Moving back to Phoenix area after 12 years (Scottsdale, Tempe: crime, homes)

[warmerweather22]

I used to live in Paradise Valley area by Liberty elementary also by Frank lloyd Wright in Scottsdale. I want to move back there. I have heard a lot has changed, can anyone tell me about the changes in the last 10 years and also crime in the area.What areas have the least? Also what is a good area to live now for families ( good schools)? Anything about the light rail and where it goes...thanks!

[M74]

Where are you coming back from?

Frank Lloyd Wright area is still nice as well as most of Paradise Valley.

The light rail is still being built but there is a map of the locations it does go to. Not sure of the link.

I'm a native who moved away and have been back for 15 years to long. A LOT has changed in the last 10 years. Mostly not so good. I'm not a doom and gloomer but unemployment his high, unless your in the service industry. Housing is what it is. If your an investor or looking to buy it's awesome. The valley is filled with people "strategically defaulting" and getting into neighborhoods that were out of touch 10 years ago. So....

Anyway, I asked where you are coming back from because we all tend to forget why we moved or that the grass must be greener. I'm not one to crush anyone's dream of brighter pastures but I try to lay helpful reminders to weigh pro's and con's. The valley has things to offer some, but the area is struggling. It's not what it was 15-20 years ago, environmentally, economically, politically etc. Will it bounce back? Of course. When? It'll be awhile. Should you move back? Only you know for sure.

[PoppySead]

Of course it's gotten larger but all the things you've missed like weather, new stucco homes and great shopping are still here. Depends on what you are coming back for. I don't think the economy is good anywhere but it's a great time to buy our here because of it. It's not that different as far as most of the things people miss. Welcome back!

[Ponderosa]

It has changed politically here and in a number of ways. Used to be a much more pronounced live and let live kind of place than it is. Now, the legislature has gone from the fiscal and Goldwater to the social and fringe conservatives reflecting a similar trend in attitudes. There is a lot of ethnic tension too as a result of a perceived huge increase in illegal immigration over the past ten years. Cuts in education have made a bad situation worse in schools all the way to the university level. Government services used to be right up there with the best but now roads, parks, and rest stops are boarded up or falling into disrepair. Ten years ago Maricopa County, Phoenix and valley cities were winning awards as the best run agencies in America. Now all you hear about is corruption, political bickering, lawsuits, and incompetency.

Temperatures are hotter. People are poorer. The rich are richer. It just is not as nice a place as it was to live IMO. Ten years ago we had a good thing going on here and we were progressing, but that is gone and I wonder if it is ever coming back.

One positive auto theft is way down from ten years ago and crime in general as well.

[pbenjamin]

The area around Liberty Elementary, which is in the "Paradise Valley Village" area of the City of Phoenix, has not changed much at all in the last 10 years.