Greensboro vs. Tempe

[gvblake22]

Anyone here spent time in Greensboro, NC? What about Tempe, AZ? I may be moving to one of these two locations in the near future. I've visited Tempe for a day but I've never been to North Carolina.

[PTRMAN]

I went to grad school in Glendale AZ, not far from Tempe. Beautiful but hot. And when it rains it really pours. It's grown a ton since I was there but I think it is still pretty much "dry heat" - that is it doesn't get too humid (although that may have changed given all the golf courses, etc. that need water). Gotta love the rock front lawns, too.

Can't say too much about NC, but it is pretty and hilly in the western part of the state.

[PrOLifIC_onE]

Yep, I grew up in southern AZ and it is a dry heat, but that don't really matter when you can have a couple months of 110+ degree weather. And the potential 100+ degree temps anytime from March to October. They have sunny days about 80% of the time, no snow, and about 7 inches of rain a YEAR. They do have a lot of golf courses, but also a lot of dirt and dust (not as much dust in the metro area, where Tempe is). It's also a bit easier on the allergies than most places.

As far as NC goes, I have only vacationed in the Carolinas. Temperatures are fairly moderated by the Atlantic, but you can get the best and worst of weather. From Hurricanes to droughts on the bad side, and, on the good side, beautiful 60-80 degree day possibilities almost any day of the year.

As far as the people go, you have good ol' southern hospitality in NC... and the people aren't necessarily bad in AZ, but you may need to learn some spanish to get by, especially if your job will require contact with lots of people...

[drew and not u]

Hey wow, I live right up the interstate, about an hour or so from Greensboro. I've lived in Maine, Florida, Iceland, Virginia, and North Carolina, and I can honestly say that I love it here. Greensboro is a pretty cool town and is close to Chapel Hill (a big cultural hub in the region), Asheville (the Chapel Hill of the Appalachians) and only a few hours from the beach. I can just about guarantee you'll find the weather more accommodating in NC. Like Prolific mentioned, the Southern Hospitality phenomenon really is noticeable. Granted there are just as many $@#^s as anywhere else, but overall I find people easy to deal with.

[simple_inhibition]

i pass through Greensboro all the time on my way home to Ohio. i would definitely give NC a nod as the winter is relatively mild (compared to Michigan ) like last week it was in the 70's (last two days have been kinda chilly ~50's) in the summer time, it does get pretty warm sometimes touching the low 90's.

[gvblake22]

Thanks for the input guys! I've heard about the southern hospitality thing from other people too, can't complain about nice people!

I'm still not sure where I'll end up, but it will depend more heavily on if I can find a GIS job wherever I go. Right now, Tempe seems to be more of a GIS hot spot than Greensboro, but the North Carolina climate/environment appeals to me more than Arizona.

[drew and not u]

So what made you choose those two specific locations, if I might ask?

[gvblake22]

Originally Posted by drew and not u

So what made you choose those two specific locations, if I might ask?

My girlfriend is going to grad school for her Masters in dance and has been accepted to her top two choices: University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Arizona State University. Needless to say, I'm now in the same decision she is in choosing where to relocate.

[screwballl]

either way crime is higher in both of those areas than other places so be ready with some extra locks
I would say NC would be a better choice overall.

[gvblake22]

Originally Posted by screwballl

either way crime is higher in both of those areas than other places so be ready with some extra locks

Ah damnit, don't say that!