Considering a move back to AZ looking for advice (Phoenix: best neighborhood, house)

[clech]

My husband and I use to live in Scottsdale in 2000-2002 before we had children. We currently live in a quiet, safe, affordable suburb of Chicago. As much as we like our community for all that it offers our 6 and 8 year old we are done with the long winters and considering moving back to Arizona. Looking for suggestions on the best school districts and safest areas those are the most important factors. We both work in the field and from home so our commute will always be different. We typically stay near Desert Ridge when we visit and love the area but a lot of the newer homes are over $500k, we are hoping to spend less then $400k. The other cities we are considering are Dallas and Nashville of which we have spent little time visiting so far. Has anyone lived in Chicago and Phoenix (or others we like) and can offer advice??

[AZJoeD]

I lived most of my life in the Chicago area and like you grew tired of the winters. We moved here in 2001 and since then we have had most of our family and many friends relocate. It has become home to us. I am sure you will have little trouble making the transition.

If you like the Desert Ridge area, I would still consider it, $400K is certainly possible but you are correct that the selection will be limited. Another area that I often recommend is the Dynamite Mountain Ranch/Sonoran Foothills area near I-17 and Happy Valley Rd (zip code 85085). It is a beautiful area, new or newer homes, great location for amenities (shopping, dining, etc.), good schools, not too far or too close. Easy access to I-17 and the Loop 101 for getting around the valley.

You can find many nice homes in your price point. It might compare favorably to Hoffman Estates or Lisle as examples.

[AZgarden]

I also came from Chicago suburbs in 2001 ( Schaumburg, Glen Ellyn) and now live in Chandler. You would have no trouble finding a really nice home in Ocotillo area and the schools are excellent and the activities for the kids numerous. Chandler Fashion Center is close, all the restaurants and stores you need are here too. Downtown Chandler is trying to become more like a real downtown with walking, library, restaurants, shopping, farmers market, etc. (Ostrich Festival is a hit) The movie theater at Fashion Sq is really nice too. Not many traffic jams around here. Take at look at Chandler.

[clech]

Thank you! You have both been helpful. Chandler Fashion Square was brand new when we moved away. I hear wonderful things about Chandler and North Phoenix. I'm excited to be back out next week!

[observer53]

Just to be clear about the names, so you don't get confused talking to people about them. It's Chandler Fashion Center, Scottsdale Fashion Square.

[AZgarden]

Scottsdale Fashion Square is an up-scale, super-regional luxury mall (Wikipedia) but I believe Chandler mall is more of an everyday people shopping experience. Both are very nice.

[clech]

Yes I have been to both malls a lot especially Scottsdale Fashion Square. Both are very nice. Phoenix is looking like a great option for us, right now I am concerned about the huge move across the country and choosing the best neighborhood. So many newer homes are well over $500k I am shocked the market is creeping back up so high again after the crash. Parts of Scottsdale can be a little too upscale for our laid back family with young kids but I hear the schools are great. Chandler sounds like a wonderful option, but years ago there were some rougher areas in there and safety is a huge factor for us. Counting down the days while my house sounds like it is going to blow over here in the windy city today!

[observer53]

Originally Posted by clech

Yes I have been to both malls a lot especially Scottsdale Fashion Square. Both are very nice. Phoenix is looking like a great option for us, right now I am concerned about the huge move across the country and choosing the best neighborhood. So many newer homes are well over $500k I am shocked the market is creeping back up so high again after the crash. Parts of Scottsdale can be a little too upscale for our laid back family with young kids but I hear the schools are great. Chandler sounds like a wonderful option, but years ago there were some rougher areas in there and safety is a huge factor for us. Counting down the days while my house sounds like it is going to blow over here in the windy city today!

There is very little of Chandler that I would be concerned about in the least. West Chandler, the far south areas like Ocotiilo (excellent schools around there) are just fine. Parts of the older part of the city, right along Arizona Ave going south to Pecos, can get a ltitle rough, but the kind of residence you are looking for isn't found there, either.

[Hawkrdh]

Check out the Great Hearts schools. They are charter schools throughout the valley. Our children attend Scottsdale Archway Classical Academy an we love it!

[place]

I relocated from midwest.
Pros : Less to no winter. High temp in summer.
Cons : No green and pretty dry with less to zero humidity.

I still have few issues with this transition because of absence of greenery and desert looks. From the amenities perspective all are same. We have good schools in chandler and scottsdale .