So you want to move to Scottsdale?

[splok]

I'll pm you with more details. If anyone else is interested, just pm me.

 

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[ddzc]

Hey I got your pm, just getting a chance to answer you now.

So here is the thing, you are allowed to stay in the States for 6 Months (without a Visa) within 1 year (NOTE: I have been told that this has changed to 4 months now... please check on the government websites to make sure)

If you have never been stopped at the border before (and have travelled to the US before) it SHOULD be relatively easy.

When I did this, I told the customs border that I was staying for 2-3 months (just don't say 6 because it will look suspect). I was asked what I was doing (I said travelling - DO NOT MENTION BUSINESS - YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO GO INTO THE STATES AND SAY YOU WILL BE SOLICITING BUSINESS)

They asked me what I do, I said "I have a video marketing agency which I can run as long as I have internet allowing me freedom to travel" I already had clients and products making me money before I went into the states. (SO everything I told them was true and I did not plan on breaking those rules)

I was allowed in.

I came back after 5 months and 28 days (I did not risk overstaying 6 months - MAKE SURE YOU DO THIS).

I recommend you go down and feel it out, see how you like it and go from there (1 step at a time).

After my stint I went back, tried for a visa etc. (TRUST me it was a headache and 3 halves. I got in border trouble etc etc.) - Granted I was part of a startup that went really south, really quick after a few things came to light. So my situation is peculiar, but it's still not a walk in the park to get a visa.

I would NOT do it without a lawyer. It will cost you roughly $3000 (I know because I paid one to draft my papers). I never ended up using them though.

In short, go down, not on business, feel it out and go from there

QUOTE="Vladb, post: 452103, member: 21371"]Anyone planning on going in a month or two? I'm looking to move up my timeline and move down in June. Would be good to find someone to split costs. Give me a shout if you're looking for the same!

Also, anyone from Canada that can advise on the move and how to explain it to immigration? I want to avoid any trouble that may cut my stay short, and I hear it may be a real issue if one's not careful. Any info on this would be very appreciated.

[/QUOTE]

Thanks @TheTruth I was about to reach out pertaining to this. I know you mentioned to them 2-3 mths and came back shy of 6 mths, did you initially book a round trip of 2-3 mths and cancelled or rescheduled that ticket or did you book a one way. I'm sure they'll give you tons of problems or even deny you entry with a one way tkt. Leaving for several months has been on my mind for quite some time (FL, AZ, TX) and I may just do it this year.

 

[AndrewNC]

Small world - As I ride my bike down the Canal in Scottsdale last night, I ride right past another fastlane forum member who happened to be jogging at the time.

...we are everywhere!

 

[Vladb]

I'm going to make it a point to go there ^

That just looks so cool.

 

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[TheTruth]

Np, I had a one way ticket (but I also travelled to the states a lot prior to that trip)

They let me through without any problems (can't guarantee that for everyone though)

It will always help a ton to have a return ticket (my suggestion is you buy one 2-3 months just to visit family or like you said pay a fee to fly out later)

Also, my situation is very unique because after 6 months I went back right away (so they questioned me for an hour as to why)

I had to show bank statements, client invoices, open my luggage, give them contact info with who I'm staying etc.

Then I came back to canada and tried to return to the states immediately again lmao

I was denied a visa and questioned for a loooooong time.

Just don't overstay, have a plan and you should be fine.

Only think about a visa after you visit.

NOTE: If you stay in the states for over 6 months you lose your Canadian citizenship and HEALTH CARE!!!! So make sure you get your dates right.

P.S. Don't let anything I say deter you from going and possibly getting a visa. I just want you to know hard facts and the process this will take (and how to approach it)

P.s.s sorry if the format sucks I'm on my phone






Thanks @TheTruth I was about to reach out pertaining to this. I know you mentioned to them 2-3 mths and came back shy of 6 mths, did you initially book a round trip of 2-3 mths and cancelled or rescheduled that ticket or did you book a one way. I'm sure they'll give you tons of problems or even deny you entry with a one way tkt. Leaving for several months has been on my mind for quite some time (FL, AZ, TX) and I may just do it this year.[/QUOTE]

 

[AndrewNC]

So....has anyone got the ball rolling on making the move?

