Future AZ Native as of Today *Needs suggestions for some stuff*

So, i just found out that an MP unit in Phx,AZ has accepted me to join them as a 2nd LT when i graduate from college in May 2016, needless to say im stoked but at the same time nervous as hell because ive never been west of Georgia and I've got no clue where to start.

So This is what i'd like for the Local AZ natives to help me out with,

1.I dont REALLY wanna live in Phx if i can help it, i like rural area moreso if i can swing it.

2.I've got no job lined up (as of today) so Im willing to ignore point #1 if it means a paycheck

3.Tempe is my #1 destination choice atm,its cityish and it's got ASU slap dab in it so i wont feel too left out if i want to go enjoy the nightlight when i do so.

That being said, Looking for any kind of city suggestions, where to start a job search, who's hiring, whats the market looking like for apartments and that sorta stuff. I can look most of this up online but there's nothing quite like asking TW.

Realistically this is what im thinking
1.Job- Law Enforcement or Park Ranger(something similar)
2.Renting an apartment, something with a garage (fingers crossed on this). Ive been living in an studio apartment so i dont mind going back to one if need be
3.Income: Maybe 40K-50K( Based on Job)
4.Weekend Fun: Drinking, Camping, Fishing,Hiking,Traveling,Soccer

Discuss

 

For some reason that sounded really epic, and depressing.. Goodbye backwoods

I sees.. hmm, well then as long as i can get to a lake or forest area to wheel/camp/travel no fucks will be given. thanks for the quick information though

 

Plenty of wheeling and getting outdoors within an hour of the Valley. I live in north Peoria (still part of metro Phoenix) and I'm 20 minutes away from one of our largest reservoirs and rec areas. Skiiing is less than 2 hours away, and we have plenty of woods. But, around the Phoenix metro area, it's all desert.

 

gonna def avoid the desert, at least until after i ride it a couple times to see the fuss about prerunning lol.

Any particular areas in particular y'all recommend for a 22 yo to start life anew?

 

The members here set up lots of runs, can do forest/lake camping or desert runs. Can follow around or ride with someone. I've seen you on the forum forever so always have an open seat if you want a ride. For where to live, everything is so spread out here it really depends on what you want and how much you are willing to drive. I would say come out for a few days and look around and see what you like

 

Thinking about just flying to AZ for spring break and doing just that but my canada trip tho..

 

Will add this to OP

Realistically this is what im thinking
1.Job- Law Enforcement or Park Ranger(something similar)
2.Renting an apartment, something with a garage (fingers crossed on this). Ive been living in an studio apartment so i dont mind going back to one if need be
3.Income: Maybe 40K-50K( Based on Job)
4.Weekend Fun: Drinking, Camping, Fishing,Hiking,Traveling,Soccer

 

Hmm, i see. I wasnt too far off the mark then. I am not opposed to getting a home but i think it's a bit too much for me right off the bat, unless i find some small 2 bedroom home or something like that + affordable but thats even more of a long shot i think.


I can work with low 40's, i dont make but maybe 18K/year from my scholarships and stuff so i can stretch a dollar

 

Tempe Police dept has been hiring 2x a year for the past few years, not sure exact number they hire. When I applied 500+ people applied.

Tempe is great, I live a few miles south in Chandler, but living in the Valley isnt bad man!

 

On the website i think the number was like 25-30, but i think i can make it happen. Maybe.

Living in the valley will be alright i guess, lol i've never done it so I'll give it a swing and go from there.


Another Question:

What has been y'alls general impression about "THE VALLEY"?

 

What does this mean? Sounds like you have a position, but then asking about jobs?

The attached map/picture covers about the same area as Clemson to Spartanburg for reference. The Phoenix valley is just within that view.
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Buc...2m2!1d-111.4500302!2d33.3593407!3e0!5i1?hl=en

For wheeling, camping, mountain biking, hiking; I love Phoenix and Arizona. It isn't all desert either. In 2 hours, I can be in Prescott, AZ (5000'+ elevation and trees) or Flagstaff (7000'+ elevation and trees and snow capped peaks). You might be in Atlanta from Clemson in that time frame. The variety in climates and options is great.

