Best, safest, smaller place in and around the valley? (Phoenix: Home Depot, safe area)

[adventuregurl]

I am wondering what your feelings are about the best and safest, "smaller feeling" place around the valley is. I am in the Verde Valley right now, a beautiful spot, but am somehow restless and feeling like I might make a move, perhaps to the valley or somehwere nearby. I am late 40's and self employed, I only need interent and phone to work. I like quiantness and character but realize that that is not necessarily available down there, but perhaps there is a place with a smaller town feel where you can get most things you need without going far. I don't do bars at all, I like good restaurants, health food stores, Trader Joes, movies and perhaps a gym. I also value a sense of community.

If you didn't have to live in the valley for work would you?

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by adventuregurl

I am wondering what your feelings are about the best and safest, "smaller feeling" place around the valley is. I am in the Verde Valley right now, a beautiful spot, but am somehow restless and feeling like I might make a move, perhaps to the valley or somehwere nearby. I am late 40's and self employed, I only need interent and phone to work. I like quiantness and character but realize that that is not necessarily available down there, but perhaps there is a place with a smaller town feel where you can get most things you need without going far. I don't do bars at all, I like good restaurants, health food stores, Trader Joes, movies and perhaps a gym. I also value a sense of community.

If you didn't have to live in the valley for work would you?

I live in Estrella in Goodyear and it has, more than any of the places I have lived here, the illusion of a small town. It does not have much shopping though - neither do small towns - but that is pretty close by.

Still, if I had my druthers I would move to Anthem/New River/Black Canyon City on I-17 because it is close to the things I like to do - lakes, get out of town. Goodyear is OK going to CA, but CA is just a much worse version of Phoenix in my book.

[adventuregurl]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

I live in Estrella in Goodyear and it has, more than any of the places I have lived here, the illusion of a small town. It does not have much shopping though - neither do small towns - but that is pretty close by.

Still, if I had my druthers I would move to Anthem/New River/Black Canyon City on I-17 because it is close to the things I like to do - lakes, get out of town. Goodyear is OK going to CA, but CA is just a much worse version of Phoenix in my book.

Thanks for that info, I just read a bit about Estrella yesterday...how far away is shopping? In Sedona you have Walmart and Home Depot in Cottonwood otherwise it's a big trip to Flag or Prescott.

Regarding Anthem, where are the lakes that are nearby?

[adventuregurl]

Does anyone know how I can move it?

[ibarrio]

Look at Surprise. Nice smaller community.

Has a Sprouts and Trader Joe's (Brand New/new store design to go nation wide).

Plenty of shopping. Kohls, Target, Best Buy, etc...

Brand new Movie theater.

Fine dining includes Vogue Bistro and Kokopelli Winery/Bistro.

Spring Baseball....

Excellent Park with many amenities.

Very safe area as well...

[CodyW]

If you can afford it.. the older parts of Litchfield Park may be exactly what you're looking for.

[azjack]

"Trader Joe's (Brand New/new store design to go nation wide)"

Literally new, hasn't that Surprise store been open like 48 hours? I have not been there yet.


I agree that Surprise fits almost everything on your list, but it is not small anymore.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by adventuregurl

Thanks for that info, I just read a bit about Estrella yesterday...how far away is shopping? In Sedona you have Walmart and Home Depot in Cottonwood otherwise it's a big trip to Flag or Prescott.

Regarding Anthem, where are the lakes that are nearby?

Most stuff is now within 6 miles and just about everything else is within 15-20 minutes. No Trader Joe's that I know of though. Eventually, of course. A Basha's and some shops are under construction in Estrella now with a bunch more retail and professional due to break ground next year-if the economy cooperates. Lake Pleasant is pretty convenient to Anthem. BTW, Estrella has two lakes of about 40 acres each. No waterskiiing, but fishing is good and you can sail small boats, take out paddleboats or just watch the waves and the ducks.

[adventuregurl]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

Most stuff is now within 6 miles and just about everything else is within 15-20 minutes. No Trader Joe's that I know of though. Eventually, of course. A Basha's and some shops are under construction in Estrella now with a bunch more retail and professional due to break ground next year-if the economy cooperates. Lake Pleasant is pretty convenient to Anthem. BTW, Estrella has two lakes of about 40 acres each. No waterskiiing, but fishing is good and you can sail small boats, take out paddleboats or just watch the waves and the ducks.

Thanks, 6 miles or 15 minutes is better than the drive from Sedona to Cottonwood, just to get Walmart and Home Depot, to get more stores I have to go up to Flag (about 50 minutes) or to Prescott which always seems to take over an hour...it's far away. I will check Estrella.

[adventuregurl]

[quote=ibarrio;6113611]Look at Surprise. Nice smaller community.

quote]

Thanks, I will check out Surprise...I really appreciate all the info from everyone....there are so many places and for someone who doesn't know any of them, it's a real lot to choose from when trying to look.