Moving to AZ, any good places in mind? (Phoenix, Scottsdale: condos, construction)

[rivera123]

that about sums it up right yukiko11.
I am considering Queens creek myself.
mostly because it's in the boonies and would be a litter safer than being closer to the phoenix area. (affordable housing as well)

[Britt_106]

Originally Posted by observer53

I'd be happy to help, and I gave the OP some preliminary information based on the broad scope of her question. "Best place to live" is in the eye of the beholder. And, where to live IS closely tied to where the work location is. That's the reality for most people.

The second poster had already started her own thread.

Generally speaking, narrowing the scope of the question, and also encouraging people to read the forums and use the search function, (which I think is in the forum instructions) helps provide the most useful information.

Thanks, your right about all that "eye of the beholder" stuff. But I guess what I wanted to get from the question was the personal opinion of another individual.
I just figured, I would take a look at places that were mention way more frequently then others.
And its also really helpful to read about peoples experiences in AZ. I mean there's no doubt in my mind that living in that state will take some getting use to since I live in NY, so its always nice to get a pretty go idea before I step blindly into this ya know? Thanks again.

[Britt_106]

Originally Posted by jwest09

Don't forget about Apache Junction or Gold Canyon with the beautiful Superstitions in the background.

Sorry bud, but I'm not a fan of superstitions.

[Britt_106]

Originally Posted by rivera123

best is surprise. highly expensive. high end everything.
i believe homes start at around 4 or 5 hundred k.

chandler is good,
mesa is a little rough. has a good side and a bad side
Tempe is nice

I was looking at Surprise and Chandler a lot. I figured they were pretty nice.

[Britt_106]

Originally Posted by rivera123

one negative about AZ.
traffic is bad.
if you are used to New York driving, you won't be too surprised.
One funny thing though, I don't know how else to say this but the sun plays tricks on you out there driving.
I know it's wierd but one minute you see nothing and the next minute someone comes flying right by you. You just have to experience it and get used to it.
I am an excellent chicago driver and this really freaked me out when i was there for about 5 months last year. the other thing that you can't do diddly about is the accidents! Big Time auto accidents out there all the time. Don't ask me why. Also the fines out there are horrendous! I had to pay over 5 hundered dollars for going 7 miles over the speed limit! also 800 dollar fine for driving in the left carpool only lane. Please don't get me wrong though, I love AZ and am also plan on m moving out there soon

Well none of that sounds to pretty at all. But heck I think I can manage. I'll just have to really pay more attention, and paying a little more attention never hurt anyone...right Hahaha.

[Britt_106]

Originally Posted by yukiko11

I am currently researching Phoenix areas for price and low crime. I've narrowed it down to Queen Creek and Maricopa, although it appears Maricopa has a higher flood risk. Prices are unbelievable, but according to other blogs the commute is a b***h.
Rivera123 you are not wrong about the drivers and accidents but it is not the sun or your imagination. I spent 40 years in LA (where driving is a big challenge) without a ticket or accident and the last 18 years in Seattle without a ticket or an accident. The drivers in Phoenix are the worst I have ever experienced. The most common thing they do is consider the right lane to be the fast lane instead of the left. I have seen people in downtown Phoenix traveling in the right lane at 60MPH when everyone else is going 30. God help the poor pedestrians. They always pass you on the right not the left. They are very rude drivers and cut you off every chance they get. It is a challenge.

Travel really seems to be a bit of a problem! I sure as heck don't want to get into an accident when I fist start living there that's for sure. Maybe it's the heat that just gets to people?

[observer53]

Originally Posted by rivera123

best is surprise. highly expensive. high end everything.
i believe homes start at around 4 or 5 hundred k.

What???? I think you can buy a very nice home in Surprise for way less than 4-500,000. The people I know who have certainly didn't pay that.

Where did you get that idea?

[lbroshar]

We just moved to chandler and I love it! I feel like its the in the middle of all the placed I love or need to go. I would highly recommend CHANDLER. We moved here from out of town and had to buy a UHUAL TRUCK for all of our furniture it was going to be way too much money to try and rent one. The people here in AZ are so helpful we wouldnt have known that we could buy a truck and save hundreds of dollars. I had someone email me on something like this and let me know. So needless to say I am very happy with deciding to move to AZ we have been here over a year now.

[azcater]

Well I am biased but my vote is Gilbert.. what's not to like??

[azriverfan.]

Originally Posted by Britt_106

My family and I are moving to Arizona from New York, and I want to know where the best places to live are. I hear that Chandler, Surprise, Gilbert, and some of the Phoenix area (Scottsdale, Mesa, etc.) are some pretty good places, but I want to know more about these places and others. From high schools and colleges, to how travel form one area to the next will be. Such as traffic and what not. Thanks

As others mentioned, there are many threads that answer your questions. Do a search or just look at old pages. You have a lot of questions so start with one and do a search on it. In general, if you are serious about looking at houses in the valley then you need to visit and really see the area for yourself. I would never encourage anyone to buy a home here without renting first. There are so many nice areas of the valley that are unique and you can't determine what is right for you based on what one person says. Unlike many cities, Phoenix has a lot of up-scale nice neighborhoods. It's similar to the LA in that there are a lot of wealthy nice areas so you have to drive around and see what you like.