To be honest, I wanted to title this piece “Why We Don’t Like the Phoenix Area.” Yep, my sentiments are that strong and opinionated; we did not have a good time this last month. Life has its ups and downs. My apologies if I am offending anyone. This post is solely a personal statement and experience.
Yet, we found one redeeming quality of the Phoenix area: its public lands that have not been turned into housing developments, like Saddle Mountain BLM and White Tank Mountain Regional Park. Oh, and the weather was pretty nice the first half of December. Since then: cloudy and rainy skies. Quite unusual.
As far as the RV park in Buckeye, where we spent one month of our lives: it was a place to stay, with water (salty), electricity (extra charge), WiFi (adequate, but it did drop out twice during important phone calls), and facilities like dumpsters for trash and recycling, laundromat (always busy and/because the majority of washing machines were broken), clean bathrooms (except when Mark found a human turd in one of the stalls), and a gym (closed by 9pm, so I had to plan around this during my night work).
The biggest pros: a dog washing station, poopie bag dispensers, hot and pressurized showers, recycling options, unlimited juice for my computer, and a propane bottle refill.
Here is what we struggled with, just to get all the negativity out of my system before the new year and as a little warning for anyone ending up in a similar situation…
Why we don’t like Buckeye and Goodyear
- Trash, trash, trash
Along highways, in parking lots, river beds, dumped in the “wastelands” around new housing developments (which are sprouting up everywhere). I once took Maya out of the car to pee, while Mark ran an errand at a Harbor Freight in one of the uncountable malls in western Phoenix. I failed. Everywhere I looked, I saw plastic, empty food and drink containers, food scraps, and other litter. I was worried Maya would step in a needle, so I took her back to the car without doing her business. Why is it so filthy in towns like Buckeye and Goodyear?
- Unfriendly people
Nobody greets each other, on the streets, in the stores, or even on the trails. We certainly didn’t feel welcome here.
- No mask wearing
You will see signs on doors about masks being recommended, but rarely anyone inside shops and buildings obliges. I’d say about 10% of customers in a store like Walmart wears a mask. Even the employees in most establishments don’t wear a face covering or have them around their chin or below their nose. It’s a joke, really. Like Mark mentioned at some point: “I guess there is no Covid in Arizona!”
- Phoenix is expensive
People in the campground raved about how this area is so affordable. “Arizona is a republican state, that’s why it’s cheaper here,” one of the campers told me. What about the almost 10% sales tax in Buckeye and fuel prices that are the highest in this state and not coming down?
- We felt taken advantage of
Nowhere else in this country have we experienced a “service fee” on top of a per page fee at UPS or other printing shops. In Buckeye, they charge between $1.50 and $2.00 extra for the use of the printer or computer when requesting a label to be printed! We encountered a hidden fee at the campground, an extra charge when doing take-out, and wrongly-priced grocery items on our receipt. Coincidence?
- Our cell phone did not work
For some reason there barely is AT&T coverage in the western suburbs of Phoenix. We had mixed success in the small towns and zero cell coverage at our campground. This caused extra challenges in December.
To be fair, we did not sightsee in or explore greater Phoenix – we didn’t even check out the capitol, one of the things I love to do across the US – so maybe other areas are more pleasant? Again, this is just our personal experience.
Leaf Verde RV Resort
Why we don’t like Leaf Verde RV Resort
- Full disclosure: we are not fond of RV and trailer parks in general and never stay there for fun – they are not our thing for financial, privacy, mentality, and noise reasons. This is the second time in our lives that we camped in one, to work. I wrote more about this recent eventful episode here. The only other time happened in Kentucky during another seasonal job stint, two years ago.
- It is super crowded; you are parked like sardines in a can.
- It is super noisy – people drive around in loud vehicles: Harley Davidson motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs, cars without mufflers (no law prohibiting this in Arizona) or broken ones, and rumbling diesel pick-up trucks. When one of these drive by, you jolt! We usually turned on a loud fan while sleeping, which helped for the most part.
