Moving to AZ soon, need advice (Phoenix, Mesa: relocating, apartments, rent)

[bmiller3]

Hi all, my name is Brian, I'm 55 years old and single. I was looking to move in the near future to Arizona, perhaps in a few months or so. The 6 areas that I'm interested in are: Tempe, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Chandler, and Gilbert.

The plan is to move to one of the 6 areas to rent an apartment at first, and I would like to stay under $1,200 a month. I would like to move to an area where there is low crime if it's possible. Then I'll be looking for a job in Physical Therapy.

I do not mind being around younger people (I'm young at heart and I know that Tempe is a college town), but it would be nice to meet some people around my age. So, what area(s) would be a good fit for me?

Thanks,
Brian

[bmiller3]

I'm also considering Scottsdale

[shalihe74]

Originally Posted by bmiller3

Hi all, my name is Brian, I'm 55 years old and single. I was looking to move in the near future to Arizona, perhaps in a few months or so. The 6 areas that I'm interested in are: Tempe, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Chandler, and Gilbert.

The plan is to move to one of the 6 areas to rent an apartment at first, and I would like to stay under $1,200 a month. I would like to move to an area where there is low crime if it's possible. Then I'll be looking for a job in Physical Therapy.

I do not mind being around younger people (I'm young at heart and I know that Tempe is a college town), but it would be nice to meet some people around my age. So, what area(s) would be a good fit for me?

Thanks,
Brian

That's a tough call.

Tempe, as you noted, has a lot of college students.

How to describe Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler and Glendale? Naturally, these are generalizations, but... if you imagine your stereotypical suburbs, you'll have a pretty good visualization of these communities. Cookie-cutter communities, full of 30-50 y/os with a couple of kids and a commute.

Scottsdale can be similar, but... the reputation is that it is a bit more of a posh community. Socially, Scottsdale has 'the scene' - with most of the trendy bars, clubs, restaurants, etc.

I, personally, like Phoenix. 'The' area to live is between 7th Ave and 7th Street, south of Dunlap. My house (3 br, 2 ba, 2300 sq ft), just inside of this area, costs me $1500/month. Apartments can be had for less. My neighbors are all 50+. (I'm 30; I love the quiet neighborhood.) I'm a 10 minute drive from downtown Phoenix and 20 from downtown Scottsdale. I'm walking distance from a several cool restaurants and bars and, while there are shady patches here and there in the area (mostly due to meth heads), I - as a single female - feel perfectly safe walking alone.

Hope this helps!

[roundball]

I'm not sure what you're into. If I were you I would think about living in an apartment at Westgate. You would be walking distance to some bars and restaurants. You would also be able to get season tickets to the Coyotes and Cardinals and go to all the home games without having to drive. If you want to work in a hospital, a Banner one is just South of there, you would be right next to the freeway and would be a short distance from a couple others.

Westgate City Center : Home

[ivanabacowboy]

I like north Scottsdale/north Phoenix. I live just 2 miles from the Mayo Clinic. There is tons of cool restaurants, shopping and the like. And tons more coming.

$1200 should be doable here.

No part of the world is exempt from crime. But statistically what you will see the most of in this area are property type crimes rather than violent type crimes. Things like auto theft, shoplifting etc.

I am in my early 40s to give you an idea. I love this part of town.

Do you plan to come for a visit before relocating here? Strongly recommend. It is always much easier to see with your own eyes if an area "jives" for you, rather than relying on anonymous posters on a forum who do not know you at all.

[imtaya2]

westgate has my vote. my cuzin bought a town house in 'the quarter" and we spend weekends there. usually watch movie and "bar hop" everything is close to each other
walking distance

[bmiller3]

Ok, so many people here like the North Scottsdale and North Phoenix areas. I'm just curious, but why in the North?

I just heard that Sun City might be a good place for someone like me, because many people are over 55 there. What does everyone else think?

As far as what I'm into, I like to go out and have a good time, enjoy the sights, camping, golf, and some days I just feel like reading a book at home. I recently retired from GM, and am just looking to relax in an apartment without worrying about everything that is associated with a house.