Information on Phoenix Area - Potential Relo (Chandler, Gilbert: environment, estate)

[boboso]

I have a job opp in the Phoenix area with my current company. Currently we live in So Cal (Laguna Beach Canyons area) and a move to Phoenix would be a drastic change in environment.

We have done quite a bit of research via this board, other forums and housing (via builder or community sites) but wanted to know what some of the best resources for finding information on housing (pref new), schools (we have a 4 year old), hospitals, and outdoor activities (hiking, mountain biking). I am currently a docent with our local conservacy with a Naturalist background.

We are currently looking at the Peoria area, West Valley (Verrado), Estrella Mountain Ranch and some of the Whisper Mountain and South Mountain area new homes. Most of the information is canned type (showing families playing on a lake with green trees and smiles all around), but I was in the area Mon-Friday for over a year and alot was just being built up in the areas I mentioned at the time so it was dirt and lumber.

If I decide to accept the offer, our company offers a pretty good relo package for temp housing, home finding, support etc.

Any info would be appriciated!

[ethurston]

Ponderosa, the moderator, is probably the best resource, for the west valley. I know about Laveen and the South Mountain area. If you're looking for new in the west valley, you might check out Marley Park. It's a new planned community with a bunch of different builders. It looks really nice. Not cheap but gorgeous, well planned, new school, community club house, etc.

As for schools, I point my clients to greatschools.net. They have the test scores as well as reviews from parents, both of which need to be taken with a grain of salt. Best of luck to you!

[Lorann]

I live in Estella Mtn. Ranch and like it (for being AZ). LOVE the elementary school up here, EMES. My child has been at the school for 2 years and it's been so wonderful.

Remember to take in to account if you're commuting to work. From Marley Park (Surprise), Verrado, EMR, and some Peoria communties, it's a long drive in rush hour to downtown PHX.

We enjoy the outdoors and love being next to the Estrella Mtn. Regional Park, tons of hiking and mtn. biking trails, so beautiful. EMR does have the residence club, gym, and waterpark which would be fun for your 4 year old.

Also, I'd really investigate the schools, some in Surprise are overcrowded (really large class sizes), Verrado (it's my understanding) actually buses in students from outlying areas due to the low student population from the community. Verrado is very cute, but it does have a large amount of retirees, I'm not sure if more younger families have moved in recently or not. Good luck to you.

[boboso]

Thanks for the replies, all info is good! EMR is on our list (but the list keeps growing) and Buckeye apparently has been added as well due to some new Shea homes that a cousin who lives in Chandler recommended.

This currently is our short list, but we need to come out to look once things are more "finalized". We also will probably look at pre-owned homes as well as my company provides relo support and benifits.

Peoria - Vistancia area
Buckeye - Verrado (heard good and bad, seen it already about 1 year ago) and Arroyo Mountain Estates
Power Ranch area - Gilbert?

[AZSuperAgnt]

Boboso,

Of all your choices, if school is your main concern, I would recommend Peoria.
Peoria school district has the top school system in the state of Arizona. But if you are considering your commute to work as a higher priority, then you may want to select a place that is closer to your company. Surprise <www.surpriseaz.com> has so much going on that you have to at least check it out before making your decision. It is a community base city. There are so many events and activities that the city of Surprise sponsors or promotes. There is the baseball stadium and many parks. Next I would recommend Goodyear which is right by I-10. Goodyear has Palm Valley and other beautiful golf communities that people die to get in. Some are very pricey. Moderator cut: realtor ad