Need advice on good areas to live in Phoenix area. (Mesa: budget, job)

[strat]

We are considering a job offer in the Phoenix area. I have a map of all the zip codes in Phoenix. We would like to find a house between $170, 00 and $205,000. I have been to realtor.com and have found houses in the following zip codes: 85023 , 85017, 85051 , 85035 , 85033 . Does anybody have any opinions on theses areas? Also –

Where are safest areas to live in the Phoenix area within our budget? (Zip Codes)
Looking for a short commute. Will be working around the 85257 zip code.

We have two kids and currently live in the Chicago land area. Looking for a community that is not ghetto.

We understand there is crime everywhere and that the summers are extremely hot. I have been reading posts on Phoenix for a few hours and can see the variety of opinions on the city. Any information on safe, clean, areas within our budget ($170,000 – 205,000) would be appreciated.

Strat

[CodyW]

Okay, well, if you're working in 85257, thats going to be one hell of a commute from those zips. But, if I had to reccomend one to stay away from, 85035.

Other than that, have you looked at all the locations on Google Earth? It really gives you an idea of the distance between everything.



Try Mesa?

[strat]

Thanks. io eill look in mesa

Thanks for the info about google earth. its cool

[strat]

Wow! thank you Linda....scary stuff

[a1m1700]

Originally Posted by linda54

Glendale has been having a rash of child abductions with rape lately. I would say if you are looking for quiet and safety but being close to everything, look into Fountain Hills.

In that price range?

[strat]

Fountain hills is out of my price range. I did find a builder with new homes around $216,000 and I spoke with my morgage lender and can get the funds. The builder is K. Hovnanian Builders and the community is called The Villages at Crismon Creek,1740 S. Chatsworth
Mesa, Maricopa County, Arizona

Any opinions on the area or builder?

My new budget is $220,000 - $240,000

Thanks everybody for your time
Strat

[CodyW]

It seems like K-Hov is a smaller builder, which, in this market is usually a good thing. They won't just slap your house together like Beazer or KB would, and you'll usually get a friendly buying experience.

[strat]

thanks codyW. I spoke with them yesterday and they were helpful. We will be flying in a few weeks and will check them out.

Any other ideas would be welcome

Thanks

Strat

[letenn]

I live in Glendale. Actually the 85306 zip code area. I'm not sure about the "rash of child abductions with rape" Linda54 was talking about. I read the paper daily, and haven't seen these reports. The area I'm in is nice. Close to ASU West. It would be a long commute to the 85257 zip. I would stay on the East side. I'm actually born and raised in AZ. Not many of us natives here. I can't tell you much about that side of town. It's been awhile since I've been there, but I could answer other questions you may have.

[Steel87]

A lot of Glendale is nice. I also do not know what Linda is talking about. But currently there is a surge of new construction and retail and dining in Glendale.