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Old 06-22-2013, 10:59 PM
 
57 posts, read 109,133 times
Reputation: 70

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We currently rent in Val Vista Lakes in Gilbert. We absolutely love the neighborhood itself but for various reasons have found it will not be wise to purchase here for our family. I am interested in is the opinions of other residents on what other neighborhoods/communities (preferably w/ amenities & excellent schools) would be considered "desirable" or "sought after" - similar to Val Vista Lakes.

We do not plan to stay here for a very long time, so wherever we purchase we want to a) enjoy and b) have that extra oomph that would make potential future buyers or renters more interested in our house over a similar house in a different neighborhood. We know that houses hold their values better here in Val Vista Lakes and are rented/sold more easily simply due to the clubhouse itself, for example.

Anyone have any input/opinions on desirable neighborhoods in any of the cities: Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Ahwahtukee or Scottsdale? Would love your opinions and details if you have them.

We're looking for 4+ BR, 2+ BA, 2000+ sq ft houses. The usual family friendly amenities - e.g. parks, etc. We really want a green area rather than desert landscape. Our price range would be similar to that what is found in VVL - we could go up to 400k but would prefer not to. We'd be ok w/ needing to do some aesthetic rehab for a better price.

Thank you so much for your time.
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Old 06-22-2013, 11:15 PM
 
57 posts, read 109,133 times
Reputation: 70
(mod cut - orphaned) I have lived here, in the East Valley for 7 yrs. Of those 7, 6+ have been in this specific neighborhood. I have been a parent for only 2. What is important changes drastically when you become a parent & I haven't randomly moved all over the valley for sheets and giggles so no, I do not know enough about other areas in the valley from this perspective.

Last edited by observer53; 06-22-2013 at 11:30 PM..
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Old 06-22-2013, 11:26 PM
 
Location: Eastlake Park, PHX
606 posts, read 1,598,057 times
Reputation: 845
Sorry I don't really know that much about the more ritzy neighborhoods of the valley but I can't help myself from commenting on the very classy and respectful way you posed both your original and second thread. You are obviously a very educated and socially adept person and I wish you the best of luck in yoir persuits. Peace.
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Old 06-22-2013, 11:49 PM
 
428 posts, read 5,879,278 times
Reputation: 353
McDowell Mountain Ranch in Scottsdale. Very beautiful convenient and desirable location, safe, many upper middle class families with kids, very low HOA and community pool.


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Old 06-22-2013, 11:52 PM
 
Location: Amongst the AZ Cactus
7,068 posts, read 6,415,096 times
Reputation: 7729
Quote:
Originally Posted by sws9 View Post
(mod cut - orphaned) I have lived here, in the East Valley for 7 yrs. Of those 7, 6+ have been in this specific neighborhood. I have been a parent for only 2. What is important changes drastically when you become a parent & I haven't randomly moved all over the valley for sheets and giggles so no, I do not know enough about other areas in the valley from this perspective.


Have you visited/looked at homes in the Estrella community in Goodyear?

Estrella by Newland Communities

I don't have personal experience with the schools but by what I hear/understand, they are well regarded.
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Old 06-23-2013, 12:38 AM
 
Location: Tempe
1,832 posts, read 5,738,170 times
Reputation: 1738
Quote:
Originally Posted by sws9 View Post
(mod cut - orphaned) I have lived here, in the East Valley for 7 yrs. Of those 7, 6+ have been in this specific neighborhood. I have been a parent for only 2. What is important changes drastically when you become a parent & I haven't randomly moved all over the valley for sheets and giggles so no, I do not know enough about other areas in the valley from this perspective.
You don't have to move around the valley to know about it. You just have to leave your house once in a while.
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Old 06-23-2013, 01:26 AM
 
Location: Coolidge, AZ
1,220 posts, read 1,582,293 times
Reputation: 989
I am new to the valley and renting an apartment in the Dobson Ranch area. There are some very nice homes in this area as well as excellent shopping and a lot to do nearby. I think you can't go wrong with this part if Mesa, Tempe, or Scottsdale.
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Old 06-23-2013, 05:15 AM
 
Location: Raleigh, NC
19,358 posts, read 27,562,622 times
Reputation: 35932
I'm not sure I understand what it is you're looking for - your OP describes VVL very well, so I'm not 'getting ' why you don't want to buy there.

Some additional information might be helpful. But since you aren't planning on staying that long, I'm wondering if you wouldn't be better off continuing to rent.

Dobson Ranch is older and I don't consider it that desirable. I agree McDowell and Estrella are lovely, and would add Las Sendas to that list. How "sought after" they will be in the future is a best guess situation, IMO.
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Old 06-23-2013, 05:28 AM
 
Location: Raleigh, NC
19,358 posts, read 27,562,622 times
Reputation: 35932
Ah. Now I've read your other thread and understand the issue. Scottsdale is probably your best bet, especially around McCormick Ranch for the green stuff you are seeking. However, I'm not at all sure you're going to get that size house with the budget you stated of $300-400K.

The area around Ocotillo might work, but I don't know about it being 'sought after'. Though lovely, McDowell and Las Sendas probably don't fit the non desert look you want.

I suspect you're going to have to compromise something.
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Old 06-23-2013, 11:19 AM
 
Location: Tempe
1,832 posts, read 5,738,170 times
Reputation: 1738
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jkgourmet View Post
I'm not sure I understand what it is you're looking for - your OP describes VVL very well, so I'm not 'getting ' why you don't want to buy there.

Some additional information might be helpful. But since you aren't planning on staying that long, I'm wondering if you wouldn't be better off continuing to rent.

Dobson Ranch is older and I don't consider it that desirable. I agree McDowell and Estrella are lovely, and would add Las Sendas to that list. How "sought after" they will be in the future is a best guess situation, IMO.
For other who didn't see the other thread the OP wants to get away from the Mormoms, because they won't play with their kid. OP move anywhere besides Gilbert or Mesa to get away from them.
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