Let me say this. Arizona is like a blank canvas where you can make it what you want. There's a lot of black people but they are far spread out. The mass majority of black people came from the midwest. Chicago is the most diverse city of the Midwest but the city is still segregated. There are no black neighborhoods in Arizona or the melting pot you're needing. There are black Arizona / Phoenix groups in FB that post outings but the majority of those groups talk about sex so much like teenagers and they complain about not able to make friends. (I left the group) you have to make AZ what you want. You can also take the green bus to LA or Vegas for $20.00 There are no beaches in AZ but get on that bus or fly for an hour to Cali for a weekend you can get what you need there and come back home. I know all of this because I'm from Chicago moved away and lived in NYC for year's then lived in Arizona (Phoenix and Mesa) then moved to Tampa Then back to NY 😩NOW I’ll either permanently move to California (lived there in the 80’s and loved it and miss it) or back to Arizona. The cost of living in AZ has gone up but so has everywhere else. I would honestly say pray about it. Wherever you go just know you can always go back home if it doesn't work or you don't like it. Have fun and update us.

@deneesvacays

Жыл бұрын

This is so real!❤️ Thank you for sharing your experience! I still have not taken the leap to move yet now that the housing/ rental market has changed. I want to do some more research before picking an area but i will post once i start that journey 🥰

@shalontehernandez6752

Жыл бұрын

@@deneesvacays Anytime! Sounds like a great plan. You're going to do good wherever you go. I try to tell people don't follow the trend on a certain city cause it will die down. Go where you can grow.

I’ve been looking at Arizona for a long time now since I’m just tired of the city life here in Chicago. I really want mountains and be able to meet new people everywhere else. I love how self aware you are, I’m planning on finally visiting Arizona soon to see how ill feel there personally.

@deneesvacays

3 жыл бұрын

Im so excited for you! Yes expand your horizons and let me know what your experience is there❤️

@nunyakay1715

2 жыл бұрын

Same here

@mariahoakes8245

Жыл бұрын

Hi!!! Arizona has been on my heart for the past two years. Planning my trip this year! Did you ever go? How was your experience??!!🤗

@cjmcvay8520

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for the info. I'm in Tulsa Oklahoma. Was thinking about Arizona, but the lack of diversity seem worse than Tulsa. Thank you!

@LuckeishaAllen

4 ай бұрын

Girl me too, I know this was 2 years ago but did you ever go? I live in Chicago now and I’m ready to get up and go.

I lived in AZ from 2003-2016. Moving there from the Midwest was definitely an huge upgrade at the time. Having blue skies everyday, and a view of the mountains everyday can certainly improve your outlook on things. I will say that the one thing you don't hear about before making the move, is how much you are going to be paying for electricity every month. With it being HOT a good 8-months out of a year, that's a lot of time and money spent running the air-conditioner. As a single person living in an apartment my electric expenditure was about $360 a month. If you have a home expect to pay anywhere from $480-$560 per month. It is so bad there that the electric company has 70% of the people on a pay-as-you-go electric plan. This is where you have a box installed in your place that you have a chip card you use to purchase electricity credits on. Imagine having to budget each week between how much you can spend on groceries & electricity? Plus there's no culture there, except Mexican. Then also the food there is surprisingly mediocre. There was all kinds of foods I was used to eating from when I grew-up that you will just not find there. Plus there's not a lot of our people living there. We are concentrated in a relatively small area in Central Phoenix, and their you can at least find great Chinese food.

@deneesvacays

2 жыл бұрын

Wow this was so insightful! Thank you so much for this info, because i definitely need my AC! Lol

@cbond1c113

2 жыл бұрын

@@deneesvacays All of this did not hit me at once, because I had roommates the first 3-years. I actually moved to the Bay Area for 8-months, and moved back to AZ afterwards. One thing a lot of people don't think about (and this will go for wherever you move) is that outside of the scenery, your day-to-day life is going to be the same. Your exposure to your surroundings will probably be relegated to what you see going to & from work, and running errands on your days off. Of course there will be nights out (Mill Ave is great for that), but you might still find yourself needing to plan vacation days to to some honest to goodness exploring.

