City of Phoenix neighborhoods (Scottsdale, Tempe: best neighborhoods, apartments, foreclosures)

[oak999]

I am currently living up in Chicago finishing school for Fire Science. I have family in the Awatukee neigborhood of Phoenix and visit every chance I get. I have enjoyed it so much so and feel that the opportunity would be so great I have decided to test with the Phoenix fire dept. It seems they are looking for quality people all the time as the City grows.

Anyways I just want to get some opinions on best neighborhoods in the City of Phoenix to live in. Most of the Awatukee neighborhood is not from what I seen "middle income" and is above what I can afford. There is a historic area called the Willow Neighborhood and it looks real nice does anyone know if this too is really expensive? Also Garfield area and Laveen? I am looking for a good area but middle income not expensive.

I know I am just in the testing process but I have already worked for 3 fire departments up here very busy, always done exceptional on both the written and physical tests and have never had even a speeding ticket. I just want to get some honest opinons from people other then my aunt and uncle who have lived in Phoenix for years.

[HX_Guy]

Willow is expensive, one of the most expensive historic neighborhoods.
Garield is much more attainable, but it's also quite a bit rougher. I believe it's slowly changing, new condos and such going up...but it's going to take time. Of course, having new people move in, like yourself, helps...it just depends if you're up to being a pioneer.
Laveen is a newer area with lots of new homes, but surrounded by older, rougher areas. Price wise it's one of the cheaper areas of new housing I believe.

[silverbear]

When it comes to Central Phoenix historic districts, the ones that have been already gentrified, including Willo (spelled with only one "W") are relatively expensive. Up-and-coming areas like Garfield are more affordable but also require more of a pioneering spirit. Are you planning to buy or rent? That will make a huge difference.

[oak999]

Originally Posted by silverbear

When it comes to Central Phoenix historic districts, the ones that have been already gentrified, including Willo (spelled with only one "W") are relatively expensive. Up-and-coming areas like Garfield are more affordable but also require more of a pioneering spirit. Are you planning to buy or rent? That will make a huge difference.

I would like to buy. I know the maryvale are is bad. But I would not mind a up and comming area. I just do not want a area where I am dogging bullits and in a run down slum. But I can not afford real rich areas either. Any ideas would be appreciated.

[nightgirl151]

I live in Laveen in a newer development and really like the area. I have great views of S Mountain from my house. Laveen is also close to town so commuting isnt too bad. Homes are pretty affordable here as well compared to other parts of the valley. There are some amazing deals on foreclosures as well.

[CheckM8]

Laveen is close to Awatukee and very affordable, especially if you buy a foreclosed home. There are some spotty areas, but those are generally the ones that are next to the older neighborhoods. You may consider renting first, just to get a feel for the area. There are also no apartments in Laveen, just a few on the drawing board.

[aj661]

Originally Posted by oak999

I am currently living up in Chicago finishing school for Fire Science. I have family in the Awatukee neigborhood of Phoenix and visit every chance I get. I have enjoyed it so much so and feel that the opportunity would be so great I have decided to test with the Phoenix fire dept. It seems they are looking for quality people all the time as the City grows.

Anyways I just want to get some opinions on best neighborhoods in the City of Phoenix to live in. Most of the Awatukee neighborhood is not from what I seen "middle income" and is above what I can afford. There is a historic area called the Willow Neighborhood and it looks real nice does anyone know if this too is really expensive? Also Garfield area and Laveen? I am looking for a good area but middle income not expensive.

I know I am just in the testing process but I have already worked for 3 fire departments up here very busy, always done exceptional on both the written and physical tests and have never had even a speeding ticket. I just want to get some honest opinons from people other then my aunt and uncle who have lived in Phoenix for years.

If the Phoenix Fire Dept hires you, there's something you should do before you buy a house: Find out if you have any say in which station you'll be working out of. If they are like most police departments, after your academy time, you'll initially be assigned where they need you, and chances are that's not where you'll want to be. It would really suck to live in Ahwatukee and be assigned to a fire house in far north Phoenix or vice-versa. Just something to think about. Good luck!

[EDnurse]

Originally Posted by aj661

If the Phoenix Fire Dept hires you, there's something you should do before you buy a house: Find out if you have any say in which station you'll be working out of. If they are like most police departments, after your academy time, you'll initially be assigned where they need you, and chances are that's not where you'll want to be. It would really suck to live in Ahwatukee and be assigned to a fire house in far north Phoenix or vice-versa. Just something to think about. Good luck!

That is VERY good advice.

[ArizonaBear]

Originally Posted by EDnurse

That is VERY good advice.

As you and aj661 stated

And; I can talk, my roundtrip commute to/from work is 10 miles........live at the Scottsdale/Tempe border and work in N/E Tempe