we might be moving to Pheonix, and need help on where to look!

Hi! We're moving to Phoenix in June, so we're right in the throes of all this stuff. Housing is inexpensive, and I'm told it's very family-friendly, around Chandler and Gilbert. However, I'm also told the infrastructure is a bit congested (and for us, it's a bit farther than my DH wants to commute).

Hopefully the mamas here can give you further advice, but I just wanted to pipe up and say hey to another new Phoenician.

yes, I saw your post Because I have no idea on what is where in AZ, I thought that maybe you were looking for a different part, maybe close to downtown Pheonix or something. Whenever I see numbered streets, I automatically think it must be downtown. So are you looking for something around Chandler? Did you find any other nice safe areas? There is nothing like being there and being able to see for yourself. Have you visited already?

: my sister lives in pheniox area, i can ask her for some suggustions. she is also pregnant so i'll see what she has to say. they are living in tempe however were living closer to downtown phenix (i think) and wasnt very safe so they moved! Let you know when i know!'
emily

: : :2bfbabe:

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Heh, oops, that wasn't clear! We're looking for something near downtown, and Chandler and Gilbert are too far -- but I wish they weren't because I hear great things about those cities!

We've been having trouble getting any information from landlords because everyplace that's advertised now they want to have rented well before we move. But we just got a lead on a rental in Tempe that isn't available until June. Oh my gosh I'm bouncing, it's so perfect for us. We're flying out on Monday to look at a few homes to buy and to check out neighborhoods for future rental possibilities. I'll let you know what we see!

We live in Chandler. Most of the neighborhoods are very nice, family friendly, but unfortunately likely to result in a nasty commute (depending on where your DH finds a job, of course). My DH works in downtown Phoenix and it's about 45 minutes each way. We're looking at moving near Ahwatukee when we can afford it. Good luck with whatever you decide!

Ahwatukee is an area in the east valley. It's nestled into the foothills of South Mountain, and it's just west of Chandler and mostly southwest of Tempe. Some of the Ahwatukee addresses are actually in Phoenix I think, and some are listed in the city "Ahwatukee". Roughly ZIP code 85044 and 85045.

Scottsdale has some great housing too! It's just north of Tempe, and I think it's considered the Northeast valley.

Start doing some real estate searches and you'll get a handle on the different regions in no time.

Oh, and I am hoping to grow lots of hot weather plants like tomatoes and peppers. Some herbs like lavender like it dry and sandy too I think. Check out plants for USDA Zone 9 or Sunset Zone 13.

chandler and surprise are VERY far from downtown, surprise can take over 90 mins in rush hour. yes infastructure is lacking. for 330k you can get a decent home with a 'large' yard. im assuming you need 4br... keep in mind a 2 story home will give you more yard space however that 2nd floor will be quite costly on A/C bills in the summer (summer can last 6-8 months of continual A/C) most of surprise and chandler are 'new'.... and very family friendly. the city is set up by a numbering system.... AVE are on the west side ST's are on the east... everything is based from the 'center of downtown. fyi every 8 streets is a mile 91st ave to 99th ave is one mile the same with north and south,
also there isa community about 20 miles north of downtown called ANTHEM and its almost brandnew... and its very family friendly, however again the drive to work can be legnthy and its about 45 mins to a decent sized mall, they do have a super walmart up there now and an outlet shops for stride rite, carters polo etc.

good luck and PM me if you need more info...

I'm so sad today mamas! And allison in oh I'm jealous of you! Just kidding...well maybe a little. My family has been trying to relocate out of CA for years now. Everything is just too expensive, and houses keep getting out of reach. A few years back homes were too expensive for dh's salary (I have to admit we are picky) Then everytime dh gets a raise, home prices keep rising! Dh is making a very good amount now, more then he's ever made in his lifetime now, but it is still not enough to buy a house here in CA. We are first time buyers so we don't have any equity that we can just put into a house. We have about 15k to put down but with home prices here we would not afford the payments and still live within our means. Thats why I was so happy that we were likely to finally move out of here and to AZ. It was not the first place I had in mind. (weather) But at least we could have a decent sized house for our family of 6. Yesterday he called me with news that they offered him another store here in CA. He will have a shorter commute so that is good but now we will have to stay here longer!!! It's good careerwise for him because he was chosen from a handpicked few to run a new type of store and it will really get him recognized with the higher up coorporate guys. But we are still going to be houseless. I can't help thinking that if he does get to climb to the next step on the ladder (discrict manager) he will be making even more money, but homes will be even more expensive leaving us in the same boat. I had the silly idea of checking out listings withing a hours commute for dh. 360K will get a 1 bed. 1 bath condo 860 sq. feet. And that is not in a super nice area : I just had to vent mamas. I'm so tired of the ridiculous prices in CA!!!!! I know I need to be patient and in time we will have our house, but it's so hard. I just want to go already!

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Our house is in S. Chandler (Ocotillo) and it takes me about 25 mins to the Science Center downtown, 40 with traffic.

I had a decent garden in Az, lots of tomatoes, peppers and herbs.

Actually it is a series of valleys the largest being the Salt River Valley : There are lots of wonderful neighborhoods north, south, east and west. You have to purchase a house based on your commute, (where you will be working). Everyone always tells me I live 'way out' near the Glendale/Avondale area, but it only takes me 20 minutes to get to downtown, you really have to see the neighborhoods and drive the commute and NOT rely on everyone's opinions about it, not one person will give you the same answer! BTW- we have a 2 story home and our AC bill is not astronomical, and we have a bigger yard because of it, research the builder (whether new or previously owned) since some do great work and others leave much (like insulation) to be desired. :