@deneesvacays

2 жыл бұрын

This is so real! Every place gets familiar after a while. I am ready for a change of scenery for sure!

I absolutely love Arizona, I was born and raised in Tucson. Still live in Tucson as well. Honesly what I love is the cultural diversity and I feel like the majority of the people here are really nice. My favorite parts are definitely Old Tucson, Tombstone and the downtown area of Tucson. I also really loved visiting the Scottsdale Fashion Square when I went to Phoenix a few years ago.

@deneesvacays

Жыл бұрын

This is great to hear! I haven’t had Tucson recommended to me yet so I will definitely be making a visit!☺️

I have been so interested in Arizona and I got so excited when you said you were from Florida! That is where I was born and raised. I want to branch out more and explore the Western United States and Arizona is of great interest to me.

We out here in AZ….Arizona is so flat & spread out but it’s black folks out here 4sho…And I moved from San Diego(born & raised)….SD is the move if you want to move to Cali

@deneesvacays

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the feedback! I have heard good things about San Diego I’ll have to check it out!💪🏾

I have been to AZ 6 or 7 times always loved it. I would like to see more diversity however I think I’ll be fine…after all I’m from Seattle. But I am planning on moving 1st quarter of 2022. Finally gonna take a leap of faith. And if I don’t work..well I know where home is. Good luck in your journey and may God guide you on your path. ❤️❤️

@deneesvacays

2 жыл бұрын

Im so excited for you! ❤️ we got this!

@heavenwillis8239

Жыл бұрын

How was the move ?? I’m trying to move to AZ from Seattle as well

My fathers side is all there. I’ll be moving to PHX very soon. i was worried about the same thing as far as lack of group of people. But the more places i went the more i seen US! and was really happy about that

@deneesvacays

3 жыл бұрын

Yesssss❤️ okay this is really reassuring. I feel like i would be open to giving it another chance i just have to know the right areas to visit.

@AndreLeo28gmail

Жыл бұрын

Where are those areas where it is diversified?

It’s a lot of our people scattered in AZ. Especially now. More and more are relocating to az

@deneesvacays

Жыл бұрын

I love to hear that! I can’t wait to visit again.

its a great place to start over but it is hard to find community first moving. its here though but not like that. im now heading to Dallas

@deneesvacays

3 жыл бұрын

Dallas definitely had that sense of community when i went! I feel like i will need that in my next location for sure. Good luck on your next adventure babes!💕

wow so happy i found this i live in florida goal is cali was defintely looking into arizona but after this video i may look into vegas or just wait until cali tyyyyy

@deneesvacays

2 жыл бұрын

Same girly! ❤️ we got this!💪🏾

I promise I'm ready to move to Az..I'm just about done with Chicago..🤦‍♂️

@deneesvacays

2 жыл бұрын

Change of scenery is always nice! Just gotta take that leap ☺️

Thanks. I’m concerned about the lack of culture as well.

@GiveHerFlowers

3 ай бұрын

It’s extremely lacking….

I’m from Florida (Orlando) too and really want to move out west. I’m trying to go to graduate school out there, so we will see what happens!

@deneesvacays

2 жыл бұрын

You got this! Just do the most research you can on the area and save enough to make the leap❤️

@donjuan914

2 жыл бұрын

I'm debating a move to Phoenix or Orlando at the moment. Originally from California (I LOVE CALI), and have been living in Colorado for a while now. I can't do cold weather anymore.

This is a pretty insightful video. Thanks for sharing!

