From Norcal to Arizona

[4thHorse]

I might take a job within my company and move to Chandler AZ, so whats it like out there? What are the smog laws if any, any good tuning shops, is Chandler a nice area. I know housing is alot cheaper, and it get pretty hot, but thats it. Thanks

[soreballz]

As somebody that has recently moved to AZ after spending all his life in SoCal, I can say the following with gusto...

FUCK ARIZONA.
FUCK ARIZONA.
FUCK ARIZONA.
FUCK ARIZONA.
FUCK ARIZONA.
FUCK ARIZONA.
FUCK ARIZONA.
FUCK ARIZONA.
FUCK ARIZONA.
FUCK ARIZONA.
FUCK ARIZONA.
FUCK ARIZONA.

Did I make my point? lol... I haven't gotten into Chandler at all yet, since its on the other side of Phoenix from me, but in general, this state sucks. Tons of traffic on the 10 and the 60 thanks to construction, and from what I've noticed, I seem to be the only person in a 30 mile radius that actually deserves to possess a driver's license...

Chandler is part of the Phoenix Metro area, so you will have to smog your car. BUT, its an EASY smog test. There is no visual, its just a tailpipe test that isn't strict at all (I passed with a clogged cat, plugged EGR, and burning oil), and they test to make sure the gas tank holds pressure. Also, cops don't seem to mind loud exhausts. I drove open-downpipe (N/A KA) for 3 weeks without any hassles from the local smokies.

On the plus side, as you said, its cheaper out here. And you're not too terribly far from Snobsdale (errr, Scottsdale), so you can hit the bars with all the sexy college ladies if you're into that sort of thing.


My advice: Unless the company is gonna pay you VERY well to relocate, or you absolutely hate Cali life, I would stay in Cali.


Good luck.


(Did I mention that I hate Arizona?)

[4thHorse]

My pay will stay the same, so that is a very good thing. I like the idea of a $700 mortage vs $2500. By the way I hate snakes, is there a problem in the metro areas with snakes. Sorry when I think of Arizona I think of hot weather, and snakes.

[soreballz]

Snakes aren't a big deal from what I've noticed. But if you're afraid of alligator lizards, you're gonna have problems. :keke:

Oh, and you may run into scorpions and brown recluses. Don't leave your shoes outside. lol

[wrapmeup2005]

Chandler is pretty nice for the most part. Housing is cheap right now. No snakes unless you are in the desert or live near any mountain preserves. I live in mountain preserve so we get lots of coyotes, occasional snakes and occasional scorpions. Scorpions really depend on the area you live in. Out of all honesty those aren't things that will happen on a regular basis so you have nothing to worry about. You won't be too far from the bar scenes in Tempe and Scottsdale if that is your thing. I've lived here all my life and love it here. I like Cali too, don't get me wrong, just expensive. I've never gotten a chance to travel to Nor Cal but if its anything like SoCal which is a 24-hour place, its not like that here. As for the heat, you just get used to it or make sure you have an inside job. I work construction so I don't mind. As for smog, its just a tailpipe test.

[!Zar!]

Az is cool to kick it.

But I get bored.

It sucks, but once you establish your own group it'll be ok.

Cali is by far the best place to be though.

[4thHorse]

Can you guys tell me what the average 1 bedroom apartment rent goes for, or just rent in general in the Chandler area. Also this might be a dumb question, but any asian markets?

[soreballz]

^I dunno how much a 1 bedroom apartment in Chandler goes for, but to give you some perspective... My 8-year-old 4 bedroom house in Goodyear (35ish miles away?) is only 900 a month.

So I bet a one bedroom apartment in Chandler is dirt cheap. lol

[4thHorse]

What I was thinking was either rent or buy a home cheap enough, that I don't have to sell my Cali home just incase I want to come back.

[an_orange_s2k]

you have def. more money but wht will u do with it out there???

[DohcKA]

he'll rent out the house young blood.... save your house rent it out... move back when you want... NOR CAL will always be my home unless i move more north which wont happen

[delphis]

I lived in Az for many years on and off through out my life and I hate that place with a passion. If you like the same shopping center on every single corner and absolutely no sense of neighbors or community it is a great place to live. It is hot in the summer time and the only thing to do is to go from inside to some where else inside or the pool. There is a good punk/indie/emo/metal scene if you are into that and there is the whole body modifications part to go along with it out there so I guess that is a cool culture that they have. No problems with snakes really unless you live WAY outside of the city area. The only plus is they do have a few tracks and smog laws are relaxed.

But it just sux from lack of diversity and culture for the most part and how many targets do you really need in a 4 mile radius?

You will have more money but you will go insane from lack of shit to do, unless you like hitting up bars with college girls.

[wakdady]

I lived in Phoenix for a few years and ditto with everyone else; FUCK ARIZONA. But passing smog sure is easy. come to think of it, i kind of miss it there. no wait, it sucks. the 240sx community does rock though!

[turbobrick]

The only reason I hate living here because of the heat. And theres always stuff to do, you just have to know where to go.

[TiNMAN]

what about an asian market like the OP asked about?

[!Zar!]

Yeah, there are asian markets.

Quite a decent sized Philippino community around there.

[soreballz]

The only reason I hate living here because of the heat. And theres always stuff to do, you just have to know where to go.
Personally, I am the exact opposite. I don't mind the heat; its the constant boredom that I hate. lol

[infinitexsound]

ditto here^ im thinking of moving to austin,tx