Hey all,
My job is opening up a position for me in Glendale, AZ, near Bell Rd and 55th. It's a great job and a good opportunity to get out of a state that's been quite a financial drain on me. What I'm looking for are tips on living locations and any lifehacks or just general advice to set myself up in the area with a strong bias towards the wisest financial setup possible, given a few parameters:
Proximity to work, or the ability to get there quickly via an easy commute. Hoping to save on fuel and vehicle costs, of course. I am not afraid to invest in a cheap motorcycle to make this choice easier, given that my Wrangler is not the best on fuel. I do have a mountain bike for use, but there are no shower facilities at work and I'm not sure what walking/biking to work is like in Phoenix heat in regards to arriving at work in an unprofessional appearance of sweaty funk. The 101 is a dang easy road, even in bad traffic.
Proximity or access to inexpensive quality foods. I'm thinking Costco or Trader Joe's, or even something better I'm not aware of. I eat a freaking ton, prefer lots of meat, veggies and fruit. Food costs are a major expenditure for me and I'd like to trim this down.
Access to CrossFit and some form of combat art gym, preferably Krav Maga but I'd also be interested in getting back into capoeira. A great yoga place nearby would be awesome too. I do indeed realize what an investment these types of places are, but they are very important to my life and enjoying CrossFit and martial arts are a big part of where I'd choose to live. They are also a potential source of a side hustle for me.
Access and proximity to any type of free natural rec area, park, trails, water, greenery, whatever. I currently live in a cultural and natural wasteland of crime and stupidity, and have been seriously craving access to some nature.
I don't plan on having any kids in the near future, so I really only need a studio, loft, or one bedroom. A safe area is preferred, no Fallout-style Mad Max-ish wastelands of gang violence or highway robbery, of course.
The career opportunity is a step on a path toward quite a bit more income for me, so I'd like to establish myself semi-permanently, but prefer apartment living. I of course would consider buying a house or two as an investment property, but plan to stay away from any sort of permanent anchor to any one place. I've of course read MMM's Phoenix post, as well as the grocery-curbing and clown car posts and have improved quite a bit in those areas! So no need to berate me too much as far as those parameters of my move are concerned. I'm looking for Phoenix(ish)-specific help. Please feel free to include anything I may have missed thinking about! I should be moving in the next month or two. Thanks all!