Is anyone in the Phoenix area?

[David Ellis]

I'm considering applying for a position in the Phoenix area. I don't have much first- or second- hand experience or knowledge about the area. Does anyone here have such knowledge? Would you share? Thanks.

[Ted]

Phonenix is one of my favorite US cities, although I haven't been there in about 15 years. I used to stay in the Scottsdale area. Lots of great food, the Heard Museum in Phoenix has lots of American Indian works.

City of Phoenix has crime maps for areas of Phoenix which may prove interesting: www.phoenix.gov/police/neighborhood-resources/crime-stats-maps

A user rated blog on Phoenix may be taken for what it is worth: www.bestplaces.net/crime/city/arizona/phoenix

The most dangerous and safest cities in Arizona: www.orentcriminallaw.com/arizona-crime/

Safest cities near Phoenix: www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/southwest-valley/2017/08/31/crime-statistics-buckeye-gilbert-safest-valley-cities-phoenix-glendale-had-most-crime/602695001/

When I had money years ago I contemplated buying a place in Gilbert. Compared with Vancouver the houses are dirt cheap even with the exchange: www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/Gilbert_AZ

Water is the main issue with Arizona and Nevada. Huge population growth to the sunbelt areas is straining the aquifiers.

Lake Mead problems: www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2017/05/18/reckoning-ahead-for-arizona-as-water-imbalance-grows-on-colorado-river

Water Wars: www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-investigations/2017/09/28/phoenix-cracks-down-water-haulers-new-river/691673001/

Check with local realtor for water fees, water tests prior to purchase, insect infestations, how often a home owner has to fumigate, etc. A proper and thorough home inspection report is required. If strata check local bylaws, talk to a competent strata lawyer prior to purchase, ask realtor for past 5 years strata council meetings and separate list of expenses for past 5 years.

This is at least a start for you David. As I said earlier, I love Phoenix, but then I just visited and didn't live there.

[David Ellis]

Wow. Great help. Many thanks.

I sent in the application a couple of hours ago. I've been there for training a couple of times. It is hot but seems nice. I would love the job I applied for. It would give me more time to write and much more time with family--time that has been significantly reduced this past year.

My greatest hesitation with the area is that the water tastes horrible. It is really undrinkable. I suppose I've been spoiled by living in the Puget Sound region. That is one of the primary reasons I hadn't paid attention to jobs in the area before.

But this job would include both teaching and technical troubleshooting and repair. I have years of experience in both.

Your links will be very helpful. I didn't know about water fees and have never heard of strata.

Thanks again.