moodle

I grew up in La Crosse, but outgrew it quickly and left. One thing to say for it, it’s a lovely area of the country, with the Mississippi river and the bluffs surrounding it. I have fond memories of the fields and cows around. There’s not a lot going on culturally. You can spit in any direction and hit a bar or three. Food variety here is pitiful. La Crosse has the odd distinction of having some of the most excellent “cracker crust” pizza I’ve had (South Lanes Pizza). But the people here are nice and people still smile at each other, doors are held for you, and people say “please,” and “thank you.”

It’s worth visiting because it’s pretty, but it would be pretty dull to live here, I think.

I lived in Phoenix for a year in 1999. I was 30 years old then, and found it very boring. Not much interesting food, very little culture (art scene, theater, etc.), and very few single men my age. I found it amusing that the antique stores had to truck in antiques from the east coast. Phoenix is also has the second largest Mormon population outside of Utah (which I didn’t know). The summers are ridiculously hot. 120 degrees is a regular occurrence. On the other hand, october and november weather is truly idyllic. Phoenix has some of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen, and the orange blossoms in the spring smell heavenly. Phoenix is growing at a breakneck pace – housing (new houses) are cheap. In fact, houses that have been lived in before are called “used” houses.

If you are retiring and want a quiet life with lots of golf courses, or want a cheap place to raise a family, Phoenix might be for you, but it wasn’t for me.

I am from the midwest and lived in Minneapolis for 8 years, and soon to be living there again. It’s a great city if you are a lover of great art, theater, and food variety! Also great if you love to be outside, there are plenty of activities to do, even in the winter.