How is the Chandler area, really? (Phoenix, Tempe: HOA, how much, houses)

[AmorEMorte]

I've heard good and bad about Chandler, but I'm not sure what is the truth and what is not real. My parents and I have decided to move to Arizona and we're looking at Chandler, but we won't know for sure until we visit and get the feel for ourselves. So, I have a few questions...

For starters, how is the furniture business in Arizona? because my step father is a salesman/manager for a furniture store now here in Michigan and he was wondering if he could get a job in a furniture store there, he was actually looking into Levitz furniture store.

Next, I'm middle eastern decent and I was wondering what are the demographics for middle easterners there. I've tried looking, but it seems that it comes under "other" and that doesn't give me a good feel of it. I'm sure there's Chaldean's there, but I have a feeling there's not many.

Lastly, I will be transferring to Chandler-Gilbert Community College, is that school any good as far as education goes?


Thanks!

[exlexisnexis]

Except for a few seedy areas it is one of the best places to live in the USA(see AARP magazine October 2007 edition) it was listed in the top 5 cities in the USA

[gophins72]

chandler is nice. you'll be fine here.

[Captain Bill]

Here's the web site for the college. I haven't heard anything negative about the college.

CGCC Home page

Chandler is a nice area, although there are some pockets that are not as nice.

There are people of many different ethnic backgrounds located in the valley and I would not expect any adversities.

There is Mor furniture store, and Ikea, and many more that others will mention for you.

Bill

[restlessncurious]

Originally Posted by AmorEMorte

I've heard good and bad about Chandler, but I'm not sure what is the truth and what is not real. My parents and I have decided to move to Arizona and we're looking at Chandler, but we won't know for sure until we visit and get the feel for ourselves. So, I have a few questions...

For starters, how is the furniture business in Arizona? because my step father is a salesman/manager for a furniture store now here in Michigan and he was wondering if he could get a job in a furniture store there, he was actually looking into Levitz furniture store.

Next, I'm middle eastern decent and I was wondering what are the demographics for middle easterners there. I've tried looking, but it seems that it comes under "other" and that doesn't give me a good feel of it. I'm sure there's Chaldean's there, but I have a feeling there's not many.

Lastly, I will be transferring to Chandler-Gilbert Community College, is that school any good as far as education goes?


Thanks!

you will be happy here! My neighbor is from the middle east and there are a couple of restaurants in the area I think you would enjoy! As for the furniture business there may be about 5 different stores to consider in the area.

[GT350]

Just stay in South Chandler. North side is getting old and starting to look like a hood. I lived near Dobson/Elliott for 20 years and moved to Gilbert 5 years ago. That area is going downhill...Find a nice HOA run neighborhood in S Chandler

[sheena]

Originally Posted by GT350

Just stay in South Chandler. North side is getting old and starting to look like a hood. I lived near Dobson/Elliott for 20 years and moved to Gilbert 5 years ago. That area is going downhill...Find a nice HOA run neighborhood in S Chandler

It is getting spotty as well as areas in Gilbert. That's too bad.

[mortimer]

AmorEMorte wondered:

> ... Chandler-Gilbert Community College, is that school any good ....

My anecdotal observation is that the school is extremely well-run and it is easy to navigate the bureaucracy. Facilities are new and top-notch. The teachers I've had were great.

I have only taken convenient night courses in computer programming, so again, this is just my experience.

[cxray]

If you are Indian, Pakastani Middle-Eastern or South Asian, Chandler is for you. This is where all the South Asians live. Every city has it's Asian community whether you are talking about Sugarland in Houston or Oakbrook in Chicago. Chandler is Phoenix' version of where the Asians live. The overwhelming majority of Asians are well educated being physicians or engineers (Intel). It's kind of an upscale Asian community which may or may not be what you are seeking. I do want to add that Chandler is not predominantly Asian by any means. However, I know the surrounding community embraces the diversity and many non-Asians move to Chandler just so their children can be exposed to some diversity. It's a great community.

I recommend living in northwest Chandler by the I-10 aka Ikea and Mercedez Benz dealership area or South Chandler near Ocotillo. Northwest Chandler/South Tempe is also known as the new furniture capital of the valley. They are also going to build a new Copenhagen and Rob and Stuckey there. There are several upscale and trendy furniture stores there; you can see the Ikea from the highway. The only catch with Ocotillo is that it's pretty far south and that you don't receive some of the same amenities with living in north Chandler like having access to downtown and Tempe. The houses are definitely nicer in the Ocotillo/south Chandler area and with the 202, it's easier to get access to the 101 or I-10 but it's still far south. Or consider living in Ahwautukee Foothills (just west of the I-10 freeway on Elliot, Warner, Ray or Chandler blvd)

I do want to add that even East Chandler is starting to look really nice. Downtown Chandler used to be so ghetto. The only time I would go there was to pay a fine for an expired tag. I drove through downtown Chandler and was amazed at how much nicer it was. It's like a 180. The Chandler High School itself looks like it has a makeover. There is some nice wine bars and trendy restaurants there. They are totally renovating downtown chandler. I was impressed.

[SMG]

CXRAY- I belive that area of 1-10 next to IKEA is actually South Tempe, possible Ahwautukee(Phoenix). I do not think Chandler is near Warner and 1-10..closer to Chandler Blvd it may be...