- This place was an attack on ALL our senses: smell (wafts of stinky cow manure), touch (the flies that come with the smell are ever-present and persistent about landing on your face and inside the camper), hearing (the noise from neighbors slamming car doors, drivers, traffic from the interstate, military jets flying over at certain times, the grating aluminum doors from the storage units behind us…), taste (the water from the tap was disgusting), and sight (rigs and people everywhere).
- Not-so-friendly staff at the office. I felt intimidated by the three women, forming one front on everything. I was nervous each time I had to swing by. Comparable to when I get interrogated by Homeland Security – you know you didn’t do anything wrong, but you’re worried about being accused of something. They told me the manager and head of entertainment would call regarding selling Plunge in their store and me doing a presentation about our travels. Never happened.
- Trash and recycling – I was excited about that, until I noticed glass isn’t recyclable and few people actually separate their garbage.
- No masks anywhere, despite the “recommendation” signs on every door.
- The dog parks (a nice perk) were extremely smelly (urine).
One of the two dog parks with AstroTurf (fake grass)
- Some Trump supporters had to display their “requisite” flags, stickers, and sentiments.
To be fair, other people obviously enjoy staying in parks like these. Also, Leaf Verde has mostly full-time residents; families, people who go to work every day, snowbirds, and seasonal campers. There are few transients.
Mark, Maya, and I left before our check-out date of January 3rd. To the trio of women’s credit – and our surprise – they refunded us a little bit of money (an exception), after tagging on an unexpected $10 “service fee” to the electricity bill, which is not disclosed anywhere. Once a month, long-term campers are charged this extra amount, because… Anyone’s guess! For their maintenance team to read the electricity meter? Isn’t that part of their job?
We let it go, drove a few hours southwest, and settled in the desert near Yuma, AZ, again until we leave for Baja California. Our camping spot is nothing special or beautiful, but it is peaceful, private, free, and easy on all our senses. 😊
December 31, 2021 at 15:07
I love that dog bath!
So sorry you had to stay in an RV park. I so hope that we never have this experience.
I don’t think I’ve ever spent any time in Phoenix. I guess there has never been any draw to go there. There used to be a free campground in Buckeye. We stayed there once. It was pretty good but super hard to find a spot.
I think this country is turning into one big trash dump. I know it is worse in certain areas but wherever I go I see trash. People just don’t care.
Mexico is calling our names. I hope to catch up with you by the end of January if all my unexpected surprises decide to finally give me a break.
January 5, 2022 at 22:16
Hi Duwan!
We saw the free camping in Buckeye, the BLM land, on iOverlander but it was even further away from Mark’s original (Amazon) job and we read it was very littered and not a great place. We never checked it out when we were there, as we didn’t have a minute of free time and it seems like it was at least a twenty minute drive from the RV park.
The trash everywhere is so disheartening! Mark and I were used to seeing this in less developed countries, but – honestly – we often feel like we are in an underdeveloped country here, witnessing all the garbage.
I hope you get a break in 2022 as well! For us, it’s more of the same right now, hence my late replies to the blog comments… Another fitful day today, trying to deal with our camper platform for (failed) attempt number 5!
Hopefully, we will be able to meet up in Baja and have a good time.
December 31, 2021 at 15:12
What a bummer way to spend the last month of 2021, Liesbet! I totally get it about RV “parks,” though. As it is written in the Bible, simply shake the sand out of your shoes when you leave! We really enjoyed our stays at Phoenix area RV parks, but one was in Sedona (we got snowed in on New Years Eve as you recall? but we enjoyed that park. The other was in North Phoenix which was a 55+ park. Clean, reasonable and everyone was friendly. You are on to bigger and better adventures. Happy New Year to you, Mark and Maya as you travel south into Baja. Stay safe and enjoy the start to 2022!
January 5, 2022 at 22:19
It seems like North Phoenix has the nicer RV parks – or the ones for 55+, where we can’t stay yet. I remember your snowy Sedona stay. Luckily, you could return in much better circumstances this year! 🙂
Thank you for your wishes, Terri!
