I have lived in Phoenix Arizona since 1976, just about 2 years after graduating high school in Maryland. A friend was driving to Phoenix and I went along for the drive across the entire US.
It feels like a different world out here in Phoenix. Yes, the summers are super hot, but at least you don't have to shovel show or drive in sleet, slush or hail with zero visibility. During the winter months it is chilly in Phoenix, but nothing what the northeast states have.
Its currently about 40 degrees outside, and its cold, but the bright sun is out and it will get up to 70 today.
The job market isn't perfect out here, but there are temp agencies that tend to have jobs in the Phoenix metro area. You can start there. Garden style (3 apartment levels high) apartments here are readily available, smaller is cheaper,
some even come furnished. Good luck to you whatever you do. from, Debbie, North Phoenix, AZ