i moved to arizona 50+ years ago from illinois and never went back...no regrets whatsoever...i love this state and its beauty and diversity never ceases to amaze me...at 71, i consider myself a native...it takes a special person to make arizona their forever home🌵🌵🌵
I currently live in IL and frankly I’ve has this discussion with my friends in Flagstaff - AZ cold is usually not the same as Northern Illinois cold. I’m damn tired of -37F to -50F winters _without_ wind chill. I can handle 32F. Also, if you’re going to move to a state embrace that state. Don’t be a Wisconsin person living in Arizona for example. Move to Arizona, then you learn to BE in Arizona not where you came from.
I have the opposite feeling about weather in Ca. I am sick and tired of 90 degrees in January, I thought I was going to lose it on Jan 2016. So the same old is the same OLD.
@@Moondoggy1941I’ve lived in California, Arizona and Colorado. When it comes to extremes, I will take hot weather over cold weather any day. Nothing beats Coastal California weather though.
I made the move from the NW suburbs of Chicago over twenty years ago and never looked back and quite frankly never going back to that corrupt, crime infested, high tax $h1780le . AZ is Property tax friendly , better weather and best of all no White Sox fans!!! It's always been a "mild" winter...not a warm winter.......so Rick tame your expectations!
I live in MO and honestly do not understand why anyone would want to live in IL. The taxes alone are insane, and whatever revenue is stolen from downstate gets sucked up by the corrupt black hole on Lake Michigan. Have to travel to $hitcago often, favorite time is leaving. Working out the plan to move to PHX to retire next year.
Moved to Phoenix from Rockford, IL in 1986 to go to ASU. The plan was to move to California in 4 years. By the time I graduated, I had no interest in moving to California after multiple visits. And realized I love Arizona. I have no plans to leave.
Don't ever think that all of Arizona has the same climate of Phoenix. If you are thinking about Arizona it's not a city, it is vast. For example Flagstaff has nearly the same climate as Michigan being 7000 feet up. Flagstaff however is dry, but can get a lot of snow (Flagstaff got 13 feet of snow last winter). Here in Prescott we are much cooler than Phoenix being over 5000 feet up. Phoenix is Phoenix, then you have the rest of the state. Elevation is everything. Thanks for pointing that out.
Great points! I just had this conversation with a friend, who said they could not live in AZ because of the heat and would miss winters. I love going north. There is a lot that is unique about AZ. Thanks for the comment.
I moved here from Socal. I can't stand people in AZ and yes I am in prescott valley. I can't wait to go home to Socal and be on a real freeway with people that can drive.
Got to agree about bad AZ Drivers. When biking I always make sure cars are actually stopping at red lights (sometimes they don’t) before crossing an intersection. Recently a woman lost control of her car while texting and crashed through a fence and ended up in a greenbelt in our subdivision. Luckily she didn’t hit anyone.
Moved here from So Cal 2 months ago --- wife and I love it here. We moved to boarder of Queen Creek/San Tan Valley. Never felt more at home. The 'hottest city in the country' reputation is TRUE but also not true. Yes its the hottest --- but also its not miserable Like you said the dry heat is a GIANT difference. When its 114 here its 106 in Austin and Austin in freakin humid. The south, houston, FL --- go outside for 5 minutes and you legit need to take a shower afterwards. Yes its the hottest place but its not even close to the most miserable like you said 90 degrees here is NOTHING like 90 degrees in those places. 90 degrees here when its dry is comfortable --- super weird but I'll take it!
@@ewetoob137 Take weekend trips up north a couple times a month. Float down the river, go to the lake. There's plenty of things to do in the summer to cool off.
I will be going home to Socal. They can keep AZ. I have never seen so much hate. If they like to carry that and be in misery, be my guest. Lmao they can keep the rocks and cactus 🌵 🤣
After covid traffic anywhere in the valley traffic is very bad. You are exactly right about the winter and the cold , I’m from NY and I wasn’t expecting that but I kinda like it. Everyone thinks there’s no change in seasons. Come visit in December. People don’t realize the humidity here is practically zero. That’s why the it gets so hot in summer and way too cold in winter. You’re spot on with drivers. People drive like there’s no speed limit on any road.
I have a couple theory's about the driving. #1 I think people who grew up here aren't used to the traffic so they get frustrated and drive aggressively and #2 is so many people from everywhere and not really knowing where they are going. Within 3 months of living here I got hit by a red light runner and broke my femur, so yea always be aware when crossing intersections
Moved here from the Adirondacks. A stones throw from the Canada boarder. Got an acre ranch for 1800 a month to start out. Ill be damned if i ever shovel that old, rocky, 300 foot incline driveway again.
Snakes & Scorpions? If you live in the middle of the desert on a large lot you will have snakes. Live in a development or older area and you will not. Scorpions are hit and miss, and you can spray for them.
I was driving my RV from San Diego to MN and I mis-calculated and hit Phoenix as it was getting dark. I had no idea how much traffic and how big it was. I was pulling a jeep so couldn't change lanes easy and this one guy hit his horn pissed. They were driving crazy fast, finally got out of it all after hours. I really had no idea how big it was.
