Relocating from Canada to Arizona

[sablebaby]

Well, that makes a big difference! I can see the attraction to Anthem, being right off the 17. I would seriously look at all areas around the Loop 101 to the north on both sides of the 17. You can't go too wrong with those areas. Don't look at much near the 17, unless you up more north like Happy Valley or Pinnacle Peak. Your husband should be looking at a shorter commute if you play it this way.

[silverbear]

Originally Posted by gamosa

The worksite is east of the 17 and north of W Dunlap and we're looking for an area with a 40-45 min maximum commute

Okay, that makes Anthem a slightly less outrageous proposition, but I still wouldn't recommend it. It's just too far from everything that you might want to do after work and on weekends.

For that work location, I would try for North Central Phoenix or Moon Valley. Both are just a few miles east and are attractive, centrally located neighborhoods. $400,000 will be a stretch, however. One option might be to buy a condominium and upgrade a few years later to a house.

If you really want a house right away, then maybe Glendale or Peoria would be feasible. Personally, I'd trade off living in a condo or smaller house for a few years in order to be more centrally located, but that's a matter of personal preference. Make sure to come visit and have a look at these areas before making any decisions.

[sablebaby]

From where I live (which isn't that far out), I'd be a happy camper to work near 17 and Dunlap. I think a ten mile commute to work would be ideal. I don't think living in a condo nearby and then trading up later on is a good idea. Not when there are numerous options that aren't that far from the work location.

[JMX]

Originally Posted by gamosa

We live a pretty quiet lifestyle, spending nights at home relaxing or venturing out to Starbucks for a latte and we enjoy outdoor activities and shopping on the weekend.
[...snip...]
We're looking for a relatively safe community, with access to stores, libraries, coffee places, etc that is close enough to head to the mountains for a quick hike. My husband knows his commute would be about 30-40 mins and he's use to this, so travelling to work isn't an issue. So would Anthem be the place for us? Does anyone have any other suggestions?

From what you describe, I don't think Anthem is the right place for you. Anthem is a nice place to live (so I'm told) but it doesn't really offer those things you said you like doing. My impression is that Anthem's selling points are centered more around activities for the kids (parks, playgrounds, sports, etc.)

I enjoy the same types of activities that you mentioned and it seems that I'm always having to drive somewhere--which means at least 20-30 minutes in the car and so I do those things less often now. I live east of I-17 off Carefree Hwy, roughly 5-6 miles south of Anthem. But I used to live near Rt. 51 south of the 101 and it was very convenient. A more centrally-located area like that may be a better fit for you and your husband.

[rock23]

I am also orginally from Canada and lived in Scotsdale for almost a year. If your comparing things to the suburbs of Toronto, I recomend Scottsdale, Phoneix vs relocating to Anthem. Toronto has a much bigger downtown feel than Phoenix and I think you might find Anthem a little to small and quiet compared to where you live now. Re the weather. The summers are extremely hot but much more comfortable than the ugly humid summers of Toronto. When I was living there, the months of October to April had the best weather I ever imagined and you will love it. Just picture May and early June weather in Toronto almost year round with the exception of the 3-5 hot summer months. Good luck!

[gamosa]

Originally Posted by silverbear

Okay, that makes Anthem a slightly less outrageous proposition, but I still wouldn't recommend it. It's just too far from everything that you might want to do after work and on weekends.

For that work location, I would try for North Central Phoenix or Moon Valley. Both are just a few miles east and are attractive, centrally located neighborhoods. $400,000 will be a stretch, however. One option might be to buy a condominium and upgrade a few years later to a house.

If you really want a house right away, then maybe Glendale or Peoria would be feasible. Personally, I'd trade off living in a condo or smaller house for a few years in order to be more centrally located, but that's a matter of personal preference. Make sure to come visit and have a look at these areas before making any decisions.

Your suggestion to check out North Central Phoenix is greatly appreciated. And I agree with your philosophy of going with the condo initially and then deciding if a house is right. We're use to condo living and actually prefer it to a house. In browsing some listings in Phoenix, I found some nice condo/townhomes. Is there a particular boundary you would suggest when focusing in on the North Central Phoenix area? How about neighborhoods east of route 51? Thanks again.

[silverbear]

Originally Posted by gamosa

Your suggestion to check out North Central Phoenix is greatly appreciated. And I agree with your philosophy of going with the condo initially and then deciding if a house is right. We're use to condo living and actually prefer it to a house. In browsing some listings in Phoenix, I found some nice condo/townhomes. Is there a particular boundary you would suggest when focusing in on the North Central Phoenix area? How about neighborhoods east of route 51? Thanks again.

I would define North Central as the area bounded on the west by 19th Ave, on the south by Camelback, on the north by Northern Ave and the Arizona Canal, and on the east by the 51 Freeway; however, I would suggest staying east of 15th Ave in order to avoid some dodgy areas on the western edge of the neighborhood.

East of the 51 Freeway is generally good as long as its north of Camelback. That's the Biltmore Area, which is more upscale than North Central. South of Camelback, it's a bit more hit-and-miss.