Need advice from Phoenix area technology professionals

[Craig Meyer]

I am seeking advice from Phoenix area technology professionals, as an 
active member in my local lug I know you are the people ask. This post 
is off topic from Linux directly and should be ignored if you’re only 
interested in on topic posts. If this discussion is not appropriate for 
this list, please reply to me off list with responses. I live in 
Wisconsin and my local lug doesn't get many subscribers to anything but 
the main list.

I am planning on moving inside the next few months and am wondering if 
Phoenix would be a good place to relocate. I need a change from where I 
live in Central Wisconsin (Fond du Lac). I am an IS professional with 6 
years experience in systems administration, network design and general 
technology related solutions. I work for a local small business 
consulting firm in Fond du Lac. We specialize in Windows Domain based 
infrastructure for small to medium businesses with between five and 
fifty computers. At a non-professional level I am actively involved in 
OSS technologies and use a completely Linux network at my home. I have 
done limited Linux/Unix support work in the field. In addition to my 
experience I also hold an AS degree in computer networking, the Comptia 
A+ and Network+ certifications and the Cisco CCNA certification.

All that said, I am hoping that some of you can give me advice on a few 
of the following questions I have:

How active is the technology job market in the Phoenix area? Will it be 
hard to find a job or just hard to find the right job?

What range of salary can I expect to be paid with the qualifications I 
listed above? Keep in mind I have a strong history of achievement that 
will be visible on my resume. Obviously the above list is only a basic 
representation of my qualifications.

Are there places in Arizona other than Phoenix where I should extend my 
job search?

I would also like advice on any non-technology related topics concerning 
my move. For instance: Where is a good place to live? How affordable are 
apartments? Any areas to avoid because of crime/traffic/etc..?

I appreciate your time and look forward to your answers. I also look 
forward to becoming an active member of your LUG.

-Craig Meyer
craig at fdllug.org