Moving to Az. places NOT to live? (Phoenix, Tucson: credit, house)

[azloafer]

Originally Posted by caterwaulin

Within a 30 minute drive...during rush hour, that would be less than 5 miles or so. I wouldn't live within a 10 mile radius of the Airport. The average cost of rent I would say is over $900/month for a decent house. That's even for a shanti. Apartments may run a bit less. My x is from Michigan and the cost of living is much lower there...of course, the weather can be frightful!

Homes in Green Valley rent for $2,000 a month! I have two on my street. They are 2BR, 2B, 2car garage and a den. 1750 square Ft.

[Master Shake]

Most of what has been posted here is fairly correct. The important thing to consider is where will you be working? If you will be working downtown or near the airport, then almost every one of the cities (outside of actual Phoenix) listed will require about 45-60 min. of rush hour traffic. All cities will have good and bad areas. Also, the further out you go, the lower the overall price will be (generally speaking). For the East side, Chandler, Gilbert, some parts of Mesa have more good than bad areas. For the North West side, Surprise, Peoria, and North Glendale also have more good than bad areas. Scottsdale (especially North Scottsdale, and also Paradise Valley) is generally a very nice area -- but is also very expensive (compared to the rest of the PHX area). Even further out, you have the areas in Pinal County (Queen Creek, Apache Junction, Maricopa, Casa Grande, etc.) which are mostly newer and a little less expensive, but the commute times are even worse.

As far as "what areas to avoid" goes, I would say that South/West/Central Phoenix will tend to have more bad areas than good -- but of course, there will also be some pockets that are just fine.

[froggin4colorado]

I lived in Kearny, AZ from 1986-1994. Small copper mining town with your typical small town issues. If you don't have kids, its a quiet community.

We used to do our major shopping in Phx or Tucson. When I went back in 2005, I couldn't believe how large Phx has gotten! I visited friends in January who lived across the street from a park. The park was actually CLOSED during the daytime in the week and opened at 4pm! Can you believe it? A closed park!! How can a park close? You could only access the park on weekends and after 4pm during the weekday. What about playgroups with other mothers? You can't take your toddler to the park? I am betting it was due to the location, but it was still mind blowing. Living in Colorado Springs now, I am spoiled with it's culture.

[Moving to AZ]

Can anyone tell me how the area is around the stadiums in Glendale, specifically the Rovey Farms subdivision and the Westgate Mall. We are moving from Chicago next month and have a standing offer to move in that area. Also, any public transportation to get around there?

[azjack]

"Can anyone tell me how the area is around the stadiums in Glendale, specifically the Rovey Farms subdivision and the Westgate Mall. We are moving from Chicago next month and have a standing offer to move in that area. Also, any public transportation to get around there?"

There is definitely a lot of activity in that area. It gets pretty heavy traffic from the NFL and NHL games, plus concerts, etc. The shopping areas are a big draw, too. It will definitely be crazy for the Super Bowl in early 2008, but those SB activites only last for a week.

I saw something on the local news about local residents having to show passes to go through certain neighborhoods to reduce the number of people cutting through residential subdivisions during large events. It would not be my first choice of areas to live in.

[LVGAZ]

Originally Posted by ohio dave

My wife and I are interested in relocating from Ohio to the Phoenix area. We lived there for a couple of years in the early eighties and fell in love with the weather. We were back this past Dec. and spent a week in the Arizona sunshine! (verses Ohio cloudy skies 60% of the time). Can anyone give me a good starting point for checking out schools? We have one in middle school and two in high school. Thanks!

GIlbert is a great community and schools are very good - check out Highland High and Greenfield Junior - we have been very pleased and have lived here for over 12 years from the East.

[Moving to AZ]

I am from Chicago so traffic is a non-issue.

I am more concerned with the crime in the general area ...... Rovey Farms and that part of Glendale in general. Can anyone enlighten us?

[sablebaby]

Originally Posted by Moving to AZ

I am from Chicago so traffic is a non-issue.

I am more concerned with the crime in the general area ...... Rovey Farms and that part of Glendale in general. Can anyone enlighten us?

Don't be too sure of yourself. The traffic will probably be an issue. Our streets and freeways are smaller than in Chicago. There seems to always be road closures as well and then there's the after work traffic to compete with. Then factor in the 115 degree days - have fun!

[ohio dave]

Originally Posted by LVGAZ

GIlbert is a great community and schools are very good - check out Highland High and Greenfield Junior - we have been very pleased and have lived here for over 12 years from the East.

Thanks LVGAS. I'm adding these to my list to check out. Gilbert seems like a great place for families.

[AzDesertRat86]

It really varies where not to live due to high crime. If you have the money, try Verrado out in Buckeye. It is a good place for outsiders from other states to move. It is expensive, but it is a gated community.

There is going to be crime anywhere you go really. You can have a good neighborhood with kids playing in the streets all day, nice and quiet, and then a block away it is gangs and graffiti on the walls. Pretty much where there are Mexicans. Alot of people will complain because I just said that but it is the truth.
When you move to Arizona, make sure you lock your doors and keep anything you don't want stolen out of sight.