Tucson or Phoenix for Gays? - Where to move to: Tucson or Phoenix for Gays?

Hi Folks,

Great website this is. I just stumbled on it recently. I'm moving to AZ later this year. Used to live out in Southern Cal in the past, but now live in FL. Used to spend quite a bit of time in AZ years ago and loved it! My dilemna? Where to move to - Phoenix or Tucson? Does anyone here have any insight to the Gay life in either city and how they compare? If you could share your experiences, that would be great. You don't have to limit it to Gay life either, I'd enjoy hearing the comparisions betweeen Phoenix and Tucson, expecially in regards to crime, housing, traffic and things to do?? Also, I'm pretty familiar with the Gay climate in Phoenix and it's pretty cool, but what about Tucson??

Thanks and looking forward to your responses...

Frank FLtoAZ

I'm hoping you stumble into my bedroom in Tucson you big sexy man

Hi -- would love to hear what you find out. I'm looking to move from Atlanta to Tucson. I'm originally from the northeast, so Atlanta'w weather seems very warm. I can't imagine how hot Tucson must be! But, it may hold the best job for me, so it's worth a serious look. Part of the reason for leaving ATL is that my job is all-consuming and I have no time for a social life, despite the huge number of gays living in my neighborhood. My question is similar to yours: is there enough of a gay presence in Tucson for an outsider to build a solid social life? Thanks!

thanks rdubya! I may just do that.

and midtownblue, I'll let you know if i find anything out, so far I have not. I know Phoenix has a huge gay population and is very friendly. From what I hear Tucson's is quite small (especially compared to ATL) but it's still a nice progressive comfortable town, and growing. no doubt it's a change from florida or ATL. PS I'll be in buckhead in december... :-)

I moved to Tucson from No. Virginia two years ago. I never looked into Phoenix really when I was contemplating moving, because being a much larger city than Tucson, I figured the cost-of-living would be higher.

Though I'm not into the gay scene here much, Tucson is a gay-friendly city. There are five or six gay bars here. I believe it's the only jurisdiction in Arizona which has a domestic partnership registry. As an aside, I'm HIV+ and receive the best medical care here I've ever experienced. There's definitely support here for those in my situation.

Tucson's cost-of-living (rents/housing) is pretty low compared to a lot of other areas in the country. State income tax is likewise low.

As to the climate: Well everyone says it's a dry heat. This is untrue during our so-called monsoon (summer thunderstorm) season. The humidity ramps up and it's uncomfortable (well to me anyway) June through September. I think we usually experience thirty days over 100 each summer. The winters are mild...in January highs seem to be in the upper-60s and it can get down to freezing occasionally at night.

If you have any specific questions, I'll be glad to try and answer them.

Gary

Hi, guys!

I just returned from my job interview in Tucson, and it looks like I'll have a decision to make after all. I was pretty impressed with the acceptance of gays, although people were just a little too obvious about touting the openness of the town (I think they were trying their Hetero best to convince me to move). I heard repeatedly that Tucson isn't great for singles unless you're a college student, but that it's a great place for gay couples.

I spent a couple of days looking at housing, mostly in the foothills. I really liked it, but I would appreciate some HONEST advice about how bad the snake and scorpion situation is. Is it enough of a problem that I should say in the east? I don't know if people were trying to scare me or if their advice simply backfired, but I came away not sure why someone would want to get out of bed and not know what they're going to step on! Some honest advice, please...!

I was very surprised that I liked the scenery and architecture. I'm a big-city guy, and I thought it would feel very removed from civilization. Not at all... The biggest problem, as far as I can tell, is that the town isn't well-connected by air just yet (not too many long-distance, non-stop flights at reasonable prices). The laid-back feel was quite comfortable. (Oh -- and is there a fat, ugly man in Tucson? I sure didn't see him!!!)

So, aside from snakes and scorpions, I'm ready to move. What do you think I should do?

Thanks!

You have the same concern I did before I moved to Tucson--attack of the critters! The more I read on the internet, the more apprehensive I became. I thought I'd have to check shoes and clothes each time I put them on, wondered if my cat would be stung by a scorpion, had visions of scorpions falling off the ceiling onto me while I slept, and having to watch each step outside for rattlers at every turn. I live in the Northwest area (between Ina and Magee Roads.) I have never seen either a scorpion or rattler either inside or out. If your residence is properly sealed (without gaping cracks, broken screens, etc.) then there's no way the offending trespassers can gain entry. But check out the place's condition before you rent or buy. Scorpions can gain access through a width of a credit card. So loose screens etc. need to be tight. The only thing I have in the summer are occasional little lizards either outside or lounging on my patio. They are scared of humans and will dart off. Sometimes at night I can hear howling coyotes, but they're off at a distance.

What, then, should you do? Best advice is to net it out on paper, pros and cons. Then add a healthy dose of intuition, and you've got your answer (or as close to one as can be had.) That's what I did. Gary

Thanks! I'll let you know what happens. I may get an offer as early as this week, although that's probably a bit optimistic. Take care!

Hey guys, thanks for all your messages. I've enjoyed reading them. midtownblue - I'm in atlanta now on business. I think you will enjoy the change, I know I wouldn't hesitate to move to Tucson from the South. I wouldn't worry too much about the critters. To be honest I think you're worrying too much about something you may never see. You do hear a lot of stories, but I spent alot of time out in the desert; just look where you step if you're outside the city, and you'll be fine. I hiked a lot and even then rarely saw anything. Hope it all works out for you! FLtoAZ