Advice on Areas to buy -- horse people? (Phoenix, Chandler: townhouses, neighborhoods)

[Sick of SoCal]

I am considering moving to the Phx area. I'm looking to buy in the $150k range.

I have no two-legged kids, all four legged. Two German Shepherds and a horse. I'm old enough to be over the club/single scene so I don't mind suburbia, I'm adjusted to being the only one without a child, but I would like to find an area that will get me close to where I can board my horse. I don't want to have to drive through two hours of city traffic to go riding. And I need a reasonable amount of back yard for the dogs. Golf course back yards aren't a great idea... they love to chase flying projectiles so there's always the possibility of giving some geriatric snowbird a fatal heart attack as two huge dogs come flying over the fence at him in pursuit of his golf ball

I was looking at Apache Junction because it appears to be close to a lot of trail riding, but also discovered it's outside the county line which seems to add up to higher taxes and a few other down sides to that county. Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

PS. My profession leaves me fairly flexible on what areas I live/work so I won't need to considering commuting downtown for my job.

[az4good]

Desert Hills has a lot of horse people. New River too. That is in N. Phoenix, Carefree Hwy/I-17. For a house for yourself in your price range you could check New River or there are townhouses in Anthem that people are practically giving away because they can't sell them. I know you were looking for a place with a yard for your dogs. Some of the smaller homes in the Anthem Country Club are selling under $200k now. I believe that Anthem also has a dog park now? We lived there about 3 years ago, but my dad still is up there so I'm up on some of what is going on. All of the places I mentioned are within 20 - 30 mins. of each other. 85086, 85085, 85087 zips. I don't know Desert Hills zip.

On the north east side you could look into Cave Creek/Carefree. You couldn't afford a house in Carefree (very expensive), but Cave Creek has some older neighborhoods that might be in that price range. Try the 85331 zip code. It's Cave Creek/Phoenix. We lived over there for 6 months while building. A lot of horses.

I know nothing about the south, west or southeast valley. But that should cover the north.

Good luck

[Elmonellie]

I agree with the other poster, check out New River. If you are handy, you could get a fixer on an acre and keep your horse with you. I think that area is going to appreciate, though it is spotty and you will have to really search to find something with horse prop for $150...but I'd give it a chance and do some research. If you can work at home and don't care about being far out this might really be a great thing for you, the dogs and the horse. Also for the heck of it, take the first posters advice and look at 85331. I think it will be out of your price range, but there are lots of horse properties and it couldn't hurt to look.

[grippit]

Sick of So Cal - I think you should look at Buckeye, or Tonopah. Buckeye has a great riding/boarding complex, rodeo, many trails and river bottomm to ride and lots of horse people. At $150k you'll have some 1/2 - 1 acre properties to consider , although some may be mobile homes. In the west valley you're only 5 hours from the coast if you have a reason to visit. About 45 minutes to downtown Phx. Let me know if I can help.

[Elmonellie]

Originally Posted by grippit

Sick of So Cal - I think you should look at Buckeye, or Tonopah. Buckeye has a great riding/boarding complex, rodeo, many trails and river bottomm to ride and lots of horse people. At $150k you'll have some 1/2 - 1 acre properties to consider , although some may be mobile homes. In the west valley you're only 5 hours from the coast if you have a reason to visit. About 45 minutes to downtown Phx. Let me know if I can help.

I didn't think about Buckeye. Definately something to look into. Although, I think New River will appreciate more in the long run. Still, worth a look.

[Sick of SoCal]

Thanks for all the feedback! I hadn't considered looking more north.

I was just browsing Queen Creek too. Looks like the city is installing a large horse complex right now and I found a few stables that board near that area. From other postings I understand the commute in and out of there is pretty ugly though. Since commuting isn't a big issue for me, are there any other downsides to QC?

[UKFSChick]

Originally Posted by Sick of SoCal

I am considering moving to the Phx area. I'm looking to buy in the $150k range.

Have you considered Casa Grande? Prices are very affordable, there are some great properties on acreage, you are 25 minutes to Chandler and the city's infrastructure is very advanced compared to many of the 'burbs...

[Fighter 1]

Originally Posted by UKFSChick

Have you considered Casa Grande? Prices are very affordable, there are some great properties on acreage, you are 25 minutes to Chandler and the city's infrastructure is very advanced compared to many of the 'burbs...

You need to check out golden Valley Az . just out side Fort Mohave and Bullhead City , Az. Right on the river. Lots of horse property Double wide mobiles on 2 acres , Horses Ok , out buildings . all this for only $40,000. to $65,000 If you don't need to comute to work great , + you can keep the horses at home + much area to ride. 86426 , 86440 Zip area.