Relocating...looking at Gilbert/Chandler (Phoenix, Mesa: apartments, houses, neighborhoods)

[midwest_native]

So my wife and I are relocating from the Dallas area to Phoenix area in the next couple months and I'm just trying to get a good idea of where we should look for houses. After doing some initial research we are pretty set on looking in Gilbert and Chandler area, but don't have a good idea on where to look specifically yet. We don't have kids yet, but plan on having some soon so a safe, family oriented location is preferred. The work commute is no big deal, we are already used to it.

Thanks in advance for the help.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by midwest_native

The work commute is no big deal, we are already used to it.

Well, it matters to me and to everyone who has to share our overcrowded roads. We don't need another cross town commuter who could have lived closer to work. Wait 'tiil you get a job and then find the place to live. There are "safe, family-oriented" areas everywhere.

[midwest_native]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

Well, it matters to me and to everyone who has to share our overcrowded roads. We don't need another cross town commuter who could have lived closer to work. Wait 'tiil you get a job and then find the place to live.

I'll take that into consideration, I'd hate it if I made your life any more inconvenient.

[observer53]

Gilbert and Chandler are nice areas, with lots of new developments and some older neighborhoods too. Depends on what you want. But, if you end up working in central or north or west Phoenix, it is a long and crowded commute. There are nice areas ALL over the Valley. Come spend some time and take a look!

[ivanabacowboy]

Do realize that the city of Phoenix itself is something like 400-500 square miles in size. Killer commute could be an understatement if you live in Gilbert or Chandler and work in some far reach of Phoenix. Even Scottsdale which isnt as big is nearly 30 miles long. I echo the sentiment-find where you will work first, then focus from there.

[badboy74]

I will be relocating to to the Phoenix area come sat. I am looking at the Chandler/ Gilbert area myself but have only viewed homes aswell as apartments online. I am also considering the Glendale area which would you suggest. Scottsdale doesent seem bad either.

Thanks

[homesweetazhome]

Hey midwest native, not everyone in the Phoenix valley is as cranky as some on this forum. Don't worry. Most people are friendly and hospitable and almost all are from somewhere else. Very few AZ natives. Chandler/Gilbert is a great family oriented area. Tons of parks, recreational activities for kids, public pools with water slides, good schools. Many neighborhoods have elementary schools built within them and have walking trails and common areas (parks) planned throughout. Moderator cut: advertising You will want a neighborhoorhood to be close enough to the highways to jump on and get to sports events and concerts, restaurants etc... in Tempe, Phoenix and Scottsdale. Good luck in your search.

[midwest_native]

Just a little more info, my wife is the reason we are moving as she got promoted and relocated and will be working in Tempe. It's my understanding that this isn't too rough of a commute, she's used to 30-45 now. I am leaving my current job and will look for something in the Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa area.

Are there any specific neighborhoods to look at, or just rely on our realtor? That's what we did when we moved to Dallas and it worked out pretty well, but the second time around I just want to be more informed before we start looking at homes again.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by homesweetazhome

Hey midwest native, not everyone in the Phoenix valley is as cranky as some on this forum. Don't worry. Most people are friendly and hospitable and almost all are from somewhere else. Very few AZ natives. Chandler/Gilbert is a great family oriented area. Tons of parks, recreational activities for kids, public pools with water slides, good schools. Many neighborhoods have elementary schools built within them and have walking trails and common areas (parks) planned throughout. Moderator cut: advertising You will want a neighborhoorhood to be close enough to the highways to jump on and get to sports events and concerts, restaurants etc... in Tempe, Phoenix and Scottsdale. Good luck in your search.

Yeah, and another way to put that is most on this forum try to give you an honest answer without blowing smoke up your a$$ like a couple of the realtors (not all, there are some decent ones on here) who "contribute" by promoting their business. "Check my website", indeed. Did you ever read the terms of service?

[Captain Bill]

Originally Posted by midwest_native

So my wife and I are relocating from the Dallas area to Phoenix area in the next couple months and I'm just trying to get a good idea of where we should look for houses. After doing some initial research we are pretty set on looking in Gilbert and Chandler area, but don't have a good idea on where to look specifically yet. We don't have kids yet, but plan on having some soon so a safe, family oriented location is preferred. The work commute is no big deal, we are already used to it.

Thanks in advance for the help.

Both Gilbert and Chandler are nice towns and there are plenty of family oriented communities there. North Central Gilbert is an easy commute via highway 60 to Tempe.

South central Gilbert has the 202. So your commute will be easier if you are located relatively close to either of those freeways.

The same house in Chandler will be a little more expensive than Gilbert.

Your realtor should be able to help you find the right community for your lifestyle and price range.