Glendale VS. Tempe (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert: apartment complex, condominium, rent)

[Nature Girl]

We were considering living in Scottsdale for the school system if hubby decides to accept a hospital job in Phoenix. Now we are reconsidering this for a few reasons, so was wondering about Glendale and Tempe. Are these two cities similiar as far as crime rate, affordable housing, and school ratings? Is one city better than the other, and if so, why is that? We will rent once there for at least 6 months so we will be able to see for ourselves, I was just curious on how other's view the two. Thanks in advance.

P.S. We would love Gilbert, but it's too far from the hospital he would be at!

[silverbear]

Personally, I would choose Tempe -- primarly because it is more centrally located, with good access to several freeways, the airport, and the light rail line under construction. It's also a place with interesting restaurants, recreation, scenery, and cultural attractions all within its borders. Perhaps the biggest benefit of Tempe is that there are nice neighborhoods that are not far removed on the edges of the community. The Lakes area, just south of Baseline Road, for example, is an attractive suburban neighborhood within a short drive of downtown Tempe.

That's not to say that Glendale is bad, but I find that the most stable and propsperous areas of Glendale are farther out in recently developed areas such as Arrowhead. The older, more established areas of Glendale are in transition and offer less stability than the northern part of the city.

The net effect is that living in a desirable part of Glendale may require a longer commute than living in a desirable part of Tempe. That assumes that the hospital is in Central Phoenix. If it's on the north side or west side of Phoenix, then Glendale may be the shorter commuter.

[Nature Girl]

Thank you! I believe it's on the East side (Thomas Rd.) is that correct? I did hear that "the lakes" in Tempe were very nice. Now do these homes have lake views, or is it just near the lake? Do you know if the crime rate and schools are better in one of the two areas? I think we are leaning more towards Tempe so far.

[irwin]

There's a lake in Tempe?

I know of one, and it's really more of a river.

[silverbear]

The Tempe Lakes neighborhood is built around small artificial lakes near Baseline Road. It's not a reference to Tempe Town Lake, which is a portion of the Salt River that has been dammed at both ends to create a recreational area. I'm not thrilled with artificial lakes in general, but overlooking that issue, the Tempe Lakes neighborhood is quite nice.

Tempe Lakes neighborhood -- Single family homes and condos with a suburban feel; a few miles south of downtown Tempe; built up in the '70s and '80s, I believe. More info:
http://www.desertwide.com/subdivisio..._planned.shtml

Tempe Town Lake -- A recreational area surrounded by new condominium and apartment complexes with a more urban feel; adjacent to downtown Tempe. More info:
http://www.tempe.gov/lake/

I hope that helps.

[Nature Girl]

I will check it out. Thanks!