Surprise and Phoenix area questions (Glendale, Scottsdale: crime, new home, employment)

[awakenthesun22]

I have a few questions about the Phoenix area, particularly the Surprise area. My best friend is wooing me to come out since he moved there a few years ago to start a band. I'm looking for straight and honest facts and/or opinions from a variety of people.

My first concern is my recreational activities. I'm a road cyclist, mountain climber, and distance runner. I know that I can go north to the Flagstaff area for the mountains, but is there a safe area for road cyclists and distance runners around the Surprise/Phoenix area? My biggest concern is safe traffic, both for motorists and myself. I'm not one that enjoys cycling heavy traffic, so I need a decent system of less busy back roads for the bike and a good park or wilderness area for running. I would also be looking for groups/clubs of people who are into these sports. Availability of like minded people is important to me.

Concern number two is crime. It didn't concern me much until I began researching and reading these forums. Phoenix, from the sound of many voices (or letters rather) does not sound like a safe area. I suppose I should expect the same type of answers as the other threads have: a mixed bag. I am a guy who is confident but minds his own business, but like everyone else, I'm not a fan of violent, unprovoked random crime. But can anyone zero in on the Surpise area in regards to crime?

I earn my best paycheck as a Registered Nurse, so I wouldn't expect to have employment difficulties in the area. However, not all hospitals are created, staffed, and operated equally. Employment conditions are important to me, not only for myself but it also affects those under my care. Is anyone familiar with the healthcare climate in the area?

I've considered Surprise mainly because of the presence of people that I know. Two other communities that are of interest to me (and would definately overshadow Surprise if it were not for the friends factor) are the Prescott Valley and Flagstaff areas. Any insight to these two areas would be appreciated as well. And to anyone who takes time to address this post, many thanks and appreciations to you.

[RedSoxNation]

I work near Surprise in Sun city west and the roads are very congested and SLOW because of all the old folk in the area. There is some hiking nearby at the white tank mts and lots more in the valley. DONT move to surprise without coming to visit first. There are lots of nice new communities, but also older, poor looking ones as well. Where are you moving from? I was very "outdoorsy" before I moved here from New England and from May to October its just too hot for me to be outside...I dont care how early you get out there. There are 2 major hospitals in the area for the sun cities. Sun health Boswell and Del Webb. Ive heard Boswell has much better care.

[AksarbeN]

There are some advantages for living in Surprise or in the N/W metro valley area. There are many new home developments and there are some less then desirable locations that you may not like living in. Don’t buy a home without giving the overall area some good hard thinking first. A friend of mine who’s daughter moved to Surprise several years ago into a new housing development loves lives there, but admits that there are some problems in the area as well.

There are two big hospitals in the N/W valley and I’m sure that they are looking for anyone with medical talent and training.

Off-roading areas are available in Az but seem to have become more busy as the years add up. It is HOT in the summer months of July and Aug. for doing things outside, but there are some great months in the spring and fall to enjoy the areas.

[ArizonaGirl]

I spent 3 months taking care of my post-op mom this past Summer/Fall. She lives in Sun City Grand which is a nice area but you have to be at least 50 to live there. They have bike paths and 2 nice recreation centers.

As for traffic, it's much worse in the winter than the summer because of the all the snowbirds. The drivers are not rude, but they are inattentive. My mom was nailed by a guy who had already been in several accidents. His vision was long gone.

I live in Prescott, and recommend you look long and hard before you choose this place. There are a lot of court-ordered drug rehab patients shipped in from all over the place. And with Whiskey Row as our main tourist mecca, it's a bit ironic. People come for the rehab, and stay for the relapse.

[ArizonaGirl]

It seems like crime is really bad here, but it's not.

The TV stations here love Breaking News. If Matt Leinert (QB of the Cardinals) farts, it's a developing story. Can you say SENSATIONAL? They have choppers over every car wreck, scare you to death about serial shooters, and warn you about the dangers of _______ (insert topic here) Channel 15 is the worst when it comes to sensationalism. The media is the real problem. They focus more on the negative than the positive.

Those who are afraid to die are also afraid to live. Turn off the tube and enjoy all that Arizona has to offer.

[sanfriscobaybe]

Well, my folks live in Scottsdale, have done for 25 years. They are NOT outdoorsy, but I am a cyclist. I have noticed there are no bike lanes, and the bike paths offer no kind of real hills/resistance - more like park paths...However, I saw people ride towards Fountain Hills (VERY EXLUSIVE) east of Scottsdale. The folks say parts of North Scottsdale are filled with trashy complexes, where neighbors are loud and don't clean up after their dogs. I hear good things about Surprise (though far) and Scottsdale, Carefree but forget West Valley. Try for a job at Scottsdale memorial as it is one of the top 100 hopitals for staff, facility, patient care by an independent research company, so I would stay around there. I know there are cycling teams and cycling buddies out there - seen them in packs. Hope this helps.

[CodyW]

Originally Posted by sanfriscobaybe

I hear good things about Surprise (though far) and Scottsdale, Carefree but forget West Valley.

Okay - so You hear good things about surprise, but then say - "Forget West Valley"

How contradictory.

Anyway - Surprise is the second largest city in the Northwest Valley, after Peoria. Cycling opportunities are better than ALOT of places in the valley. You have the White Tank Mtns, and you could take the trek up to Lake Pleasant if you really wanted to.

(Just take 99th Ave north, turn west (left) at Lake Pleasant RD/AZ 74. Take that for about six miles, then turn North (right) at Castle Hot Springs Rd. The next right will be the Lake Pleasant Access Road - The park gates are right there..) So, It'd make a good day trip - lots scenery. (At least, there used to be) There's a decent shoulder pretty much along the entire route.

As for hospitals - My number one suggestion would be to get with a Banner hospital. From what I hear they're a decent employer. The closest one to surprise would probably be Banner Thunderbird at 59th Avenue and Thunderbird. Or - Banner Estrella. Which.. is SOMEWHERE in Goodyear/Avondale/Phoenix.

[ArizonaGirl]

Originally Posted by CodyW

Okay - so You hear good things about surprise, but then say - "Forget West Valley"

How contradictory.

I think the poster meant Glendale and Maryvale.....27th Ave to about 75th Ave is kind of a ghetto. Maryvale had issues with bad water about 20 years ago when I was down there living in Tempe. I can't tell you if it's been cleaned up or not, but it's worth researching.

Del Webb Memorial Hospitals are non-profit and my mom got good care there. I'm not a healthcare specialist so I cannot comment beyond that, except that their specialty is geriatrics. One of the very best joint replacement specialists is located in Sun City West -- The CORE Institute, and the old folks talk about them like they're rock stars!

[AZPROPERTIES4U]

Take Cody W advice, I think Surprise would fit you well, there are many oppurtunities for you to work in and around surprise as a registered nurse. There are also plenty of roads where you could cycle with no problem. In addition you are so close to the white tank mountains you would love hiking there. I am also a hiker and I spend every other weekend in the White tank mountains. There are over 30 trails to choose to hike from all different terrands. You have three hospitals in the West Valley and more coming. Banner, Estrella and Palm Valley Hospitals.

[bodah]

They sure need nurses in Surprise. I have a sister and brother inlaw in their early 60's who have friends in the senior parks living there. They love it. But I think you'd love Sedona for the bicycling? We are looking to visit Sedona/Flagstaff in April and think about moving there. My husband is also a mountain biker.