Which city should we move to? (Phoenix, Mesa: low crime, high school, community college)

[lilygirl]

My son and I might move to Arizona when he graduates high school in 2008. I want to retire there and he wants to attend college. He is very good with computers. We are tired of cold months in Pennsylvania. We want to live in a quiet residential town near the desert but close enough to the city. Also, no snow at all, low crime rate. Any suggestions? Thank you.

[AZPROPERTIES4U]

Hello, I would recommend a place like Goodyear, AZ or Waddel. You would be far enough to give you some peace and quiet, and also great appreciation, however you would be 25 minutes from downtown phoenix. Most of the growth is occuring in the West Valley of Phoenix. Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Surprise or some of the fastest growing cities. All relatively safe. Buckeye is also another up and coming place, however I am a investor, and I wouldn't really recommend Buckeye now. Maybe in a year my advice about may change, but right now I would stick with those three cities.

[monsoon74]

I would recommend Avondale/Goodyear. Not too close to the city, yet close to the freeway, close to the desert, and all your necessary amenities are right there.

[AksarbeN]

Originally Posted by lilygirl

My son and I might move to Arizona when he graduates high school in 2008. I want to retire there and he wants to attend college. He is very good with computers. We are tired of cold months in Pennsylvania. We want to live in a quiet residential town near the desert but close enough to the city. Also, no snow at all, low crime rate. Any suggestions? Thank you.

What college would your son think about attending? If he would be staying with you while going to school (college) you might consider a location where he can more easily commute to class, and where you can continue your profession if you are not retired at that time.

College locations are ASU in Tempe, and there is another ASU campus located in n/w Phoenix near n/e Glendale. They are building another campus in downtown Phoenix that will be related more to the bio-medical fields of study I believe.

Other towns with community colleges are Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale and Mesa. There are other technical schools located all over the metro area.

I have no knowledge of any community colleges in Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Gilbert, Chandler, Avondale, Goodyear, Buckeye, Litchfield Park, Surprise, Peoria, Cave Creek.

As for a quiet residential town near the desert that you mentioned – just about anyplace on the “very far” east or west sides of metro Phoenix valley but you’re looking for a long way outside the area as everything is spreading out “fast”. Then it may be too far out to commute to schools.

[Ponderosa]

Estrella Community College is the one that serves Goodyear, Avondale, etc. It is at Dysart and Thomas, I believe.

[LGub]

Avondale, Goodyear, Buckeye in the west, Gilbert and Queen Creek in the east/south of the valley.

[kawgpz550]

Check out Bullhead City, AZ. Maybe too far from the city for what you're looking for??? Our community has approximately 75,000 residents. This does not only include Bullhead City, however. We are on the border of Arizona, California and Nevada. Our cost of living is considerably lower than the Phoenix area. We have Mohave Community College here and UNLV (univ. of Nevada Las Vegas) is only 90 miles away (1 1/2 hour drive). There are 10 casinos here which is of course the biggest industry. We have to Colorado River and Lake Mohave for Boating, Jetskis etc. Don't know how big of a city you are looking for, but this area is growing all of the time!
If you have any questions, ask away!