Hi there!
I'm a Canadian student planning to move to Phoenix in the fall of this year. I'm taking a year off school and intend to workthere while I'm off. I had a few questions and since I don't know anyone from Phoenix, hoped that someone could help me. How dog friendly is the city? Are there parks that I can let her run off-leash? I have a German Shepard (well trained). I have heard rumours about the amount of money to be made serving on golf courses. Can anyone back this up with info? What is my best bet for getting a work visa or permit? Is it easier to get a company interested in me and have them work it out? How is the cost of living? What are the average temperatures from October through to May? How are the people in Phoenix - friendly? Will I run into a problem with a car with Ontario license plates?
Sorry for the long list, but I'm desparate for the info that books don't tell you! Please respond! Thanks in advance.

Boy, you have a list of questions! Let's see.....We are animal friendly here in Phoenix. There are plenty of places to let your doggie run free including the larger drainage canals that are dry most of the year. Banquet servers are in demand at all the resorts due to the high volume of functions in the winter months and the golf courses are very busy too so a job can be had in that area also. Since we have so many winter visitors I don't think having Ontario license plates is any concern. Please feel free to e-mail me direct for more details on the Phoenix valley. I've been here for 5 years and for the most part find the population friendly.

Susan

The weather will generally be warm during the day through mid-November, with cooling off at night starting mid-October. Dec., Jan., and Feb. will probably be in the 60s during the day and down to 40s at night. Starting in March, it will be warmer during the days and start warming up at night in April. This valley is very casual and extremely friendly. Our guests are always surprised how clean the area is and how very friendly everyone is. Don't know anything about your work permit, but I have a Canadian friend who had no trouble getting one and finding a job. Some kind of golf course job would be great, just to be outside in the sunny, warm weather and gorgeous scenery. There are loads of apts., with Scottsdale accomodations having higher rates. You might want to be in the Tempe, Mesa areas in the area of ASU.
C

Suzanne, there are LOTS of Canadians down there in the winter. I loved the dry air and the scenery, and the people seemed friendly enough. There were many, many jobs advertised in the newspaper when I was there.

It's positively beautiful in the winter! You'll love it!