Divoice Mom of 3 moving from Chicago to Chandler (Scottsdale, Gilbert: rental, insurance)

[newlife24]

Hello Everyone

I've just been extended a job offer from a mortgage company in Chandler and they want me to start in March. I would need to rent either a 3 bdrm house/apt in a decent family friendly area (no more than 1200/mo), with a good school disrict, esp special ed for my 5 year old. I also welcome feedback on cost of living (vs Chicago), entertainment, museums, zoo's, weather, etc. All responses are welcome. Thanks.

[sablebaby]

You should have no problem finding a nice rental home for under $1200/mo in Chandler. The schools sound like they are good, but you can do a search on this forum for that I'm sure. There are a few people who live in Chandler or near it on here. Basically, the housing is a lot cheaper here, many other things are pretty comparable.

[AZgarden]

I moved to Chandler from Chicago area and you will have no problem finding a rental house in a nice area for way less than $1200. In addition, your heat, water and AC bills will be so much lower. If you buy a house, you will find taxes about one-third of them in Chicago. The Chandler Schools are fine, including services for special ed. Best of all, you will never shovel snow again !!!

[sundance67]

I would go to Moderator cut: linking to competitors sites is not allowed
. That's what I'm doing as I investigate which places we're considering. Also, Chicago is really expensive, especially w/ housing, & I've checked out some parts of Az. It's WAY cheaper out there. I've also heard the schools are excellent.Good luck, wish I had a definite place in mind..

[sablebaby]

Originally Posted by sundance67

I've also heard the schools are excellent.

lol, are you talking about Chandler or Phx or AZ? I've never heard anyone say our schools are excellent. We rank 48th I believe in the country.

[sundance67]

I obviously don't live there so if you're a native, you know what the schools are like. By the way what I read was there are charter schools in AZ. that rival public schools in the midwest.

[AZgarden]

Some of the schools are better than others, as is true in every state in every area. Yes, AZ has mostly schools which have not kept up with the rest of the country, but, they are working on improvement. And yes, charter schools are very abundant here. In the Phx area, Kyrene, Chandler, Gilbert and a few others are providing excellent education, not like the midwest, but very decent. PS I work in the childrens disability program for the State. You will need to get enrolled as soon as you get here. Find out your local school and give them a call when you move into your house.

[snowthedirtbub]

Originally Posted by sablebaby

lol, are you talking about Chandler or Phx or AZ? I've never heard anyone say our schools are excellent. We rank 48th I believe in the country.

Actually now its 50th i think...

but chandler has one of the best school districts in arizona.

[thedfly]

Make sure you check into your cost for automobile insurance and registration. Coming from Chicago, it will make your jaw drop. Insurance will most likely almost double and plates won't be $78 or whatever the current price is. If you have a new car, expect to pay $300-500 a year.

And really check into schools! It will be quite diff from Chicago. Another thing to check into is that kindergarten may be a mandatory full day in AZ. But as a working Mom that might be an added plus!

[sweettearose]

Originally Posted by sablebaby

lol, are you talking about Chandler or Phx or AZ? I've never heard anyone say our schools are excellent. We rank 48th I believe in the country.

That's funny because I have heard of people praising the schools in Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale and Suprise. The schools are pretty bad overall but the point is if someone wanted to send their children to good schools, there are many options.