| Author | Message | ||
     Zane |
The company I moved to Phoenix for went under 2 months after I arrived and I haven't been able to get a sniff of a job for the last six months. Now out of the blue in the last 3 weeks I've had 5 interviews. Three of those are likely to end in job offers. First one is here locally in Phoenix but the least likely of the three to come through. Pluses for this job are no moving hassles and expenses. Also there is the chance to learn some new technology with this job. It would also be an interesting industry to work in. (writing EDI interfaces for the medical industry) Second is in Yuma, AZ. They had me back for a second interview and are asking questions like how soon am I available to start. An offer is about 99% certain at this point. Pluses would be a reasonably easy move and Yuma has a lower than average cost of living so money goes a little further. This is also an industry I’ve worked in before and enjoy. (Higher education administration) Third is in Vancouver, WA. They are going to be flying me in for a final interview later this week. Odds of an offer are very high. This is a software house that services an industry I don’t know jack squat about. (debt collection) Climates of Yuma and Vancouver are going to be very different and Vancouver has a much higher cost of living, like 15% higher. Other than that, I don’t have a clue about either place. So after all that here is the question: Who knows about the quality of life issues in either Yuma or Vancouver? Are there lots of cheap things to do for fun? What are the crime rates and do the different ethnic groups get along? How bad is traffic for daily commuting and what is the recreational riding like? Anything else that you think worth knowing would be of interest. Thanks in advance. | ||
| Hootowl |
Do the races get along in Vancouver? Sure, in the unlikely event that they run in to each other. It's overwhelmingly white. Blacks are 3% of the population. The largest non white group is Asian (the stats don't break it down into national origin) and they come in at 5%. The entire PNW is like that, outside of major metro areas where the is a higher percentage of non whites. Vancouver is not a major metro area. It's Portland Oregon's bedroom community. | ||
| Strokizator |
Live where you want to and work where you have to if quality of life is your main concern. Otherwise, work where you want to and live where you have to if a fulfilling job is high on your list. Sounds like the Yuma job contains some of each. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
in this economy, debt collection is a growth industry | ||
| Zane |
When they asked me if I was familiar with how the debt industry works I told them my only experience was the collection calls I get looking for my ex wife. The reason I ask about how the ethic groups get along is my experience in Miami. Seems like there was a lot of tension between the groups in South Florida. I last was there last in 2004. There was a lot of tension between American Blacks and Whites, Haitians, Cubans, and the South American communities. It was much more laid back and cordial between the different groups in Tampa/Clearwater. Here in Phoenix everyone seems to get along well also. I don't want to live in a community where I have to isolate myself. Quality of life is a major issue for me. I’m not 25 anymore and am done spending my life at the office. There are mountains to be hiked, fish that need to be caught and roads that need to be explored. Life is too short to spend all of it at work. | ||
| Pdxs3t |
I spent many years in the Vancouver, WA in addition to many years in the NW. It rains here lots. Typically stops in June and kicks back in come September. I've seen it though turn beautiful in April and last well into November. It just depends on the year. The Vancover/Porland area is IMHO is one of the best places to live. I'm a bit bias though. I've been all over this country of ours, it just doesn't get much better. The beach is 1 1/2 hours away if that. The Cascade mountains is 45 minutes away, if that. The High Desert 1 1/2 hours away, if that. The crime rate is low, people tend to be pretty cool and laid back. It's always green (all the rain) and the air is clean and fresh. As for riding...when you can take a road, that is highly technical, good pavement for miles and land in an area that puts you on the back side of Mount Saint Helen's, in the lahar. IT'S GOOD! Oh, and while you are there, you look around, you can see two other volcanos! There are many here that can tell you all about just this one road. Do a search here on SPLASH or Blue Grove NW. Oh, and this is just one road of many!  I could steer you to many mind blowing roads! Hope this helps? | ||
| Moxnix |
Washington has no state income tax, though other taxes or state fees aren't always cheap. Ditto to what Pdxs3t said. Portland is full of Austin refugees, as Austin is full of Portland refugees, so you'll be one bridge across the river from the hipness. | ||
| Hootowl |
"There are mountains to be hiked, fish that need to be caught and roads that need to be explored. Life is too short to spend all of it at work." Then Vancouver is where you should go. It's beautiful there. You'll get used to the rain. It isn't that it rains a lot, it's that it rains a little all the time. Like the multiple Inuit words for snow, native Washingtonians have 74 words for drizzle. Not really, but we should. | ||
| Pdxs3t |
And if you wanted...live in the Portland area. No sales tax. Other taxes are not bad, gas is cheaper but not by much. Couldn't go wrong with Portland or Vancouver. IT'S ALL GOOD! | ||
| Zane |
Everyone I've talked to has very good things to say about Portland/Vancouver area. How often does it snow there and what are the temps and humidity like in the winter? I spent most my life in Florida and am allergic to snow. Yuma may be very hot but I've never hear anyone complain about having to shovel 3 inches of sunshine off their driveway... | ||
| Hootowl |
Snow is a rare thing in the NW at sea level. It happens, but it isn't like it is in the midwest. You get a few inches, it melts in a few days. You want snow though, you're only a few miles from several mountain passes and the ski areas that accompany them. And it's a short drive to Portland. They've got a really good food scene, and a GREAT craft beer scene. | ||
