Best places to raise a family? Phoenix area (Glendale, Scottsdale: for sale, apartments)

[Positiveone]

What areas are considered the best places/ towns to raise a family within a 30-40 min drive to Phoenix? We live in Henderson NV, 25 mins from Vegas and out here the crime is getting pretty bad, the schools are incredibly overcrowded. And with the influx of Illegal Aliens gangs are on the rise!

I'm sure alot of Phoenix areas have the same issues, but are there any areas that are a drive away from Phoenix for work yet in an area with low crime, good schools and reasonable priced homes? We are in the 250-370,000 price range for a single family home.

Thanks!

[Captain Bill]

Positiveone, I'm partial to the east valley for many reasons, but one reason in particular is if you drive to Phonix to work from the east valley the sun is not in your eyes going to and from work like it is in the west valley.

The Gilbert area has lots of homes within your price range, and so does the south Tempe area, although some of the homes in that price range may be older in Tempe.

Both areas have good schools.

I live in the Val Vista Lakes community in Gilbert which is within your driving range. Here is a link to the community web site.

Val Vista Lakes - Your Community

Homes range from $275,000 up to $1.5 million. It has an elementary school in the community and the junior and high schools are not far.

I checked the MLS and there are 10 homes for sale in Val Vista Lakes community at the present time within your price range of 250 to 370.

Bill

[ibarrio]

Dont forget surprise. The safest city in Arizona. A nice family area with improving schools.

[jco]

I do not plan to put my son in public schools if we still live in Arizona when we get to that point. There are too many good charter or free prep schools in the valley that outperform the public schools. To me, low on crime, reasonable priced homes, within driving distance to Phoenix, and near a place with several schooling choices is key.

That said, I also think Gilbert and Surprise are excellent options; however, I'd make sure that your commute will be to Phoenix. Driving to the east valley from Surprise or the west valley from Gilbert would not be good! You will get a lot more house and land for your money in Surprise, but if you plan on sending your kids to public school, I do believe that Gilbert has better public schools. You're in the price range for a nice home in Marley Park, the elite community in Surprise, and the public elementary and high school for that community is good.

You might also check out Happy Valley, Arrowhead, and North Scottsdale.

[Ponderosa]

Jco, charter schools are public schools, though I guess I know what you are getting at. You should also know that while there are excellent charter schools, some of the very worst schools in the state are charter schools. The only reliable indicator of school performance, public or charter, is the income/education of the students' parents.

[sheena]

Originally Posted by Captain Bill

Positiveone, I'm partial to the east valley for many reasons, but one reason in particular is if you drive to Phonix to work from the east valley the sun is not in your eyes going to and from work like it is in the west valley.

The Gilbert area has lots of homes within your price range, and so does the south Tempe area, although some of the homes in that price range may be older in Tempe.

Both areas have good schools.

I live in the Val Vista Lakes community in Gilbert which is within your driving range. Here is a link to the community web site.

Val Vista Lakes - Your Community

Homes range from $275,000 up to $1.5 million. It has an elementary school in the community and the junior and high schools are not far.

I checked the MLS and there are 10 homes for sale in Val Vista Lakes community at the present time within your price range of 250 to 370.

Bill

I second that.

[sheena]

Originally Posted by Positiveone

What areas are considered the best places/ towns to raise a family within a 30-40 min drive to Phoenix? We live in Henderson NV, 25 mins from Vegas and out here the crime is getting pretty bad, the schools are incredibly overcrowded. And with the influx of Illegal Aliens gangs are on the rise!

I'm sure alot of Phoenix areas have the same issues, but are there any areas that are a drive away from Phoenix for work yet in an area with low crime, good schools and reasonable priced homes? We are in the 250-370,000 price range for a single family home.

Thanks!

We have a lot of the problems Vegas has but I think you will like AZ better. I did not like living in Vegas at all. I sure love to visit though

[jco]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

Jco, charter schools are public schools, though I guess I know what you are getting at. You should also know that while there are excellent charter schools, some of the very worst schools in the state are charter schools. The only reliable indicator of school performance, public or charter, is the income/education of the students' parents.

It's not difficult to tell the good from the bad, so that's a good thing! And yes, you don't want to put your kids in a drop-out school.

[Reid3416]

We live in the Tatum Ranch area of Cave Creek and absolutely love it. We moved here from Canada and could not be happier with the friendly, quiet area we have settled in.

[from nv]

Hi Positiveone....we too, now live in Henderson, NV, but moved here from the Phoenix area about 6 months ago. We lived in Glendale, which is a northwest suburb. It is just about as far away from Phoenix as we are to the strip. If I may suggest, check out San Prado luxury apartments on 59th Ave & the Loop 101. We lived there and found it quite safe. I can't advise you of schools, because our daughter didn't attend schools there. There are plenty of shops and grocery stores nearby (even within walking distance). Good luck!