I have a home in Payson, AZ. I love the summers there. Live in Peoria for about 5 months a year and the rest in Payson. I can escape the heat in the valley. 😊
Also from Illinois I had moved to Mesa in 98 then moved to Arkansas in 16 to be closer to family in Illinois. I long to go back to AZ and what I miss the most is everything feels shiny and new, no rust belt views with a sense of hopelessness. Runner up is the desert which I never would thought I would like the landscape but hiking it is so tranquil, breathtaking, awe inspiring, and colorful in person. Frankly it was a mistake to leave, I so regret it.
Go on vacation here at different times of the year if you can before you move here. Most deserts have wide temperature swings between summer and winter. It doesn't matter where you live it's a universal truth. If you can't handle that stay where you are and deal with it. Do you your homework first. The Phoenix Metro area is a big place with big city problems like any other big city. If you want to get to someplace cooler in the summer you have to travel far to get there. Gas is expensive here. Not as expensive as California but it's getting there. I've lived in the Phoenix area since I was in high school. I've seen Phoenix go from a relatively nice place to live to getting crazy place to live and people are still moving here. One of the problems we will have is water shortages. Phoenix is in a desert so we don't get a lot of rain on average. Also we're in the middle of a drought and haven't had consistent precipitation in a long time. Remember water is life and if you don't have enough to sustain your population you will die. Each of our cities may say they are different but we all have the same problems.
You’re from Illinois and you think it’s cold here in the winter? The coldest winter night in Phoenix is like a spring day up North. Even in December and January I’m good at night with a thick hoodie and jeans. During the day I’m wearing long sleeve Tshirts (it gets up to low 70s for highs on sunny winter days). Winter in Phoenix is awesome
He's yet another realtor, selling off our beautiful state, but seems to be surprised. What do you mean "no one is from here " ? Any traffic issues we are now dealing with is due to people like this, and an invasion from CA. It's promouned 'Mo-gee-own" rim. It's Spanish. And , remember to pack your oven mitts so you can drive here during summer. Added tip. :) 🌞 🌵
Traffic is terrible here, I always check the map on my phone before leaving for work. I drive 12 miles, but it can be messy...the other morning it was 40 minutes on Interstate 10. Ugh.
Made me laugh as soon as you said Gilbert. That ain't phoenix. That's a tough commute from the badlands. I'm watching from the philippines and new to your channel. Great video and great advice.
Even though I have been a Bostonian my whole 39 years I am seriously thinking about heading back out West but not back to San Diego but, thinking about AZ or NM. I wanna live bi coastal until I get much older than maybe retire, sell here and move out there permanently. I loved San Diego when I was their in 2012 and 2016 but its expensive. I miss the dry heat and miss the desert. I hate the humid, rainy weather we have here in the summer in New England. The Winters are also getting longer and colder. I am happy I grew up in 4 seasons but, loved the dryer heat when I was out there. I need to start making plans cause I turn 40 in January 2024 😊
Summers in Arizona last about as long as winters there and will kill you just as fast if you aren't prepared. I lived in South central Idaho when I was a boy. So I can imagine what you are saying.
Hi Rich, we are From North Central ILL Manteno to Live in Suncity west area 22 years Thinking about moving back t IL Kids want us to move back it was nice out here in the 2000 to 2015 but now traffic -people-building everywhere and people moving by the 100s daily were getting up there in age the move of 1800+miles is scary now, if my kids were here it would be easy to stay here .Great video we retired and moved it was fun for 15 years we had boats Harleys-golf -bowling- we seen it all and did it all from Nogales to Flagstaff were nervous about moving what's your thought.
