A few questions about the city of Phoenix (Tucson, Scottsdale: real estate, apartments)

[Mason19]

Hey there, looking for a little help with my potential move to Phoenix. I was contacted by Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport for an interview anytime within the next 6 months and I need some advice on finding a place.

Where would be a good place to rent that is within 45 minute drive of the airport (closer the better) but also within access of public transportation in case I have to bus to work for the first little while?

• What would the average two bedroom apartment go for in Phoenix?

• How is the public transportation in Phoenix?

• Is there a city or town just outside the busy area where I can exist quietly?

• What’s crime like in Phoenix?

• Is daycare expensive?

• Is cost of living higher than Orlando?

• What’s it like in Phoenix in general? I’ve read a few of the negative things but what are some of the better reasons to live there?

• How long of a drive to the nearest beach?

Any thoughts, advice or suggestions?

TX

Mason19

[silverbear]

You might want to post this in the Phoenix Area forum; this one is more for statewide issues and questions about communities not in either the Phoenix or Tucson metro areas.

[Magnum Mike]

Originally Posted by Mason19

Hey there, looking for a little help with my potential move to Phoenix. I was contacted by Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport for an interview anytime within the next 6 months and I need some advice on finding a place.

Where would be a good place to rent that is within 45 minute drive of the airport (closer the better) but also within access of public transportation in case I have to bus to work for the first little while?

• What would the average two bedroom apartment go for in Phoenix?

• How is the public transportation in Phoenix?

• Is there a city or town just outside the busy area where I can exist quietly?

• What’s crime like in Phoenix?

• Is daycare expensive?

• Is cost of living higher than Orlando?

• What’s it like in Phoenix in general? I’ve read a few of the negative things but what are some of the better reasons to live there?

• How long of a drive to the nearest beach?

Any thoughts, advice or suggestions?

TX

Mason19

Apartments - Average 2-bedroom apartment in a decent area is about $800
Public transportation - It's not that great, we only have busses right now but a light rail system will go online late next year.
City or town just outside the busy area - You'll have to be on the outskirts of the metro area, or drive about 40-55 miles in order to be in a small quite town.
Crime - As long as you stay away from the Maryvalle area (west central Phoenix) you shouldn't have any problems with crime.
Daycare - I can't answer that for you because I don't have any kids.
Cost of living - I've never lived in Orlando so I can't answer that, but I would guess Phoenix is cheaper than Orlando.
Negatives and positives about Phoenix - Mild falls, winters and springs, but brutally hot late springs and summers. The only significant amount of rain we get here is this time of the year, the Monsoon. Phoenix is also in a valley surrounded by mountains in all directions, so on polluted days if there's no wind, you'll get air stagnation. Arizona has a lot of good things, scenery and a lot of open space, and the good thing about the Phoenix metro area is real estate is priced relatively cheaper than other places around the country.
Nearest beach - About 6 and a half hours to either San Diego, or Los Angeles or 5 hours to Rocky Point, Mexico.

[Mason19]

Originally Posted by silverbear

You might want to post this in the Phoenix Area forum; this one is more for statewide issues and questions about communities not in either the Phoenix or Tucson metro areas.

thanks, will do

[ItalianGrl88]

What would the average two bedroom apartment go for in Phoenix? In a nice area.......800 - 1200.

• How is the public transportation in Phoenix? I don't use it but I see it all the time Those busses are everywhere! And they are finnishing the new lightrail system that runs through town.

• Is there a city or town just outside the busy area where I can exist quietly? If you care about crime i would get as far out of phoenix and away from the 17 as you can....preferably go north west or north east.

• What’s crime like in Phoenix? High....according to ALL of the "most dangerouse city" sites......If you don't mind a commute I would check out the north west or north east valley.

• Is daycare expensive? Very...my daughter is 4 currently in preschool and with my "break" from being a teacher in the district it is still 600 a month. (full time) but you can always find private care...just be very very careful there are lots of sites that can recommend registered home daycares.

• Is cost of living higher than Orlando? This I am honestly not sure about, never been to orlando.....

• What’s it like in Phoenix in general? I’ve read a few of the negative things but what are some of the better reasons to live there? There are a lot of good reasons to live here.....If you like the outdoors we have it all.....from awesome lakes ( spent my whole childhood at them) to amazing hiking trails to snowskiing (about an hour and half to two hours north) Sedona wich is amazing you have to take a trip there if you do move here, to great malls....museums....downtown is neat for somone who has never been...lots of cool stuff to see.....just a lot to do if your active.

• How long of a drive to the nearest beach? lol.....wow um like 6 hours to SanDiego and if you like the whole mexico thing i think it's like 4-5 hrs.

Any thoughts, advice or suggestions? If you have kids find a safe area....the valley is sketchy you don't want to end up in the wrong neighborhood and then realize it.......Let me know if you need more info.....good luck and take care

Lori

[Valley Resident]

Nearest Beach
5-6 Hours Away from beaches in Mexico or California
Crime
Low in N Phoenix and low in Gilbert, Paradise Valley, Surprise, Scottsdale, and Avondale/Goodyear.
Public Transit
Light Rail Under construction
Phoenix
great malls, nice musuems, friendly people, and great restaurants, and wonderful outdoor activities.

[MotleyCrew]

We were surprised to see that the overall tax burden in Fl is less than AZ. They do not figure in homeowners insurance however. There are some interesting cost of living comparisons online that you can google, the Tax Foundation is one of them.