Relocating from Canada to Arizona (Phoenix, Glendale: housing, rent, travel)

[gamosa]

I am so glad I found this website. There is a ton of valuable information for anyone moving anywhere. Thanks to so many people, many of my questions were answered but I do have a few more. My husband and I may have the opportunity to relocate to Arizona and we're considering the city of Anthem. My husband has travelled to Phoenix on business tons of times over the last 10 years, and on his last trip he met someone who lives in Anthem and they recommended it as a nice place to live. Before you comment, please know that we are a mid to late 30s couple, with one cat and no children, and no plans for kids. We currently live just outside the largest city in Canada so we know about growing cities, large developments, crime, etc... 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. Unfortunately, in a cold climate you don't always want to be out doing something, so the thought of warm, even hot weather doesn't bother us. 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?

My other question relates specifically to housing. I found a great website for newcomers to Arizona and one topic dealt with all the lovely critters that can be found around Arizona - from killer bees to scorpions to rattlesnakes...scary...but what is the reality of finding such critters in your yard or worse, in your house? I realize the likelihood of finding a rattlesnake in your suburban yard is next to nil, but what about other bugs and critters?

And lastly, if Arizona is such a hot climate year round, why do so many houses have wall to wall carpetting? I have browsed through hundreds of home listings in Anthem and Scottsdale and like 90% of the homes have carpetting. Is there a problem with hardwood and the heat? Why don't more people use ceramic or other tile as it's cooler on the feet?

I look forward to all your replies, and thanks for helping me out. Have a good one

[sablebaby]

Anthem is a very nice place. I can't help you too much with what is up there as I have only been there a few times to shop at the outlet mall.

Where is your husband working that it will only take 30-40 mins to commute? I live 12 miles south of Anthem (right off the 17) and it takes me 35-40 mins to go to central phx and that's NOT on the freeway which is too packed in the morning. The traffic on the 17 (the only way out of Anthem basically) is outrageous and takes much longer to get to phx.

I think many people opt for carpetting when they buy their new home as it's cheaper to later have it installed by someone else. I have hardwood flooring, with carpet in the bedrooms and actually wish I had the carpet throughout. It's much easier for me to keep clean. I hate walking around and picking up crumbs on my feet (I know, I need to clean my floor more often .

[silverbear]

I would not recommend Anthem unless you work from home. Anthem was built far past the outer fringes of the metro area without the needed upgrades in the roads reaching it. In fact, there is really only one road leading to Anthem, and that is I-17, which is clogged almost every day. If you or your husband end up working anywhere in Central Phoenix or the East Valley, your commute could end up being substantially longer than 30-40 minutes. In addition, the stores and restaurants serving Anthem are still quite limited at this time. For all but the most basic needs, you'll be driving to north Phoenix, and even there you'll find mostly big box stores and chain restaurants until you get closer to the heart of the city.

If you are used to Toronto, Phoenix will be quite different, but you'll probably experience less of a shock if you settle closer in. I'd suggest looking at Phoenix neighborhoods such as Moon Valley, Northeast Phoenix, North Central Phoenix, Biltmore, Arcadia, and possibly Ahwatukee. All of these areas are closer to hiking trails, most employment centers, and cultural attractions than Anthem.

As for carpet, I think it's the default option with new construction because it is both cheap and easily removed. Many older homes, however, will have tile floors since owners often upgrade to a cooler hard-surface flooring when they update their homes.

As for creepy-crawlies, they'll be the least of your worries. Just try to set up regular service with a pest control company and seal up any cracks and holes in your house.

[sablebaby]

If I were to recommend areas I would look at north Glendale, even the area closer to the 17. Or on the east side of 17 on Happy Valley rd. But even so, our valley is SO large that it's difficult to know where to move to unless you have lived here for a long time.

First find out where exactly your husband will be working and then we can really help you with great areas to live that won't kill him in a drive.

[gamosa]

The company is located in Phoenix - more in the industrial area? What are home values like in Scottsdale? Is there anything decent to be had for about $400,000? We definitely don't want a big home - 1800 sq ft max. Scottsdale seems to have a lot of bungalows, especially ranch styles, and the homes tend to have more grassy lawns than in the outskirts, which would be nice since we're used to lush green lawns in Canada. I do appreciate your feedback. Thanks

[sablebaby]

Sure you can find homes in Scottsdale for that amount, however you will be in the lower end areas. There will be some in the very lower portion of north scottsdale, but most would be in the southern scottsdale area which some don't care for. What is it about Scottsdale that interests you? If you just want the address, you may be better off looking in better areas for the price. Like I said North Glendale for one is VERY nice, especially in the Arrowhead Ranch area which you defintely can have a nice home and a nice area for $400k. There are lots of very nice/upscale neighborhoods without the Scottsdale address.

[silverbear]

Originally Posted by gamosa

The company is located in Phoenix - more in the industrial area?

Phoenix is huge -- nearly 500 square miles not counting the surrounding suburbs. Can you be more specific about the worksite?

[gamosa]

Originally Posted by sablebaby

Sure you can find homes in Scottsdale for that amount, however you will be in the lower end areas. There will be some in the very lower portion of north scottsdale, but most would be in the southern scottsdale area which some don't care for. What is it about Scottsdale that interests you? If you just want the address, you may be better off looking in better areas for the price. Like I said North Glendale for one is VERY nice, especially in the Arrowhead Ranch area which you defintely can have a nice home and a nice area for $400k. There are lots of very nice/upscale neighborhoods without the Scottsdale address.

Not being from the Phoenix area, I only have names that you hear more frequently, like Scottsdale. My main objective is to find a nice, clean and safe community that is close to all amenities. I will have a look at homes for sales in north Glendale...once I find it on the map Thanks

[sablebaby]

You will find most any area in the metro area to be near anything you possibly would need. It's just a matter of exploring around to see where you "fit". When looking on a map in n. glendale, I recommend north of Union Hills, however I am REALLY particular to the area just north of the Loop 101, in the area between 51st ave to 67th ave.

[gamosa]

Originally Posted by silverbear

Phoenix is huge -- nearly 500 square miles not counting the surrounding suburbs. Can you be more specific about the worksite?

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