I have a slightly different perspective on both Illinois and the Phoenix area based on where I have lived in both places (though much longer in the Phoenix area: Rich mentions that Phoenix is greener than people might expect - but so much depends on where in the Valley you live (or can afford to live). The West Valley is A LOT less green than the East Valley and usually gets less rain than East Valley. So when I think of Phoenix, I think brown, brown, brown. Brown everything. Brown houses, brown trees, brown gravel... even brown weeds. I have noticed it is greener east of the Phoenix city limits, though. The last time I actually saw snow falling in my part of town was about 20 years ago (though I have seen snow on the mountains in the distance). The farther out you go - and Gilbert is out there - the colder the winter nights can get. Things to do: Chicagoland, in my opinion, has a much larger variety of things to do, and they weren't all outdoors and they didn't cost an arm and a leg. If you're not big on hiking, Poenix may seem very weak when it comes to free or inexpensive things to do. The museums are expensive relative to the peasant wages of the servant class - so they're pretty much inaccessible to many in the West Valley who don't have fat wallets. And there just are not many ethnic festivals, food festivals, or free concerts. If you want those things and don't want to drive 40 miles with a wad of cash, you might want to stay in Chicagoland. Rich is spot-on about Valley drivers. Ninety percent ignore speed limits (or at least consider the REAL speed limit to be 30+ mph over the posted number. Using your turn signal indicates to drivers approaching in the other lane to gun it, even if it means forcing you up an embankment. For many drivers, stop signs and red lights are unwelcome suggestions and are just ignored. I noticed the difference right away when I moved back to Illinois for a couple of years more than a decade ago; Illinois drivers were usually not insane and showed much more courtesy. Regarding home prices, you get much less for your money in the Valley than in Chicagoland, but the taxes in Chicagoland can really be high. Of course, in many Chicagoland communities, there are no HOAs and the government maintains roads, streetlights, etc. In the Valley, you've almost always got to tack the HOA fees onto the mortgage payments to get a sense of monthly housing costs. In addition, always remember when moving to almost anywhere in the Valley that, if you purchase a house, you give up all rights to individual expression regarding the exterior of your homes or your lots. In almost every development, homes must not only be one of three shades of brown, but they must be the EXACT prescribed shade of brown as named by the paint company. Homes must be the color of dirt so that they won't show the dirt, but even dirt-colored homes can begin to look tired. In the Valley, the HOA dictates when you MUST paint your home... and you MUST do what it says or face liens on your property. Painting can run about $10,000 in many cases, and the wrong shade can cost you double. Gravel would seem to be low-maintenance, but weeds do pop up and if you get a weed, pull it immediately or you may be fined (and that includes any weed that may hide itself in a bush, so pay attention if you know what's good for you). This has been what I have witnessed over several decades here. I assume these things are not very different in the East Valley, but Rich would know better than I. An upside of Phoenix is no blizzards or snow shovelling. A downside is haboobs and a choking brown haze (much more visible in the West Valley). If you don't have a lung condition but do have a heart condition, Phoenix is better. If you have a lung condition but do not have a heart condition, Chicago is better. LOL!
As a native that hears your perception of Phoenix, it is very positive and laughable. I swim from April to Halloween most years. Don’t tell these poor folks it’s only hot for 4 months. There’s a 40+ degree difference between night and day in the desert more than 1/3 of the year. This weather is not for everyone. I’ve traveled across the country and met much nicer people and seen much prettier places that’s Phoenix. Do your homework like he says.
Arizona trail over the rincon mtn range. Hutches pool in deep Sabino canyon. Apache lake. Slide rock. Beautiful state, great memories to name just a few.🌵
Im looking for a new state to call home im on disability and was wanting to know about income based apartments, senior apts. How can i ask you things. I will be leaving around the 1st
Thank you. This is super helpful. I lived in the desert before in NV, so I know about the cold. Moving from the south. I can't do this humidity anymore. I like the desert and the cold. I'm trying to narrow it down between AZ and NM. Ready to get back out west! I've only driven through these two states, but from West Coast. Any advice you or anyone else here has would be helpful. I do not want to live somewhere super crowded. Thanks!
There's isn't enough water for the expansion of population that's currently going on. Don't get me wrong, I love the desert. I have family in Prescott, Phoenix. Tempe, Tucson and Green Valley. Water is always the main topic. Especially Green Valley where competition with tree orchards and the mines are horrendous. I choose south western Oregon where my personal water supply is owned by me. Endless!
ive lived in mn my whole life in rural area im 61 now and still check carb in october on snowblower lol.and theirs no dates unless you want a crazy abused one
This is why I can't wait to get out too many people moving here and it's been Made overly expensiv3 for locals to live here. Glad you can afford it though smh
I hear ya. What I left in IL was acreage on a lake and a 4700sq ft home…But, I bought it for under $300k. I can’t find that here. But, I was willing to trade that in, for not living in IL. 2020-present, home prices have skyrocketed across the country, but the Phx area was leading the nation.
I moved from AZ to Indiana. Less PEOPLE. Haha. I think AZ is great for the nightlife crowd but I love living out in the country away from all that. Great content though.
Arizona is a safe option...according to all the conspiracy maps. You might have to drive into the mountains a bit. Water is an issue. Our power grid is in better shape than most.
Moved from Chicago in 2022 to East Mesa near Sloan Park. I haven't regretted it at all. The longer I'm here the better it gets. Don't miss Illinois at all.
the smart thing you want to keep your money just do not bother with the US Isle of Man they have own currency own laws go big but do not go home New Zealand why bother with Arizona because of the border Immigrate elsewhere
You’d think that. But, people need help. 13yrs in law enforcement, and 11 in real estate, has revealed, that people need guidance figuring out their problems, and people also like to make comments.
That’s true but much of the land (especially here in Gilbert) that’s being built on is former farmland so it retains the same water rights. And residential uses a lot less water then agricultural flood irrigation. Also here in Gilbert we use treated waste water to water Parks and greenbelts
Laughs, dude.. You didn't google/earth 'Phoenix' first at ALL? That's like saying, we're moving to LA..? Yes, the 'greater phoenix area' has NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, Tempe Uni, tons of concerts, art galleries, .. the Salt River for tubing, Scottsdale Barrett Jackson car shows, mountains for hiking. Yes, July thru Sep is wicked pisser hot (115F) but if your not working outside in it, not so bad, but your Elec Bill will suck. Great airport, your 8 hour drive from San Diego or LA, 3-4 hours from Sedona, Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, 2 hours to Tucson, Yes heavy traffic but it flows pretty well and 'most drivers' drive well and will let you in.
