Be prepared to deal with the melting pot here. Much like Florida, Arizona is a mix of drivers that haven't figured out how to deal well with each other. You've got slow-poke retirees, stressed out winter visitors, and impatient winter visitors all trying to share the road. Be prepared to leave plenty of space between you and the rest of the people out there.

There are many credible dealers who sell more cars, new or used, than anywhere else in the nation. This is a great place to comparison shop and get a killer deal on a new car. Check online first so you have all the info you need.

Owning a car is an absolute necessity in the state of Arizona. Even living in its most populated metropolitan area and main capital city, Phoenix, you will be pretty miserable trying to get around without your own car! First, to say Phoenix is hot is an understatement - summer temps are usually well over 100. Hoofing it from a public transit spot to your destination or waiting outside in that heat will not be comfortable or healthy. Second, it is very suburban and spread out. Unlike a dense urban city, you are still going to face high fares and wait times if you try to make do with an uber or ride share service. You'll want a car!

101 - the loop. The 101 Loop is the main north-south freeway and will take you from the East Valley up north to Scottsdale. It is well-maintained and has plenty of room, so it's a quick way to cross the valley and see a variety of neighborhoods. Even in rush hour, it is less congested than the rest of the valley and makes getting around a breeze.

Be extremely careful driving when there is a dust-storm or rain!

Buy a car that gets good gas mileage. Chandler (and the whole Phoenix Metro Area) is NOT a walkable town, especially in summer when the temps are 110+. Get the most bang for your gas bucks!

My favorite memory from driving in Chandler was on the 101, when suddenly the cars in front of me slammed to a stop. Apparently, a woman had managed to drive ON the OFFRAMP and was now driving on the freeway in the WRONG DIRECTION! No joke, this actually happened, and the pandemonium it caused was unforgettable.

The AZ88. It's a beautiful drive that takes you along the Superstition Mountains, down many switch-backs entwined along the mountains. Plus you pass Canyon Lake and if you stay on it the whole way, you will end up all the way at Roosevelt Lake. It's pavement much of the way, but even the dirt part is passable in a passenger car. You can also stop at the little Western town or at Tortilla Flats for some prickly pear ice cream. It's a wonderful drive.