Moving to Az. places NOT to live? (Phoenix, Tucson: relocating, gated)

[doublet]

Originally Posted by tori

Well, because of a misunderstanding, she is not on the Phoenix list for the time being. Renting isn't out of the question, just doesn't seem to make financial sense.
thanks

I would recommend keeping Phoenix OFF the list, considering your situation. It is VERY expensive to live in the area. Anything for 125K will put you in crummy, dangerous parts of town. And then there is the cost of a vehicle, which you almost MUST have--insurance, taxes, gas, maintenance (you do NOT want to break down on the interstate ). Even with what seems like a significant salary increase, it probably won't set you ahead all that much when you take in cost of living and quality of life in Phoenix. You may want to hold tight and send resumes to some of the other cities people recommended, rather than making the leap to Phoenix, Vegas or Little Rock. But if those are your only options, Little Rock will probably find you happier and financially stronger. The very best of luck to you and your family.

[azgirlnd]

I thinking it really depends on the part of the city you live, not the city as a whole. Every one has it good and bad areas. One thread stated don't live in Tempe unless you want to be up until 3am. Well I live in south Tempe, pretty far from ASU and it is so quite and quite safe. I have also lived in Glendale as well and felt pretty safe. Watch out for some apartments, they may look nice but are not that safe. Also Arizona is big for car theft and whether you live in Scottsdale or downtown Phoenix it can happen. Other burb I like are Avondale (west), Chandler (south) and Cave Creek (North). Apache Junction and Gilbert on the east side have really made some improvements with housing as well.

[jaada]

Originally Posted by Cristin

Yuma. Don't move to Yuma.

yep yuma- dont move here! its awful

[Blue Grass Fever]

Globe and Miami are good places...east of Mesa....better than the city of PHX.

Glendale is another nice suburb in metro PHX.

[a1m1700]

Originally Posted by azgirlnd

I thinking it really depends on the part of the city you live, not the city as a whole. Every one has it good and bad areas. One thread stated don't live in Tempe unless you want to be up until 3am. Well I live in south Tempe, pretty far from ASU and it is so quite and quite safe. I have also lived in Glendale as well and felt pretty safe. Watch out for some apartments, they may look nice but are not that safe. Also Arizona is big for car theft and whether you live in Scottsdale or downtown Phoenix it can happen. Other burb I like are Avondale (west), Chandler (south) and Cave Creek (North). Apache Junction and Gilbert on the east side have really made some improvements with housing as well.

All those areas mentioned have good and some really bad areas.
Glendale has some good and some REALLY BAD areas. South Tempe is nice. Avondale good and some REALLY BAD areas, Apache Junction Ok areas and some REALLY BAD areas. SE Mesa has some nice areas that border Gilbert.

[PatrickScottsdale]

There are good and bad areas in every part of the valley, in every city. Figure out what you want to live near -- a school district, work, or a family member -- then find a nice area that is near them. There are lots of web sites that will show crime rates, sex offenders, price trends, etc. for almost any part of the valley. Feel free to contact me if you would like help in checking out anything in Maricopa County. (480) 390-7369

Required blurb: I'm a Realtor working with 1st USA Realty Professionals, Inc.

[azwoodworking]

Surprise is a nice area if you want more affordable housing in a safe neighborhood. The whole area has boomed in the last 10 years so most of the homes are newer. There are 2 Sun Cities there, which is nice. The people are so friendly. There is lots of shopping and restraunts. We live there so I can answer any quetions you have about the area.

[MotleyCrew]

If we had to choose areas other than Peoria, we would probably choose Surprise for the affordability and new shopping, next Prescott for the wonderful, historic town and the surroundings. N. Phoenix isnt bad if you have to drive into downtown. Parts of N. Glendale are nice too. Always a good idea to come and stay for awhile to see the different areas. Took us a year to find our spot.

[azloafer]

Green Valley, AZ; The best little unincorporated city in the South west. The summers are cooler than Phoenix by 10 degrees.

[LGub]

Gilbert, Avondale, Surprise, Anthem and Glendale.