Don't kid yourself.
The freeway system in Phoenix, sucks.
It wouldn't be a big deal if everyone didn't live 20-30 miles from where they work and have only the highways as an option to get there.
It's 10-15 years behind the growth. Traffic is a real pain in the ass. It's also dangerous as hell here. People drive an average of 20+ MPH over the limit on the surface roads and then run the red lights. We rank number one in the country for running red lights. It's not uncommon for me to see two or three accidents each evening while drving home.
Phoenix is going to build a rail system. I think the first worthless stretch will be done in about 5-6 years. They will lose a few lanes of the freeways during construction, so that should be real pleasant.
Also if you move here, be prepared to replace a windshield every four or five months. You'll get cracks and chips every other week, but it usually tales a few months before it obstructs your vision.
If you want to talk about an amusement park atmosphere, Phoenix is it. We've got every chain restaurant, drug store, grocery store, and two convenience stores for every person here.
All the housing developments are nice little neat communities with the same stores and places to eat, little man made lakes filled with re-claimed water, and built to look like you just walked into Tuscany or Mazatlan.
And forget about live jazz, you'll be lucky to catch a half ass decent local act from time to time. Of course if the locals citizens of Phoenix catch anyone playing jazz they complain to management, and the next time you stop in the place, you'll find the man on the piano doing Barry Manilow numbers.
Air quality sucks here as well. It's not unusual to see the health and environmental department issue a dozen or so high risk air quality day warnings during the summer or when people decide to use their fireplaces because it's a brisk 60 degrees outside.
Don't get me wrong, it's not all bad, and I'm in a bit of a mood today. Do yourself a favor and do the research.
Phoenix may really be something in 10 years, that is if there is still any water here.
On the other hand, some people really love it.
For me, it's been fun to visit, but it never felt like home.