What do you think about Phoenix being earmarked for a 15 minute city? Bi- G--es bought land near there also to build his smart city. AZ is my favorite state but the politics are almost worse than Ca and plans for smart cities and 15 minute cities is scary.
@@ArizonaLife1- the “15 minute city” is a conspiracy theory that says the government wants everyone to live where everything is within a 15 minute walk from home so they can take away cars or something. I actually do have most things I need within a mile of my house (I work from home and bike or walk to the gym/ bars/ restaurants across the street in my Gilbert neighborhood. I only use my car to drive a couole miles to grocery store. so im all for living in a 15 minute city (minus the car confiscation nonsense)
I find many of the seasonal visitors (mid-September to mid-April) to be very obnoxious. The weather is also very hot at night, and winters are chilly. Also, many right wing views, and extremely racists views among the seniors. The freeways are a joke because speed is not enforced.
Welcome to Arizona but if you are fleeing your state's tyrannical taxes and politics leave it in that state. Don't bring it with you. Don't destroy Arizona by bringing the same attitude and politics that forced your move in the first place.
Most people don’t come to AZ because of politics. I moved to AZ when Evan Meacham was governor (Google him if you want an uncomfortable laugh). Most people move here to get better jobs and to escape the cold.
i moved to arizona 50+ years ago from illinois and never went back...no regrets whatsoever...i love this state and its beauty and diversity never ceases to amaze me...at 71, i consider myself a native...it takes a special person to make arizona their forever home🌵🌵🌵
I bet you been complaining about Lack of FOOD, Especially Not having an CHICAGO FOOD for Decades.
no not even once...we didnt live in chicago and my family was from kentucky...so still make southern food to this day@@knightclassic1
Don’t miss the blizzards? 🤣🤣
Ex Iowan
@@knightclassic1can buy it at the White Sox spring training games.
@@chipcook6646 not even for a second 😁
I currently live in IL and frankly I’ve has this discussion with my friends in Flagstaff - AZ cold is usually not the same as Northern Illinois cold. I’m damn tired of -37F to -50F winters _without_ wind chill. I can handle 32F. Also, if you’re going to move to a state embrace that state. Don’t be a Wisconsin person living in Arizona for example. Move to Arizona, then you learn to BE in Arizona not where you came from.
I have the opposite feeling about weather in Ca. I am sick and tired of 90 degrees in January, I thought I was going to lose it on Jan 2016. So the same old is the same OLD.
@@Moondoggy1941I’ve lived in California, Arizona and Colorado. When it comes to extremes, I will take hot weather over cold weather any day. Nothing beats Coastal California weather though.
@@donjuan914 I think change is a good thing and having experienced it makes you appreciate things better.
Yes lived in Williams it's not the midwest
Az offers alot hiking and if you hunt you can't beati it
Also an open carry state
I made the move from the NW suburbs of Chicago over twenty years ago and never looked back and quite frankly never going back to that corrupt, crime infested, high tax $h1780le . AZ is Property tax friendly , better weather and best of all no White Sox fans!!! It's always been a "mild" winter...not a warm winter.......so Rick tame your expectations!
I live in MO and honestly do not understand why anyone would want to live in IL. The taxes alone are insane, and whatever revenue is stolen from downstate gets sucked up by the corrupt black hole on Lake Michigan. Have to travel to $hitcago often, favorite time is leaving. Working out the plan to move to PHX to retire next year.
Love AZ, we're gonna move there someday soon when hubby retires. Gilbert or Chandler are at the top of our list!!
That’s great! Thanks for watching!
Moved to Phoenix from Rockford, IL in 1986 to go to ASU. The plan was to move to California in 4 years. By the time I graduated, I had no interest in moving to California after multiple visits. And realized I love Arizona. I have no plans to leave.
Don't ever think that all of Arizona has the same climate of Phoenix. If you are thinking about Arizona it's not a city, it is vast. For example Flagstaff has nearly the same climate as Michigan being 7000 feet up. Flagstaff however is dry, but can get a lot of snow (Flagstaff got 13 feet of snow last winter). Here in Prescott we are much cooler than Phoenix being over 5000 feet up. Phoenix is Phoenix, then you have the rest of the state. Elevation is everything. Thanks for pointing that out.
Great points! I just had this conversation with a friend, who said they could not live in AZ because of the heat and would miss winters. I love going north. There is a lot that is unique about AZ. Thanks for the comment.
I moved here from Socal. I can't stand people in AZ and yes I am in prescott valley. I can't wait to go home to Socal and be on a real freeway with people that can drive.
Got to agree about bad AZ Drivers. When biking I always make sure cars are actually stopping at red lights (sometimes they don’t) before crossing an intersection. Recently a woman lost control of her car while texting and crashed through a fence and ended up in a greenbelt in our subdivision. Luckily she didn’t hit anyone.
We’re okay with people from out of state not moving here
They're ALL coming to your neighborhood! ha
Unfortunately!
I can’t take anyone serious that refers to themselves as a witch and a warlock.
