Phoenix is allot of fun, I've been here for 5 years and still cant get used to the heat..its out of hand. The only possible way to survive is to go to the lake every weekend. You have several good lakes within 45 minutes in either direction, and only about 3 hours to Havasu. If you commute to LA, traffic will be a breeze for you. I love Pasadena and would never leave there if I were you but Phoenix has allot to offer and its pretty tough to beat brand new 3 bedroom homes for 130K.