Detroit to AZ! (Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale: real estate, to rent, low crime)

[jmarc23]

Good morning!

Yesterday, my husband received the go-ahead to transfer to his company's office in Scottsdale. He is hopeful to be out there by the end of June, but we still have our house in MI to sell.

We're planning on taking a trip in May to look at the area and some houses. I'd like to be able to narrow it down, as we have a limited amount of time to meet with a realtor and check out neighborhoods that meet our needs. One of our biggest concerns is commute time, and I'd love some advice, since we can't get a full picture on the real estate websites and maps.

He'll be working just off 101, southeast of E. Bell Road, in Scottsdale. We're looking for a family friendly area within a reasonable distance to his office, that has excellent schools, low crime, and homes in the $200-$300k range. Ideally, we'd like a 4 bedroom with a pool and little updates needed. Right now, his commute to Detroit is 30 miles one way and takes anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour in rush hour traffic.

We thought that Chandler and Gilbert might work for us, as it seems to fit our housing needs, but his boss in Scottsdale advised against it, due to the commute. (However, she isn't aware of what he drives daily to Detroit.)

We're also looking for a realtor that can help us out with this, so any recommendations via PM would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[DetroitN8V]

Welcome! We moved from the mitten and haven't regretted it once (except during baseball season!). A $300k house with 4 bedrooms and a pool within a reasonable commute to N Scottsdale is going to be tough to find. No way would I want to commute from Chandler or Gilbert. You'll need to look at the outskirts. Maybe somewhere up near Anthem? Still not a great commute, but your money will go further.

[asufan]

Originally Posted by jmarc23

Good morning!

Yesterday, my husband received the go-ahead to transfer to his company's office in Scottsdale. He is hopeful to be out there by the end of June, but we still have our house in MI to sell.

We're planning on taking a trip in May to look at the area and some houses. I'd like to be able to narrow it down, as we have a limited amount of time to meet with a realtor and check out neighborhoods that meet our needs. One of our biggest concerns is commute time, and I'd love some advice, since we can't get a full picture on the real estate websites and maps.

He'll be working just off 101, southeast of E. Bell Road, in Scottsdale. We're looking for a family friendly area within a reasonable distance to his office, that has excellent schools, low crime, and homes in the $200-$300k range. Ideally, we'd like a 4 bedroom with a pool and little updates needed. Right now, his commute to Detroit is 30 miles one way and takes anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour in rush hour traffic.

We thought that Chandler and Gilbert might work for us, as it seems to fit our housing needs, but his boss in Scottsdale advised against it, due to the commute. (However, she isn't aware of what he drives daily to Detroit.)

We're also looking for a realtor that can help us out with this, so any recommendations via PM would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Best case scenario, if you live in the Northernmost part of Chandler along the 101 freeway corridor, you're looking at a 40-45-minute rush hour commute (maybe more during current construction). Worst case scenario you can add 20-25 minutes for the SE parts of those suburbs. I would think NE Phoenix would be a better fit, maybe around Cave Creek Rd/Deer Valley Rd if you want something newer in that price range. If you are OK with something older there are lots of other options closer to the office location.

[jmarc23]

Originally Posted by DetroitN8V

Welcome! We moved from the mitten and haven't regretted it once (except during baseball season!).

You aren't kidding about baseball season! We are really bummed about this part of moving! I've already looked into the possibility of the Tigers playing the Diamondbacks, but unfortunately not this season!

[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by jmarc23

You aren't kidding about baseball season! We are really bummed about this part of moving! I've already looked into the possibility of the Tigers playing the Diamondbacks, but unfortunately not this season!

Say what you will about Detroit, but there is nothing better than a summer night at Comerica! I miss that for sure.

[BIG CATS]

This might be tough! Scottsdale is like Grosse Point, MI (price wise). Finding a home at the price you want, that is close to the new office, is gonna be difficult. At this point all I can really recommend is Mesa or Chandler/Gilbert. Mesa is very dangerous in areas, so do be extremely careful where you pick out a home. If your husband doesnt mind a longer commute, check out Anthem. Its a bit out of the way, but traffic coming to work on I-17 shouldnt be terrible. It will be MUCH better than taking the 101.

[sandy6879]

Look into Tempe or North Phoenix as suggested above. Chandler/Gilbert to Scottsdale is a nightmare traffic-wise and rush hour here is more like 2-3 hours, for both the morning and evening commute. There are accidents every single day along the 101 which makes the delay even worse. Scottsdale itself might be your best bet to live if you can find something within your price range.

[infocyde]

Another option would be to rent for a year, learn the area, and see how much you like Arizona before investing a huge sum in a house. You could also try renting your Michigan house so if things are not what you expect you have a place to go back to. I think you will like "the Valley", most do who move here, but a few really don't after a few years.

[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by infocyde

Another option would be to rent for a year, learn the area, and see how much you like Arizona before investing a huge sum in a house. You could also try renting your Michigan house so if things are not what you expect you have a place to go back to. I think you will like "the Valley", most do who move here, but a few really don't after a few years.

Good point. We rented for a year in Scottsdale before buying here.

[Ztonyg]

I know a large amount of ex-Michiganders who live in the Norterra area (I-17 and Happy Valley / Jomax). There are a number of young families there, the schools are good, the houses are all less than 15 years old, and you should find what you're looking for in your price range. Commute time from there to 101 / Bell will likely run 30 - 40 minutes max.