Moved here from So Cal 2 months ago --- wife and I love it here. We moved to boarder of Queen Creek/San Tan Valley. Never felt more at home.
The 'hottest city in the country' reputation is TRUE but also not true.
Yes its the hottest --- but also its not miserable
Like you said the dry heat is a GIANT difference.
When its 114 here its 106 in Austin and Austin in freakin humid.
The south, houston, FL --- go outside for 5 minutes and you legit need to take a shower afterwards.
Yes its the hottest place but its not even close to the most miserable
like you said 90 degrees here is NOTHING like 90 degrees in those places. 90 degrees here when its dry is comfortable --- super weird but I'll take it!
Welcome to AZ!
90 is fine out there buy it is the weeks and weeks of hundred and teens that are disturbing.... 🥵
@@ewetoob137 Take weekend trips up north a couple times a month. Float down the river, go to the lake. There's plenty of things to do in the summer to cool off.
@@bigmike9433 Yes that's very true! Great ideas 😊👍
I will be going home to Socal. They can keep AZ. I have never seen so much hate. If they like to carry that and be in misery, be my guest. Lmao they can keep the rocks and cactus 🌵 🤣
Yep, red lights and stop signs in Arizona are merely suggestions. 😂
Haha. No kidding
After covid traffic anywhere in the valley traffic is very bad. You are exactly right about the winter and the cold , I’m from NY and I wasn’t expecting that but I kinda like it. Everyone thinks there’s no change in seasons. Come visit in December. People don’t realize the humidity here is practically zero. That’s why the it gets so hot in summer and way too cold in winter. You’re spot on with drivers. People drive like there’s no speed limit on any road.
Thanks for watching. And I agree, there are seasons, it’s just a little different.
I have a couple theory's about the driving. #1 I think people who grew up here aren't used to the traffic so they get frustrated and drive aggressively and #2 is so many people from everywhere and not really knowing where they are going.
Within 3 months of living here I got hit by a red light runner and broke my femur, so yea always be aware when crossing intersections
@@Moco925 the melting pot of drivers is probably accurate. At least the roads are spread out here, unlike the congestion of Chicago traffic.
Moved here from the Adirondacks. A stones throw from the Canada boarder.
Got an acre ranch for 1800 a month to start out.
Ill be damned if i ever shovel that old, rocky, 300 foot incline driveway again.
When he never mentioned the CRITTERS - I knew he is just being a salesman not telling you about the bad things.
Snakes & Scorpions? If you live in the middle of the desert on a large lot you will have snakes. Live in a development or older area and you will not. Scorpions are hit and miss, and you can spray for them.
I was driving my RV from San Diego to MN and I mis-calculated and hit Phoenix as it was getting dark. I had no idea how much traffic and how big it was. I was pulling a jeep so couldn't change lanes easy and this one guy hit his horn pissed. They were driving crazy fast, finally got out of it all after hours. I really had no idea how big it was.
I have a home in Payson, AZ. I love the summers there. Live in Peoria for about 5 months a year and the rest in Payson. I can escape the heat in the valley. 😊
Grew up in Midwest, retired to NORTHWEST AZ last year. Oh my goodness binge watching myself into a stupor great content. 🙂
Haha. Thanks for watching.
Up North is awesome. Still some affordable-ish housing. And just jump right over to Vegas👍
@@katydid2877 Yes! We've been introduced to Laughlin NV also. 🙂
The cold is pretty nice. Back east, I enjoyed autumn but not winter. The coldest days here are like a crisp fall day back east.
The winter you mentioned was one of the coldest in recent history. The prior winter was in the mid 60's to high 70's all winter.
Also from Illinois I had moved to Mesa in 98 then moved to Arkansas in 16 to be closer to family in Illinois. I long to go back to AZ and what I miss the most is everything feels shiny and new, no rust belt views with a sense of hopelessness. Runner up is the desert which I never would thought I would like the landscape but hiking it is so tranquil, breathtaking, awe inspiring, and colorful in person. Frankly it was a mistake to leave, I so regret it.
Why did you leave Arizona?
I'm over the heat. I can't do another summer here.
Where would you move to?
Move to Lake Stevens Washington or Camano Island, WA Beautiful state!
@@Gshepard93 Why there?
Right? So sunny and dry. And cheap housing. @@Gshepard93
In the process of moving there from Chicago, glad I came across this video.
Thanks for watching. Shoot me an email if you need anything
Love Arizona!
Us too!
Born and raised in Chicago and area, moved to AZ 40 years ago don't miss Illinois a bit, you never had a 30 degrees during the daytime in Phoenix.
Go on vacation here at different times of the year if you can before you move here. Most deserts have wide temperature swings between summer and winter. It doesn't matter where you live it's a universal truth. If you can't handle that stay where you are and deal with it. Do you your homework first. The Phoenix Metro area is a big place with big city problems like any other big city. If you want to get to someplace cooler in the summer you have to travel far to get there. Gas is expensive here. Not as expensive as California but it's getting there. I've lived in the Phoenix area since I was in high school. I've seen Phoenix go from a relatively nice place to live to getting crazy place to live and people are still moving here. One of the problems we will have is water shortages. Phoenix is in a desert so we don't get a lot of rain on average. Also we're in the middle of a drought and haven't had consistent precipitation in a long time. Remember water is life and if you don't have enough to sustain your population you will die. Each of our cities may say they are different but we all have the same problems.
