What area is most central for a week's visit? (Glendale: rent, how much)

[Marc (NJ)]

Hello... My family and I are considering a move from NJ to AZ. We are attempting to do our homework and become as informed as possible. We did visit AZ in 2008 and really liked the area. Our job allows us to "transplant" anywhere and with life's current conditions, it seems like this may be the right time to make the move.

Here are our questions:

On our last visit, we enjoyed the Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Peoria & Glendale areas. This April, we are planning on spending 5-6 days to scope out the areas. What is the best "centralized" area to stay and to visit these towns? Any specific and reasonable hotel recommendations?

We are a family of 4. (in our mid 40's) and have 2 kids (ages 13 & 11). What area(s) has the best schools? (Middle school & High school)

We will rent a home for the first year or two to make sure we are happy and can assimilate to an area. Any areas to steer clear from?

After reading a bit, how much of a problem is:
Valley fever?
Scorpions?
Snakes?
Termites?
Cockroaches?

Last thought for those that have come from the east coast area. How hot is the summer? No humidity, right?

Thanks so much in advance. Looking forward to your replies.

[azdr0710]

the five suburban cities you mention are, obviously, spread out across the valley....so "central" would be in central Phx or so....you may want to get a place near Sky Harbor which has decent access to some of the freeways that can lead you to those suburbs....

sorry, can't help with schools, but, traditionally, Gilbert and Scottsdale have good ones....make sure your kids are OK with a move and won't be upset or sad to leave their old place and friends

don't worry about the disease and critters you mention....hysteria over this here on C-D has reached epidemic (no pun intended) levels and a search here in the Phx forum will lead you to many threads on the topic....(but keep your house swept up, no crumbs, and don't reach into places you can't see!)

summer is hot, dry, bright until early July, then two months of uncomfortable humidity (for us), then back to dry by early Sept....nighttime lows will only be down to the mid-upper 80s in those two months....AC runs much of the time and is expensive....no daylight savings time, too, out here, so it warms up quickly in the AM....

[austwin1]

The "muggy days" in July and August might be nothing much for people from NJ to deal with. Others on the board that moved from the Northeast can give you a good idea on how they experience them.