I am a 41 year old male who has lived in Phoenix, Arizona since 1981. I can't speak to the differences in the laws, or help you find decent work here (still tryin' to find that myself), but I can tell you this,.... Phoenix is one of the most boring, hot, miserable, and up-tight places I've ever been. People in practically every other city I've ever lived in or visited, were nicer and more pleasant than people in Phoenix. I may be a bit biased because I hate this God-forsaken desert hellhole that I like to refer to as "Satan's Anus". There's a lot of heroine here and a lot more meth. Junkies kinda rub me the wrong way. I have heard that without a medical card, the laws here could imprison a man for years over a discarded seed found in his car, or perhaps a missed roach left behind in an ashtray. Granted, this rarely if ever actually happens, but the threat is still there. Also, I don't know what your appearance is like, but I haven't found the local law enforcement authorities to be the most "long-hair" friendly. I, personally, have been stopped and made to pull out my pockets for doing nothing more than walking down the sidewalk and possibly being a "hair farmer".
That having been said, there is something to be said for going outside at 2am in the middle of February wearing only a tank top and shorts. Swimming weather 9 months out of the year doesn't suck too badly either. Other than that, I don't have a high opinion of life in Phoenix, Arizona.
I hope this gave you a little insight and helps you make your decision. If there's any questions I can answer for you or information I can get for you that will make it easier, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'll do my best to help.
Good luck!
Sincerely,
~Sickboy71