Very honest assessment!!!
Thanks!
Agreed. “People drive insane.”
It’s ok if you all don’t want to live here . We love our state.
You’re from Illinois and you think it’s cold here in the winter? The coldest winter night in Phoenix is like a spring day up North. Even in December and January I’m good at night with a thick hoodie and jeans. During the day I’m wearing long sleeve Tshirts (it gets up to low 70s for highs on sunny winter days). Winter in Phoenix is awesome
Phoenix is 50% people from Illinois. 😂 you can get Vienna Beef hot dogs in Tempe as if you were in down town Chicago. No other city is like that.
I tried Lous out here, but it didn't taste the same. Not that Lous is my fav Chicago pizza, either.
Yeah and 100% of Peoria is from Illinois 😂😂😂
Phoenix is great if you like man made everything 1 1/2 seasons and tons of cheap dope.
He's yet another realtor, selling off our beautiful state, but seems to be surprised.
What do you mean "no one is from here " ?
Any traffic issues we are now dealing with is due to people like this, and an invasion from CA.
It's promouned 'Mo-gee-own" rim.
It's Spanish.
And , remember to pack your oven mitts so you can drive here during summer. Added tip.
:) 🌞 🌵
Calm down Rosenne. :)
Traffic is terrible here, I always check the map on my phone before leaving for work. I drive 12 miles, but it can be messy...the other morning it was 40 minutes on Interstate 10. Ugh.
At least it isn’t raining or snowing.
Oh but we need the rain, so no complaints from me.
@@bobbie2414 If You love the rain, then you should've moved to Seattle or Portland Oregon instead. It never rains at Arizona or Southern California
@@knightclassic1 I didn’t move here, I was born here in Flagstaff. Just saying we need the rain. Thanks
Made me laugh as soon as you said Gilbert. That ain't phoenix. That's a tough commute from the badlands. I'm watching from the philippines and new to your channel. Great video and great advice.
Chicago native here. You forgot to mention the difference in 2nd Amendment rights. IL gets an F, and AZ gets an A+.
for sure
Even though I have been a Bostonian my whole 39 years I am seriously thinking about heading back out West but not back to San Diego but, thinking about AZ or NM. I wanna live bi coastal until I get much older than maybe retire, sell here and move out there permanently. I loved San Diego when I was their in 2012 and 2016 but its expensive. I miss the dry heat and miss the desert. I hate the humid, rainy weather we have here in the summer in New England. The Winters are also getting longer and colder. I am happy I grew up in 4 seasons but, loved the dryer heat when I was out there. I need to start making plans cause I turn 40 in January 2024 😊
I love San Diego. I could live there I think. We love AZ though. Send an email of you have any questions on making AZ home. Thanks for watching !
If you are liberal, go to NM. If conservative, AZ is better.
Summers in Arizona last about as long as winters there and will kill you just as fast if you aren't prepared. I lived in South central Idaho when I was a boy. So I can imagine what you are saying.
If youre liberal. Stay the HELL away.@@Step-n-Wolf
@@dmulkey4185 why did you copy me on that? I am not liberal.
Hi Rich, we are From North Central ILL Manteno to Live in Suncity west area 22 years Thinking about moving back t IL Kids want us to move back it was nice out here in the 2000 to 2015 but now traffic -people-building everywhere and people moving by the 100s daily were getting up there in age the move of 1800+miles is scary now, if my kids were here it would be easy to stay here .Great video we retired and moved it was fun for 15 years we had boats Harleys-golf -bowling- we seen it all and did it all from Nogales to Flagstaff were nervous about moving what's your thought.
Oh nice! Thanks for watching. Happy to go over this in more detail. Shoot me an email, rich@arizonalife.net. Thanks!
I have a slightly different perspective on both Illinois and the Phoenix area based on where I have lived in both places (though much longer in the Phoenix area:
Rich mentions that Phoenix is greener than people might expect - but so much depends on where in the Valley you live (or can afford to live). The West Valley is A LOT less green than the East Valley and usually gets less rain than East Valley. So when I think of Phoenix, I think brown, brown, brown. Brown everything. Brown houses, brown trees, brown gravel... even brown weeds. I have noticed it is greener east of the Phoenix city limits, though.
The last time I actually saw snow falling in my part of town was about 20 years ago (though I have seen snow on the mountains in the distance). The farther out you go - and Gilbert is out there - the colder the winter nights can get.
Things to do: Chicagoland, in my opinion, has a much larger variety of things to do, and they weren't all outdoors and they didn't cost an arm and a leg. If you're not big on hiking, Poenix may seem very weak when it comes to free or inexpensive things to do. The museums are expensive relative to the peasant wages of the servant class - so they're pretty much inaccessible to many in the West Valley who don't have fat wallets. And there just are not many ethnic festivals, food festivals, or free concerts. If you want those things and don't want to drive 40 miles with a wad of cash, you might want to stay in Chicagoland.
