New teacher moving to Mesa, help! (Phoenix: homes, condos, rent)

[missteacher]

So a friend and I just finished our Master's in Teaching program and we're planning to move to the Phoenix area. We've been interviewing and researching and talking to districts and we've had several job offers: Phoenix Unified, Cartwright, Kyrene and Laveen. We've also been talking with Mesa school district, which is the one that we think might be the best fit for us. We're looking for advice as to where might be the best place to live. Insights you may have about the schools? We're planning a long weekend to explore the areas in mid-may...any suggestions?

[CheckM8]

I attended schools in Cartwright and Phoenix Union. My father has substituted for both Phoenix Union and cartwright along with most of the districts on the west side. I currently live in Laveen where my daughter attends Trailside Point Elementary school. Cartwright and Phoenix Union always seem to be behind the trend when it comes to education and funding. I don't how many teachers I have heard complain about the district when I attended there, but keep in mind that it has been about 10 years for me since I graduated.

From what I have seen, Laveen elementary district is making a lot of strides in the right direction. The board recently won some award for having the most effective school board, and they have increased pay by 7% for teachers. This comes at a time when most are not giving any raises. I would encourage to do some research on the internet about each district. Laveen would be cheaper to live in if you choose to move there.

I don't have much exposure to the east valley districts, however I will say that Mesa always seems to be in a budget crunch because they are unwilling to ever pass overrides, raise taxes, or do bonds.

[healthcaresafety]

Mesa and Kyrene are definately the districts to look at after reviewing your list, unless the others are paying much, much higher. Mesa consistently has good stats, though some of the older neighborhoods drag down their scores slightly. It's an established city with mature neighborhoods and infrastructure. There is plenty to choose from including apartments, condos, single family. Go to realtor.com and put in your size and price range. You'll see plenty of MLS listed homes with photos and descriptions. That will get you started. The you can then research the individual neighborhood.

Congrats on the new job!