$350k in Gilbert or Chandler. Which neighborhoods? (Phoenix, Mesa: top neighborhoods, HOA)

[BrentCrandall]

We're new to Arizona and don't have a realtor yet. We like Gilbert and Chandler for a few reasons -- closeness to family, shopping, schools, etc. We HAVE NO IDEA where to begin looking though, wanted to post the following question:

If you were looking for a $350k home in Gilbert or Chandler, which would be your top three neighborhood picks?

[shickey]

I'd start looking in Scottsdale, or North Phoenix!

Sorry, didn't mean to distract your post, but noticed you had no replies. Seriously, for me the northern part of the metro is the place to be. I'm not familiar enough with the Southern burbs.

You might want to consider parts of Tempe too, it's also close to everything.

[KarmaPhx]

I would NOT move to the east valley if you have that kind of money to spend on a house. Most of Gilbert is a dump, and Chandler just sucks you're too far from everything.

[Balthazar-B]

Originally Posted by BrentCrandall

We're new to Arizona and don't have a realtor yet. We like Gilbert and Chandler for a few reasons -- closeness to family, shopping, schools, etc. We HAVE NO IDEA where to begin looking though, wanted to post the following question:

If you were looking for a $350k home in Gilbert or Chandler, which would be your top three neighborhood picks?

Where will "we" be working? That will play a big part in the neighborhoods (and general locations) you should be looking at. Unlike many other places in the US, distance from work is a huge determinant of where people choose to live -- if they have a choice.

[greenthinker]

Originally Posted by KarmaPhx

I would NOT move to the east valley if you have that kind of money to spend on a house. Most of Gilbert is a dump, and Chandler just sucks you're too far from everything.

I know the area well. West Gilbert and most part of Chandler are good.

[dbean]

Originally Posted by BrentCrandall

We're new to Arizona and don't have a realtor yet. We like Gilbert and Chandler for a few reasons -- closeness to family, shopping, schools, etc. We HAVE NO IDEA where to begin looking though, wanted to post the following question:

If you were looking for a $350k home in Gilbert or Chandler, which would be your top three neighborhood picks?

like others here have said, be prepared to be far away from the "core" of activity and entertainment, (sporting events, concerts, cultural events, museums, art galleries, ect...) if you live out in Gilbert/Chandler.

The ol' saying, "you get what you pay for" def. comes into play with regard to location of house and distance to "core" development. Further away from downtown phx/tempe, the cheaper the housing.

Here's an example:

We were just looking at houses last Dec. My wife works near downtown PHX and I work in the Biltmore area. We really loved Ahwatukee and started looking at houses there. We ended up buying a house there, 2200 sf, 30k gal pool, 9k sf lot, 3 BR, 2 BA, den, built in 1987; commute time to our work in downtown phx/biltmore = 25-30 mins. Total Price 247K

That same exact house, built in 2006-2008, (basically brand new) and never lived in, located around Gilbert rd and S of the 202 would have been less than 200K

Why you ask:

Because the commute to downtown phoenix is prob. close to 45mins-1hr from Gilbert Rd and S of 202.

Having masters in Geography, I'm a firm believer in "Location, Location, Location." You can always fix up the house, but you can never change its location.

[AZ Tracy]

$350,000 is a starting point, but how big of a home do you need? Do you want a pool? What age of home? Do you want to be by certain schools, churches, freeways? HOA or no HOA? After factoring in all these variables, then one can better determine the top neighborhoods that meet your criteria. You'll surely have several choices.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by KarmaPhx

I would NOT move to the east valley if you have that kind of money to spend on a house. Most of Gilbert is a dump, and Chandler just sucks you're too far from everything.

Oh, please. Gilbert is not a dump, and there are some beautiful neighborhoods in west Chandler that are near freeways and NOT too far from everything.

And, the OP is looking at the SE Valley for such factors as closeness to family and schools. Gilbert, Chandler are fine there.

South Tempe would also be an option... some really nice areas with homes in that price range, excellent schools, easy trip to whereever your family is on the east side.

To the OP-- you really need to come take a look for yourselves. It's diffficult to name specific neighborhoods, as there are several of them.

[BrentCrandall]

"And, the OP is looking at the SE Valley for such factors as closeness to family and schools. Gilbert, Chandler are fine there."

True. My wife wants to live near her sisters -- one's in Mesa, the other in Queen Creek. Gilbert and Chandler seemed like good solutions given that parameter. Also, we're looking for a newer home in a low-crime area with good schools and decent access to shopping and freeways.

Thanks for your responses everyone. Very helpful!

[sheena]

Originally Posted by BrentCrandall

We're new to Arizona and don't have a realtor yet. We like Gilbert and Chandler for a few reasons -- closeness to family, shopping, schools, etc. We HAVE NO IDEA where to begin looking though, wanted to post the following question:

If you were looking for a $350k home in Gilbert or Chandler, which would be your top three neighborhood picks?

Val Vista Lakes, Higley Groves, Agritopia but I will sell you my house ny San Tan Village. It's a beautiful home 5 bedroom 3.5 baths, huge pool and spa. I know no advertising.