Moving Questions (Phoenix, Tucson, Apache Junction: house, job market, neighborhood)

[Newbee1]

I am currently living in MI and considering moving to AZ (or possibly NM). I will be moving with my boyfriend, our 2 dogs, and 1 or 2 horses. I will be a new graduate and looking for a job in Occupational Therapy for me and a heavy equipment operator/construction job for him. We are wondering about the career opportunities, best place to live with horses, and house pricing. I would like you to keep in mind that we are just starting out and will possibly have a family one day so a good neighborhood too Thank you for the help, any information would help us out. Not sure where to live within the state, where is the best place to live??

[observer53]

That is such a broad question. Have you ever been here before?

In your fields, you will have better luck (and the job market is not great anywhere in AZ right now) in the population centers, Phoenix or Tucson. Horse property is available in both places. In Phoenix, it is mostly in the suburbs around the city, especially if you want an area where you can trail ride from home.

[azdr0710]

right off the top of my head, horse property in the Phx area might be up in the New River/Black Canyon City area, several miles N of Phx proper, not expensive but it won't be a bargain....also try areas of Apache Junction or the far SW areas of Phx??

for horse prop in Tucson, try the Three Points area (SW of town a little bit) and the Vail area just SE of town....also, Catalina, N of town, would have some property....

keep in mind that these won't be really cheap, being near the cities.....if you can find work a ways from Phx or Tuc, the sky's the limit on finding horse property

[Grannysroost]

I would realistically look where the most important job is and in hand and have some income... We are in Casa Grande and just rented a horse property (though no horse) for $400 mo plus electric and water. It is doable. Arizona is vast for what you are talking about. You need a job first then pick an area, or pick an area and look for a job first... In the AZ employment market you need the job or 1 at least first, best of luck