Relocating from So Cal to Phoenix Area

[ErikCortez]

Originally Posted by BacktoBlue

really, some people say the stupidist things on this board.

I was talking about LA and the OC. They are high dollar, even the bad parts. Places like San Jacinto, etc. are much cheaper.

[Java Jolt]

Originally Posted by Palenaka

Thanks everyone for all your suggestions!

@Observer: Tempe does sound like what we are looking for! I really appreciate your post which enticed me to do a little research! The Tempe visitors bureau website and their links are awesome and we really like what we see! I also like the option of public transportation in Tempe.

@Java Jolt: Where exactly is Central and East Phoenix? Phoenix is such a large city...I've been looking at the crime map and locations of cultural activities only.

@ DewDropInn: I know I won't miss the traffic here in So Cal! I commuted daily 100 miles for 11 years. UGH! The last two years I am homebased and I may only drive a 100 miles a month I'm glad to hear you like Arizona!

@BecomingJane: Nice to hear you don't regret your move! We will take a look at Gilbert too. Thanks for your tips on things to do!

@:ErikCortez: Thanks for the Scottsdale tip!

Central Phoenix would be around the downtown or midtown area, east Phoenix is anywhere east of there.

Both the central and eastern parts of Phoenix have plenty of good neighborhoods, mostly older areas but there are some parts that are not so good.

You just have to do your homework and pick a location that you like best and is close to all the things you are looking for.

[azriverfan.]

I would examine North Chandler-South Tempe area. You have the best of both worlds. You are close enough to Chandler so you are close to great shopping, restaurants etc. You are close enough to Tempe to be fairly central in the Valley and proximal to freeways with quick access to great things about Tempe. Also the population in that area is ideal. They are educated with moderate-left politically. There is also a lot of diversity in the area and there are many parks. The weather is better too. In the summer, the area gets a lot of rain so it doesn't feel as hot as some areas in the Valley and in the winter, it doesn't get as cold as the northern aspects of the Valley. The Kyrene School District is in the area which is one of the best in Valley.

[Palenaka]

Originally Posted by Captain Bill

You'll find the home prices lower in Gilbert also. On an average per square foot cost basis, Tempe housing costs more than Chandler, and Chandler costs more than Gilbert, and Gilbert costs more than most areas of Mesa.

I live in Gilbert near the freeway 60, so it's fairly quick to go to cultural events anywhere in Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale or downtown Phoenix.

Gilbert is known as a bedroom community which has plenty of shopping and dining; and two great hospitals, plus a large MD Anderson cancer treatment center under construction.

Two large shopping complexes that also have dining are Dana Park Village (actually located in Mesa on the border of Gilbert, and San Tan Village, which has a large central walkable shopping area.

Thanks for all of the great information Captain Bill! We will be in the Phoenix area in two weeks to start exploring

[Palenaka]

Originally Posted by Java Jolt

Central Phoenix would be around the downtown or midtown area, east Phoenix is anywhere east of there.

Both the central and eastern parts of Phoenix have plenty of good neighborhoods, mostly older areas but there are some parts that are not so good.

You just have to do your homework and pick a location that you like best and is close to all the things you are looking for.

Thanks Java Jolt! We are planning three or four visits before we make a final decision. I am very excited to be visiting in two weeks! Now if I can just focus on housing instead of being distracted by all the fun things to do!

[Palenaka]

Originally Posted by azriverfan.

I would examine North Chandler-South Tempe area. You have the best of both worlds. You are close enough to Chandler so you are close to great shopping, restaurants etc. You are close enough to Tempe to be fairly central in the Valley and proximal to freeways with quick access to great things about Tempe. Also the population in that area is ideal. They are educated with moderate-left politically. There is also a lot of diversity in the area and there are many parks. The weather is better too. In the summer, the area gets a lot of rain so it doesn't feel as hot as some areas in the Valley and in the winter, it doesn't get as cold as the northern aspects of the Valley. The Kyrene School District is in the area which is one of the best in Valley.

Thanks azriverfan! Thus is great information, I appreciate all of the details We will be staying in Tempe in a few weeks to start exploring these areas!