 

[ryanbleau]

i have. wife already has a job with that starts in august . Lining up our new place now and getting all of our moving arrangements made. Still leaving mass on the 28th of june

 

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[Chaseb731]

So....has anyone got the ball rolling on making the move?

Late July is my move in date. Paying deposit later this month as they only do 60 days out.

 

[AndrewNC]

Three more fastlaners joining us here in scottsdale.... Took a trip up to Sedona yesterday to talk about our experiences.

Who's next?

Planning to record some more videos for our youtube channels in the upcoming weeks:
Grand Canyon.
Flagstaff.
Prescott.

Anyone else already out here know good filming spots?

 

[Solrac]

I visited Sedona a couple years back to see the grand canyon. I went to eat at this cafe. I forget the name, but they had the best bacon I have ever tasted. For that reason, I will most likely live here for some time in the future.

And to hang out with the fastlaners of course

 

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[SteveO]

Small world - As I ride my bike down the Canal in Scottsdale last night, I ride right past another fastlane forum member who happened to be jogging at the time.

...we are everywhere!

Jogging?!? Us runners call it "Running"!

 

[Iwokeup]

"Running "

 

[SteveO]

Planning to record some more videos for our youtube channels in the upcoming weeks:
Grand Canyon.
Flagstaff.
Prescott.

Anyone else already out here know good filming spots?

Did you hike to this spot? There are endless locations to make videos in the canyon. I like Granite Mountain and "Cowboy's Prayer" in Prescott.

 

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[SteveO]

"Running "

Fixed... thanks!

 

[Iwokeup]

Fixed... thanks!

I was just wondering whether it was true 'running' (whatever that means) and geezer "jogging."

/geezer

And BTWL - 104F there right now!

 

[SteveO]

I was just wondering whether it was true 'running' (whatever that means) and geezer "jogging."

/geezer

And BTWL - 104F there right now!

I run 50 miles a week. Some of it is on the track at a 6 minute/mile pace. Yesterday, I ran in the middle of the afternoon, 104 or so, at an 8 minute/mile average pace. That was after a softball tournament weekend!

I'm just a few months back into the groove after a multiple year injury layoff. Will be faster soon! Watch out "Fastlane"!!!

 

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[twdavis]

Gonna pay off a few little debts, and then get about $1500 maybe together for moving expenses. I've been looking at apartments. I may honestly get a job out there so I'll have an extra working income for my new possible venture.

I want to move to Scottsdale for a variety of reasons. I really think it will be the best decision I've made in my life.

 

[ClaytonAlbright]

Another observation that I wanted to mention... I foster dogs when I'm in AZ, namely German Shepherd dogs. They come from a very good rescue that treats them very well. Volunteers take the dogs out for walks and play with them daily. The problem is that are still living in a rescue home, inside a cage or crate. When they cannot find adopters or fosters for these dogs, they just live there, sometimes for over a year. They get better, but never get to their full potential.

When I foster a dog and bring them into my happy home, the changes in them are amazing. To me, it just shows what a good environment can do for them. They make complete 180 changes. The dog in my profile pic to the left, Phoebe, was my last foster. I could not even touch her below her neck without her crying and running off. 4 months later she was a normal acting, playful dog! Now she is with a loving couple in her permanent home.

I make this post, because I believe that people need the same thing. The big difference is that a dog cannot choose to move, but you can. You can choose to change your environment. I believe that deep inside, you will know "if" you need a change. Something inside you is burning telling you that your current living situation is just not right for you. Even if you aren't sure if Arizona or Texas is right for you, you should give a new place a shot. The worse possible outcome is that you move back to where you came from.