December 31, 2021 at 15:27
I too get seriously annoyed that people don’t take care of our planet. What is wrong with them??? A nice side note about Trump supporters–they tend to clean up after themselves in rallies. And they’re friendly! But if you don’t like that persuasion, stay in blue states like California and NY, away from red states like Texas and Florida.
January 5, 2022 at 22:57
Good to know these tidbits about Trump supporters, Jacqui. I wonder if they’re as friendly to immigrants (like myself) as well?? I think Mexico has our name on it. We hopped the border for a day yesterday and it was impressive, the difference in Covid hygiene and mask wearing!!! Have a lovely winter.
December 31, 2021 at 15:56
Yikes, that sounds awful! I don’t want to get political but… ok, I won’t. Good to know that Covid isn’t a thing in Arizona. I don’t blame you for leaving early… your new spot looks much more relaxing.
January 5, 2022 at 22:55
You’re smarter than me about not getting political, Janis. It’s time for me to slow down and become a bit quieter too. I wish we could always camp in nature and stay away from the crowds and noise, but this is impossible. Today, we spent the entire day in Yuma running errands – from sun up to sun down. It’s exhausting and overwhelming! We are so looking forward to a change of scenery. Hopefully, it still happens by mid-January! Best wishes!!!
December 31, 2021 at 19:14
Too bad that the end of your 2021 was a dud for you. Hopefully, you can find more freedom and peace of mind now that you’re away from the crowds. Safe and happy trails in 2022!
January 5, 2022 at 22:20
Thank you for the new year’s wishes, Pete. Can’t say we have found our groove yet, this year, but we hope to soon! 🙂
December 31, 2021 at 19:15
I’m shuddering, just like I do every time I drive past one of those RV parks. I can’t understand why anyone would choose to be there; but who knows? Maybe, like you, the people there didn’t have another option. For your sake, I’m glad to hear you’ve left it behind – wishing you a safe and peaceful stay in Yuma!
January 5, 2022 at 22:21
The desert around Yuma almost feels like paradise after the RV park, Diane. Like you, we always raise our eyebrows when we drive by parks like these, never imagining we’d stay there. Most of them are probably fine and geared towards visitors, but many in the cities are occupied by long-term or full-time residents.
December 31, 2021 at 21:09
Settle down girl. You are still doing life on your terms and from my point of view that’s a pretty good deal. Happy New Year!
January 5, 2022 at 22:23
Happy New Year, Suzanne! Aren’t we all doing life on our own terms? 🙂 I might have to change those terms if our unhappiness lasts. That’s the deal!
January 1, 2022 at 08:15
That does look grim! Still – onwards and upwards. All the best for 2022.
January 5, 2022 at 22:23
Thank you for your wishes, Anabel. May we all breathe easier this year and experience more good days than bad ones!
January 1, 2022 at 10:11
Here’s to a brighter 2022 for all three of you! I put a New Year’s thought on what to do with a less-than-wonderful year on my FB page this morning.
Hugs! 😀
January 5, 2022 at 22:24
You’re getting very social media savvy, Marian! A YouTube channel as well??? Have fun with all your old and new pursuits in 2022.
January 1, 2022 at 11:50
Yeah, I’ve never been a fan of the south side of Phoenix. Northern Phx provides a different experience. Private RV Park living is drastically different than county/state park/boondocking living and not for everyone. We always enjoyed the diversity of the various experiences. We also noticed a major difference between the 55+ parks versus non 55 (a perk of being old 🤣). Cheers to freedom of choice!
January 5, 2022 at 22:27
Hi Ingrid! There certainly is some truth to your (and Terri’s) experiences in 55+ RV parks. Since people go there for leisure (and not to work), I’m sure the mentality is vastly different. The one you and Al stayed had a wonderful vibe and much more space than our recent one. I have to believe that Northern Phoenix is more attractive than the southern part!
January 1, 2022 at 15:09
I think I will stay clear of Phoenix, all the above would really piss me off…lol.
