Honestly? It could go either way. Tempe, which is about 15 minutes from West Phoenix (where I live), is a college town and they definitely have most of the things you seem to be looking for, a comfort zone of sorts. If anywhere, I would say that that would be where to look. There are a lot of places around there that you could potentially meet up with people that have the same interests as you.

Never been to Portland, so couldn’t compare the two places. Phoenix has a population of over 3 million people so there will be a lot of variety as a matter of course. I find that most of the radio in the area is stuck in the 70’s (log onto KCDX for a listen). I think this is pretty cool, but couldn’t stand it 24/7. I have found A LOT of different subcultures in Pheonix from high brow to gutter dredging and enjoyed them all! There’s a full blown bike culture with all the trappings (rallies, tattoos, etc. I also found a few fairtrade world cafes and art centres and such. The trick to is is to go look for like minded people. The thing I think you’ll miss most about the north west will be the cool temp and the rain. Have fun.

The thing with Phoenix is that it is a geographically large area—it’s spread out thin… so you’ll find people to fit every scene you might be looking for, but instead of all being lumped together in one neighborhood there will be a few here, a few there.

The downtown area is trying to pull in and embrace cultures. The First Friday Artlinks will help you find what you are looking for… there are also a lot of clubs that cater to the off-the-beaten path crowd, but you have to search them out…they obviously don’t have the advertising budget of the trendy places.

Good luck!

I think that just like the previous post, looking around you will find what you like, Im pretty sure you will bump into people with the same interest, its a matter of time and socializing, so dont worry about it, it will probably be lots of fun to do all that!
viel glück!

Yeah, I moved from PDX to PHX about 1.5 yrs ago myself…it’s a different scene for sure here given that everything’s so spread out. I haven’t found anything like Hawthorne or Belmont or 23rd st or any of those cool PDX-pedestrian zones yet. Tempe (as suggested above) has Mill Ave which is a college-town street, so it has crunchies and punx and everyone else out and about…It’s basically a big pedestrian zone like oh, North Broadway in PDX. There’s defintitely good people out here…just be patient and keep looking around. good luck!!

I actually moved from Portland to Phoenix 3 years ago! Portland and Phoenix are very different cities, but you can find just about everything in Phoenix that you like in Portland. Phoenix is even more diverse than Portland is and very spread out, so you’re bound to find something close to where you live. I do agree that Tempe is the “hang-out” zone and has people of all different cultures/backgrounds/interests around it. Good luck!

Hmmm, that’s quite a change. Rainy climate to completely dry desert. Why the big move? I was just there a few weeks ago…I love Portland! Phoenix…not so much. Portland is just so beautiful and Phoenix is pretty barren, not attractive and all the city roads are currently torn up to build a rail system. BUT…I really did like Scotsdale, which is about a 30-40 minute drive away. Scotsdale seemed a bit more hip and there were more things to do there and it was more pleasing to look at. I hate the heat though, so maybe I’m not the best person to be giving opinions on Phoenix. Sorry if I’m not being my general positive self.

Although I have not lived in Portland, I see Phoenix as a place where people can thrive financially and have their thrills, but it isn’t the greatest place for the spirit and creative mind.


You may love all of the sun you get from Phoenix, AZ, but I would strongly recommend Colorado Springs over Phoenix if it’s sun that you want.


For one thing, it’s hot as hell. But you may love it compared to the rainy and dark weather in Portland. The way we get passed the weather in Phoenix tends to involve going from one air conditioned space to another—especially during the summer.


Surprisingly, however, the winter is kind of cold—but nothing crazy.


You will find all the things you mentioned in Phoenix, but I’d have to say that I haven’t been super impressed. The only two events that have ever struck me as being a success include the First Fridays art walk ever first Friday of each month (and that’s not always every month in the year) and the night run put on by the Scottsdale Center for the Arts (which only occurs annually). Everything else involves spending a lot of money, getting wasted, or attending events most retired people attend.


I will say that there are some pretty sweet hikes though. If you need some greenery, you can always travel to Prescott or Flagstaff.


Not trying to be pessimistic, but I have definitely given this city a good chance. I realize many people learn to love it, but I swear they are not seeing the bigger picture of what it means to really “live” life. I’m tired of running into one anti-social after another to the point that I have practically joined them and become a little anti-social myself. I’ve been here 7 years now.