Opinions re ahwatukee? (Scottsdale, Fountain Hills: relocating, cul-de-sac, job)

[ahwatukee bound]

We are relocating to AZ as soon as our house sells here in MN. Friends and family are insistent that we choose Ahwatukee to live. I am curious what others have to say. I know a lot depends on job, etc; however, why is Ahwatukee the place?

[sablebaby]

I love Ahwatukee! It is a beautiful place to live. It has mountains all around and roads that curve around. I always thought the sun always hit the mountains and everything just right. Everything is newer looking. Lots of beautiful homes.

The downfalls that I know of are the traffic getting out and on the freeway (isn't there a back way out now with the 202?) and the housing market is expensive. It was always on my top 3 places to live in Phx metro, now it's down lower on my top 10 (just because I found a few others that I like more).

If you work nearby, then it might be the place for you. Also, what is your price range for a home? That might determine if it's right for you.

[Ponderosa]

I lived in Ahwatukee for years. It boomed and got too congested for me. But it is a very nice area with everything you need nearby. The major hassle is getting on the freeway in the morning. But everywhere has one traffic problem or another. I would certainly put Ahwatukee on my must see list but like Sablebaby says, there are many areas as nice or nicer in the metro area and being close to work is a big plus.

[ahwatukee bound]

Thanks for the replies! When you compare Ahwatukee to other desirable areas, what ones do you think compete with Ahwatukee when looking for homes in the range of 250-375k? Is Fountain Hills one of these?

I am so glad I found this forum

[sablebaby]

I am finding better homes in Ahwatukee than Fountain Hills for the price (right at $375,000, and little below) but you would have to see if you liked it over there better than FTN Hills.

On the MLS I found 38 homes in Ahwatukee and 19 for Ftn Hills in your range. It's the lower range for both areas. If you go up in the 400's you'll find double the amount (at least for Ftn Hills, not that I'm suggesting that, just for comparison sake.).

Other areas that I like start above 400k, such as several parts of Scottsdale. My guess is that the really nice areas of Ahwatukee that I'm thinking about are in the high 300's to mid 400's. But it looks like you can still find a nice home in your range.

[Boatdrinks]

I don't really like Ahwatukee. It's congested and reminds me a lot of the east coast or CA, in that they have a lot crammed into a small area. I also think the houses are overpriced for what you get. When we first moved to AZ, I remember reading in the newspaper that it's like a giant cul-de-sac, which I didn't really "get" until I went there a few times. That said, the scenery is pretty being so close to the mountains. And if it puts you closer to work, then it'd be worth considering.