@deneesvacays

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Excited to share the rest of the journey with you guys!🥰

I'm glad you brought up this topic

I really enjoyed your video. I’m actually moving to Phoenix in 2 weeks from New Mexico where I’ve lived my whole life. I’m very concerned about diversity myself since I’m used to a lot of different cultures here in NM. Really hoping I can find that Phoenix melting pot! 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼

@deneesvacays

2 жыл бұрын

That’s so exciting! ☺️ i plan to revisit soon as well and look into some other areas. Wishing you all the best in your journey ❤️

Lmfaooooo girl!!!!!! I've been living out in Glendale AZ for almost two years. I've only been to phx about twice and girrrrrl when I tell you there are noooo black people out there I was shooook. Comming from NY it's so diverse... but I definitely feel like stared at when I'm the ONLYYYY black girl in a room. And the dead do be staring like rude staring. And on top the staff are always rude af, they seem miserable. I think the only time there nice if there old or male. Younger female staff for the most part be Hella stuck up and just like yeah give off vibe like they damn sure do not want to serve me at all.

Thank you for this message!! Definitely something I needed to hear and get a reality a feel as I am interested in moving- I already live in an area where there isn’t a lot of diversity and so that is something I’m intrested in being able to receive that in my new home!! Universe and I sending you; love, peace and blessings✨🪞🌐🕉️🙏🏾

Im visiting in a couple of weeks..so excited 😁

@deneesvacays

2 жыл бұрын

You’re gonna have so much fun. Make sure to check out different pointe of view while you’re there! The food and views were amazing!

@honesty4eva

2 жыл бұрын

@@deneesvacays thank you thank you ❤🙏

Wow I’ve watched a few videos on moving here and I think we’re from the same place in Florida lol. Really good to see this ☺️

@deneesvacays

2 жыл бұрын

Yesss! Florida girls! ❤️ lol good luck on your journey babe!

currently in NC, by way of Miami, looking at AZ...i appreciate the info and your wonderful community of insights in the comments

@deneesvacays

9 ай бұрын

I’m so happy to hear that! Best wishes on your move☺️

First Time in Phoenix today I actually consider this place for big moves . I was looking around Texas Heavily before seeing Arizona

@deneesvacays

2 жыл бұрын

I went to Texas last year too! I like the vibe and overall energy better in Phoenix than Texas, but i like that Texas has more diversity.

@T.O.N.Y_24

2 жыл бұрын

@@deneesvacays To be honest it’s just the scenery that catches peoples eye to consider moving to Arizona . But job opportunities are abundant in Texas and Arizona . And very Affordable homes very hard decisions for me😂

@deneesvacays

2 жыл бұрын

I’m sure you will enjoy your experience with either place you pick! ☺️

Hi Denee. Just watched your video. I think perhaps the vid name is a little misleading. It's more about YOUR possible move to AZ than a general video for anyone thinking of moving to AZ. You mentioned that AZ is a little more expensive than Florida. I've lived all over the place. About the only states that will be less expensive than Florida (sweeping generalization here) will be Louisiana or Mississippi. I don't know if you've researched cost of living in each state or compared. Might be good to do if you haven't. You mentioned that AZ is less culturally diverse than you are hoping for in your new location, but then you only mentioned the number of black people you saw there. A question to clarify for yourself perhaps would be do you want to live somewhere culturally diverse, or are you really looking for somewhere with a large black population? AZ has many cultures and peoples from other places, but perhaps fewer black people. Again, some research will probably give you a good base before you travel to see potential places to move. In my experience, the best thing to do when scouting new places to perhaps relocate is the two research items above, plus determining right up front what kind of climate you want and what kind of political leaning or mix do you want in which to live. Best of luck!

@deneesvacays

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the insight Kathy! I agree! I have MUCH more research to do on possible moving locations for myself. And yes this is more geared towards my experience in my personal life journey so my experiences might not always relate to every person. Any first hand experience for living in AZ is much appreciated and would help myself and many others in our search❤️

I’m a south Floridian but I recently left Florida entirely and need to go explore.

@deneesvacays

Жыл бұрын

That’s awesome! So excited for your journey!🥰

Omg same. I’m born and raised in Florida. I always wanted to live in California. California seems like such a vibe! I need to visit California one day.

@deneesvacays

Жыл бұрын

Yess!! I’ve only been to LA but I heard San Diego is beautiful so i’ll be visiting soon ☺️

@anon2218

Жыл бұрын

@@deneesvacays how is it in LA? Like with the people and the attractions?

Love the self-awareness!! You will find the perfect place ❤️

@deneesvacays

3 жыл бұрын

That means a lot! ❤️ the whole process is a growth journey but I’m hopeful! Thanks for the support boo.

I just new subscribing to your video. I myself lives in Orlando Florida, but I'm looking into moving to Arizona, the Mesa area. Don't get me wrong Florida is a beautiful State, all my family in Florida, but I want a change. I been watching a lot people doing KZread videos about Arizona, about the Cons and pros. As far I seen, Arizona is a beautiful, State, I went there once, minus the misconception, people been saying. I been doing a lot research about Mesa Arizona, that is where I wanna settle.

@deneesvacays

Жыл бұрын

Arizona is so beautiful!!! I am planning to revisit next year and hopefully look into some of the cities that have been suggested. Let me know how you like Mesa!☺️🫶🏾

@tamara6672

Жыл бұрын

@@deneesvacays it is a lot stuff to do too. The people there a very friendly, and helpful too. When I first visited Arizona alone, my nephew was asking me if I'm scared? I said no. He asked me that cause I went there alone. You can't live your life in fear. I will let you know how I like Mesa. I'm planning to leave on the 18th. One of the job told me whenever I'm making a move to Arizona, is to let them know, they will set up an interview

@myash32

Жыл бұрын

Did u end up moving to Mesa?

You sound exactly like me.. I’ve known from early that I didn’t want to stay in NYC. I’m currently working on my getting over myself.

@deneesvacays

Жыл бұрын

I think it’s healthy to leave where we’re from too! It’s a big adjustment but so worth it🤍

as a life long Nyer, diversity is highly overrated. Just saying. In fact AZ sounds pretty good to me.

@Adjustit

28 күн бұрын

Yes HIGHLY overrated

Hey, have you made that move yet? I myself have been looking at Arizona.

@deneesvacays

Жыл бұрын

I actually decided to stay in Florida for the time being. With the current housing/ apartment market that will be the best decision for me, but im continuing to do research for the future!😊

@ashockablack1670

Жыл бұрын

@@deneesvacays ok....I'm looking in for begging of January 2024....if you start to think about it then: I don't mind a roommate 😉. Girl sometimes we just got to go for it. I pray for 🙏 the best in your decision for the Future.

Is florida more expensive or arizona?

@deneesvacays

Жыл бұрын

Technically Arizona at the moment buttt Arizona seems to be paying better as well! The housing/ rental market is on a steady rise here in Florida so we just have to see if it will level out soon!

@Fourwindsofsuccess

7 ай бұрын

Florida is far more expensive. It’s a different type of grind in Florida.

West phoenix is more diverse. The rich areas especially scottsdale are not.

Im from NC looking to take a leasing position in Scottsdale, AZ hopefully by the end of this month...the scenery is what attracted me but it's a bummer the diversity isn't there 😕..

@deneesvacays

2 жыл бұрын

Hopefully it will start to grow! Im still researching as well. Best wishes on your move☺️

What part of FL are you from if you don't mind me asking?

@deneesvacays

2 жыл бұрын

Central Florida ! ☺️

How do you choose the right area as a single black woman. Were you alone? how did you make friends

I love you 🔮

Whooooo!!!! I live in Az!!!!!

@deneesvacays

3 жыл бұрын

Any recommendations on areas to live or advice ? ☺️

Are there Chanel stores there ? High end malls ?

You’re so gorgeous 😻

i've never moved to a place based on color.