advice on moving to Phoenix area (Glendale, Chandler: real estate, renting, buying)

[kreynolds]

We are looking to move to the Phoenix area soon and we will be renting first and then buying probably next year. We would like advice on the best schools around the area. Area doesn't matter. We have been looking at Goodyear, Peoria and Gilbert. We would also like to enjoy the mountain views of Phoenix area. We are looking for an area with families and close to all shopping. It's been hard deciding on schools for my kids that will determine where we get a home. Then we will like to buy in the same area so and when we buy we hope to spend no more than $250,000. Also is it true that it is so hot in the summers that you can't really enjoy being outside unless you have a pool. We love spending time outside. It gets very humid here in the summer but there are days we get outside. Our kids go crazy unless they are outside. Also any good areas within walking distance to the schools.

[sablebaby]

Where are moving from? Have you ever been here, let alone during the summer? It does get very hot up to 115 (or more) on some days, not everyday. It's in the 100's most days of the summer and is very dry except for the monsoon time when the humidity goes up 20-50% during the day. If your kids want to play outside it will be up to them if they can handle it. They will need sunscreen and preferably long sleeve shirts and shoes are a must. Having a pool would definitely be a good thing to have for kids, but it's not a requirement (unless they have one now).

There are so many areas that you could move to that it's impossible to list. Every city has hundreds, if not thousands of subdivisions and some will be better than others. Shopping is everywhere, so not to worry about that. There are families everywhere, so another thing not to worry about much. On here, it sounds like Chandler and Gilbert are more geared toward families, but that's not to say other areas are not. North Phx, N. Glendale, N. Peoria are also awesome areas to live. I hear Goodyear is nice, too.

Spend some time out here and explore, that will help.

[TurcoLoco]

Have you ever seen the movie Total Recall with Arnold Schwarzenegger?
Remember the ending of the movie where Arnie turned the reactor on but flew outside through the airflow and ended up on the surface of Mars?


Well, some people probably felt like that on their first Summer in Phoenix but eventually things get a bit better, some even adapt quite well.

As Sable mentioned, please do visit the area at least for a few days during Summer (June-mid September) season to be certain....

Good Luck.

[w1ngzer0]

uhhhh turco... i don't think i've seen anyone with huge eye balls in Phoenix during the summer or have i....

[kreynolds]

We don't have time to come down first before moving. We are coming from Nebraska and my husband lived down there when he was in his teens. Any ideas of n. Peoria to look at. We are working with a great real estate agent from N. Phoenix area also.

[sablebaby]

Originally Posted by kreynolds

We don't have time to come down first before moving. We are coming from Nebraska and my husband lived down there when he was in his teens. Any ideas of n. Peoria to look at. We are working with a great real estate agent from N. Phoenix area also.

Well, you may love living here, but don't be surprised if you hate it, seriously it may happen. Just looking at a map of current temps across the country I see that Nebraska is currently in the 70's-80's and we are 104. That's a big difference for the middle of the day in the middle of the summer. We hear everyday of people moving here without visiting first and end up hating it, some visit first and still hate it. BUT, like I said, you may really love it.

In N. Peoria, you can look at Fletcher Heights. It's a great little area, very close to shopping (lots of traffic nearby), but tucked in and quiet. There are other subdivisions nearby, but don't know the names off hand (Dove Valley is another). Do a search on here for N. Peoria and you'll find lots of info.

[MotleyCrew]

Fletcher Heights is nice and very close to shopping hub. Westwing is also nice and up in the foothills. There are not very amenities at Westwing for children. We live in Vistancia, N.Peoria and it is all about kids here. They have a resort pool (3 of them) basketball, tennis, walking trails etc. Google Arizona Real Estate - Vistancia - Peoria AZ - Master plan Community and see what they have to offer. Another really nice bedroom community is Sonoran Mt. Ranch up 67th. Best of luck to you.

[kreynolds]

Thanks for the help. Actually in Omaha where I am right now the summers can be very hot. We are in the 90's and will be in the upper 90's for a while. The only thing about summer here is the humidity it is unreal. Even if we are in the mid to upper 80's you can be outside for only a little while without sweating to death. Yestday I was outside just watering plants for a half hour and was dripping sweat. Hate this humidity if I could have hot without it I would be happy. I hope I don't hate it there because my daughter is against moving.

[kreynolds]

Thanks for all you help please keep them coming. Also want to know what you all think of Gilbert compared to Peoria. Which area would be best for families and things to do and affordable housing?

[movinsomewhere]

We just moved here last year and faced the same dilemma you're having. We were considering all the same areas you are mentioning. We decided on Gilbert (Val Vista Lakes) and have been happy with our decision. The schools are pretty good (they aren't at the same level we were used to in NY but still are good) the people are friendly and we've learned to deal with the heat. Good luck with your move.