I moved here 3 years ago from TX (AL/GA/TN prior) and saw more snow in/around the valley than ever before . Then it is over 100 for the entire summer. I finally bought a house last year. I'm in Phoenix, not the best area, but a few blocks away from the main streets, so fairly quiet. At least I've got a shop in the back yard. Always want fewer people around.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/moving-to-arizona-visit-this-thread.69389/

 

Im in the National Guard, which means that i only see my unit 2-3 days out the MONTH, so I'm required (by necessity lol) to get a civilian job or else I'm homeless haha.

Clemson to Atl is about that time and in that time, i'd only see nothing but the same highway haha.

The climate changes in such a small period of time originally attracted me, I liked the idea of being 2-3 hours from being in another climate entirely. That and the fact that it's not Humid at all compared to the Muggy SC humidity among other things but I digress.

 

Ah, OK.

I know what you mean with humidity. I grew up around Birmingham, parents are currently in Alpharetta, GA and brother is in Atlanta. I did Murfreesboro, TN and San Antonio since I got out of school. San Antonio and traveling/exploring was miserable. 500 miles in any direction to a different state that still looked almost the same.

I won't lie, I'm making the least I've ever made here still. But it's worth it overall and always looking for better. Best friend from school came out here first and talked me into it. Now I don't want to leave; and I've moved every 3-4 years my entire life.

The world's highest concentration of buggy/hardcore wheeling is within an hour's drive (north and east edges of the valley). Go through the "challenge" of trying to pick what trail system to ride the bike on every weekend. Able to be outside 99% of days once you adapt and prepare. Days drive to Moab, UT or SW Colorado (Rocky Mtns, Durango, etc)

I managed to rent a couple different houses for the first 2 years out here. 2 bed, 2 bath, garage for ~$900/mo

 

I aint used to making a whole lot of money once i moved out on my own, just barely enough to skirt me through college (damn you truck mods lol) so anything higher than 25K/year in my eyes is pretty damn good if i can find a place to place my head at night and stuff ya know?

I'll take just about any job at this point, im not particularly picky when im about to move 27 hours across the country.

I wouldnt mind getting into a 2bedroom house. Havent thought about that, ive been looking at places around 500-750 but 900 for a house and a garage would be worth it

 

Cam,

Congratulations!

I came across this thread a while ago when our kids and grandkids moved to Phoenix last January. Might be of interest:

Moving to Arizona? Visit this Thread!

Rob

 

Just saw you've already posted there, sorry. @ChamYota

I made my first visit (wife's 3rd) Halloween weekend. Giving some thought to Summers in AK and Winters in AZ when I fully retire. Liked it there a lot more than I thought I would. Good luck man.

Rob

 

Thanks bud!

I'll have to check it out

EDIT: just realized i already posted in there haha.

 

All good stuff from these guys. I really dont have much to add. Im sure you will love it here. I moved to phx from long beach. And I will never go back. Hardest thing to get use to is the 100+ degree temps in summer but you get use to it pretty fast. Plus everyone has a pool which makes it easier. I moved from the valley up into the mountains where I personally like it better. 3 ish hour drive from the valley. So I can take you wheeling and camping up here when youre ready.

 

when you say the mountains, where are you referring too sorry for the dumb question

Also, South Carolina has 100+ degree weather + fucking 80percent humidity so i think i'll be fine haha

 

Ah you will be fine weather wise. And no problem. I live In the white mountains. Show low az to be more exact. Its the eastern side of the state about 40 miles from the new mexico border. There are pine trees it snows here. This is the more rural area. Farms, pine trees, snow no "highway" . Its about a 3 hour drive from the valley if you drive like a 90 year old.