Specifics about moving to AZ

Already checked out the featured thread about moving to AZ, which was pretty helpful. Been thinking about a cross country move from Pennsylvania to Arizona, preferably the Phoenix / Scottsdale area.

This past week I figured I would get out there and see "the worst" as far as the heat goes. I was fine, so I'm looking at houses and making my list of pros and cons. Also saw some Tacomas out there, was missing mine while driving around in a little Dodge Dart rental.

So, can you guys give me some more details about the nitty gritty, specifically stuff around the annoying paperwork of living there. I'll just put out what it's like in PA for reference, tell me about what might be different.

Vehicle Registration:
Yearly in PA, about $89 for a truck IIRC, cheaper if you choose to register it into lower combined weight class if you don't tow. Flat rate not based on vehicle value.

Emissions/Inspection:
OBD2 scan (no sniffer) for emissions on modern cars, plus visual safety inspection. Both yearly (unless you drive less than 5,000 miles in which case emissions you still have to pay but are not tested and given an "exempt" sticker)

Gun Laws:
Pretty permissive. Generous Castle Doctrine, no bans on anything, CC licenses shall issue, just a lot of whiny soccer moms giving ranges headaches.

Internets:
Reasonable selection of providers, Fiber available. You can easily get better than DSL. (This one I'm more curious about Phoenix/Tempe/Scottsdale area, as I won't be living anywhere else)
Also feel free to shout out any other info you might feel is relevant for the new guy.

 

emissions are Maricopa and pinal county only! I don't have to worry about them at all

 

Well I would probably end up in one of those two, but it's not the end of the world. I'm used to 'em anyways. Literally just don't throw a CEL and you're fine.

Is that yearly? If so that would be way more expensive than PA then...

 

It's only 5 years if you purchased a brand new vehicle. Otherwise you can do one or two year registration.

 

Vehicle Registration: depends on the value of the vehicle my 2015 taco is $4XX annually.

Emissions/Inspection:
In Maricopa County, you're exempt the first five years, and then it's every two years. They just plug into your OBDII port and check for current and recent CEL's. It's like $30 or so bucks.

Gun Laws:
Open and conceal carry without a permit, as long as you're not a convicted felon or you have a court order against it (i.e. suicidal folks who have been thru the system can't own them). no restriction on mag size or transport. Don't take a gun into a government building/bar/restaurant that has a no firearm sign posted next to their liquor license. CCW is still available and is recognized in a number of states, and it also prevents a background check when purchasing new firearms.

Internets:
Cox. Century link is the other main provider and they suck. Cox is better, but overall they all are a struggle on the customer service side. They also offer the fiber in some areas.