Moving into the area... (Phoenix, Mesa: apartment, rental, work)

[Johnperrion]

Hey everybody, me and my bay bay are gonna be moving down to the Phoenix area from Utah to A. get out of the cold B. spread our wings and C. go to school. We are gonna start at Gateway Community College which is just north of the airport. We are looking at places to lay our pretty heads and we were just hoping we could get some friendly advice as to the best place where.
Just from searching the internet I noticed that you could rent a nice 2 bedroom apartment in a complex for about 995-1200, however I checked up on renting 3 bedroom 2 bath houses and they are in the same price range! Anyone have any insight as to why that is? Flooded house market maybe? All I know is if my 1200 gets me a house or an apt I'm going house everytime.
We are also up in the air as about where to live, if we go with an apt I would imagine we would try to stay in Phoenix near the school, or in Tempe by Mill Street. Just curious as to how those area's are for a mid twenties couple. However if we go house, which I would strongly prefer I'd probably head more south or west and look in Chandler or Mesa. My research right now tells me that a house in Chandler is option one. I'm kinda curious about traffic, ole google map tells me it's about 25 mins from the airport and about 35 with traffic can anyone back that claim up?
Well I'm sure I have 30 more questions but I can't conjour up anymore right now, any answers to any of these questions or just general advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance and hope to be your neighbor soon.
p.s. when we get there housewarming party at my place, I'll get the Keg!

[sablebaby]

Our rents are still a little low, but they are increasing. But, you are correct about how much apts and homes cost to rent. The thing about renting a home is that many are owned by average people trying to be "investors" and some don't know anything about renting and being a legal landlord. It can be a mess if you get a green landlord. You might want to try finding a home that is professionally managed. Not saying that renting an apt is any better as management can be so crappy.

Gateway is an excellent school. Commuting will be an issue if you live too far away. The major problem with traffic is that people live so far away from their work and then they clog up the freeways getting to work. It's always best to live closer to work or school. It will be less of a headache and our freeways won't be getting any better. Good luck!

[Johnperrion]

Thanks for the info I greatly appreciate it. So as to the traffic question do you think Chandler would be a good fit? I'm okay with a 25-35 min commute into town if it means lower crime rate and a less congested feel when it comes to everyday living withing the city I reside. But if that number jumps up to 45-55 min then I might rethink...How about Glendale do you think it would be a viable option. I'm just want piece of mind where I lay my head.

[sheena]

Originally Posted by Johnperrion

Hey everybody, me and my bay bay are gonna be moving down to the Phoenix area from Utah to A. get out of the cold B. spread our wings and C. go to school. We are gonna start at Gateway Community College which is just north of the airport. We are looking at places to lay our pretty heads and we were just hoping we could get some friendly advice as to the best place where.
Just from searching the internet I noticed that you could rent a nice 2 bedroom apartment in a complex for about 995-1200, however I checked up on renting 3 bedroom 2 bath houses and they are in the same price range! Anyone have any insight as to why that is? Flooded house market maybe? All I know is if my 1200 gets me a house or an apt I'm going house everytime.
We are also up in the air as about where to live, if we go with an apt I would imagine we would try to stay in Phoenix near the school, or in Tempe by Mill Street. Just curious as to how those area's are for a mid twenties couple. However if we go house, which I would strongly prefer I'd probably head more south or west and look in Chandler or Mesa. My research right now tells me that a house in Chandler is option one. I'm kinda curious about traffic, ole google map tells me it's about 25 mins from the airport and about 35 with traffic can anyone back that claim up?
Well I'm sure I have 30 more questions but I can't conjour up anymore right now, any answers to any of these questions or just general advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance and hope to be your neighbor soon.
p.s. when we get there housewarming party at my place, I'll get the Keg!

You and your bay bay need to check out Val Vista Lakes.

Here is a rental

House for lease

You just missed a 4 bedroom with a private pool in Val Vista Lakes for under 1100. I think it was 1095, 1500 + square feet.

I'm expecting an invite to the party

Traffic smaffic, get used to it