Family of 4 making temp. move to Phoenix (Mesa, Scottsdale: relocating, gated)

[HuntFamily]

We are a family of four (+ dog) relocating temporarily (12-18 months) from Seattle to Phoenix in about six weeks. I will be working in the core of downtown Phoenix. We want to rent a home in a safe, gated, family community with a community pool. We know there a TON of rentals available in our price range (up to about $1700/month), but we are having a tough time figuring out WHERE to live. I would like to keep my commute to 45 minutes or less. The areas we are considering are North Scottsdale (LONG commute), East Mesa (a little better) and Chandler (not sure). Any suggestions? Words of wisdom? We'll be in town later this month to house hunt, but would love to narrow things down a bit before then.

[ivanabacowboy]

Hi! Good luck in your temp move. I am in the process of relocating to Arizona. I am not hugely familiar with "downtown" Phoenix. Do you know what a major road intersection is near your job by which you are defining as "core downtown"?

[HuntFamily]

I think it is around 2nd and Washington

[ivanabacowboy]

Excellent. I know the locals who man these boards will be able to give you a much better idea on a neighborhood with reasonable commute. The only area I am remotely familiar with are parts of far northern Phoenix and Scottsdale.

[twiggy]

Originally Posted by ivanabacowboy

Excellent. I know the locals who man these boards will be able to give you a much better idea on a neighborhood with reasonable commute. The only area I am remotely familiar with are parts of far northern Phoenix and Scottsdale.

Thanks, Ivan, yes we can. You should check out Chandler and Tempe (south). I live in Chandler and except for downtown, East of Alma School Rd. and North of Chandler Blvd, you'll find some good deals in nice areas.
Here are some good zip codes to look in.
http://www.chandleraz.gov/Content/zip-code-map.pdf
Avoid zip 85286
For a good area, no matter where you go East or West, your commute will be about 30 to 45 min. with traffic. It's just how it is. Even if you live close. Some of Scottsdale is nice, but I'm not as familiar.
Hope this is a help.

[LVGAZ]

Try Gilbert 85234 area - great area. friendly neighborhoods, children and amenities w/good schools - close to the HGHY - I take 60 to 101 to 202 every day to JUST about that area and it takes 45 min.
Good Luck
Lots of homes to rent for 1200-1500 (4bdrm, 2 gar, some w/pools - if you like)
CHeck out Craigslist