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

[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.

[jenlyn]

Hello, how big of a home are you looking for? Unfortunately in that price range, it would be very hard to find a home, well, in a clean, safe area.
I wish you the best but Phoenix is still very, very expensive. But, good luck..

[strat]

need three bed room 1.5 bath...anf ideas?

[xphx]

[quote=strat;64479]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?QUOTE]

Sorry, but you should try to avoid all of those zip codes except possibly 85023. Generally I would try to stay on the east side of highway I-17 and north of I-10. Another area in which you might find somthing in that price range is 85339. It has a lot of new developments and is close to town, but in order to get there you do have to drive through some of Phoenix's poorest neighborhoods. I recommend that you rent first and get a feeling for the area before you buy anything. Good Luck!

[strat]

Jenlyn, XPHX,

Thanks for you response. I do appreciate them.

“Generally I would try to stay on the east side of highway I-17 and north of I-10.” A lot of people have been saying the same thing. We are thinking of renting but not sure at this time. We also have a large dog and finding someone to rent to a family with a dog is hard to find. Also, I hate knowing that my money is not working for me. I do realize that if we have to rent for a SHORT time, we will.

Any other advice would be welcome.

Thanks Strat.

[Azrider]

Originally Posted by strat

“Generally I would try to stay on the east side of highway I-17 and north of I-10.” A lot of people have been saying the same thing. We are thinking of renting but not sure at this time.
Thanks Strat.

I agree with that to a point. Chandler and Gilbert and the southeast valley are pretty decent areas. Apache Junction is not bad. Scottsdale is nice too, but expensive. I currently live in Scottsdale, but am planning to move to Tolleson in a couple months to save some money on rent and the commute time to work. Tolleson, Avondale, Peoria, and Goodyear are all nicer areas. I would steer clear of Tempe, Mesa, South Phoenix, Guadalupe, and Glendale IMO.

[micrguy]

I live in zip code 85029 which straddles I-17 and is in between 85051 and 85053. There are neighborhoods that are bad and there are neighborhoods that are good. A better rule regarding I-17 is to avoid neighborhoods a half mile in any direction of the freeway. My neighborhood is a great little neighborhood and is a little over a mile west of the I-17. There are nice neighborhoods over here, you just need to check them out.

[brian_2]

Why does no ever seem to mention Ahwahtukee (ok, I can't spell) and the Ahwahtukee foothills as an ok area of Phoenix to live? One of my brothers lives there with his family, and although I dislike going down to Phoenix intensely, Ahwahtukee seems as good as, or better than a lot of other places I've visited down there. Long time Phoenicians - what's up with Ahwahtukee? Please elaborate. Thanks!

[a1m1700]

Originally Posted by brian_2

Why does no ever seem to mention Ahwahtukee (ok, I can't spell) and the Ahwahtukee foothills as an ok area of Phoenix to live? One of my brothers lives there with his family, and although I dislike going down to Phoenix intensely, Ahwahtukee seems as good as, or better than a lot of other places I've visited down there. Long time Phoenicians - what's up with Ahwahtukee? Please elaborate. Thanks!

Nothing wrong with it, but it's pricey.

[sablebaby]

I wish you luck with your search. I am a part time realtor and have to say to stay out of those zip codes. Your budget won't get you much even in a bad neighorhood these days. Even if you move far out in a new, cheap (not even that cheap anymore) won't necaessarily put you in a "good" area. I have seen many brand new areas turn to crap real fast. Even a condo is expensive. If might be able to find a nice little neighborhood somewhere but it will take a lot of looking. Your price range was our range two years ago and we ended up buying a house for 300k earlier this year.

Have you been out here before? I would suggest getting out here and take look at the areas and find a good realtor to take you around. If you cant do that, then you need to rent first for a few months. Take your time and find the right place for you. It would not be good to buy something just to buy something and end up in a scary area.