Phoenix, Arizona

Justin and I have been living in Tempe, Arizona since August. It has been kind of an adventure getting used to a new place, new school, new job, and everything else. It has definitely had its ups and downs. We were talking the other day about what have been the best things about living in the Phoenix area and what the worst things have been. Here are some of the things we came up with. We'll start with the good.

5 Best Things About Living in Phoenix:

1. The "Winter" Weather: The weather here has been absolutely gorgeous lately- sunny and in the 70s- can't complain. We got bikes for Christmas and have had fun spending the weekends outside enjoying the nice weather. I'm sure I'll have a different opinion of the weather here once it gets to summer time, but for now I'm happy.

2. The Phoenix Zoo: A couple months ago Justin and I bought a membership to the Phoenix Zoo. We loved going to the zoo in Washington, DC so we figured we'd get a membership here and then we'd have a place to go and enjoy the nice weather. It has been really fun and it seems like we see something new every time we go there. Sometimes I feel a little weird being there without kids but oh well :)

3. Palm Trees and Cactus: This one isn't too exciting but I do like how there are palm trees and cactus everywhere. I've never lived anywhere with this kind of scenery so it's kind of fun living some place different.


4. Blue Bell Ice Cream: The best ice cream ever! I definitely missed Blue Bell ice cream while living in Utah but they actually have it here. Justin has to limit me so that I don't buy it at the store every week- it's really that good if you've never had it!

5. Church: Our ward down here has been really great. We've gotten to know a lot of people which has made it easier living so far away from everyone we know.

5 Worst Things About Living in Phoenix:

1. Thieves: We knew that this is kind of a high theft area so we've been really careful about locking our doors and not leaving anything in our cars. However, we had our first theft experience a couple weeks ago. Justin's brand new bike was stolen at ASU in the middle of the day, even when it was chained up in the middle of campus. It was a very sad day. We have now replaced the bike, but it was all very frustrating. We laugh at it now and have decided it was just part of the "Arizona experience."

2. Overall Sketchiness: This is really just kind of a sketchy place. I feel less safe here than I did living in DC. There is a very interesting crowd at our apartment complex which has taken some getting used to. I have had several experiences (ranging from men digging through our dumpster to being asked to buy someone's food stamps) which have contributed to the overall sketchiness factor.

3. Traffic: I commute about 14 miles one way to work each day and the traffic is horrible. It only takes me about 25-30 minutes to get there, but it usually takes about 45 - 60 minutes to get home. I'm getting used to it now but I'm still not a big fan of the Phoenix traffic.

4. Car Insurance: One thing that has really annoyed me about living in Arizona is how expensive car insurance is here. I guess it is considered a "bad driver" and a "high theft" state which really drives up the price of car insurance. Our rates went up about 70% just by moving here. Bummer.

5. Far From Family and Friends: It has been a little lonely down here being far away from family and friends. We've gotten to know some people through church but it's still hard not having any family around.


Even though Arizona has had its good and bad since we've been here, it's been another fun adventure for us. We've had lots of adventures in the past year and a half since we've been married and I'm sure there are many more to come!