Rich is spot-on about Valley drivers. Ninety percent ignore speed limits (or at least consider the REAL speed limit to be 30+ mph over the posted number. Using your turn signal indicates to drivers approaching in the other lane to gun it, even if it means forcing you up an embankment. For many drivers, stop signs and red lights are unwelcome suggestions and are just ignored. I noticed the difference right away when I moved back to Illinois for a couple of years more than a decade ago; Illinois drivers were usually not insane and showed much more courtesy.
Regarding home prices, you get much less for your money in the Valley than in Chicagoland, but the taxes in Chicagoland can really be high. Of course, in many Chicagoland communities, there are no HOAs and the government maintains roads, streetlights, etc. In the Valley, you've almost always got to tack the HOA fees onto the mortgage payments to get a sense of monthly housing costs. In addition, always remember when moving to almost anywhere in the Valley that, if you purchase a house, you give up all rights to individual expression regarding the exterior of your homes or your lots. In almost every development, homes must not only be one of three shades of brown, but they must be the EXACT prescribed shade of brown as named by the paint company.
Homes must be the color of dirt so that they won't show the dirt, but even dirt-colored homes can begin to look tired. In the Valley, the HOA dictates when you MUST paint your home... and you MUST do what it says or face liens on your property. Painting can run about $10,000 in many cases, and the wrong shade can cost you double. Gravel would seem to be low-maintenance, but weeds do pop up and if you get a weed, pull it immediately or you may be fined (and that includes any weed that may hide itself in a bush, so pay attention if you know what's good for you). This has been what I have witnessed over several decades here. I assume these things are not very different in the East Valley, but Rich would know better than I.
An upside of Phoenix is no blizzards or snow shovelling. A downside is haboobs and a choking brown haze (much more visible in the West Valley). If you don't have a lung condition but do have a heart condition, Phoenix is better. If you have a lung condition but do not have a heart condition, Chicago is better. LOL!
You can’t talk to the manager that’s reserved for the Karen’s 😂😂😂😂
Haha. True!
As a native that hears your perception of Phoenix, it is very positive and laughable. I swim from April to Halloween most years. Don’t tell these poor folks it’s only hot for 4 months. There’s a 40+ degree difference between night and day in the desert more than 1/3 of the year. This weather is not for everyone. I’ve traveled across the country and met much nicer people and seen much prettier places that’s Phoenix. Do your homework like he says.
Arizona trail over the rincon mtn range. Hutches pool in deep Sabino canyon. Apache lake. Slide rock. Beautiful state, great memories to name just a few.🌵
Why are you wearing two watches?
I currently live in Tahati, and I find it preferable to Tucson
Im looking for a new state to call home im on disability and was wanting to know about income based apartments, senior apts. How can i ask you things. I will be leaving around the 1st
anyone considering this is a sheeple in one of the two political parties sheeple I tell you do what you told truth
Thank you. This is super helpful. I lived in the desert before in NV, so I know about the cold. Moving from the south. I can't do this humidity anymore. I like the desert and the cold. I'm trying to narrow it down between AZ and NM. Ready to get back out west! I've only driven through these two states, but from West Coast. Any advice you or anyone else here has would be helpful. I do not want to live somewhere super crowded. Thanks!
This is absolutely a great content, Rich!🔥Do you edit your videos yourself? Do you have a business email or should I just shoot you a DM?
Thanks. I have an editor on staff. My email is Rich@arizonalife.net
@@ArizonaLife1 I just sent you an email. Really looking forward to connecting with you. Thanks!
There's isn't enough water for the expansion of population that's currently going on.
Don't get me wrong, I love the desert. I have family in Prescott, Phoenix. Tempe, Tucson and Green Valley.
Water is always the main topic.
Especially Green Valley where competition with tree orchards and the mines are horrendous.
I choose south western Oregon where my personal water supply is owned by me.
Endless!
2.5 hours from one end of the valley to the other. Yes desert cold is really cold. I froze my butt off the first year especially at night.
ive lived in mn my whole life in rural area im 61 now and still check carb in october on snowblower lol.and theirs no dates unless you want a crazy abused one
Haha
This is why I can't wait to get out too many people moving here and it's been Made overly expensiv3 for locals to live here. Glad you can afford it though smh
I hear ya. What I left in IL was acreage on a lake and a 4700sq ft home…But, I bought it for under $300k. I can’t find that here. But, I was willing to trade that in, for not living in IL. 2020-present, home prices have skyrocketed across the country, but the Phx area was leading the nation.
@@ArizonaLife1 you left acerage for a filthy city ? You sure you didn't hit your head
@@Bornagain7202 haha. Go live in IL for a while, then report back. We love it here, yes even the summers.
@@ArizonaLife1 concret3 filled overcrowded. Whatever you say. I'll gladly move back east
I moved from AZ to Indiana. Less PEOPLE. Haha. I think AZ is great for the nightlife crowd but I love living out in the country away from all that. Great content though.
