Family Relocation to AZ (Phoenix, Tucson: for sale, apartments, to rent)

[mike]

I hope it isn't a problem, I'm about to double post what I put in the specific Tucson forum, but I think it would be wiser to put it here because we're open to as much feedback as possible. Maybe someone has a different area in Arizona as a suggestion for us. Thanks!

Hey guys,

Well, my family is seriously considering relocating to Tucson. We currently live in Chicago and have been here all our lives. Our house is basically sold and we're looking to make the move in about two months. Foolishly, we don't know enough about our destination, thats why I'm here. I've been reading ALOT about Tucson and from it, have gotten a lot of mixed feelings. Understandably, its like any city where it has good parts and bad parts; however, I'm having trouble getting a clear feel for where to look for a house and where to definitely not look for one. Further, would our budget (barely $200k) prevent us from enjoying 'a good part' of Tucson? My mother is a single parent of three, a 9 and 16 year old, and myself. Obviously, looking for an area with a good grade school and high school. She has a bachelors and masters in social services, in case that helps anyone give suggestions. I've already requested information from the University of Arizona for transfer.

We're looking for somewhere safe, affordable, reasonably close to grocery/shopping areas, and good schools. Any and all discussion is greatly appreciated!!! We're trying to become as informed as possible before making this life-changing decision.

And honestly, if my description leads anyone to believe Tucson may not be for us at this time, please feel free to say so, we are not "set in stone" to move there. We find it attractive and its greatly peaked our interest, but those of you who may know better, feel free to direct us away. Thanks!

[Wheeler]

Mike, I would suggest, renting a place to stay, as you search for a house. I live in Bouse and in Parker Az. both seem to be nice places.

Wheeler

[nhra7670]

You could not pay me to move to Tucson. Check out Mesa northeast side. ASU short commute on 202. Glendale has ASU West and nice area in West Glendale. Many other colleges and universities in Phoenix area. U of A is about all Tucson has got going on.

[TucsonTrina]

I've lived in Tucson since 2000 and I love it here. Much better than the Phx area, which is too large, too crime-ridden and much too hot and dirty in the summer.

Tucson has more of an old town feel. It's nickname is the Old Pueblo. There is much more of a border town atmosphere, and there's so much excellent Mexican food here, it's tough to decide where to eat.

If you're looking at schools, perhaps you will be able to transfer to the U of A. Though a private university, it is large and contains a medical and law school. Their engineering dept. is top notch, too. Many grads go on to work at Raytheon and other large aerospace and engineering firms here in Tucson.

If you want a "nice" neighborhood, look to the NW or North side of town. 200K will get you a nice house in 85741. Maybe a town house or condo in 85742. The nicest zip in town is 85737 (Oro Valley), but houses run $400K-sky's the limit there. There are some newly renovated condos going in at the Starr Pass and Silverbell area (not too far from the U of A) under $100K.

Best wishes!

[blueeyed303]

I understand your position. I just moved into Arizona last year. I moved to Yuma and I strongly advise against this area. In fact, I am looking around Arizona myself for a new home. I have driven to several towns just to find a good place to call home. I can recommend a few places I've found that seem to be nice, but it kind of depends on what you are looking for. For example, do you want hot weather. I mean hot, not just warm? I have stayed in Yuma, Quartzite, and the Phoenix, Glendale, Mesa area with friends and it is hot. I mean very hot - things are too hot to touch during the summer months - like my car. There is no other seasons there but summer. During the winter it gets cooler, but not cold.
If you are looking for somewhere with seasonal weather, I'd suggest the forest areas like Flagstaff, or even south of that, Prescott in the west and Payson in the east. These places have some snow but nothing like you have in Chicago I'm sure.
If you like water, Lave Havasu is a nice place, lots of retired people there, but again, it gets hot. Kingman is ok, kind of close to Laughlin and Las Vegas if you like gambling, but it's hot too.
Now, if weather is not your biggest concern, you may be looking for a larger city type area. Then the Phoenix area is probaly good for you. The towns around Phoenix all run into each other, so it is like a giant community. There is a lot of traffic there, but that is to be expected in a larger community. The airport is there and lots of educational opportunities. Employment may be easier to find there than in some of the smaller areas.
I can't say much about the public education in Arizona. There is a lot of focus on teaching English here because of the large non-English speaking hispanic population. I've worked in the public school system and I can't really say it's good.
I hope this helps. I know how hard it is to make a decision about where to live. Good luck with your search.

[GatorGirl]

Originally Posted by TucsonTrina

If you're looking at schools, perhaps you will be able to transfer to the U of A. Though a private university, it is large and contains a medical and law school.

I was born and raised in Tucson. I'm now a Floridian.

I have to correct your one statement that the U of A is a private university. It is not. It is a public university. I'm a Wildcat myself!

Sometimes I want to return home, but Florida has been good to us! GG

[johosofat]

Flagstaff may be a possiblity. Worth a looksee. It has the seasons, beautiful surroundings, all levels of schools, and NAu there for you to transfer to. The jobs arelimited but in Soc. Services your mom may do just fine because of the County services, and the U. IF she has her MSW. Housing is not as steep as the south but climbing steadily in Flagstaff. There are a lot of vacation residences for 'the flatlanders' and there are all price ranges. The smaller surrounding towns are more afforable. My kids went to school in Flag city elementary schools and they were fine~but need parental involvement. I don't know about the high school levels. Good luck to you.

[tinatee]

I just moved to 85641 from California. Mainly for the schools. While the heat takes some getting used to I absolutely love the clean air, open space, and nature. Vail has excellent schools and is about 15-20 minutes to nearest grocery, 30 min to Tucson. But, the town is growing extremely fast and the value of homes is rising although you can still get a nice house for 200-300K. Sahuarita is also very nice master planned community down the road. It's definitely a small town feel and you have to get in your car to get places but it's worth the trade-off. In the next few years the Vail area will most likely have all the stores it needs to get past that long drive. All the roads are being widened and there are plans for a major mall. Check out passegesoftucson.com. Best of luck!

[MAB]

Yuma is a nice area,small town feel.clean air and low traffic.
If you like water,the colorado river runs right next to Yuma,boating,fishing and jet skiing are great here.
Golfing is great too,Theres a few negative people who dont like it here.
But ill tell you what,Yuma is a great place,close to CA and Mexico.But again,some people dont like living near hispanics.
If you dont mind that,then perhaps Yuma deserves a look.

[no user name]

Originally Posted by TucsonTrina

If you want a "nice" neighborhood, look to the NW or North side of town. 200K will get you a nice house in 85741. Maybe a town house or condo in 85742. The nicest zip in town is 85737 (Oro Valley), but houses run $400K-sky's the limit there. There are some newly renovated condos going in at the Starr Pass and Silverbell area (not too far from the U of A) under $100K.

Best wishes!

This is EXACTLY the kind of information I can use...specific area along with zip code if possible! I am in the process of looking too from Chicago so this is helpful. Considering areas all over Arizona but prefer warmer climate. Thinking Lake Havasu City.
For me, I am in my early 30's, former professional partially disabled receiving disability and recipient of a smallish lawsuit award. All I need is a small house old or new as long as it's in decent repair and decent area. I don't mind being in a mixed area provided that I'm not the minority. I saw some manufactured homes for sale where you own the property so that might not be so bad either. Willing to rent or buy...no apartments though. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks