Looking at teaching positions (Phoenix, Glendale: rental car, spring break, apartment complexes)

[movingmichigander]

Hello! I'm looking at teaching positions in AZ - I'm a Michigan native and have found several jobs in the Glendale area that fit my qualifications and interests. While my moving to Phoenix is not 100% yet, it's looking like that is where I will most likely end up next year.

Anyway, I've spent all day looking at apartments in the Phoenix area and I'm getting pretty freaked out by the reviews of a lot of them. While a city in no way scares me, most of the reviews make it sound like either you're paying 1000+ for a one bedroom or your apartment and car is constantly getting broken into.

I have friends that live in the Gilbert area that I would not mind living close to. Does anyone have any recommendations for areas that are near Phoenix/Gilbert or Glendale that are relatively safe AND affordable on a teacher's salary? Thank you for any help you can give me!

[AZgarden]

I would say if you can live further out, from the school area, you would probably be safer. That said, Gilbert is a nice place for the most part, but way too far to drive to Glendale. Any chances of a job in Gilbert SD? Or are you set on Glendale?

[observer53]

Don't put too much stock in the descriptions on apartment rating sites... they are full of rants by anonymous posters who have an axe to grind over some small issue (which in some cases originated with their own conduct) and take it out on the apt complex through those sites.

If you are working in Glendale, you do NOT want to live in Gilbert.

[Kimballette]

There are lovely apartments in Glendale. Stick close to where you'll be working. Properties managed by Mark-Taylor, Equity, and Camden always receive good press. Apartment rating sites notwithstanding - observer53 is right on target with that caution.

[shiphead]

Originally Posted by observer53

Don't put too much stock in the descriptions on apartment rating sites... they are full of rants by anonymous posters who have an axe to grind over some small issue (which in some cases originated with their own conduct) and take it out on the apt complex through those sites.

If you are working in Glendale, you do NOT want to live in Gilbert.

I disagree. Most apartments in Phoenix are, in fact, dumpy. There are very few apartment complexes in the valley worth living in. I am not talking places where you spend thousands either. I agree with many of the other on staying closer then Gilbert.

I have a huge opinion on the education system here, from professional and personal perspective, but i'll just stay

[movingmichigander]

Thank you so much for the input!! I figured a lot of those sites were full of people with one to two bad experiences, but since I am apartment hunting from so far away (for now) I wanted some idea of what to expect out of the apartment market.

In regards to the ed system in AZ, at least they're hiring. In Michigan, for the subject area I am certified to teach, jobs get upwards of 400 applicants and there are only a few openings in the state each year.

[aggiegirl92]

MovingMichigander, just wanted to make sure you were aware of the big teacher job fair in Glendale around the middle of May. Districts statewide will be there. Moderator cut: snip

[crosscountryski]

Hi

I am also a teacher moving to Phoenix in a couple months for a job. Signed a contract a month and a half ago. Had a wonderful time in Phoenix for spring break. I spent a week looking at apartments around Peoria, Glendale, and Avondale. The majority of the apartments that I saw were nice and beautiful. Some look like a resort. Alot were in the price range of $600-700 a month. Nothing near $1000. Majority were gated and secured. Then I look at the reviews and I am questioning it. I did go into at least 2 apartments where I walked out and put the information in the garbage bag in my rental car.

thanks

[movingmichigander]

I think that's the scariest part of moving across the country - you can have some idea of what things are like (tours and such) but there is still a lot of unknowns. Are you looking at studios or one bedrooms?

[ReadyFreddy]

I wonder how many people that like their apt. bother to go post a positive review? I never loved any apt. It was always something temporary, to get to the next step.