that my parents both ended up getting the last time they went out to AZ - San Joaquin fever/coccidiomycosis/valley fever. The main symptoms are a nasty dry cough, fatigue and headaches.  Also, it typically lasts for about 3 months at a crack...  Just thought I'd mention it.

[evenflow]

Hey Evenflow, congratulations on acceptance!  I have an aunt and uncle that live in Mesa and have lived there for the past 30 odd years.  They love it out there and my parents usually head out there during the winter to visit them.  The only things I really know about AZ is from a retiree's perspective - golf courses, warm/hot weather, pools, and MLB Spring Training...

However, there has been one thing that my parents both ended up getting the last time they went out to AZ - San Joaquin fever/coccidiomycosis/valley fever. The main symptoms are a nasty dry cough, fatigue and headaches.  Also, it typically lasts for about 3 months at a crack...  Just thought I'd mention it.

Thanks As for the fever thing, that doesnt sound too pleasant. 

[Darth Broem]

Yeah, I live near Phoenix, AZ.   There is not much green here.  Get ready for lots and lots of browns.  It's cold here when it's in the 40's which is nightime in Dec thru maybe February.  It's 100 degrees plus beginning in April/May until Halloween.  Seriously!!!  It's a bit more tolerable than the humidity if that is present in NJ.  Of course once it gets past 108 consistently it's just gonna be damn hot no matter what.  That probably lasts from June through September the 108 stuff. 

I like the area overall.  There is plenty to do in my opinion.  It's a big metro area and pretty easy to get around once you know the freeways which for the most part are in a big loop/circle.  Although every exit looks exactly the same it seems like.  You can drive north for about 45 mins if you want to escape the heat.  There are some lakes to fish and tube on if you want.  There is some great scenery in the mountains of course.  Tons and tons of movie theatre complexes.  Lots of places to eat.  D'back games are pretty cheap for the most part in case your team comes to play.  The Suns games are usually fun.  There are some artsy places to and lots of bars, water parks, casinos, etc.   

On the news you get to hear about human smuggling from Mexico.  That was a new one for me when I moved from Illinois about 3.5 years ago.  Sheriff Joe is always ticking offing the Mexicans that are here illegally.  It's got a bit of wild west mentality/feel to it in some areas.  A little bit of cowboy is still in the genes with the locals that have been here awhile.  Kind of funny.  You will see what I mean if you get away from the college students. 

Overall I really like it.  No shovelling.  Not much of a wind chill.  The rainy season is in August and the dust storms for about 4-5 weeks which are kind of unique.  A little bit of flooding when it rains.  Oh, and the local news crews go crazy when it rains here.  They will break into programming and cover it live.  Pretty funny!