What are your thougths on the Chandler/Ahwatukee area?? (Scottsdale: 2009, lease)

[trudawg]

I lived on the North side for about 6 months (Bell/I-17), then in Litchfield Park for year, and now have been living downtown for the past year.
I liked the North side because there were a lot of stores around and everything seemed close. Couldn't stand LP because it seemed like it was in the middle of nowhere with nothing but strip malls. Downtown I love, because of it's proximity to work (3 mile commute). But now I must move again, and don't know where. Have been thinking about Biltmore area because it's right in between downtown PHX and Scottsdale, but recently have been in Chandler a few times and it seems nice, clean, lots to do. I really do hate moving so much, but I'm afraid to buy now, (plus still own my home in MI) and my landlord isn't renewing my lease, plus I'll be a foster parent, and don't think a downtown high-rise condo would be the best location for kids. There is a good chance I may have the opportunity to work from home and won't have to commute, so I am open to all areas. My problem is (yes it's MY problem) is that I don't enjoy having to drive through or live near disparaging areas. I know this sounds trivial, but I just like clean, well kept areas where people take pride in ownership, and there surroundings.
Any suggestions or feedback?

[homesweetazhome]

Both Chandler and Ahwatukee would meet your requirements of well kept areas. Chandler has been working very hard on revitalizing the down town area, and it is working. Lots of great restaurants have moved in and you can hear music in many of them on the weekends. Neat little shops too. Ahwatukee has lots of nice neighborhoods that would be great for kids plus a coveted school district. But, no down town area.

[Howard Roark]

I prefer Scottsdale. I lived in Ahwatukee for 3 years. It's beautiful here, but boring. I will move back to Scottsdale if I have the right timing in October 2009.