I was born in Dover, NJ...and that's about all of NJ I know because my family moved out here in 1976, about a year after I was born.
The heat in the summer IS awful but you deal with it: you live with the AC on all the time, you spend hours in the pool staying cool, or you go camping/visiting in northern AZ to get out of the heat for the weekend.
You mentioned nightlife. What, specifically, are you looking for? I'm a DJ (DNB mostly, if you want details, and if you don't know what that is don't worry about it, I also play hip hop) and I can tell you what we have to offer on nearly all of the genres and sub-cultures that exist around here as I've collaborated with just about every music community Phx has to offer. They are ALL very small, but if you know where to go and where to look, a whole new world opens up to you that the major media outlets ignore completely, and the promoters, in turn, ignore in their advertising.
Food? I have to say that I got spoiled when I lived in ATL for 5 years with all the mom and pop joints on practically every corner. For some reason Phx is VERY commercial and relies on chains and I suspect a lot has to do with the population explosion over the last 20 years. But, much like the music community, there are several good places to eat that are off the beaten path. I can hook you up with several good places in a variety of cuisines that are NOT commercial in any capacity: Indian, Middle Eastern, Thai (Kat, have you tried Thai Basil in Tempe? They're phenomenal--I've never had a bad dish and just about everyone I know that has eaten there has raved about it!), Mediterranean, Italian, Soul Food, and of course, Mexican--La Perla in Glendale/Peoria; Frank & Lupe's in Scottsdale; Los Dos Molinos with two locations, one Mesa and one in S. Phx; El Bravo on 7th St. between Dunlap and Northern which, btw, has been rated number one by the New Times for a few years and they just opened a new location in the airport too....and there are a few others but I have a headache and I'm drawing a blank at the moment.
Phoenix has draw-backs like any other major city, but it is really clean despite the pollution which happens to be worse in the winter than in summer. The traffic is bad during the "school" months. During those hot summer months, it's not nearly as bad. The playgrounds and parks are pretty empty but sometimes get busy after dinner once things have cooled off a bit. There are lots of year-round leagues for just about every sport imaginable. Whether you're a serious player or play for fun, there is a league out there for you, and you can play men's only or find co-ed leagues too.
No other state can offer you sandy beaches about 5 hours away by car, skiing and snowboarding 2 to 4 hours away in the winter by car--or 7 hours if you want to make the trek to Tahoe--and unlimited hiking in different climate settings. Don't like hiking in the desert? Drive an hour and a half north and hike in Sedona or Oak Creek Canyon. You can explore lava fields 10 minutes outside of Flagstaff. You can hit the Lowell Observatory up at night for tours and a peep through their telescope. You can make your way over to Meteor Crater, camp out overnight and witness incredible meteor showers in summer months.
Truth be told, I'd trade Phoenix for ATL in a heartbeat, but I honestly can't deny that AZ has a ton of stuff to do and see, as long as you get out there and do it.
Tucson Unified Romping District (TURD)
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