From HOT to HOTTER! FL to AZ -- HELP!!! (Phoenix: homes, school)

[Onedown_5up]

Check out 85331 zip code for new apartment complexes being built that will offer some great move in incentives.

The problem is that too many new comers to Arizona focus largely on the east valley ie. Gilbert, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler because of its rapid growth. While I would not recommend it you can find the same rapid growth on the other side of the valley near the new stadium ie. Goodyear, Peoria, Surprise, El Mirage. There is a happy medium of upscale living with a decent social seen that is very affordable located near the Cave Cree/Desert Ridge/North Scottsdale Area.

[LVGAZ]

Originally Posted by Onedown_5up

Check out 85331 zip code for new apartment complexes being built that will offer some great move in incentives.

The problem is that too many new comers to Arizona focus largely on the east valley ie. Gilbert, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler because of its rapid growth. While I would not recommend it you can find the same rapid growth on the other side of the valley near the new stadium ie. Goodyear, Peoria, Surprise, El Mirage. There is a happy medium of upscale living with a decent social seen that is very affordable located near the Cave Cree/Desert Ridge/North Scottsdale Area.

That's an excellent point to make - you should look at both sides of the scale - East and West Valley's -
I understand Peoria - is a great area for affordable living and close to lots. stadiums, etc -

[RockyMtnDreamer]

Originally Posted by dragonofillfaith

RockyMtnDreamer - I looked at some apts in that area but theyre a little over my budget.. I'll keep looking there though.

Any other areas I can look at? What about Phoenix? Is it really bad to live in the city itself? I looked at some apartments in 85013 which look decent but seem to cheap to be in a good area.. how bad is 825 W Osborn Rd in Phoenix?

IMO, you do not want to rent at 825 W Osborne. Try 85331, Cave Creek (anywhere between Tatum-west boundary to Pima Road-East boundary and Cactus-south boundary to Carefree hwy-North Boundary) is a good/safe area or I do like the Glendale/Peoria suggestions...lots of new building going on, new Cardinal stadium, Westgate area but I am not that familiar with any specific area around there that might meet your expectations. I am sure Gilbert is great too, as is Chandler...both cities get a lot of positive press.

[sheena]

Originally Posted by LVGAZ

That's an excellent point to make - you should look at both sides of the scale - East and West Valley's -
I understand Peoria - is a great area for affordable living and close to lots. stadiums, etc -

Been there done that, that are pretty comparable depending on the area in the Northwest Valley I wouldn't advise the SW portion of Peoria.

[sheena]

Originally Posted by NezzaBlue

Having just relocated here from the east coast in May, and also being 24 and female I can try to help.

The weather is hot but without that heat index it is much better. You are not dripping wet. The only thing thats a little weird is that it is sunny without a cloud most of the time. I do miss the random rain showers and cooler nights in the summer though.

As far as your location, I moved here with my fiance and we have an apartment in Awahtukee, which is a smaller part of Phoenix. It is pretty pricey. I have been to Gilbert, and it seems pretty desolate. I got lost there the other night and I was scared. Not because of crime, it was just miles of nothing. Just flat desert. LOL
Try Tempe, It seems to be a tad cheaper.

Hope some of this helps, like I said I havent been here long. Just thought I could give you a different perspective.
Good luck.

Gilbert desolate? Hmmm must have been side of Gilbert. Gilbert, Chandler, Ahwatukee same stuff.

That was a different perspective of Gilbert for sure.

Tempe I would suggest S Tempe S of Baseline.

[Think (Freedom)]

Thanks a lot everyone, you've all been a tremendous help!! I'm thankful for locals like you who offer help to crazy people like me

RockyMtnDreamer - ok, I thought those apts were too cheap to be good lol. Thanks for the info!

I think I'll just stick with Gilbert to start, and move on from there. Maybe in the future I can move on to bigger and better things. I do want to go back to school though.. can anyone tell me the names of some of the local colleges in the area? Of this I know absolutely nothing about.. I only know ASU. I'm looking for more of a community college type, and/or maybe some online classes would be good too.

[sheena]

Originally Posted by dragonofillfaith

Thanks a lot everyone, you've all been a tremendous help!! I'm thankful for locals like you who offer help to crazy people like me

RockyMtnDreamer - ok, I thought those apts were too cheap to be good lol. Thanks for the info!

I think I'll just stick with Gilbert to start, and move on from there. Maybe in the future I can move on to bigger and better things. I do want to go back to school though.. can anyone tell me the names of some of the local colleges in the area? Of this I know absolutely nothing about.. I only know ASU. I'm looking for more of a community college type, and/or maybe some online classes would be good too.

Chandler Gilbert Community, Mesa Community college. Those are the ones I know on the east side, since you are sticking with Gilbert.

[Think (Freedom)]

ok cool thanks, I'll look into those right now!

[ArizonaBear]

Originally Posted by Bummer

Interesting questions, Dragon

Having live and attended school in South Floriday, I can tell you there is no comparison as far as the weather is concerned. Once the monsoons have ended (hopefully around Labor Day) the weather in Arizona is far superior. 100 Degree Temperatures with super low humidity is much less "killer" than 80 Degrees in Florida with dripping wet humidity. I dread visiting back there, let alone relocating.

As far as a job and making it out here is concerned, since you are a Pet Groomer, even with a regular job you could use that talent (definitely a talent and/or an art as far as I'm concerned) for part time extra income whenever necessary.

Good Luck!

Bingo!

I lived in Fla during the summer of 1982-------the humidity about kicked my butt.

Better our 110F temps here in the Phx area than that 90F crap there.

[yukon]

Phoenix' 115+ dry heat is much nicer than the crappy 95 degrees/85%-90% humidity we put up with in Tampa - and as I recall, Miami was even more humid than Tampa.