I’m in Phoenix right now. This is the first time I’ve ever been here. I came (from the Chicago area) for a job interview. The interview was today and it ended with them offering me the job. I told them I need a few days to think about it. So I have a lot of stuff to think about, including whether or not I want to live in the Phoenix area. I know I’ve read a couple threads here that consisted of people talking about what they hate here (the heat, the traffic, the sprawl). What do people like about this place? What should I look for in my exploration today and tomorow? This is one of the fastest growing areas of the US, surely there’s a reason people are moving here. What do you like about Phoenix?
Well, it’s a dry heat.
In all seriousness though, I thought Phoenix is pretty cool. My SiL lives there and we go to visit once in a while. I can’t say much for the nightlife, shopping and etc. but I like the geology and geography of the place. The Superstitious mountains are awesome, and if you like winter sports it’s not too unbearable a drive to Flagstaff (in my SoCal “what, it’s only 200 miles!” opinion).
The thing that struck me about the place though is that there are so many damn colleges! It seemed like there was a sign for a different one every mile on the freeway.
Steve Nash
Put up a pretty good fight against the Spurs!
The Superstitions. 
I live right next to them, and I agree, they’re breathtaking.
I love the sunsets in Arizona. And the fact that you don’t have to stay in Phoenix all the time. Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, etc, are a short drive away, and each city has a unique flavor. Tempe especially is supposed to be great for its night life.
I don’t honestly like Phoenix all that much, but I love Arizona itself, and if you live in Phoenix there’s tons of stuff to do close by that’s not actually in the town.
And yeah–it’s a dry heat! 
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Mel’s Diner
Tucson!