I really can’t understand why people don’t pick up their trash, it is a serious issue, our planet can’t take it anymore. Unfortunately it is a worldwide problem.
I am glad you have now moved on to greener pastures… Happy New Year to you, Mark and the gorgeous Maya❤️
January 5, 2022 at 22:29
Thank you for your lovely New Year’s wishes, Gilda – Maya sends you a lick and a wag!
When I think about it, the trash problem has become bigger and bigger wherever we go. I just don’t understand how certain people do not care about the planet and the environment. It’s not rocket science that we all (and especially the next generations) need Mother Earth in prime condition for us to survive!
January 1, 2022 at 19:35
Hi, Liesbet – I am so sorry to hear about this terrible experience. The longevity research cites ‘noise pollution’ (in all forms) as having a significant negative impact on our overall well-being.
Your new camping spot looks very peaceful and must be a very welcomed relief.
Wishing the three of you a very happy and healthy 2022~
January 5, 2022 at 22:32
Hello Donna! Thank you so much for your 2022 wishes and insight about noise pollution, which is most definitely a thing. I find the older I get, the less tolerance I have for noise. In general, cities are loud by the definition of being cities, but why oh why are there no fines for drivers with ear-piercing trucks, cars, and motorcycles? And why do trains have to honk at every single railroad crossing in the US?
January 2, 2022 at 19:51
Hi Liesbet, what a huge disappointment. Live and learn, at least now you know where you don’t want to go again. I’m sure Maya was absolutely thrilled that the dog bath was one of the things that did work. 🙂 Or maybe she likes a bath?
I am wishing you, Mark and Maya all the best for the new year and happier travels from here on out.
January 5, 2022 at 22:40
You are so right about that dog “tub,” Lea. Maya was so not a fan, especially because the water was cold! But, she was a good sport and endured a shower twice in four weeks. She smelled so nice… Thank you for the wishes for this year – we can use them. 🙂
January 2, 2022 at 23:05
What an awful place. The flies alone would send me packing. ( It is one of the things I hate about being in the outback/ cattle farming areas of Australia). I certainly would not hang around in Buckeye! (such an American name), for longer than I had to stay. Amazing how such things differ from state to state and town to town. The demographics and associated culture can make you feel welcome or squirm – it is definitely not your kind of place.
January 5, 2022 at 22:42
When I read your comment about the flies, Amanda, I immediately had to think about the outback in your country. That was probably the worst place in the world, regarding flies. I took a photo once of my ex-boyfriend’s back with about thirty flies resting on it! I will never forget the buzz and swatting during our time in that part of Oz.
That’s exactly how long we hung out in Buckeye – not a day longer than was needed. And it is a funny name, isn’t it?
January 6, 2022 at 05:02
Too many cattle and their dung piles in those areas for me, Liesbet. I won’t go too far west because flies are no fun at all.
Large parts of our country are not really hospitable, hey?
But then Buckeye sounds worse! Just as well you moved on to to nicer realms.
January 7, 2022 at 18:00
Haha, Amanda. And that’s the beauty of our lifestyle: we can (usually) move when we don’t like a place. 🙂
January 3, 2022 at 19:35
Yikes, it sounds awful. The garbage and noise didn’t surprise me, and you’ve shown why the U.S. has nearly 400,000 new COVID cases a day…stay safe!
January 5, 2022 at 22:44
The Covid case numbers are insane in the US right now. Crazy. We remain very careful, but I think it’s a losing battle in this country. We will all get sick one day, one way or another. What bothers me most about the entire pandemic is how selfish people are by not wearing a mask. Is it really that hard of a thing to do, to keep others safe? Right…
January 3, 2022 at 20:31
I am going to keep my comments to myself and just say, not surprised. And I will add that when we used to rent a place in Arizona, I was shocked when I asked the owner where the recycle bin was in the complex. She told me there is no recycling!!!! Now, Happy New Year to you three, and I hope you enjoy Baja. <3
January 5, 2022 at 22:46
Hi Debby! Thank you so much for your lovely wishes. Our trip to Baja is postponed yet again – Mark is wondering if we will even get there this winter. I remain positive! We just have to keep plugging away at projects and prepping… Do you have any intentions to return to Arizona now that we have a sane president again?
