What to expect? (Phoenix, Glendale, Avondale: hotels, job, housing)

[ilovenikko]

My husband and I are moving out to Avondale, AZ in June. I have a degree in Communications with an emphasis in PR. Would you recommend finding a job out in Phoenix or stay within the Avondale area? Does anyone know anything about the Avondale area? Good move? Bad move?

Any areas I should definitely stay out of?

[june]

Originally Posted by ilovenikko

My husband and I are moving out to Avondale, AZ in June. I have a degree in Communications with an emphasis in PR. Would you recommend finding a job out in Phoenix or stay within the Avondale area? Does anyone know anything about the Avondale area? Good move? Bad move?

Any areas I should definitely stay out of?

Avondale is nice. i have some family there. most people in az like to work where they live which is very smart. i would look around avondale first if i were you.

[sablebaby]

Avondale is very small to find work, unless it's retail or fast food. You're going to have MANY MANY more opportunities in Phx. I think Avondale is ok, definitely not on my list of favorites. I looked for homes down there a couple of years ago and so happy we didn't find anything. That's just my opinion. Why did you pick Avondale anyway?

[CodyW]

Avondale is kind of.. well, its hard to explain.

I'll rambled like this before, so just stay with me.

Avondale in Goodyear, usually go hand in hand, when spoken about in conversation. Goodyear, is Avondale's neighbor to the west. Goodyear, as a city, is in the process of trying to become an 'upscale' part of the west valley. And, its doing quite good at becoming that.

While Avondale has also TRIED to do this, they haven't done as well. So, Avondale has remained slightly cheaper than Goodyear, and is considered more working class. All in all, Avondale is a solid place to live, if you find the right neighborhood. You've pretty much got everything you need, and some of the areas are pretty nice!

You ARE relatively closer to Phoenix than you would be just about anywhere else in the west valley. Save for Glendale. So, you shouldn't have a problem if you decide to find a job in Phoenix. Just as long as you don't land somewhere in east or north Phoenix. All in all, I'd say Avondale is a good place to start. You might love it. Good. You might want to stay there. Also good. But, you might feel like exploring, and seeing what else is out there.

EDIT: I should add..I'd pick Avondale over Goodyear. Just because I like the vibe I get when I'm there.

[SamColt]

I live in Goodyear, so I may be a bit bias.

I considered Avondale when I moved here, but chose Goodyear instead.

Avondale is landlocked and getting close to build out. Probably less than 10 years. Maybe less if the housing market picks back up. Most all the farm land is eaten up with houses. Not too many big parcels left. Avondale has little business to support the tax base. Mostly retail and car dealerships. They do have Phoenix International Raceway. They are doing an excellent job of developing Avondale Blvd. with nice hotels and nice restaurants to follow.

It is a few miles closer to Phoenix than Goodyear, so a commute might be a little better depending on where in Avondale you live.

Avondale has had an advantage over Goodyear in the last few years in that the junction of I10 and 101 created a magnet for retail. However, Goodyear has started their own retail boom and have broken ground on two one million square foot shopping centers. There is much room for growth and Goodyear is pursuing business other than retail. Macy's just announced they will be building a facility hear.

The majority of media outlets are in Phoenix, if that is applicable to your communications degree. PR opportunities might exist with PIR or the Football stadium as there is huge growth there.

I guess if I had to make my choice again, I would still pick Goodyear.