Hey man, thank you for fostering. I had no idea how overwhelmed dog shelters are and how many are euthanized until about a year ago. Sometimes I think about how you could make a system that's profitable for shelters instead of relying on donations.

I found out because my brother-in-law kept a pit bull on a short chain fenced up in his back yard for three years, but I never knew about it. The dog stayed back there at all times, even during the winter months. When I found out about it I was livid and called animal control hoping they could do something about it. I was prepared to take pictures of the dog during the winter months outside in the cold, or in the extreme heat during summer to build up a case against him. Thankfully my sister who never really liked the situation was able to talk him into taking him to the local shelter.

What I didn't know or what she didn't know, was that was basically a death sentence. This particular county euthenizes them fairly quickly because of the overwhelming amount of dogs brought to them. They have a major issue with this in the local community. I scrambled to get her out of there but in GA since she's a pit bull someone from the public just can't go and pick them up, it has to be from a licensed rescue group. I thought OK well I'll find one then to get her out then offer to take her in, easy right? Nope, these groups are slammed with requests daily and it was difficult to get the attention of one for "just one dog" -- they try to save multiple ones at once and to go and pick up one just for the situation seemed to be hard to find. Eventually one of my girlfriends co-workers knew a rescue group on a name to name basis and finally talked them into it. Literally got her out THE DAY they were going to put her down.

So I got the dog home and posted some pictures on FB. This didn't sit right with my sister/brother-in-law and their kids so they stopped talking to me for a while but I didn't care. Eventually they now talk to me again except my brother-in-law who I could now care less about anyway. Apparently he treats a lot of his pets like that so he's a piece of shit in my mind.

Anyway sorry for the rant, and to go completely off topic but thank you again.




BACK ON TOPIC :

I've actually been planning on selling my place for a while now. With the equity I've built up I could come out on top a fairly healthy amount. My girlfriend absolutely hates this state and I'm not opposed to moving out but doubt she would be open to AZ. I've been there before for a month and loved it (military training). Honestly I was thinking more along the lines of NC, emerald isle area but AZ is very tempting. I actually have a kind of funny story about (a different) brother in law in AZ going door to door selling security systems but maybe another time.

(heres a pic of her after we got her out of the shelter, she had a scar on her and was underweight)

 

[ryanbleau]

Three more fastlaners joining us here in scottsdale.... Took a trip up to Sedona yesterday to talk about our experiences.

Who's next?

Planning to record some more videos for our youtube channels in the upcoming weeks:
Grand Canyon.
Flagstaff.
Prescott.

Anyone else already out here know good filming spots?

Haulapia falls. Its a 2 hour hike down but it;s worth it

 

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[SteveO]

Haulapia falls. Its a 2 hour hike down but it;s worth it

I second that. Have fun climbing down the cliff though. The entire Havasupai Falls area is fantastic.

 

[Iwokeup]

I run 50 miles a week. Some of it is on the track at a 6 minute/mile pace. Yesterday, I ran in the middle of the afternoon, 104 or so, at an 8 minute/mile average pace. That was after a softball tournament weekend!

I'm just a few months back into the groove after a multiple year injury layoff. Will be faster soon! Watch out "Fastlane"!!!

Holy crap! Well done, Sir!

 

[Andy Black]

Holy crap! Well done, Sir!

Ageed!

I used to do track. Now I would be delighted to be classed as a jogger - if anyone asks I say I shuffle. Working on it...

Thanks for the inspiration Steve.

 

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[mws87]

I've actually been thinking of moving to Arizona. Wish I could right now but I'll have to make it happen soon. At this point I just want to escape California (bay area) all together.

@JasonR since you know California, how vast is the difference? Socially and economically

 

[SteveO]

I've actually been thinking of moving to Arizona. Wish I could right now but I'll have to make it happen soon. At this point I just want to escape California (bay area) all together.

