How is Phoenix for families? Be honest... (Scottsdale, Peoria: attorney, gated)

[jwhalen]

We currently live in upstate New York and we're sick and tired of the cold weather. We're from California originally and getting acclimated to the cold has not been easy, but we can't go back to California because we just can't afford it.

I'm graduating law school in Dec 2007 and would like to work for a DA or PD's office. This board makes it sound like crime is rampant in some parts of PHX and for an aspiring criminal attorney such as myself, it sounds like I might be able to find a job fairly easily. My husband is in sales, so I would think the job market would be good for him as well.

What areas would be nice and safe for a interracial family with a 10 year old son? Which areas should we avoid at all costs? Where are the best school districts? Any good private schools? Are there affordable new homes under 300,000 dollars? I don't like to focus on race, but since I have a son, I need to ask....are there areas where we would get hassled for being a bi-racial family?

Any advice is greatly appreciated. We were looking at downstate NY (forget it, too cold, too expensive) and Austin (forget it, husband doesn't like it) as possibilities but have given up on those. Help!!

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by jwhalen

We currently live in upstate New York and we're sick and tired of the cold weather. We're from California originally and getting acclimated to the cold has not been easy, but we can't go back to California because we just can't afford it.

I'm graduating law school in Dec 2007 and would like to work for a DA or PD's office. This board makes it sound like crime is rampant in some parts of PHX and for an aspiring criminal attorney such as myself, it sounds like I might be able to find a job fairly easily. My husband is in sales, so I would think the job market would be good for him as well.

What areas would be nice and safe for a interracial family with a 10 year old son? Which areas should we avoid at all costs? Where are the best school districts? Any good private schools? Are there affordable new homes under 300,000 dollars? I don't like to focus on race, but since I have a son, I need to ask....are there areas where we would get hassled for being a bi-racial family?

Any advice is greatly appreciated. We were looking at downstate NY (forget it, too cold, too expensive) and Austin (forget it, husband doesn't like it) as possibilities but have given up on those. Help!!

300K will get you a new 3/2 home in a new subdivision in upscale areas like Vistancia. I just priced them a couple weeks ago. As for areas to avoid, you won't even be looking there with your expected income. Relax about the crime, this is a very safe place to live for the most part.

We, too, are an interracial family and have nine-year old daughter. We have never had any "incidents" anywhere in the Phoenix area in the many years we have lived here. My daughter is one of several bi-racial children in her school of 800 students. She has friends of every color. Same with us, all our neighbors and the folks we work with etc. treat us just like they do anyone else.

One thing though, you don't say what you mean by interracial so I will assume black/white. If you are a middle class person seeking a black cultural experience or exposure here you are not going to find it. Your kids are going to grow up among white people. There are simply not enough black people and they are dispersed all over the city. The illegal influx into south Phoenix destroyed what there was of a black area in Phoenix. There's a couple of churches left there but even those tend to be mixed somewhat. I bring it up because some of my black relatives moan about the lack of black culture here and long to live back in Huntsville or someplace where they can be isolated among their own. That is not for us.

[MotleyCrew]

I think you both will have plenty of work here! We actually live up in Vistancia, N. Peoria and can't begin to tell you how much we love living up here. We have many bi-racial couples here and we all mingle, walk, bike, play bunco, taste good wines, just fine together. I see the kids out in the street playing without any problems other than those that kids have anyway. There is a new elementary school here on site and the high school my son goes to is very good. I think you might want to come and see our development. The homes are not the usual cookie-cutter, same roof color homes. There are many different builders with many different styles to choose from. We even have a new gated community called Blackstone with million dollar homes and custom home sites for you after you have practiced law for a few years. The only drawback is the drive back and forth to Phoenix if this is where you will work. Most of the bigger law firms are in Phoenix and Scottsdale. We chose this area because the crime was lower and the new shopping under construction will be close by but not right on top of us. Please go to www.vistancia.com to see what is taking place here. We are also from CA. and would not go back! Good luck to you. If I can send you any information, please email me and I would be happy to do so.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by Jill Warner

I think you both will have plenty of work here! We actually live up in Vistancia, N. Peoria and can't begin to tell you how much we love living up here. We have many bi-racial couples here and we all mingle, walk, bike, play bunco, taste good wines, just fine together. I see the kids out in the street playing without any problems other than those that kids have anyway. There is a new elementary school here on site and the high school my son goes to is very good. I think you might want to come and see our development. The homes are not the usual cookie-cutter, same roof color homes. There are many different builders with many different styles to choose from. We even have a new gated community called Blackstone with million dollar homes and custom home sites for you after you have practiced law for a few years. The only drawback is the drive back and forth to Phoenix if this is where you will work. Most of the bigger law firms are in Phoenix and Scottsdale. We chose this area because the crime was lower and the new shopping under construction will be close by but not right on top of us. Please go to www.vistancia.com to see what is taking place here. We are also from CA. and would not go back! Good luck to you. If I can send you any information, please email me and I would be happy to do so.

I just loved the homes by Rosewood or Rosemont (?) at Vistancia. They have a hacienda elevation that looks like the adobe brick territorial homes and the prison in Yuma (not what it might sound like). Truly different! I have never seen anything like them in the Phoenix area. The models were still under construction so I don't know what the insides look like.

[woodson]

This area sounds great!!! How far of a commute would it be into Phoenix? My wife is contemplating a job, and she will be working on E. camelback road. Thanks!

[sablebaby]

I used to live out near there, but still not as far out. For me in traffic coming from central phx/downtown to 83rd ave and breadsley it was a good 45-55 minutes. Vistancia is another several miles NW from there, so what another 10 minutes? So you're looking at a good hour or more. To get to Camelback where your talking Woodson, it would be over an hour.

For me, I just couldn't take the commute anymore. I moved a bit closer, but still have a 35-40 minute drive to/from work, and that's still not that great. It's so much time wasted and the stress isn't worth it. I say move closer to your work! You'll be doing ALL of us a favor!

[ciberia70]

So how far would you say the commute is from Vistancia to N. Scottsdale directly next to the executive airport? The office is literally on N. Scottsdale Rd. and 73rd Street.

Thks! This place sounds awesome!

ciberia70

[sablebaby]

Well, that is basically a straight shot on the 101, then exit on scottsdale road and down a few miles. It would take a while to get on the 101 from Vistancia. Probably an hour in traffic, maybe less, maybe more? The 101 is packed and Vistancia is far out there.

[jwhalen]

Thanks for the responses! Yes, our interracial family is black/white, I probably should have clarified. Anyway, we plan to visit this summer, just to see if we can handle the heat.

[azmom05]

West Phoenix is growing rapidly. Estrella Mountain Ranch is like a little town -very secluded. The schools are excellent too! check out www.estrellamountainranch (broken link) for more info. You can definitely get a pre-existing home in the price range you are looking for out there. It's a huge master-planned community with lakes, a community center with a workout center, daycare, kid center, waterpark - pool, and tons of wildlife. It is nice to be away from the city too. You can enjoy the stars at night, and it is silent!