Neighborhood Search Help (Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert: home, neighborhoods, live)

[AZherewecome]

My husband just started his new job in Mesa (Falcon Field off 202). We are to relocate from NC to the area in the Spring of '07. Trying to get an idea of commute times and opinions on areas/neighborhoods. We want a single family close to shopping/restaurants and like a neighborhood feel with parks/sidewalks. Does this exist in the $500-700's?

[BriansPerspective]

I am very confident that you will have a host of choices in the $500-$700 price range. I can put in touch with a good realtor down in Phoenix if you are interested.

Is your husband working with Boeing? I used to manage an Apache contract with Boeing in a former life.

[aj661]

What part of NC? We hate humidity, but my wife and I have been to the Wilmington area several times and absolutely love it. Considered moving to the Wrightsville Beach/Carolina Beach area at one time.

I don't know if the Red Mtn area is still expanding, but there are a lot of nice properties there. It is right there by Falcon. Gilbert is farther south, but still a pretty quick drive depending on what part of the city you might be coming from. We lived in a GREAT neighborhood in central Gilbert for a few years. Walking distance to one of the best parks in the Phoenix area---Freestone Park. In fact, back in the late 90's when we were there, Danny Ainge of the Suns/Celtics, etc, lived only about 0.5 miles and $700K away from us.
You should find a lot of home for the upper limits of your price range. Actually, depending on your tastes, you may find something nice for $250+
Good luck!