Thinking of moving back to Pennsylvania...

[Rachel127]

Hey everyone,

 

Since this is the random forum, this is a random question, Should I stay in Phoenix, AZ or move back to my hometown of Scranton, PA?

 

I have lived in Phoenix for 5 long years now, and a number of things have happened that make me suddenly want to leave. My boyfriend dumped me, ( its stupid, I know, but oh well). I miss my friends and family back in PA. I have only been back to visit twice in 5 years and its hard not being able to see them. I finally have a job where I earn enough money that I can afford to move. Lastly, as you all know the nearest amusement park ,(not counting CNC), is like 6 and half hours away! I have been to 2 amusement parks in 5 years, Im like ride deprived, seriously! lol

 

My parents (they live in Phoenix), somewhat dissaprove of me trying to move back to Pa. I know I can earn just as much money there as I do here, I have my friends and family that live there, and there are lots of amusement parks there. So my question is, Should I follow my heart and move back to Scranton, PA or should I listen to my head ,(and my parents) and stay in hot, dusty, dry, smoggy, Phoenix?

[QuakerOaties]

I understand that a series of bad events can lead a person to want a change of scenery. It's only natural. While I can't tell you what decision to make, I do think that it's something you need to think about for some time. Let your life stablize and see how the next few months go (especially with your new job).

 

Also, it seems like a solution to some of your problems just involves visitng PA more. If you can afford to move, I'm assuming you can afford to fly out to visit your family and friends a couple times each year. Maybe trying that would alleviate some of your homesickness?

 

Don't make any rash decisions about moving cross country, but keep thinking about it and try to go on with your life in Pheonix and see how you feel after a period of time.

 

Mark "Then again you described Pheonix as being 'dusty, smoggy, and dry'. Maybe you don't like it after all!" Luskus

[crispy]

Its only a matter of time before Phoenix gets a better theme park

 

As for moving, that is a choice you will have to make, and I understand, I moved from Cali, because I hated it, but do miss all the parks, cause now I've only got Cliff's, but At least I have the Rattler.

 

 

Phoenix gets brutally hot in the summer, but there are some good jobs, and some opportunity there

 

it is your choice, but my suggestion is to take it slow, go ahead and plan it out, and look into it, but don't move on it quickly, and maybe visit a few times, maybe next winter, so you can remember how damn cold it gets

[BelizeIt]

^Both QuakarOaties and crispy make many valid points; I agree with them that you should wait several months before reaching such a life-altering decision.

 

I would add that even though you may have experienced some recent emotional upheaval in your life (Your recent breakup) that the best decision may not be to run away from your pain.(All the way back to PA) That sense of being "Home" really won't help to alleviate your hurt feelings.

 

Like anyone who has been in in a "Serious" relationship, it will take some time to move on. Whereas, leaping into a new relationship or environment may appear to lessen your sense of loss, often that isn't the case, nor the best course of action.

 

As for your Friends + Family back in PA, well their only a plane ride away. Let's face it; throughout our lives we make new friendships and acquaintances.

 

Your parents, infact made the decision to start anew, by packing their bags, (when you were fifteen) and moving towards the warmer weather in Arizona. No doubt in the past five years, while living in Arizona, you have established and maintained new friendships??? Are you really willing to give up those relationships so easily??? I would hope not.

 

As for the job aspect, your only 20 years old, your career options have a lot of time to develop. If you have enough money to move, then stay, and start investing your money (With a professional financal advisor). When you turn 30, you'll be very glad you did so!

 

Finally, yes Arizona may have a lack of major Theme Parks, but honestly, how often do most people visit a major Theme Park? Maybe once or twice a year? (Obviously the Alveys are the exception) So for you, once again either Los Angeles (Disneyland, Magic Mountain) or Florida (Disneyworld, Islands of Adventure) are only a plane ride away.

 

Whatever you decide, I wish you the best!

[saturday97]

What are your career goals, and how does moving fit in with that?

[Jeezus Juice]

I'd say just go ahead and move. Phoenix is a dust hole and they are never getting a park, I don't care what anyone says!

 

Go drown your sorrows at Kennywood, that's what I would do!!

 

Then again, I give bad advice

 

-Don

[DerekRx]

If you grew up in Pennsylvania, you'll find going back much easier. However, before you do anything brash, consider just traveling there a few times during the year to get a feel for the place. Do you want to be there in the sometimes cold winters when the closest amusement parks aren't even opened? You may also want to see about having a job lined up before moving there. I came back to PA without much notice, but luckily I am in a profession in high demand, so it didn't take much time at all to find a job. Just don't move there because of your ex.

 

I've only been in Phoenix on an emergency landing last November, but yeah, it looked pretty dusty and hot.

[Rachel127]

I probaly shouldn't have put that one of the reasons I am considering leaving phoenix is because I broke up with my bf. This particular setback has the least bearing on my decision. I acutally grew up in NEPA and my fondest memories are of my time spent there with my friends with whom I am still in quite close contact with. As im sure you have noticed, I am only 20 years old and I currently attend community college and waitress full time. I can easily do both of these things in Pa. Furthermore, I (and call me crazy if you will), actually love the weather in Pa, I love to ski and I enjoy the fall foliage and smell of fresh cut grass. This is not in any way a spur of the moment decision, believe me, I have thought long and hard about all aspects of how my life would change. I have a few more months until school gets out at which point I can make my decision. As such my new question is this,

 

Would trade big city life for small town life and why?

[Nrthwnd]

There are pros and cons to every decision we make in life, from changing cities to deciding, steelies? Or, good old woods?

 

It's a tough call for now, but like you've told us, you've got some more time to weigh the decision, hmm? That's good.

 

Just always make sure you've given yourself enough time, to be satisfied with what you've finally decided.

 

Best advice I can give, right now.

 

(EDIT: Damned spelling goofs.)

[waterviper]

Everone gave you sound advice so I am gona hit you straight on with this one.

 

Ask yourself this question. Would you be happier in PA?

 

I say go where you are happiest.

Living in Pheonix isn't etched in stone.

Where you are now isnt the only place on earth where you have to be.

The worlds the limit if you can afford it.

If you can move and you know things will work out then GO!!

[Coaster Palooza]

I lived in Phoenix for 2 years and I thought I would love it. I was down there for spring training for 5 years before I lived there and I had my long hot summers everywhere. I thought I could handle the heat, but I was wrong. No one can understand the difference between 100 degrees, 110 degrees and 120 degrees unless they have lived in it. You should go and do whatever floats your boat. If Pennsylvania is where you want to live, go. Don't make a rash decision, but you are still 20 years old. You have plenty of time to decide where you ultimately will settle down.

 

It isn't about amusement parks either. It is about being away from friends and the weather you enjoy. I don't know what your relationship is with your parents, but maybe after a few years you will realize that they are only there to help you. As I got older I understood this better. My parents let me go and do anything I wanted. They gave me advice and I didn't always take it. I like my conversations with them now. GOOD LUCK!