Best zip codes in Gilbert (Phoenix, Chandler: for rent, house, buying)

[tripleklutz]

My husband and I are moving from Melbourne, Florida to Phoenix in a few weeks. We are looking to rent a house before buying, since we don't know the area very well. My husband will be working in Tempe, about 5 minutes from Sky Harbor airport. We'd like to rent a 3 bedroom house in Gilbert (we can spend up to about $1200 per month). Are some of the zip codes/areas better than others? I've been looking at things in the 85233, 85234, 85296, and 85295 zip codes. Are there particular subdivisions that you would recommend? It's really overwhelming and I'd appreciate any help. Thanks!

[Seattleborn]

I like 85234, and 85296 the best. I would look at Spectrum, Higley Groves, Val Vista Lakes ( not positive on zip code), and Power Ranch( zip 85297 though). I lived in Gilbert for 5 years and it was the best place for families. Well, that's my opinion anyway. It's hard to find a bad place in Gilbert.

[sheena]

Originally Posted by tripleklutz

My husband and I are moving from Melbourne, Florida to Phoenix in a few weeks. We are looking to rent a house before buying, since we don't know the area very well. My husband will be working in Tempe, about 5 minutes from Sky Harbor airport. We'd like to rent a 3 bedroom house in Gilbert (we can spend up to about $1200 per month). Are some of the zip codes/areas better than others? I've been looking at things in the 85233, 85234, 85296, and 85295 zip codes. Are there particular subdivisions that you would recommend? It's really overwhelming and I'd appreciate any help. Thanks!

85236

Val Vista Lakes
Sonora Ranch
Val Vista Place
Carol Rae
Cornerstone
Highland Corner
Melody Ranch
The Highlands
Higley Groves
Holliday Farms
Rancho Collene
Towne Meadows
Highland Groves
Brentwood at Morrsion Ranch

[CheyDee]

I do not know all of the developments and am far from being an expert, but I would agree with Power Ranch and Val Vista Lakes. Power Ranch has catch and release fishing lakes included in its amenities and Val Vista Lakes has a "beach" included. On a day you wish to be outside but do not feel like touring around, at least you could entertain yourselves near home.

[tripleklutz]

Thanks for all the suggestions. How far do you think a commute is from Power Ranch to the airport area? It looks far on a map, and I worry about traffic.

[bigjdotcom01]

Originally Posted by tripleklutz

Thanks for all the suggestions. How far do you think a commute is from Power Ranch to the airport area? It looks far on a map, and I worry about traffic.

Probably 45-60 minutes at rush hour. I live in 85298 in Shamrock Estates (Chandler Heights/Higley cross streets) and it takes me about 30 minutes without traffic to get there. I am about five minutes south of Power Ranch.

[CheyDee]

Originally Posted by bigjdotcom01

Probably 45-60 minutes at rush hour. I live in 85298 in Shamrock Estates (Chandler Heights/Higley cross streets) and it takes me about 30 minutes without traffic to get there. I am about five minutes south of Power Ranch.

I agree. We're having a house built in Seville (Riggs/Higley), which is yet another block south, and have timed the drive multiple times in rush hour.

[bluesalad]

If you're concerned about the commute time, choose a subdivision closer to the freeway. I am currently in 85298 (what used to be 85296) by Val Vista and Queen Creek. If you have a map, look up the cross streets and compare that to Val Vista Lakes or Power Ranch. I can tell you from driving in the rush hour, it takes 5-7 minutes to get to the freeway (Santan 202), then about 15-20minutes to get to 101/202 intersection. Then it's stop and go on 101 (no car pool lane) which takes about 20 minutes to the 202W (Red Mountain). In my opinion, find a place were you can reduce your "off the freeway" driving. Power Ranch is far (IMO), Val Vista Lakes may be a better choise b/c it's close to 60. Get a map and mark the areas you're interested, would be my best advise.

[tripleklutz]

It seems like Val Vista Lakes may be our best bet. I think the commute from Power Ranch will be too far. I'll be working at home, so i just want to make sure that I'm close to shopping, etc.

[LVGAZ]

hi and welcome
live in Val Vista Lakes - airport is 20 max 25 min(in heavy traffic) 85234
baseline/greenfield or val vista lakes dr/baseline
been here for 12 yrs
great place and there are some really nice homes for rent in the price - in fact there's one down the street from us in The Harbour
Good luck