Anthem Vs Goodyear (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Desert Hills: agriculture, work, crime)

[cindi907]

Anyone Have Any Info On The 2 Commnities Parkside In Anthem And Estrella Mountain Ranch? Info On Schools?? We Are Comparing Both And Want Eperienced Info!!!! Please

[Lorann]

I've heard nice things about Anthem, but beware of horrible traffic on I 17 if you have to commute into Phoenix. I've lived in EMR for a few years and really like it (I mean as much as one can like a subdivision). I really love my daughter's school, Estrella Mtn. Elementary, great teachers, staff, etc. I like EMR because it's not right off a freeway, it's secluded, has a nice resident's club and family friendly activities throughout the year. Let me know if you have any specific questions. Good luck.

[Ponderosa]

I live in EMR too. Someday, I may move to Anthem because it is on the north side and has better access to the high country I frequent. There is no way, no how I would even consider living there if I had to go into Phoenix to work/shop/play. It is a mess all day, everyday. Freeway widening is being proposed but it will only help a little I think. Otherwise, nice place. EMR is probably a litte more upscale than Anthem - or at least wants to think it is. The schools are similar and the crime is low in both places. EMR has the "big" lakes/grassy parkts and the county park right next door. EMR is closer (timewise anyway) to most everything than Anthem. The EMR water feature at the entrance will be the envy of the city when completed (sarcasm). But Anthem has a couple things over EMR:

It is not in city limits, so lower taxes.

They do have a supermarket and other shopping for daily needs there. EMR has nothing but a (way) overpriced convenience store. So you drive and drive and drive again for everything.

As I said, going north to the mountains or to L. Pleasant is easy.

It's several degrees cooler there than in EMR because its higher elevation.

It rains a lot more often in summer there, too.

I like Anthem, but don't let some realtor talk you into buying there if you have to commute. You will be sorry.

[JMX]

I used to work with a number of people who lived in Anthem, and they all seemed to like it. I hear it's a great place for families. The downside is the I-17 traffic. I live in the Desert Hills area just south of Anthem and it's true that I-17 can be a real bear, and not just during rush hour. Even on the weekends it can be bad. But sometimes it's OK; it just depends. Widening it is going to help, but frankly it's going to get worse before it gets better.

And the I-10 heading into Phoenix from EMR is no picnic either, from what I hear. So it just depends on which area you prefer.

[vegaspilgrim]

What about pollution? On most days when I looking towards the west valley, that whole area is covered with a thick cloud of brown dust (I think it is due to construction and agriculture)-- it looks really disgusting (even though I'm told that ozone pollution, which is even worse for you but clear, is worse in the east valley). Is Estrella Mountain ranch far enough out to be beyond the pollution cloud? Do you ever notice the problem?

[Lorann]

I definately see the brown cloud over the valley almost every time I drive down the hill. It's very gross.

[sablebaby]

Originally Posted by vegaspilgrim

What about pollution? On most days when I looking towards the west valley, that whole area is covered with a thick cloud of brown dust (I think it is due to construction and agriculture)-- it looks really disgusting (even though I'm told that ozone pollution, which is even worse for you but clear, is worse in the east valley). Is Estrella Mountain ranch far enough out to be beyond the pollution cloud? Do you ever notice the problem?

I see that brown cloud over in North Scottsdale area, as well of course with downtown. I never saw it in the west valley.