Target Tucson but maybe Phoenix due to job- advice please (relocate to, rain)

[AZJoeD]

Unfortunately you did not indicate a price point or budget, which will make a huge difference. I can think of several communities that might fit your needs based on your description, but there are many others that may work depending on your budget, size of the home, amenities, etc.

The biggest challenge will be the public transportation aspect. Phoenix is simply not known for its public transportation. There are buses of course, but most people find driving to be faster. Driving is a way of life here (by the way, Tucson does not have much public transportation either). While public transportation is not out of the question it just may not work out that way. Perhaps a "Park & Ride" scenario might work.

But realistically without knowing where your husband will be employed it will be difficult to make a good recommendation. Do not automatically assume that your husbands job will be downtown Phoenix. Phoenix is not like other cities where everything is centralized. There are numerous business centers in metro area like North Central Phoenix, Biltmore, Deer Valley, Scottsdale Airpark, etc. in addition to downtown Phoenix. His job might not be near a good public transportation route.

More info please.

[AZ16]

sh9730, thank you for that recommendation, we will investigate a mid-way destination, like you mention, and didn't realize there were options aside from aiming for Oro Valley. If we have to make compromises that would be a good place to start.

AZJoe, we live frugally and intend to live even more modestly with this move: 1-2 bedroom low-maintenance condo or townhouse. Finding housing in our budget is no problem, we've been watching the big listing sites like Zillow for awhile now and there are at least a dozen options at any time. It's finding housing that has the view, the community + pool, nearby to natural areas AND also accessible to employment opportunity is the issue, it seems. Since we didn't win the powerball he will have to work for the next several years

We're looking for compromises as back-up if we can't have both the reasonable access to employment AND the residential scenario - other options such as the mid-way point that sh9730 suggested. (Obviously there could be other compromises such as living apart for the week or residing somewhere less desirable to us until a different job or home can be worked out.)

Good info that Phoenix is not centralized.

This is very helpful, thank you all, and any other comments are of course welcomed!

[yukon]

Does your DH do mainly residential or commerical design? That could have a big impact on your decision, based on job availability.

[AZ16]

Hello again, I've looked at the various neighborhoods/townships suggested here and Gold Canyon looks to be an excellent choice for us! From what we can see online we like the scenery and location, the housing options, and the demographics. In fact we like it A LOT (with out having visited, of course) - it is less urban than Tucson, most likely more promising for employment, a very large community with many options for friendships, and nature & views are abundant.

Apache Junction also recommended on my post on the Tucson forum, also looks good!

As for the golf... of the compromises we may have to make it's not so bad.

We're planning trip over the next few months to meet realtors, banks, (hopefully job interviews!) and we will definitely visit Gold Canyon/Apache Junction!!

[Jkgourmet]

Originally Posted by AZ16

Hello again, I've looked at the various neighborhoods/townships suggested here and Gold Canyon looks to be an excellent choice for us! From what we can see online we like the scenery and location, the housing options, and the demographics. In fact we like it A LOT (with out having visited, of course) - it is less urban than Tucson, most likely more promising for employment, a very large community with many options for friendships, and nature & views are abundant.

Apache Junction also recommended on my post on the Tucson forum, also looks good!

As for the golf... of the compromises we may have to make it's not so bad.

We're planning trip over the next few months to meet realtors, banks, (hopefully job interviews!) and we will definitely visit Gold Canyon/Apache Junction!!

Gold Canyon IS lovely, but you absolutely must consider the commute! If DH is working in Mesa or Gilbert, it should be fine, but forget about any other city in the metro phoenix area.

Also be aware that there are just a handful of restaurants, two grocery stores, and very limited local shopping. You'll be driving 10-20 miles each way on a regular basis for these things (in AJ or East Mesa or Gilbert), as well as ANY entertainment.

Seriously, you are putting the cart before the horse. Just stop looking at houses and areas until DH gets a job offer. Then see what's in that area in a commutable distance.

[sandy6879]

Originally Posted by Jkgourmet

Gold Canyon IS lovely, but you absolutely must consider the commute! If DH is working in Mesa or Gilbert, it should be fine, but forget about any other city in the metro phoenix area.

Also be aware that there are just a handful of restaurants, two grocery stores, and very limited local shopping. You'll be driving 10-20 miles each way on a regular basis for these things (in AJ or East Mesa or Gilbert), as well as ANY entertainment.

Seriously, you are putting the cart before the horse. Just stop looking at houses and areas until DH gets a job offer. Then see what's in that area in a commutable distance.

Fully agree with all of this. Unless you've driven this route, you won't actually realize just how far of a commute you'd be undertaking. This area is more spread out than people realize. Please - do yourselves a huge favor and don't look for housing until employment is found - and then live as close as possible. We say it so often on these boards because it's the truth.

[AZ16]

Thank you, with the information we've gotten here so far we now have some idea as to where to explore on our next trip.

My husband has been driving about 40 min to work every day, which in our rural region we consider to be "nearby" and acceptable, there isn't a lot of employment here and for people who are considering the quality of school districts a commute of even an hour is considered reasonable. We don't necessarily want to live as close as possible to my husband's work since that may not include a lifestyle that is acceptable to me, who spends much more time at home than he does. It would be ideal, of course, to have a short commute.

We buy groceries about twice a month and usually my husband gets them on his commute. Grocery stores are about 10-15 miles from our home. I dislike shopping, we eat out not very often, about 6-10 times each year. Perhaps we aren't "typical" in that regard. These are very legitimate points and we are making notes on all these insights!

Since this will be a significant lifestyle change in terms of climate, demographics, what types of housing are available, at what cost, what different communities are like, etc, we are getting a a basic idea of how to plan our visits, budget, etc. Thank goodness for the internet and for helpful forums like this one!

[sandy6879]

What you also have to keep in mind - many of these areas have 1 main way in and 1 main way out - and those are not freeways all the time. Gold Canyon, for example, gets hit with Renaissance Fair traffic for weekends over Febaury-March. The traffic is backed up for miles, and it crawls in and out with people going there.

Since there isn't a lot of infrastructure in areas such as that, the times to get places will take longer than what you're used to. You will absolutely be best served by coming out and visiting those areas. I'd advise, as always, renting before you purchase. It's one thing to drive in an area for a week or so. It's another to deal with it over a year's time. You learn pretty quickly what will work and what won't.

[AZ16]

^ Great advice! We'll be in AZ in March for serious reconnaissance (maybe even Renaissance )

[Jkgourmet]

Originally Posted by AZ16

^ Great advice! We'll be in AZ in March for serious reconnaissance (maybe even Renaissance )

There are far better ways to spend your time.

Again, I'll repeat: Where your husband will be working will determine where you live. And the rental suggestion was a VERY good one.