Zona feedback please (Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale: rent, how much, homes)

[jacsparo]

I am hoping someone will be able to help me regarding the time it takes to drive from Surprise, AZ to Scottsdale. I have researched everything north of Scottsdale and the prices are too high. I would like to buy a home in the 275-300 range .I have tried to ascertain the distance between different places but I need to hear from the real people who make the actual drive. So, if you live in a neighboring city and drive to Scottsdale everyday, please help me figure out what neighborhoods are within reason relating to traffic. We don't really have traffic in my little ol town so I'm bracing myself.
Southern Belle

[ibarrio]

Depends what part of Scottsdale. Regardless, it is a long drive and traffic will be bad

[sablebaby]

What part of Scottsdale will you be working? That will make a difference.

My bf used to commute to N. Scottsdale (north of the 101) from where we live now in N. Glendale, which was 20 miles and it took him 30 minutes during rush hour on the freeway (or side streets), unless there was an accident or something, then it would be a bit longer.

Surprise is another 100 blocks or more to the west from where we are, with even MORE traffic then what we have up here. I'd guess a min of an hour if you are in N. Scottsdale, more if you are more south.

Personally, I would not live in Surprise IF I had to commute more then 5-10 miles for work. Driving through Surprise a couple of weeks ago made me realize why people live there, but I would NOT commute. We almost moved there a couple of years ago and we are always glad that we didn't do it.

You can definitely find a closer area for your price range, no doubt about that!

[jacsparo]

Thank you for answering my post Ibarrio. Actually the area near the hospital is where I will be going everyday. Can you tell me is Chandler closer? If so about how much time to drive?

[ibarrio]

As a reference...During the morning it takes me 25-30 mins to drive from Surprise to near the Metro Center (I-17). It takes 35-40 mins to come back home. My drive is around 17 or so miles.

[jacsparo]

Hi Sablebaby:
I will be working near Scottsdale Health . What neighborhood would you suggest? I prefer a quieter neighborhood, my children are grown and my youngest will be attending nursing school. I am excited about moving to Phoenix and want to try and rent for 3 or 4 months first. I guess I am alarmed about the blogs regarding road rage.Thanks so much for your response by the way!

[sablebaby]

Originally Posted by jacsparo

Hi Sablebaby:
I will be working near Scottsdale Health . What neighborhood would you suggest? I prefer a quieter neighborhood, my children are grown and my youngest will be attending nursing school. I am excited about moving to Phoenix and want to try and rent for 3 or 4 months first. I guess I am alarmed about the blogs regarding road rage.Thanks so much for your response by the way!

For your price range, I would suggest (and these are areas that I have personally lived in or near) NE Phx/bordering Scottsdale, North Glendale (Arrowhead Ranch), & North Peoria (although it's getting too far in my opinion).

NE Phx would be up north of the PV Mall to Union Hills, and east of 42nd st to tatum. You can still find some homes in that area for your price. It's an area that I grew up in and worked in for years. Don't go west of 42nd st as it gets more rundown. You won't be able to wander into Scottsdale too much to find a home, though there may be a few fixer uppers in your price.

North Glendale, you can look anywhere west of the I-17 freeway to past 75th ave, and north of Union Hills to north of Happy Valley rd. The area of 51st ave to around 75th ave is called Arrowhead Ranch, which is REALLY nice.

North Peoria is a nice place, too. It starts at around 75th ave over to somewhere in the avenues, but I'd say 99th ave will suffice. Only look north of yet again, Union Hills rd up to wherever north.

Out of all three of these areas, I'd recommend Arrowhead Ranch. It's the nicest in my opinion. The closest would be NE Phx to work. Take a look around and see what fits you.

[ibarrio]

Arrowhead ranch would be the homes built around the lakes (off the 101)? Those homes seem really nice.

[sablebaby]

Originally Posted by ibarrio

Arrowhead ranch would be the homes built around the lakes (off the 101)? Those homes seem really nice.

Technically, that would be "Arrowhead Lakes", just one subdivision of MANY in the AR master planned community. IMO, it's the best part.

[jacsparo]

Great! Now at least I have a starting point. I am going to check out these areas and see what I come up with. Many thanks for your detailed explaination of these areas. Both Ibarria and yourself are terrific ambassadors
for your city!