vonarx wrote:where southwest do you live? i'm moving to arizona in a year or so. would you recommend it?
I'm in Southern California. I've been to Tuscon and Phoenix, but I haven't spent much time in either.
I have a friend who recently graduated from ASU and decided to live in Tuscon permanently. As far as I know, the cost of living in AZ is much cheaper than where I live. I don't know how the cost of living in PA compares to AZ, but if you're in or around Philadelphia, I assume it's expensive.
My friend rents a three bedroom townhouse in Tuscon, and if my memory serves me correctly, she pays a third of approximately $700 a month (it costs $800 just to rent a single bedroom in CA). She was working at the University while studying, and when she graduated, she was having a difficult time finding a job. The last time I spoke to her, she was working at the Uni still.
She lives a college town, and from the sound of it, there seems to be a decent music scene, and most everything is accessible by bicycle ride. I've only been in AZ during the summer, and the sun weighs down on you like an anvil. It's blistering hot. There's an abundance of scorpions, snakes, and immigrants, so if that freaks you out, then you might want to reconsider.
Personally, I have no desire to live out there. The only appealing aspect is the cost of living. But given the economic stance the country is in now, I can see why some people would consider making the move.
I don't think I answered your question, but I hope it helps.