Maricopa (the town, not the county) (Phoenix, Tucson: sales, amusement park, houses)

[bdeclee56]

As part of our plan to move to the Phoenix area, my husband and I are looking possibly at Maricopa. This will be for our retirement, which means no commuting issues. We currently live about 35 miles outside Philadelphia in a lovely, quiet suburban/rural area, which we love. No need for nightlife for us, but we do have a need for things like Lowes, Target, Starbucks, and a variety of restaurants, plus veterinary services, the usual medical support, maybe a community pool if the house we buy doesn't have one.

If you live in Maricopa, I'd love to hear what you like/love/wish could be better about it.

Thanks!

[DetroitN8V]

I'll just say that I wouldn't consider Maricopa to be in "the Phoenix area". It may be a good fit though.

[sh9730]

Not sure what your time frame is - but while much of what you desire will eventually be part of Maricopa - SOME is not yet.

No Target - (closest one is in Chandler), They have a Walmart/Home Depot, but no Lowes I do not believe and no hospital.

Maricopa during the boom did almost exclusively houses - and they are just now catching up with infrastructure. Don't get me wrong - it is a fine retirement town and it will grow into having some of these things - just not there today.

Casa Grande may be an option - as it was more developed to start with during the boom - it has things like both lowes/HD, a hospital, a mall, more restaurant choices etc.. - On the other hand - CG is about to experience a pretty big boon also with the amusement park and other things forthcoming so.....

CG is also about 5 minutes longer drive into Phoenix than Maricopa - but it also puts you much closer to Tucson for those trips.

[ajonesaz]

Originally Posted by sh9730

CG is also about 5 minutes longer drive into Phoenix than Maricopa - but it also puts you much closer to Tucson for those trips.

Ya, but for Casa Grande you get to use the 10.

The one road in and out of Maricopa is awful. I have heard of people taking 3 hours to get home from Phoenix on that route.

[sh9730]

Originally Posted by ajonesaz

Ya, but for Casa Grande you get to use the 10.

The one road in and out of Maricopa is awful. I have heard of people taking 3 hours to get home from Phoenix on that route.

Yes - true - but in fairness I 10 has it's own issues also since it is only 2 lanes each way in that stretch.

AND - if I have my way (but I think it will be close) the road improvement sales tax issues will pass next week and a high priority project of those funds is 347 widening AND a parkway the other direction out of Maricopa down into Casa Grand and over to the 10 - so at least there would be a better escape route if 347 is backed up.

[hikernut]

Even if you're not commuting, I expect you'll be going to Chandler/Tempe a lot. It's been a few years since I visited Maricopa, but as others have mentioned it is isolated and when there are traffic problems on 347... well, ouch.


I'd look in the East Valley for options... Gilbert, Queen Creek, etc. I think you'll find all the services you are looking for to be more convenient.

[SherPhilly]

Maybe try San Tan or Queen Creek. I grew up and Philly and we lived in Az until recently but we lived in San Tan for a year and it was great. The desert farms with the goats and cows, the mountains and open spaces plus you can get to all those destinations via Queen Creek being a whole lot closer. Maricopa is cool and cheap but I would try San Tan you are still closer to Phoenix and you can get to Casa Grande and Tuscon with no issues when you want.

[sh9730]

Originally Posted by SherPhilly

Maybe try San Tan or Queen Creek. I grew up and Philly and we lived in Az until recently but we lived in San Tan for a year and it was great. The desert farms with the goats and cows, the mountains and open spaces plus you can get to all those destinations via Queen Creek being a whole lot closer. Maricopa is cool and cheap but I would try San Tan you are still closer to Phoenix and you can get to Casa Grande and Tuscon with no issues when you want.

Yes - we don't have a budget for the OP - and that would factor in - Santan is on par price wise with Maricopa and Casa Grande. You are correct - from SanTan or QC they are closer to some of the suburban amenities they desire. But just for reference those places are not closer to Phoenix itself.

SanTan to Phoenix - 57 mins

Maricopa to Phoenix - 42 mins

Casa Grande to Phoenix - 51 mins

Subtract 15 mins or so from CG and Maricopa from those times to get to Chandler - which has everything.

All a matter of the neighborhood they want, price, views, etc.

[Prickly Pear]

If you just want basic suburban amenities, I'd look at Queen Creek, Casa Grande, or San Tan Valley. I imagine San Tan may be more scenic also, but I haven't been out there in a minute.

[bdeclee56]

Thanks for all the info. so far. As many of you have pointed out, Chandler is likely to be our go-to place for services not available in Maricopa. I will say the lack of a hospital in Maricopa concerns me somewhat, as does the one route in and out.

With regard to SanTan and QC, I have two impressions: one, that there is a problem with the private well and septic service in the former, and two, they each may be a little higher priced than Maricopa. Our budget is $300k tops, which appears to purchase more in Maricopa.

Casa Grande intrigues me for sure. My husband will be there in a month scouting, so we will keep all this in mind when he gets there. We return in January for more scouting and possibly buying.