Relocating...jobs in Tempe and N Scottsdale (Phoenix, Gilbert: rent, neighborhoods)

[Chelsielea]

Originally Posted by 70-DropTop

Hi all. I'm currently in Columbus Ohio and my company is offering me a big opportunity in our Tempe office. Because of this, my wife started looking and the Mayo Clinic Hospital in northern Scottsdale/Phoenix has caught her attention. So, we're interested enough to take a trip and check things out first hand.

Now, some questions. We have two young children and therefore want a good/safe/family-friendly community to live in, with good schools, etc. My initial research and thoughts have pointed me to Gilbert, but that may be a stretch for her (don't know what traffic is like along 60 and 101 at 6:00-6:30 AM and 7:30-8:30 PM). Is the traffic heavy during those times and which direction of travel is it heaviest in the AM and PM? When is it easiest to drive those routes?

Here's what we're intersted in finding...a 4-5 bedroom house in the 2250-3000 SF range. Budget is 300k-400k...maybe 450k, depending on the offer. Is that doable? Where do you suggest I begin looking?

We're heading out there in a month or so to check it all out and I want an idea of where to begin looking. Also, do you have any recommendations on some good realtors?

Thanks in advance

I like area code 85258. I would say that would be within your price range. I wouldnt suggest Chandler or Gilbert (the commute to Mayo would be HORRIBLE....REALLY HORRILBLE) even though I LOVE THOSE AREAS THE MOST!

[GirlinAZ]

I agree 85258 is also good. There are several zip codes I would recommend, I was just trying to find the area in the middle. ( I like: 85254, 85255, 85259, 85260, 85253) Again, do not even consider commuting from Chandler or Gilbert to Mayo-any Mayo. I guarantee you it will be ugly.

[alterego]

Originally Posted by gigi927

Which Mayo are you talking about? That will make a big difference in commute and where to live is "reasonable." There is the "original" Mayo on roughly 128th and Shea which is based in Scottsdale. Then there is the Mayo Clinic hospital on Mayo and 56th Street in NE Phoenix.

If you are talking about Mayo and 56th I wouldn't even begin to consider a drive from Gilbert to that location. You would be better off looking in the Desert Ridge or Tatum Ranch areas.

If you're talking about 128th and Shea, then the commute from Gilbert is *more* doable but the drive from 101 to 128th and Shea is completely littered with traffic lights and can get very, very congested during rush hour. I would look in other Scottsdale zip codes and rule out Gilbert just based on drive.

I agree that it depends on which Mayo. If it's the one in Scottsdale off of Shea and 136th St, then the drive from the Mesa/Gilbert area would not be that bad. Instead of using 101 all the way through Scottsdale, you can use the Beeline Hwy 87 which cuts through from Mesa to Fountain Hills (Fountain Hills is very close to that Mayo location). I have heard from others who use that route that traffic is not bad along the Beeline, although they are going in the opposite direction from Fountain Hills/Scottsdale down to Mesa in the mornings.

If it's the other Mayo in Phoenix, then I agree with everyone else that a commute from Gilbert/Chandler/Mesa areas would be pretty bad.

[GirlinAZ]

I disagree. It is still 20 miles one way on the Beeline. Even without traffic (and god forbid there be an accident) it is a lot of money to commute.

[alterego]

Originally Posted by NanawaleJulie

I disagree. It is still 20 miles one way on the Beeline. Even without traffic (and god forbid there be an accident) it is a lot of money to commute.

And I respectfully disagree with you. It's true; the commute from the Mesa/Gilbert area up to Fountain Hills/North Scottsdale would be a good 20 miles or more no matter which route you took. However, the commute using the 101 most of the way would be about 60 min compared to about 30-35 min using the Beeline. For many, a 30 min commute in traffic that is constantly moving would be "doable" although it may not be for some others.

I agree with you that the cost to fill the gas tank would be pricey. However, many cannot afford the housing prices in North Scottsdale and Fountain Hills, and the price to fill the gas tank for a longer commute would still be far less than the housing price difference to live somewhere else. One must always do some sort of cost/benefit analysis when making these decisions, and all costs and benefits need to be taken into consideration including time lost to commuting instead of sleeping an extra 20 min or breakfast time with the family, and etc. Unfortunately, the reality is that living right next to your work (within 5 or 10 miles) is not always feasible due to a variety of reasons and constraints, and it is especially difficult in a metro area as large and sprawling as Phoenix. With that said, I'm not necessarily recommending to live on the opposite side of town as work, but instead to consider what is reasonable and what is doable. What is reasonable and doable will vary from person to person.