@JasonR since you know California, how vast is the difference? Socially and economically

I moved here from San Diego. The heat was my biggest concern. I lived less than a quarter mile from the beach where it stayed cool all summer. It turns out that the heat is the only drawback that I found.

It is much easier to do things socially here. We have a lot of friends and meetup constantly at different locations in Scottsdale or Tempe. The traffic is not comparable at all. There was no way that I would head out early on a Friday evening to meet friends and deal with the mess when I was in San Diego. Many of the popular places would have lines and large crowds. There is still some of that here but it is easier to work around.

Baseball game? Downtown San Diego is a crowded place. It is hard to get in to park. The stadium here has parking all around it and you can exit in any direction.

Economically, I don't notice a difference. This city is much newer and cleaner. I am sure that you can make more money in CA but it costs more to live there.

I love softball and have many choices of where to play. We play at four different venues that are all within 20 minutes of our house. We love golf as well. I have three golf courses surrounding me. The two that we play the most are 2 minutes from our house. The third is 5 minutes. It is unreal! The price to play is considerably less than CA and the pace of play is much faster. They don't pack the course as densely.

I have a great running club that is incredibly competitive. We all seem to manage running in the heat. In fact, I would say that I am completely used to the heat now.

 

[JasonR]

@JasonR since you know California, how vast is the difference? Socially and economically

@SteveO pretty much nailed it with his post.

There are, obviously, more wealthy people in California due the state's population (especially in the bay area). But I, personally, would never want to live in the Bay compared to Scottsdale/Phoenix, and I lived very close to the bay for a long time.

The only place I'd consider living in California, at this point, are San Diego or San Luis Obispo.

 

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[Bellini]

I lived in Southern California for the summer a few years back and loved it. I would still be there if it hadn't been a money issue. It's just soooo expensive. You need some serious cash to live there.

I was just online looking at short-term rentals in Scottsdale and the temps popped up...it said Scottsdale was supposed to get to 115 degrees this week! Holy smoke, I think I might wait until the end of the year for a visit. ha

 

[AllenCrawley]

I lived in Southern California for the summer a few years back and loved it. I would still be there if it hadn't been a money issue. It's just soooo expensive. You need some serious cash to live there.

I was just online looking at short-term rentals in Scottsdale and the temps popped up...it said Scottsdale was supposed to get to 115 degrees this week! Holy smoke, I think I might wait until the end of the year for a visit. ha

It's no where near as bad as people make it out to be. Yes it's hot but it's a dry heat.

I'm from Indianapolis and I'd take 115 degrees with no humidity over 90 degrees with 70% humidity... any day.

 

[Bellini]

It's no where near as bad as people make it out to be. Yes it's hot but it's a dry heat.

I'm from Indianapolis and I'd take 115 degrees with no humidity over 90 degrees with 70% humidity... any day.

Hmmmm. That's what they told me when I went to California in the middle of a record heat wave

"It will be a dry heat!" they said. Next thing you know I am driving to a Jimmy Stewart tribute in Beverly Hills in 103 degrees with my dress literally stuck to the back of my seat from sweat. lol

P.S. Don't frighten me with your pictures depicting Arizona, Allen. haha. At first I thought it was a google ad, and I thought 'how coincidental..we were just talking about Ariz.."

 

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[saigon]

I'll take this over the humidity I had in Atlanta, GA ANYday. It's not that bad

 

[biophase]

Hmmmm. That's what they told me when I went to California in the middle of a record heat wave

"It will be a dry heat!" they said. Next thing you know I am driving to a Jimmy Stewart tribute in Beverly Hills in 103 degrees with my dress literally stuck to the back of my seat from sweat. lol

P.S. Don't frighten me with your pictures depicting Arizona, Allen. haha. At first I thought it was a google ad, and I thought 'how coincidental..we were just talking about Ariz.."

I dont think LA gets dry heat. Its humid there compared to Phoenix.