Should I move to Phoenix with no job? (Scottsdale, Tempe: apartment complexes, rental)

[goodlife36]

I think you should go for it. I would use Linkedin.com as a resource to start connecting with recruiters in Phoenix. Good luck!

[nep321]

Holy crap. I just looked into quotes for moving service. I would do the packing myself, but I need to hire some guys to load my heavy furniture into the truck and drive it 2,500 miles from here to PHX and then unload my heavy furniture into a storage depot. That will all cost a whopping $4,800. Omg. I don't know if I can make this work now. That's MUCH highre than I thought. I would pay maybe $1,200, but that's outrageous. Not to mention, I would probably have to spend up to $2,000 on driving myself down there, staying at hotels along the way, and staying in a hotel while in PHX until I find an apartment. THEN, I have to hire another moving company to load, transport and unload my furniture and stuff from the storage depot to my new apartment. All of this, before I even start looking for a job

[fennec2009]

Sell your things. Moving companies are a rip off.

[nep321]

Originally Posted by fennec2009

Sell your things. Moving companies are a rip off.

LOL. That's actually cheaper. You're right!

[SouthBound3]

RE: Moving without a job
According to the BLS, the current unemployment rate for those with master's degrees is UNDER 5%. Move - you'll find a job. IF you were only HS educated - I would think that some of the advice about not moving without a job lined up would be more applicable.

RE: Cost of moving
We are currently near you and had Phoenix on our radar for a bit (as you can tell I still poke around the Phoenix CD forum). The cost to rent a UHAUL truck, rent a UHAUL trailer (to put our car on), gas, hotels, food, etc. came in at around $4,500. We'd load and unload by ourselves - this was not an issue. It's not cheap because it's not around the corner. I'd say sell everything you don't have an emotional attachment to and move with what you can fit into your vehicle. Depending on your vehicle, you could rent a UHAUL trailer to pull behind it for very little money.

GOOD LUCK!

[observer53]

"Finding a job that pays at least $62K" Along with the lower cost of living here compared to the East Coast, generally, goes much lower salaries. So, even if you use a recruiter and all that, don't be surprised if you see much lower salaries for similar work to what you've been doing. For one thing, employers know they can pay people less to come live in the sunshine.

Moving costs ARE high. I'd get rid of anything you don't have an emotional attachment to. It can be cheaper to replace some things than move them.

[nep321]

Crap. I just realized that I will probably have to spend nearly $1,000 per year on travel costs to vist my family in Connecticut about twice a year. And, I will have to spend a few days staying at their house, which of course, means using up some of my precious vacation days from work, just to visit family. Ugh!

I don't know what to do. This seems like it's going to be a very costly, risky adventure with some negative features that come along with it. And what if I end up not liking AZ?

If I do make the move, I would prefer to do it in mid-November, after the presidential election. I plan to vote on Nov 6 here, where I'm registered. Can't believe the city of Phoenix requires registration 29 days before the election. Geez!

[PoppySead]

Originally Posted by PhxBarb

Most of the answers on here are from people who don't know how accountants get jobs. Its different than the norms we usually think about. Here in Phx its recruiter heaven and they know where the openings are and get the jobs for people easily.

I agree with PhxBarb on a recruiter, you'll have a job in know time. Don't offer a to pay full price on a lease, if anything offer an extra deposit and allow them to set the price. Keep that money in case of emergencies.

One the living arrangement note, try and find a room for rent in a home with someone who is a gay male. They will help you with the transition to Phoenix, including night life and social networks you'd most likely be interested in here in the valley. After six months you can venture out on your own with knowledge and a job. There are certain areas of the valley which are more open than others. You could literally have no issues in one city and a ton in another.

Here is a list of social groups that might help you navigate areas of the valley on your own or find a room mate. Good luck and welcome to the Valley of the Sun! First thing you need to do is stock up on some nice flip flops, you'll live in them.

The Phoenix Gay Professionals Meetup Group (Phoenix, AZ) - Meetup
Phoenix-Area Social & Support Groups

[PoppySead]

Originally Posted by nep321

Crap. I just realized that I will probably have to spend nearly $1,000 per year on travel costs to vist my family in Connecticut about twice a year. And, I will have to spend a few days staying at their house, which of course, means using up some of my precious vacation days from work, just to visit family. Ugh!

I don't know what to do. This seems like it's going to be a very costly, risky adventure with some negative features that come along with it. And what if I end up not liking AZ?

If I do make the move, I would prefer to do it in mid-November, after the presidential election. I plan to vote on Nov 6 here, where I'm registered. Can't believe the city of Phoenix requires registration 29 days before the election. Geez!

Don't get discouraged, all of us have to venture out to find our happy spot. It's not such a risky adventure, you have family back home in CT. I am sure you could "phone home" in case of some catastrophe. mid-November is a great time to come out actually. Businesses are busy because our weather is nice and our valley is full of snowbirds. Great time to move and great time to look for work! :_

[43north87west]

Originally Posted by nep321

Plus, there is a lack of young people in CT. And a lack of attractive people lol.

You live there too...

Maybe you're not being realistic about your dating expectations. Just saying.