Update: bought house...moving in few weeks (Scottsdale, Chandler: sales, layoffs)

[70-DropTop]

Hi all, just wanted to put an update out there and get your thoughts on things. First, my original discussion is here:
http://www.city-data.com/forum/phoen...cottsdale.html

Well, we bought a home in Chandler Heights. I'm curious, what are your thoughts on the neighborhood? I did a lot of research on the area and was happy with what I found, but I never did have the time to ask the question here. Good neighborhood and area? Be honest.

It appeared pretty quiet there the few days we toured the neighborhood and hung out. Home prices seemed to be holding their own just fine...as long as you didn't buy at the actual peak. Schools next door and lots of shopping within a couple miles...that's a plus.

We close in a few weeks...sooo much to do in such a short period of time. My wife and I keep asking ourselves if we're really doing this (moving from Ohio to AZ). It's never been about loving it there and hating it here. I love it where I'm at...it's purely for career advancement. I'm pretty open minded, which is why we're on our way.

Thanks!

[Jake92839]

Hi 70-DropTop,

could you tell me how you felt about the area?

I'm from the Cleveland, Ohio area and I want to apply for a job I found online at General Dynamics C4 in Scottsdale. I am an Entry Level Electrical Engineer.

Before I waste anyones time applying, I would like to get as much information about the area, and even the company (for current residents already in this area, layoffs, labor disputes, etc.).

I read your other post and since I don't live far from you, I have thought the same thing; "Would I really up and move way out to Arizona?" The bad thing is that I have been unemployed for six years and a move without a job first would be really drastic. But Cleveland is dead for my work and I have to do something.

Thanks for any advice and information. Good luck with your new move.

[70-DropTop]

Jake,

It was a very neat area...felt like I was on vacation. Traffic is much heavier than anywhere in OH. There's a lot to do, and there are more outdoor places. I like classic muscle cars, and there are many more of them there out and about than here.

I noticed that a lot of the older homes looked dumpy to me, where a lot of the older homes around where I am are have a certain charm or character. Before anyone jumps me, I know there are many nice older homes there...just relating my overall impression. There are a lot of nice areas, in general...their top end is much higher and larger of an area than what you'd find around here.

Their taxes are lower than here. Property taxes are nothing compared to OH. There aren't any municipal income taxes (I pay two cities here). They hit you up with a slightly higher sales tax...but that's nothing a little internet shopping couldn't help out State income is slightly less than here. They hit you up on the value of your vehicle. For me, I get a "raise" from just moving there due to the lessor tax burden.

It was nice enough for me to pick up my family and leave a place I currently like. For me, the deal had to be just right because I'm doing well where I'm leaving and I really like Central Ohio. This move for us is all about professional advancement, vs. hating where I'm currently located.

I did A LOT of online research...and talked to a few folks in my company's office out there a lot before I made the decision. Actually, the guy who's bringing me out there is from Painesville. If you want, PM me a way to get a hold of you and we can chat for a bit, if you're serious.

Anymore, so much info is available online. From this site, moving.com, about.com, realtor.com, greatschools.net, local.live.com, maps.google.com, and some others out there, there's a wealth of info available. Also, talk to a realtor (can refer you to mine). They have a good pulse on what's going on.

By the way, I'm also an engineer...however I do roadway/freeway design, including some big things up your way in Cleveland. You mentioning GM's site out there reminds me of the work I did for Honda at TRC down here.

Let me know if I can help.