It's Arizona. Have you seen no cartoons about the roadrunner?
What do you think of the summer heat?
We honestly don’t mind it. We spend a lot of time at the pool, and I’ll go to the trails before the sun comes up.
Arizona is a safe option...according to all the conspiracy maps. You might have to drive into the mountains a bit. Water is an issue. Our power grid is in better shape than most.
We moved to Phoenix 10 yrs ago. Gilbert sucks. Gotta be IN Phoenix!:)
Gilbert does not suck
What part of IL are you from? I’m from New Lenox . moved out here in 2017
I am from Peoria, my wife is from the Chicago area.
@@ArizonaLife1 Awesome!
@@andystuder8084 we love it here.
Moved from Chicago in 2022 to East Mesa near Sloan Park. I haven't regretted it at all. The longer I'm here the better it gets. Don't miss Illinois at all.
Left Peru IL 5 years ago and never looked back
Its mid-December. care to take another look at living in Chicago???? Yeah, that's what I thought.
Dont drive an Acura here. It WILL catch fire mid ride.
the smart thing you want to keep your money just do not bother with the US Isle of Man they have own currency own laws go big but do not go home New Zealand why bother with Arizona because of the border Immigrate elsewhere
“I’m not that fancy” says the guy wearing 2 smartwatches… 🙄
Haha. One was for tracking sleep…which I didn’t need a device to tell me I sleep like shit.
Did the opposite regret it
Come on back.
What's up with wering two watches? Geez
That way I’m always on time…also, one is a whoop tracker I was testing out, the other is a watch.
Are the rats at the Phoenix VA really bigger than cats ?
You know, the Internet has all the resources to make a rational decision. You don't need a realtor to figure it out.
You’d think that. But, people need help. 13yrs in law enforcement, and 11 in real estate, has revealed, that people need guidance figuring out their problems, and people also like to make comments.
100 thousand %
but at least in Illinois now I can cancel out some sheeple votes
They ain't got any water there and people kind of need water
That’s true but much of the land (especially here in Gilbert) that’s being built on is former farmland so it retains the same water rights. And residential uses a lot less water then agricultural flood irrigation. Also here in Gilbert we use treated waste water to water Parks and greenbelts
ARIZONA ALWAYS FUN TIMES HERE !
Yes they are bad drivers here
Laughs, dude.. You didn't google/earth 'Phoenix' first at ALL? That's like saying, we're moving to LA..? Yes, the 'greater phoenix area' has NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, Tempe Uni, tons of concerts, art galleries, .. the Salt River for tubing, Scottsdale Barrett Jackson car shows, mountains for hiking. Yes, July thru Sep is wicked pisser hot (115F) but if your not working outside in it, not so bad, but your Elec Bill will suck. Great airport, your 8 hour drive from San Diego or LA, 3-4 hours from Sedona, Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, 2 hours to Tucson, Yes heavy traffic but it flows pretty well and 'most drivers' drive well and will let you in.
Nope…just drove until we ran out of gas, and this is where we ended up.
What do you think about Phoenix being earmarked for a 15 minute city? Bi- G--es bought land near there also to build his smart city. AZ is my favorite state but the politics are almost worse than Ca and plans for smart cities and 15 minute cities is scary.
I haven’t done enough research on it to have an opinion at this time.
@@ArizonaLife1- the “15 minute city” is a conspiracy theory that says the government wants everyone to live where everything is within a 15 minute walk from home so they can take away cars or something. I actually do have most things I need within a mile of my house (I work from home and bike or walk to the gym/ bars/ restaurants across the street in my Gilbert neighborhood. I only use my car to drive a couole miles to grocery store. so im all for living in a 15 minute city (minus the car confiscation nonsense)
Any corner of this state is Better than that 💩🕳️
You’re not wrong.
Please don't move to Arizona. Go to Texas.
TX is pretty nice.
I find many of the seasonal visitors (mid-September to mid-April) to be very obnoxious. The weather is also very hot at night, and winters are chilly. Also, many right wing views, and extremely racists views among the seniors. The freeways are a joke because speed is not enforced.
Sounds like AZ is not the best spot for ya
@mrlaw711 GO move to California Arizona don't need you and your liberal woke views.
Move to Cali of you want left wing views Buh byeeee ✌️
Unfortunately I don't think there any place good enough for you. Enjoy life it's very short.
There’s a reason (good ones!) Az is was so cheap
The best thing is that most honest Arizona citizens carry a side-arm for self-defense and this makes criminals endangered species.
Somehow porch pirates and people who steal stuff out of open garages don’t seem terribly afraid of gun toting homeowners
Welcome to Arizona but if you are fleeing your state's tyrannical taxes and politics leave it in that state. Don't bring it with you. Don't destroy Arizona by bringing the same attitude and politics that forced your move in the first place.
Most people don’t come to AZ because of politics. I moved to AZ when Evan Meacham was governor (Google him if you want an uncomfortable laugh). Most people move here to get better jobs and to escape the cold.
I want to move there for the nomad life style but I'm afraid of the heat I'm use to IL but I would love to have a community who lives the way I do.