Early 30's, single, professional woman hoping to relocate (Phoenix, Scottsdale: rentals, homes)

[arubiana]

Hi all,

I currently live in the Washington DC metro area, and looking to relocate hopefully with in a year's time. I'd like to buy my first home, I'm looking for something in the 100k to 130k range, and don't mind living a bit outside the metro area and commuting for work (I work as a graphic/production artist). What areas are pretty safe and quiet? A friend of my recommended Scottsdale, but that's too pricey for me.

Thanks!

[observer53]

There are lots of them. If you've never been here before, you need to come out for a visit and spend some time trying to get a feel for different areas. And, when you do move, you need to rent first for a time, to really get to know where you want to be. You will be less likely to make an expensive mistake that way.

[arubiana]

Originally Posted by observer53

There are lots of them. If you've never been here before, you need to come out for a visit and spend some time trying to get a feel for different areas. And, when you do move, you need to rent first for a time, to really get to know where you want to be. You will be less likely to make an expensive mistake that way.

Thanks! I'll definitely visit/rent first. It is good to know there are places that will fit my needs.

[AzWickedSS]

Gilbert seems to be one of the better places to buy a cheaper home yet still get a very nice community. Chandler is a nice place as well but in the range you are looking I think Gilbert has nicer newer homes available.

[arubiana]

Originally Posted by AzWickedSS

Gilbert seems to be one of the better places to buy a cheaper home yet still get a very nice community. Chandler is a nice place as well but in the range you are looking I think Gilbert has nicer newer homes available.

Thanks! I take a look around the Gilbert area.

[observer53]

But, again, look at rentals first. And, figure out where you will be working. If you move to Gilbert, and end up working MANY miles from Gilbert, you will have a long, expensive commute. That said, as a single person, I'd look at Chandler or Tempe for that matter, before Gilbert..much more family oriented in Gilbert. That's not to say that there are no young singles in Gilbert, but it is geared much more toward being a place for families.

[arubiana]

I would definitely rent first. I'll also look in Chandler and Tempe, too. How bad is the traffic there? I'm used to horrible DC metro traffic.

Originally Posted by observer53

But, again, look at rentals first. And, figure out where you will be working. If you move to Gilbert, and end up working MANY miles from Gilbert, you will have a long, expensive commute. That said, as a single person, I'd look at Chandler or Tempe for that matter, before Gilbert..much more family oriented in Gilbert. That's not to say that there are no young singles in Gilbert, but it is geared much more toward being a place for families.

[observer53]

I'm betting that the traffic will seem relatively tame compared to the DC metro, from everything I've heard. Rush hour can be congested, but the rest of the time, I don't think you will see it as a problem.

[redjan1225]

#1 - Secure a job first. My husband works in the same industry as you and it has been hit hard.

#2 - Rent first.

#3 - Don't forget to check out Phoenix. For a single woman, I'd recommend living not more than 15 miles from your workplace. I vote Phoenix and/or Tempe. Gilbert is too family-oriented.

[arubiana]

Originally Posted by observer53

I'm betting that the traffic will seem relatively tame compared to the DC metro, from everything I've heard. Rush hour can be congested, but the rest of the time, I don't think you will see it as a problem.

Commuting from Northern VA to DC is sheer madness. Even if you work slightly outside of traditional office hours and use public transport for part of the trip.

Originally Posted by redjan1225

#1 - Secure a job first. My husband works in the same industry as you and it has been hit hard.

#2 - Rent first.

#3 - Don't forget to check out Phoenix. For a single woman, I'd recommend living not more than 15 miles from your workplace. I vote Phoenix and/or Tempe. Gilbert is too family-oriented.

I would be sure to get a job and rent first. I don't like the idea of moving without a job. I'll also check out Phoenix, too.