We're moving to AZ - need advice! (Phoenix, Glendale: renting, high crime)

[MotleyCrew]

Does anyone know if there is anyone looking for an architect in the Scottsdale area? That commute from Peoria would be a blessing compared to Tempe. The advice that the posters give new arrivals regarding stay close to your work is beyond valuable.

[mdkcobra]

I currently live in Queen creek and cover all the west as a sales rep. My commute is long 1-2 hours depending on traffic. You can get into a lease property in Queen Creek or lease opt from $1000-$1300 for Brand new homes 4 bed 2 bath and 1900sq ft or better.

we are leaving on a job reloc as well we are heading back east. when were you planning to come west?

We are in a lease opt and have a great realator that may be able to help.

Purchasing in Queen Creek right now is a steal, however you will have a commute.

[MOON VALLEY SAM]

Coming from Pennsylvania, you will be surprised (and delighted) at the almost total lack of flies and mosquitoes. We do not have screens, just open the French doors onto the patio, and rarely have seen a fly or mosquito in the house. I think people who move into newly developed areas do have problems with scorpions etc., but other than that - no problem.

We came from Indiana thirty years ago, and the one thing I do miss is rain. We don't get it. Almost never. But there are lots of good things that more than make up for the lack of rain.

Good luck with your move and finding housing. We have had a huge increase in housing costs the past couple of years, which is no problem for people coming from areas like California but for many others it is a big deal. The lucky thing is that your husband has a good job lined up. So many people come to Arizona without employment or the education to get a good job. They are the ones who suffer.

[ldsalesman]

Rent for 6 months and look for an area on a saturday to see what the neighboorhood is like when people are home.

ON the cars, Read how Arizona dept of INsurance website allows you to use Credit on rates.
I can make specific recommendation if you like?

[JillyBean]

Well my husband and I are having a home built in Queen Creek for 185,000 with lots of upgrades and on 1/3 of man acre. The commute will be brutal, but something that we are willing to sacrifice for right now. We are moving from New Jersey, which isnt too far from you.

It is very scary, we have 2 children, but we hope for the best. We have vacationed there about 10 times and have an uncle and grandparents that live in Scottsdale. FYI, my grandparents just bought there for 415,000. So as you can see that price is out of the question.

He will be making about the same salary as your husband, however we are taking a big pay cut from where we live now. But homes around here are throught he roof.

Hope this helps.

[anguyen8888]

If you are looing for a rental home and need month to month basis, I may be able to help. The home is in close to the Cardinals Stadium. Let me know if you would like more information. Please email me at an@efgaz.com

Good luck and let me know if I can help!

[imtaya2]

Renting is the way to go right now. THere are a lot of rentals because of the market. Prices you see in the website for builders are not current (learned that the hard way) you need to visit the communities to get the ACTUAL prices on homes. PULTE is expensive BUT KB Home is reasonable cause we have one.
As for car insurance, YES it is expensive plus registration is based on the age & type of car. Newer & high end = MORE Expensive. We were shocked to pay almost $500 for registration on a 2005 Dodge Caravan & 2003 Jeep Liberty.

[stephslug]

I've been on this forum looking for a place to live anywhere in the United States but Arizona. I get discouraged as I read the different posts regarding cities/states I'm interested in - Colorado is expensive, Houston has high property taxes, etc.

But, the one area I can speak from 100% experience is Arizona. I'm a native and live in Gilbert in the East Valley. I'm very familiar with Kierland golf course/airport area. From Gilbert it would take you at least 45 minutes to commute. At least. Gilbert is nice enough but you needed to move here about 5 years ago to afford it. The prices just aren't worth it. I saw your price range and it just isn't possible. My husband and I are renting as we just moved back from Ireland and wanted to be by my parents. My parents bought a house on a lake 6 years ago for $350,000 and now it is worth over $800,000 - we live across the street (non lakefront, not same subdivision) and our pathetic little house is selling for over $275,000 - though it was only $150,000 a few years ago.

Queen Creek is WAY too far to commute to Scottsdale and Maricopa shouldn't even be considered.

I forget if you mentioned if you had children - the schools are terrible (and I'm a teacher!) Arizona spends the lowest per student in the country! That is one of the main reasons I want out of here.

I don't know why people mention bugs - I grew up here and have never seen a scorpion - back when I was little in the early 70s I used to see some garden snakes and frogs but don't anymore... There are crickets, though, and I hate crickets!

I wish I could find something good to say about this unfortunate place I grew up... no seasons, overpriced homes, illegals, horrible drivers, bad schools, no sense of community... sorry... I'm trying....

Oh yeah - I have one thing - we are only a 5 1/2 hour drive from San Diego. Just got back from a week there and it's not a bad drive.

If there's any way you can get out, do, also, your husband's salary seems kind of low to sacrifice so much - I could understand if it was over $100,000.

Also, one thing worth noting, avoid the westside (Peoria, Glendale) - that's our illegal/white trash/high crime area. You'll notice this if you watch the evening news and see where all the murders/drug busts/rapes/etc. are happening.
Good luck.

[joemomma]

If I were you I would stay in PA. You can thank me later.

[greyhoundsrule]

Originally Posted by anguyen8888

If you are looing for a rental home and need month to month basis, I may be able to help. The home is in close to the Cardinals Stadium. Let me know if you would like more information. Please email me at an@efgaz.com

Good luck and let me know if I can help!

I'm not sure if you read this post but it's really OLD. We're already living here since February!

No thanks on helping me w/ a rental as we're already in one & have plans to buy a home before next Feb.