Quality Schools in the Phoenix-Metro Area (Scottsdale, Chandler: relocate, rental, house)

[ohio dave]

What a great site! I love the perspective of people who actually live in the area. My wife and I have wanted to relocate to the Phoenix area for some time. My two biggest concerns are finding a solid school system (middle and high school) and an affordable neighborhood ($175-200k). We will want to rent at first, not yet knowing where I will be employed. I am currently a construction supervisor for a residential builder here in Ohio. I will tackle the "commute" issue at another time. I'd appreciate any information on good school districts. Thanks!

[sablebaby]

For what you are looking for it will be in a less desirable area, with less than desirable school systems. IF you could go up to $230-250K, you could find a great area with good schools. What are you willing to pay for rent?

[tomahawk]

According to my research you could get a nice home in Queen Creek in his price range.
But that's way out there.

[ohio dave]

Originally Posted by sablebaby

For what you are looking for it will be in a less desirable area, with less than desirable school systems. IF you could go up to $230-250K, you could find a great area with good schools. What are you willing to pay for rent?

I'd like to stay around $1200/mo for rent. Would that be possible in the Gilbert/Chandler area?

[jco]

The best of the best is a free charter school system that has the curriculum and values of an expensive private school. I HIGHLY recommend Great Hearts Schools. They instruct grades 8-12. They currently have schools in Phoenix, Chandler, and Tempe. They will be opening schools in Scottsdale and Anthem. They are excepting applications for next year now. They do not base their decisions on the family or money or anything; everyone has an equal chance of getting in.

Also, residential construction has gone down quite a bit here, but commercial construction is booming. My husband is a commercial superintendent and his company has hired several new employees this year already.

[sablebaby]

Just looking on the mls, there are 225 rentals between $850-1200 (most are around $1000). Most of them are very nice homes (newer). So, not to worry!

[ohio dave]

Thank you all for the info. I will check out the mls for homes and the charter school system.

Residential construction has also slowed considerably in Ohio as well. Again, thanks for your input.

[Boatdrinks]

Originally Posted by ohio dave

I'd like to stay around $1200/mo for rent. Would that be possible in the Gilbert/Chandler area?

I know for sure that you can rent a house in Gilbert for around $1200. Probably Chandler too. They're both really great places to live with good schools.

[ohio dave]

Thanks Boatdrinks. I've got a starting point for my research. The Valley is so vast it can be overwhelming.