Tips for Family Moving from Pittsburgh, PA (Kids 10, 7) (Phoenix, Chandler: real estate, condo)

[mdcmm-78]

Hello to all,

We are a family with two kids 10 and 7 looking to move near Phoenix from Pittsburgh, PA. What are the best places to live in terms of education, safety, affordable house prices, kid attractions, amenities, diverse, commute times to the city, some greenery :-) ? I've heard of Gilbert and Chandler but, any others?

Regarding education specifically, I'm confused because around Pittsburgh, suburb kids go to their designated school district unless you're sending them to private which is very expensive. Most people with kids make sure they buy a home where the good districts are. There are many good ones to choose from. It seems like in AZ you choose schools? Is there a website with SCHOOL DISTRICT rankings where I can compare? Are charters part of the public school system and how can I find rankings? Is bus transportation to school included?

How pricey are the private schools? What about kids that need supports for ADHD and special needs, are schools supportive?

Thanks in advance for any info!

[DetroitN8V]

With all due respect, have you looked at any real estate listings? If you had, I think you'd realize that you need to add about $100k minimum to your budget. Also, you mention "commute times" but no reference to where. You may want to include that.

[mdcmm-78]

Yes, I have looked. I just changed the post wording to "affordable", that should help.

[KurtAZ]

I would start by doing a search in the Phoenix sub-forum....all this information has been addressed. The most important questions of course are

"Where will you be working?" The Phoenix MSA is 14,565.76 sq mi. Live close to where you work.

"What does "affordable" mean to you?"

It seems like in AZ you choose schools?

The whole state has Open Enrollment. You do have a home school based on your homes' address but you can elect to go to a different school provided you complete the Open Enrollment paperwork and the target school has openings. This does NOT guarantee your student a spot at that school, it has to be approved by the school you want them to attend. Be aware that if you choose to attend a school that is not your assigned school, you are responsible for transportation.

Is there a website with SCHOOL DISTRICT rankings where I can compare?

There are the typical ones that we cannot mention here on CD but the official AZDOE site: https://www.azreportcards.org/

Are charters part of the public school system and how can I find rankings?

Yes, same as above.

Is bus transportation to school included?

To your home school outside a 1/2 mile radius, yes. If you choose a charter or other school, no.

How pricey are the private schools?

Depends on the school, but normally in the $10k-$20k range. If you decide to go that route, apply for the school voucher program.

What about kids that need supports for ADHD and special needs, are schools supportive?

Make sure you have an IEP on file and maintain communication with your students' teachers and administration.

[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by mdcmm-78

Yes, I have looked. I just changed the post wording to "affordable", that should help.

Where were you seeing houses that met your nice and affordable requirements? Affordable could mean anything. I just don't think you're going to find a nice, centrally located 4 bedroom house near the range initially mentioned. What about the commute? Where is that to? I think it makes the most sense to nail down at least a vicinity before worrying about schools. You'll be able to find viable options wherever, but the valley is huge and spread out.

[mdcmm-78]

I am applying for online jobs so should be able to work from anywhere. Still, I don't want to be super far from nice attractions, hospitals, etc. So that's why I still want to factor the commute.

[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by mdcmm-78

I am applying for online jobs so should be able to work from anywhere. Still, I don't want to be super far from nice attractions, hospitals, etc. So that's why I still want to factor the commute.

I prefer to be more centrally located as well. The most central areas of the valley tend to be the most expensive so you will likely live further out unless you can spend more, concede on having four bedrooms, or consider a condo or townhouse.

I wouldn't recommend buying right away though. I think it's best to get a feel for the area before making a commitment to a particular location.

[mdcmm-78]

Thanks for all the great info KurtAZ.

Originally Posted by KurtAZ

"What does "affordable" mean to you?"

Affordable means a house between 250 - 350K. Four bedrooms preferred but 3 may do with at least 1600+ sq ft. A pool in the house or the housing complex would be nice.

[mdcmm-78]

Originally Posted by KurtAZ

How pricey are the private schools?

Depends on the school, but normally in the $10k-$20k range. If you decide to go that route, apply for the school voucher program.

What is the school voucher program? Is it available to everyone?

[KurtAZ]

Originally Posted by mdcmm-78

What is the school voucher program? Is it available to everyone?

Well apparently that program was put on hold and we will be voting on it. Most private schools do have scholarships though.