i grew up in upstate ny and moved to tucson for about three years. i hated it. i would never in my life move back, i would never encourage anyone who doesn't already love the southwest to live there. the people are mean and angry, it was incredibly difficult for me to find and make friends, the weather is garbage, and the city itself does have its moments of beauty, but you have to travel well outside of the city to find the good stuff. there is some decent food there (eegees rules, la parilla suiza was delicious).

you could have a completely different experience than i did. but honestly, i'd visit it for a week or more before you committed.