85308 vs East 85207 -85254 - Help, please.. (Phoenix, Mesa: apartment, to rent, home)

[mormad]

We will be arriving very soon ( husband next week) to work in 85310 zip - No 35th Dr. I have been doing my home/apt search in the 85308 area pretty exclusively after much research here on C/D. Last week we moved my 90 yr old MIL into a home in 85254 on N. 66th St. It just occurred to me that I have explored nothing to the East of 85310. We would be closer to her if we went in that direction. Could anyone give me any insight on the pros/cons of these areas? I know that's a pretty general question. We plan to rent an apt. spending up to $1,000, maybe a bit less. (We are keeping our home in the Bay Area, as this work contract is for 2 years) We are in our sixties, active and adventurous. Another little twist - our partner and his family will also be relocating and we would like to be in the same general vicinity. They are younger Filipino family with in-laws and 5 yr old plus a newborn due next month, so schools etc. are a consideration. They, too, will be renting apt or 3- 4 BR house. It's all happening so fast..I plan to go down there in a couple of weeks and thought I had about 6 places in 85308 narrowed down for my search, but this new thought throws me a bit. Help! Thanks!

[ivanabacowboy]

85310 is Glendale, about 20 miles give or take to 85254 in Scottsdale/NE Phoenix. I live near 85254 and love the area. This is where there are tons of golf courses, shopping, restaurants, resorts. I suspect it would be a doable commute. Also adjacent 85050 parts near Desert Ridge are really nice. I do not have school age children, but have heard the schools are good in this area. The neighborhood is very nice.

The con: I suspect it will be more expensive, tho you should be able to do an apartment in the $1k range. I originally lived in this area at Mayo and Scottsdale and was about $1299 on a two br apt. Moved down to Mesa 85206 and got a one br for $625 including free basic cable lol. Now I live about a mile directly east of my first apt and got $950 on a two br, right by the TPC golf course.

So I suspect it all depends if the commute would bother you. I would pick this area over Glendale anyday, but that is just my preference of course.

Nix 85207 Mesa. That would be a roughly 50 mile commute.

[mormad]

Ivanabacowboy - thanks for your input. I was wondering if I just don't know the right subject lines for a proper response. I am aware that the Scottsdale area is preferred by many ( that is my husband's birth neighborhood) however our job will be closer to Glendale. Are there a multitude of nice apts. in the area East of the Arrowhead area to explore? We want a nice place - quiet and safe, with amenities nearby, but a decent commute is also high on the priority list. Thanks again.