January 6, 2022 at 13:58
Arg, postponed again? They won’t let you in? Covid is ramping up everywhere. I’m apprehensive yet determined to get to Mexico. As for Arizona, I think it will be very long time til I revisit the US. My decisions go far beyond the change of presidents. Sadly. <3
January 7, 2022 at 18:03
Hi Debby!
Mexico would happily let us in. 🙂 We are just running into more problems with our camper/truck set-up, which is driving us crazy. Hence the postponement. I will stop talking and writing about Baja now until we get there! I hope we will both make it to Mexico very soon!!
January 7, 2022 at 19:27
Godspeed my friend. We shall update one another. 🙂 Oye, your Thirsty is a handful for traveling. Good luck and stay safe! xx
January 8, 2022 at 14:21
Thank you, dear Debby – the truck and the camper both seem to be a handful, but mostly the camper. Thirsty is “just” expensive to keep fed. 🙂 We might be looking at take-off this Wednesday…
January 9, 2022 at 10:31
Great! Keep us posted – I know you will 🙂
January 10, 2022 at 14:11
Anything for you, dear Debby! 🙂 We are looking at an early Wednesday crossing at the moment.
January 6, 2022 at 05:03
No recycling. Gosh they live in a bygone era!
January 7, 2022 at 18:01
It is super crazy when I compare the US to Belgium, where I grew up. The fact that glass goes in the trash still boggles my mind and hugely frustrates me!
January 5, 2022 at 02:07
Sorry things have been so hard lately. At least it sounds like everyone is healthy. Wishing you both a Happy and Brighter New Year. Years ago we camped in the greater Phoenix area and had good experiences in a number of RV parks. Last year we were visiting and stopped by the Arizona State Capitol on January 6. Quite an experience – and we were easy to spot – the only ones wearing masks and not carrying a weapon. Enjoy Baja.
January 5, 2022 at 22:49
Hi Steven! Other than my father-in-law, our families are, indeed, pretty healthy at the moment and we are grateful for that! What? You happened to visit a state capitol on that fateful day? I’d love to visit the Phoenix one as well, one day. We all seem to remember where we were on January 6th of 2021 – like on 9/11. Your comment about being easy to spot in Arizona was right on! 🙂
January 5, 2022 at 08:30
Ack! Sounds stressful. Very bothersome about the non-maskers.
January 5, 2022 at 22:50
I have to admit, I am getting used to non-maskers in this country, Sandra. But, we remain stubborn and wear ours any time we go inside buildings. Not that this helps us…
January 5, 2022 at 14:58
Oh Liesbet! It is so difficult to get everyone to see the danger of infection and to agree to keep distances and wear masks. I hate hidden charges. We found them in hotels as well as campgrounds. I sure hope your experience in Baja will be better. I wish you health and safe travels in
2022.
January 5, 2022 at 22:52
Hello Victoria! Sorry to read about your hidden charges in the past… I’m sure it’s a thing! I hope you are doing well with your projects and that 2022 will bring the publication of your college memoir! 🙂
January 7, 2022 at 12:37
Nice truck and camper. Hopefully, you’ll start your year better than last year ended. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
January 7, 2022 at 18:03
Thanks, Anna. As long as the truck and camper fulfill their purpose without too many issues, all is good! 🙂
January 13, 2022 at 19:37
Yikes! We have no RV experience and have only stayed in the Phoenix area with friends who winter there. It sounds like a something no t to be repeated. Wishing you better travels ahead.
January 14, 2022 at 13:02
Thanks, Sue! We have only stayed at RV parks twice in our many years on the road – each time for a job. They suffice for that, because they make our lives easier regarding electricity, water, and other facilities. The water quality at this place was awful, though! It littered our filter and our lines and who knows what else…