Ahwatukee or Scottsdale area? And daycares... (Phoenix, Chandler: commuters, best, town)

[asufan]

Just saw you asked about daycares too. My kids go to Kids Inc, started at La Petite and Tutor Time for a very brief period. My 7 year old was reading at age 4, although part of that was parent involvement I credit Kids Inc as well. We prefer Kids Inc over the other 2 by far. FYI we pay about $330 a week for one 3 year old and the 7 year old (only before and after school care).

[observer53]

Originally Posted by Valley Native

You definitely have to consider the commute time above most other things. Yes, north Scottsdale is very nice, but the commute to ASU/downtown Tempe from there can be a nightmare. Most likely, you'd be taking the 101 south to the 202, and then east into Tempe. Traffic during rush hour can be very congested on both the 101 and 202. Even when traffic isn't heavy, this is still going to be a pretty long drive. Also keep in mind that Scottsdale extends pretty far north ... and in fact the far northern end can seem like a whole different world compared to other parts of the east Valley.

Ahwatukee would be closer, and less of a commute ... but Ahwatukee is also known as the "world's largest cul de sac", and getting in & out can be a challenge. If you prefer Scottsdale over Ahwatukee, I would consider looking a little further south in Scottsdale, such as around the McCormick area. It's a somewhat older area, but very well kept. It doesn't have immediate access to hiking trails, but the commute wouldn't be as long.

The biggest issue is getting out of Ahwatukee and getting on the 1-10. If you take the surface streets and stay out of the lanes on the east west streets where people are trying to get on the freeway, I don't think it would be too bad.

[asufan]

FWIW I never had an issue getting in or out of Ahwatukee when I lived there, but I didn't live deep into Ahwatukee. I took Warner to get on I-10. Ray Rd was always very congested but someone could take Warner or Pecos and avoid most of it.

[infocyde]

I've lived in the 'tuke in the past, I'd take it over snottsdale any day (for being married with a family anyway). The 'tuke has everything you need, and other than commuting to work you probably will end up spending most of your time there. As others have mentioned the I-10 can really be a parking lot coming out of in the morning or going into Ahwatukee at night. But that was a while ago, Pecos wasn't there as it is now and the 202 loop didn't connect so things might be a little better. When I lived there I tried to either be at work before 7 or I left for work after 9. If you can be a little flexible on your start times it makes all the difference.

As to Scottsdale, the vibe is all wrong. North Scottsdale is very nice, but it is still...Scottsdale. You will have more restaurant choices. South Scottsdale has some rough spots. Your kids if brought up in Scottsdale will absorb it's attitudes, maybe search on Scottsdale a bit and see if that is what you want. Not saying everyone raised there is bad, they are not, but do a search anyway.

Good luck.

[Java Jolt]

Traffic will probably not be too good commuting to Tempe from anywhere.

But for family-friendly areas with good public schools I'd search in Ahwatukee, south Tempe, or Chandler long before Scottsdale.

Ahwatukee would be good for hiking trails with South Mountain Park nearby.

Scottsdale residences are expensive and more suited for young to middle-age yuppie types who like to flash their cash and mod their bods.

[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by Java Jolt

Traffic will probably not be too good commuting to Tempe from anywhere.

But for family-friendly areas with good public schools I'd search in Ahwatukee, south Tempe, or Chandler long before Scottsdale.

Ahwatukee would be good for hiking trails with South Mountain Park nearby.

Scottsdale residences are expensive and more suited for young to middle-age yuppie types who like to flash their cash and mod their bods.

Ignore this poster. He has an ax to grind against Scottsdale and this advise is faulty at best. Much of Scottsdsle is extremely family friendly with great community involvement, schools and tons for kids to do. You've gotten some good info here (and some bad) but I hope you got some valuable information out of this. Good luck on the move!

[asufan]

Originally Posted by Java Jolt

Traffic will probably not be too good commuting to Tempe from anywhere.

But for family-friendly areas with good public schools I'd search in Ahwatukee, south Tempe, or Chandler long before Scottsdale.

The OP didn't mention South Tempe but that's a great suggestion. I love the Corona Del Sol Estates neighborhood, all custom homes on huge lots, great schools and a stones throw from ASU. I used to own a property down the road from there at Warner and Rural and it was 10 minutes to ASU, no freeway needed. How great would it be to be able to go home for lunch?

[infocyde]

Originally Posted by asufan

The OP didn't mention South Tempe but that's a great suggestion. I love the Corona Del Sol Estates neighborhood, all custom homes on huge lots, great schools and a stones throw from ASU. I used to own a property down the road from there at Warner and Rural and it was 10 minutes to ASU, no freeway needed. How great would it be to be able to go home for lunch?

++ I know people in this area and it is nice. In some areas of South Tempe there is even horse property still. You can head South to Ahwatukee or North into central / northern Tempe fairly quickly.

[frankjrinaz]

I agree with Java Jolt. For more down to earth and family friendly I would choose Ahwatukee, South Tempe, West Chandler or the Ocotillo section of Chandler before Scottsdale. South Scottsdale is very run down and poor, North Scottsdale is just not a very convenient location. In the South Tempe/Ahwatukee area you have easy access to the following freeways 202 San Tan, I-10, US 60, 101, 143, 202 Red Mountain. North Scottsdale, just the 101.

Here is a link to the Phx Business Journal list of wealthiest zip codes. In the top ten are South Tempe (85284) and Ahwatukee (listed as Phx 85045 and 85048). South Tempe has a lot of custom home neighborhoods that are zoned as horse property which is very nice.

The Top 10 wealthiest Phoenix-area ZIP codes for 2014 - Phoenix Business Journal

[observer53]

Originally Posted by asufan

The OP didn't mention South Tempe but that's a great suggestion. I love the Corona Del Sol Estates neighborhood, all custom homes on huge lots, great schools and a stones throw from ASU. I used to own a property down the road from there at Warner and Rural and it was 10 minutes to ASU, no freeway needed. How great would it be to be able to go home for lunch?

Originally Posted by infocyde

++ I know people in this area and it is nice. In some areas of South Tempe there is even horse property still. You can head South to Ahwatukee or North into central / northern Tempe fairly quickly.

Agree with these posters. Lots of nice neighborhoods across south Tempe.