[Patty Stewart]

I can certainly help you with some of this information. My husband works at Mayo Clinic Hospital and loves it! Let me know if you have some questions abour the hospital.

We have five children have lived in the North Scottsdale/Cave Creek area since 1998. Moderator cut: advertising

[GirlinAZ]

Originally Posted by alterego

And I respectfully disagree with you. It's true; the commute from the Mesa/Gilbert area up to Fountain Hills/North Scottsdale would be a good 20 miles or more no matter which route you took. However, the commute using the 101 most of the way would be about 60 min compared to about 30-35 min using the Beeline. For many, a 30 min commute in traffic that is constantly moving would be "doable" although it may not be for some others.

I agree with you that the cost to fill the gas tank would be pricey. However, many cannot afford the housing prices in North Scottsdale and Fountain Hills, and the price to fill the gas tank for a longer commute would still be far less than the housing price difference to live somewhere else. One must always do some sort of cost/benefit analysis when making these decisions, and all costs and benefits need to be taken into consideration including time lost to commuting instead of sleeping an extra 20 min or breakfast time with the family, and etc. Unfortunately, the reality is that living right next to your work (within 5 or 10 miles) is not always feasible due to a variety of reasons and constraints, and it is especially difficult in a metro area as large and sprawling as Phoenix. With that said, I'm not necessarily recommending to live on the opposite side of town as work, but instead to consider what is reasonable and what is doable. What is reasonable and doable will vary from person to person.

As I mentioned previously, there are homes INBETWEEN the 2 areas with which he was talking about that are affordable. South/Central Scottsdale for example.
Please read my original posting to this reply.

[GirlinAZ]

Originally Posted by Patty Stewart

I can certainly help you with some of this information. My husband works at Mayo Clinic Hospital and loves it! Let me know if you have some questions abour the hospital.

We have five children have lived in the North Scottsdale/Cave Creek area since 1998. And... I am a realtor!! Yes, there are great homes in this area in your price range. I would be happy to set up a tour of the area when you are in town. Feel free to call me, Patty, at 602-318-5341 or email me directly pstewart@efineliving.com .

I would highly recommend the Tatum Ranch area. All 8 schools in the Cave Creek School District just received an Excelling Award for this year. Cave Creek USD - CCUSD Home

Tatum Ranch is no where near Tempe.

[Patty Stewart]

Tempe is approximately 30 miles from Tatum Ranch. Tatum Ranch is a great family community but you will probably find a better value in Gilbert, also a great family area. There is usually less traffic going north on the 101 at 6 am but it is still congested. At 8 pm there shouldn’t be any traffic.

You don’t have a lot of choices of homes in your price range in between Tempe and North Scottsdale but there are a few pocket areas.

Good luck!

[Captain Bill]

Originally Posted by 70-DropTop

Hi all. I'm currently in Columbus Ohio and my company is offering me a big opportunity in our Tempe office. Because of this, my wife started looking and the Mayo Clinic Hospital in northern Scottsdale/Phoenix has caught her attention. So, we're interested enough to take a trip and check things out first hand.

Now, some questions. We have two young children and therefore want a good/safe/family-friendly community to live in, with good schools, etc. My initial research and thoughts have pointed me to Gilbert, but that may be a stretch for her (don't know what traffic is like along 60 and 101 at 6:00-6:30 AM and 7:30-8:30 PM). Is the traffic heavy during those times and which direction of travel is it heaviest in the AM and PM? When is it easiest to drive those routes?

Here's what we're intersted in finding...a 4-5 bedroom house in the 2250-3000 SF range. Budget is 300k-400k...maybe 450k, depending on the offer. Is that doable? Where do you suggest I begin looking?

We're heading out there in a month or so to check it all out and I want an idea of where to begin looking. Also, do you have any recommendations on some good realtors?

Thanks in advance

Banner Gateway is a new hospital in Gilbert and it is a beautiful hospital more like a luxury hotel, that your wife should check out. The childrens area is like a fantasy land for kids. Their room is a safe sanctuary. They are never treated, like shots, etc., in their rooms because that is their safe haven. You have to see the hospital to appreciate it.

Banner Gateway Medical Center

There is another new hospital in Gilbert called Mercy Gilbert.

Bill