Where are all the Arizona cats at???

**Eric Perry** · #1 10-03-2011, 11:22 AM

Hey guys,

As some of you might know, I recently got engaged. The girl is originally from my hometown, but lived in Goodyear, AZ for many years. We've talked a little recently about heading out that way. Other than golfing 9 holes just across the NV state line in AZ like 15 years ago, I've never seen the state. She talked about the Gilbert area. I know that's just outside Phoenix.

Who do we have from AZ here? What can y'all share with me about a potential move? This is in its infancy stages at best, but it is a fairly strong consideration. What do you guys have to share?

THANKS in advance!!

MJ5150 · #2 10-03-2011, 11:55 AM

I've been to Gilbert, cool town. It has a nice old west feel to the main downtown area. The home office of my current employer is in Gilbert.

But I'll tell you this much, that whole area is one giant concrete jungle. You drive down big wide four lane roads from one intersection with national chain restaurants, nail salons, mini-marts, and big box stores to the next intersection. Also, it is flat with few trees. I'm not going to lie though, it was totally cool being there in early December and finding temps in the mid-80's and people driving around in convertibles with the top down, but just way too much urban sprawl for me. It's big and spread out.

-Mike

**Eric Perry** · #3 10-03-2011, 12:10 PM

Thanks, Mike. Many areas of Denver were similar with the chain stuff, and the sprawl everywhere east of Denver. It wasn't until I lived there for a while that I found some of the hidden gems. I'm guessing Gilbert is similar.

nick g. · #4 10-03-2011, 12:39 PM

I live in Chandler, about two streets from Gilbert's town limits. Agreed that it's quite spread-out, but I like that. It's very easy to find your way around.

MJ5150 · #5 10-03-2011, 12:56 PM

If you end up going to Gilbert, make sure you hit up Bergies Coffee and Joe's Real BBQ. They are right next to each other, but I don't suggest having them both at the same time.

-Mike

**Eric Perry** · #6 10-03-2011, 12:58 PM

Wulp, if I go anywhere, it wouldn't be for a while. I'd have to sell my house, and do all the fun (/sarcasm) stuff associated with that!

WalterBush · #7 10-03-2011, 01:07 PM

What are you looking to find out? Whatever you're looking for, guaranteed the Phoenix area has it somewhere. One side effect of all the concrete and outlet malls in the area is that unemployment hasn't hit Phoenix anywhere near as hard as other parts of the country. There's a thriving music scene, as well; not hard for a working musician to make a few bucks at all.

Just get used to budgeting twice the usual amount to your electric bill over the summer months, and hearing words like "haboob" used in conversation from time to time.