North Phoenix (Glendale, Scottsdale, Tempe: rent , suburban, move)

[tomahawk]

What are considered the boundaries that make up North Phoenix? I'm speaking of the nice areas to live in with decent schools.

[silverbear]

I'd say that it's everything in Phoenix city limits that is north of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve (Piestewa Peak, Dreamy Draw, North Mountain, Shaw Butte, etc.) Street boundaries will vary due to the irregularity of the mountains, but east of the 51 Freeway, I'd say everything north of Shea is in North Phoenix. West of the 51 Freeway, it shifts up to Cactus and Thunderbird. Everything from there up to the city limits is North Phoenix, even though there are individual neighborhoods within that area with their own identities (e.g. Moon Valley)Generally, anything south of the Phoenix Mountains Preseve is not in North Phoenix. North Central Phoenix, for example, is south of the mountains and is distinct from North Phoenix.

Some of North Phoenix is a nice suburban area; other parts are not as nice. There are other regulars on this board who know the area better than I and can help you sort out the good and the bad. Personally, I prefer the areas south of the mountains, including North Central Phoenix, Arcadia, etc. for good neighborhoods and schools closer to Downtown.

[tomahawk]

Thanks. I'll see what others have to say too.

I'm having a hard time deciding exactly where to rent at first.

North Phoenix, Ahwatukee, South Tempe, Scottsdale.......?

[sablebaby]

I agree with Silverbear with what constitutes north Phx. Others have said in the past a boundary MUCH further south, which I just don't agree with. It's hard to pinpoint some of the better areas. There are many areas in n. phx that are not that great, IMO. You would have to drive around to see what you think. There are a few areas that I like, one is close to the Scottsdale boundary (which is Tatum blvd), up near Greenway, Bell, and Union Hills. I've heard the schools are good up here (PVSD) (the more south you go by just a few miles they aren't as good anymore). This area is actually NE Phx.

After living almost my whole life in N. or NE Phx, I eventually moved to N. Peoria and then to N. Glendale, which is so much nicer and newer. Also, with good schools (Deer Valley SD).