Disadvantages of Living in Phoenix

Thinking about making a move to the Valley of the Sun? Phoenix, Arizona (and its outlying suburbs) offers a unique living experience to its citizens. Having lived here for 12 years, I can say that Phoenix is a great city, but it comes with certain downsides and disadvantages that one should heavily consider before contemplating a move. Phoenix’s cons may leave some people nonplussed while acting as a serious deal breaker for others. Read this list of the less-than-desirable aspects of Phoenix living to make a more informed decision.

Reason 1) The Heat: The nickname, “Valley of the Sun”, is well-earned. One can expect nice weather from mid October to early April, but during summer Phoenix is excruciatingly hot. Temperatures of 105-115 degrees Fahrenheit are considered normal, and the intense sun and arid air will do a number on anyone’s skin. Living in Phoenix during the summer means living exclusively indoors with the air conditioning on full blast. Some people can stick out the heat to enjoy the beautiful winters, but many others would rather shovel snow in December than roast alive in June.

Reason 2) The Air: Phoenix is plagued with smog, allergens, and generally poor air. Since Arizona gets less than 2 inches of rain per year, the polluted air hangs over the city and is cleansed only when rain is able to wash it out during monsoon season. Phoenix’s newspapers regularly post air-quality advisory warnings, which makes it hard for people who have chronic respiratory tract diseases. The closer to the heart of Metro Phoenix, the worse air you will encounter.

Reason 3) Photo-Radar: Phoenix is one of the few American cities that tortures its citizens with photo-radar and red-light cameras. The Redflex Group is the company that supplies the police with cameras to position at major freeways, boulevards and intersections. Some empty police cars are even staked out at random locations in Phoenix so that residents never know which streets to take to avoid the cameras. You aren’t an official Phoenix denizen until you receive the dreaded citation in the mail with a picture of the camera catching you driving over the speed limit.

Reason 4) The Immigration Debate: A hotbed of debate exists in Phoenix concerning controversy over how to deal with illegal immigrants. Political figures such as John McCain and Sheriff Joe Arpaio are vigilant about protecting the Arizona-Mexico border and raiding half-way houses in Phoenix to deport migrants back to their country. Latino people come to Phoenix in search of low-paying jobs cleaning houses, washing dishes, and mowing lawns while not paying taxes or paying for health care. This debate seriously divides Phoenix’s citizens and poses huge ethical and moral issues to politicians. If you feel strongly about this issue, look into the trends of Phoenix’s legislature to see if they align with your views.

Reason 5) The Snowbirds: Love them or hate them, Phoenix’s nice winter weather brings in flocks of folks past retirement age every year. Though snowbirds boost Phoenix’s hospitality and retail industries, many Phoenix natives complain about the overcrowding and poor traffic caused by these people. Anyone living in Phoenix can expect to get trapped behind a car with license plate from the Midwest traveling five miles under the speed limit. Such is the reality of living in Phoenix for five months out of the year.

This abbreviated list of the disadvantages of living in Phoenix poses important consideration for anyone thinking about moving here. Phoenix has so many redeeming qualities, such as the people, desert landscaping, and southwestern influence and culture. However, one needs to take a look at Phoenix’s not-so-nice qualities before making the decision to move here.