Relocating to Tempe for Work, surrounding towns? (Mesa, Scottsdale: apartment complexes, homes)

[Jaclyn4238]

It is a great possibility that my husband will be transfered from Rhode Island to Tempe, Arizona. I know Tempe is where ASU is located and while we young (24/25) we also have a small family (3 yo and one on the way) and do not want to live in a party town (if thats what it is?) can anyone recommend nearby towns that would be an easy commute? I thank you all very much.

[AzDreamer]

Gilbert is pretty close to Tempe and is supposed to be a good area for families. South Scottsdale is just on the other side of the Salt River.

[silverbear]

Tempe should not be stereotyped as a party town. Yes, there are some rowdy apartment complexes near the ASU campus, but those occupy only a small portion of Tempe. For your needs, the large portion of Tempe south of the 60 Freeway will be fine. Along the major arterial streets south of 60 -- Baseline, Guadalupe, Elliott, and Warner --you'll find plenty of family-oriented suburban neighborhoods. There are even some comfortable, family-oriented areas north of 60 if you look carefully.

[vegaspilgrim]

Originally Posted by AzDreamer

Gilbert is pretty close to Tempe and is supposed to be a good area for families. South Scottsdale is just on the other side of the Salt River.

South Scottsdale is a step down from Tempe, not a step up. NOT an area I would recommend for families. Central Scottsdale, yes. Like what Silverbear said, I would recommend south Tempe, especially areas south of Guadalupe Rd (which puts you in the Kyrene K-8 school district). Most of Chandler would work out too, just stay away from the older parts along Arizona Ave. Parts of Mesa are also really nice, although generally you need to be east of Lindsay Rd if you want nice and quiet. Gilbert would be good for families overall, and some parts are closer in than others.

[Captain Bill]

South Chandler, East Mesa, and I would even say farther east than Higley, and Gilbert are all good areas. Gilbert being my preference because I live there. In Gilbert there are probably more homes in great areas that are affordable.

In Val Vista Lakes, which is one of the premier communities in Gilbert, there are homes now in the $245k range.

You will need to know what your budget is for a home. With that in mind you would look for a community that has the amenities that you require and then find a home within that community that's in your budget price range.

[mom2JJz]

Originally Posted by silverbear

Tempe should not be stereotyped as a party town. Yes, there are some rowdy apartment complexes near the ASU campus, but those occupy only a small portion of Tempe. For your needs, the large portion of Tempe south of the 60 Freeway will be fine. Along the major arterial streets south of 60 -- Baseline, Guadalupe, Elliott, and Warner --you'll find plenty of family-oriented suburban neighborhoods. There are even some comfortable, family-oriented areas north of 60 if you look carefully.

I second this. Excellent advice.