| Zane |
Want snow??? Are you out of your mind??? Now the good food is a big draw. I like to cook and love to eat. The craft beers would be great to have too. But snow?? I think not! Just so long as I don't have to be "Hip". As I told Maxnix, I am the anti-hip...lol Isn't anybody going to speak up for Yuma? (Message edited by Zane on May 07, 2012) | ||
| Fltwistygirl |
"Just so long as I don't have to be "Hip". As I told Maxnix, I am the anti-hip...lol:" That's a given, you ride a Buell . | ||
| Cityxslicker |
Live in Washington, shop in Portland, it is a well beaten path. Just don't try and buy a car or bike across the border... or worse an RV. Not sure about the weather there, but I am out in the 'Rain Shadow' of the Olympic Penninsula - Sequim ; Never heard of it ?... Think Lavender and Twilight groupies - and old people. The Rain Shadow as I come to find out - means it only rains when it is dark, ... or cloudy. | ||
| Zane |
I have to tell you, I hate riding in the rain. I found out in Yuma there are 4456 hours of day light a year and the sun shines for 4174 of those hours. That is roughly 94% of the time. I don't think the climates could be any more different | ||
| Moxnix |
90K people, just the right size. Take up drinking hot tea like the Bedouin and enjoy the heat. | ||
| Hootowl |
"Sequim ; Never heard of it ?... " It's where the locals vacation. (Childhood memories of jumping off the cliffs at the Spit, and that little bakery in Paulsbo on the way back...good times). 9 inches of rain per year, technically a desert. A hundred miles away on the SW side of the Olympics, 220 inches per year. | ||
| T9r |
Yuma is an "interesting" place. The town is on the border of Mexico. The town has a large hispanic population and military too. There are several places that people go 4 wheeling with ATVs and trucks, some hiking and then a couple of lakes. The taxes for food in the city limits is high, when you go towards the Foothills the prices drop but housing up there is more costly. It is also a snowbirds haven. You'd be close to San Diego (3hrs or so away). Lots of sun, nice folks out there. | ||
| Zane |
You guys are making Vancouver sound really good. (except Hootowl and that vulgar snow talk of his). I got the written offer from the the College in Yuma today. It's a pretty good package of pay and bennies. Now we'll have to see what the software house in Vancouver comes up with. My God, I'm going to have a job again. Hot Damn!!! | ||
| Xb1125r |
congrats, just be aware that in canada you will have to get used to second class healthcare, also taxes. oh and dont be surprised by the 17 years old white boys asking your for money at street corners so they can buy their pot. and they will ask you with a stright face not a drop of shame. stay in the US, to cold up there. that is why you see no mexicans up there | ||
| Boltrider |
Take the 3:10 to Yuma and don't look back. | ||
| Hootowl |
Vancouver WA not Vancouver BC | ||
| Zane |
If I want to take the 3:10 to Yuma, can I make the connection from the last train from Clarksville? | ||
| Doerman |
I lived many years in cold and wet climates. I've moved to the sun and warmth and I am not looking back. However I visited a friend that lived in Eugene OR a few times and rode with him. Excellent riding in the Northwest, for sure. So, if you like Phoenix.. more of the same in Yuma with fewer people and less traffic (Disclaimer: I have only passed through Yuma a couple of times) Dessert on not.. that's the question. An oh.. you are not that far from some fine riding in the south-central CA area. | ||
| Bartimus |
I'm a rider, I love riding, period. I lived in Phoenix for many years, and enjoyed the mountains around Show Low, and Prescott. But it was just too Frickin hot! Yuma is much the same, only without the amenities of a big city, and no curvy roads close by. Yea, San Diego is only 3 hours away, but come on, 3 hours? on a sportbike with soft tires? You will wear out the center of your tires just GETTING to a curvy road! While I have never lived in Vancouver, I vote for Washington, despite the rain, and snow. Green is good, mountains are good, riding on curves is even better! | ||
| Azxb9r |
It is a question of what do you like better, sun or rain? Yuma has way too much sun and Washington has way too much rain. Yuma is hotter than Phoenix during the daytime, but cools down more at night. This is mostly because Phoenix has more concrete to hold the heat than Yuma. Entertainment in Yuma is off-road oriented, so a dirt bike will get more use than street bike...unless you are using the street bike to escape. The Colorado river offers some water sport opportunities also. Yuma is a few hours away from a number of very nice places, but they are still a few hours away. One other thing, Yuma is a border town. If you have never lived in a border town it is something to think about. Some people do not like the nuances of border towns. | ||
| Xdigitalx |
No real-world experience but from the posts above, my vote is for Vancouver WA. Cooler area is better, you will wear more protection and its easier to get warm then to get cool. (heated grips, seat, vest and coffee!! etc.) | ||
| Zane |
I don't have Vancouver's offer yet and won't until next week but the college in Yuma just sweetened the pot a bit with an extra week off at Christmas. I've told them I'd give them an answer by Tuesday. It would be the most money I've ever made in my life and the benefit package is very good. Yuma is looking better and better to me. Can't wait to see what the company in Vancouver offers. It's so weird, after being a hard core unemployable for 6 months, suddenly I'm in demand. I live in hope. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
Riding >? we have some of the best ! Dual Sport NW, Sport Bike Riders NW yes yes even MOTO MAX NW (scooters) A full week of rallies, rides, vendors, epic scenery - amazing corners - and just a very mellow fun vibe. | ||
| Lloydxt |
Riding >? we have some of the best ! Dual Sport NW, Sport Bike Riders NW yes yes even MOTO MAX NW (scooters) A full week of rallies, rides, vendors, epic scenery - amazing corners - and just a very mellow fun vibe. +1 the riding here is awe inspiring |
