Wich areas of Chanlder has more potential to keep the value? (Chandler: sale, real estate)
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They aren't in a different district, just different boundaries. They are both "rich kid schools", as is Perry HS, which is brand new. BTW, there's lots of houses in the Basha area that are million dollar+ type custom homes, and many $400K-750K subdivisions, such as the new TW Lewis and Shea Subdivisions. I happen to live a couple miles East of Hamilton, just a little South of the San Tan Freeway/Gilbert Road. I think the area is gonna boom, because the Chandler Airpark, which is in it's infancy, is already attracting Bio-Med type jobs, and the plans for the rest of the business park are amazing. There's already shopping in the area, dining, good schools, a community college just North of the freeway, and the high paying jobs and improvements that are coming should just add to the area.
There's really not a whole lot to distinguish the parts of Chandler South of the San Tan. There's some affordable homes and condos here and there, million dollar homes mixed in, but mostly it's upper middle class type subdivisions with good schools. I think Ocotillo is probably one of the top master plans in the area. I actually looked at a smaller home in Ocotillo on the waterfront before I bought the one I currently own. The prices were comparable, but when I heard the lakes seem to attract scorpions, I decided on the larger home a few miles East.
I like the West Chandler area, too, and lived in the area in South Tempe for 5 years. But it is much older, and there are some neighborhoods I don't care for, such as Twelve Oaks. As far as an investment in the future, I like the area I live in because there is still growth in the area, with parks and roads and homes still to be built. I bought just before the San Tan was completed, which I think was the perfect time, because it seemed so far away without the freeway. Now i'm just 20 minutes from downtown Tempe, and that works for me.
Golden rule in realty business: Location and school. Quality of school can greatly influence the housing price. Hamiltion High or Basha High school? which is better? Everyone would tell you the answer.
Golden rule in realty business: Location and school. Quality of school can greatly influence the housing price. Hamiltion High or Basha High school? which is better? Everyone would tell you the answer.
I always thought it was "location, location, location", but what do I know.
In any event, I think people look at district ratings primarily, and they are in the same school district. They both score a '10' on greatschools.com, whatever that means. I don't feel like digging any deeper, since my 21 month old won't be in HS for several years. If we stay in the same home, and the boundaries don't change, he'll be going to Hamilton, so I don't have a dog in the fight.
For what it's worth, Chandler High scores an '8', and Perry a '9', but that school is brand new.
Thank You Asufan, your information was very useful. We are in the process of buying a house in Chandler in a Sub. called Cooper Commons. We do not have plans on relocating there for at least another year. I am very nervous about the area. We were told it was a good area with a good high school. (Basha) We currently live in a very "middle to high class" area and do plan on down sizing when we move but I still want to make sure the area is very nice.
I always thought it was "location, location, location", but what do I know.
In any event, I think people look at district ratings primarily, and they are in the same school district. They both score a '10' on greatschools.com, whatever that means. I don't feel like digging any deeper, since my 21 month old won't be in HS for several years. If we stay in the same home, and the boundaries don't change, he'll be going to Hamilton, so I don't have a dog in the fight.
For what it's worth, Chandler High scores an '8', and Perry a '9', but that school is brand new.
I saw same houses on Hamilton High School side cost more than those in Basha High School area. I am here to exchange my opinions here. Thank you for your feedbacks.
Thank You Asufan, your information was very useful. We are in the process of buying a house in Chandler in a Sub. called Cooper Commons. We do not have plans on relocating there for at least another year. I am very nervous about the area. We were told it was a good area with a good high school. (Basha) We currently live in a very "middle to high class" area and do plan on down sizing when we move but I still want to make sure the area is very nice.
Have you SEEN the area (and the house)? I can't tell from this post that you have. (EDIT: I did see your other post about the "beautiful" house that you might have to rent for a year or two-- is this the same one?) Where do you live now? From the location, and from the photos on Google maps, etc., it seems fine, but it's hard for me to say how it compares with whereever you are; the school (Basha High) rates a 10 on the Great Schools website.
The bottom line is this: Do you crave proximity or quality? I live in the northwest area that borders Tempe. I was comparing Ocotillo with that area. It was a tough decision. Ultimately I chose Northwest Chandler for it's proximity. I think Ocotillo is nicer in many ways. It's homes are newer and better designed. Ocotillo also has more of an upscale feel and I think their schools are nicer. Also, the people in Ocotillo seem to be more professional and educated. Albeit, northwest Chandler is more diverse ethnically speaking and there are many Asians in the area.
For me, it ultimately came down to distance and proximity to shopping and dining. I live next to everything. I can dine at Va Benne, Tomasos, Flemings steak house, the new Sandbar etc. in 5 minutes. All the car dealerships are there if you need to bring your car in for service. You have equal access to I-10 and the 101. I can go to the AMC 24 on Ray and I-10 or Chandler Mall for movies. Polar ice (ice skating) is right there. Everything is so close. I'm 15 minutes to downtown Phoenix without traffic. I still feel connected to the valley. I will still go to Tempe and South Scottsdale. Also, northwest Chandler feels upscale as well particularly since it borders Ahwautukee to the east so you don't feel like you are living in an average area.
As nice as Ocotillo is, it's still far from things. We have friends in Ocotillo and it takes us 25 minutes to get to their house and I drive fast. And we are talking about Friday and Saturday evening not rush hour. People in the valley and this forum in particular understate how far they live from things. I'm sure you will have someone from Ocotillo tell you they are 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix or whatever but its not true. Take the drive yourself. You will see how far it is. That is part of the reason housing prices tumbled there. I work out with a doctor at Lifetime Fitness and he drives all the way from Ocotillo to meet me at the gym. It takes him 25 minutes to drive to the gym. Yes, the 202 is nice but it's not like you live right off the 202. A lot of homes in areas like Fulton Ranch require 10-15 min just to get to the 202.
I think Northwest Chandler is a better investment. The business and development in north Phoenix by far outpaces that associated with Ocotillo. The only thing I've seen growing in Ocotillo is chains (Target, Home Depot, Fast Food). Anything new or trendy is built in North Chandler first and its assumed the Ocotillo residents will drive there. This is why all of the upscale shopping and dining is in North Chandler. Regarding schools, my kids go to private school and I had always planned on sending them there regardless of where I lived. I plan on sending my daughters to Xavier so living closer to downtown is a plus for me.
Last edited by azriverfan.; 10-13-2009 at 05:06 AM..
The bottom line is this: Do you crave proximity or quality? I live in the northwest area that borders Tempe. I was comparing Ocotillo with that area. It was a tough decision. Ultimately I chose Northwest Chandler for it's proximity. I think Ocotillo is nicer in many ways. It's homes are newer and better designed. Ocotillo also has more of an upscale feel and I think their schools are nicer. Also, the people in Ocotillo seem to be more professional and educated. Albeit, northwest Chandler is more diverse ethnically speaking and there are many Asians in the area.
For me, it ultimately came down to distance and proximity to shopping and dining. I live next to everything. I can dine at Va Benne, Tomasos, Flemings steak house, the new Sandbar etc. in 5 minutes. All the car dealerships are there if you need to bring your car in for service. You have equal access to I-10 and the 101. I can go to the AMC 24 on Ray and I-10 or Chandler Mall for movies. Polar ice (ice skating) is right there. Everything is so close. I'm 15 minutes to downtown Phoenix without traffic. I still feel connected to the valley. I will still go to Tempe and South Scottsdale. Also, northwest Chandler feels upscale as well particularly since it borders Ahwautukee to the east so you don't feel like you are living in an average area.
As nice as Ocotillo is, it's still far from things. We have friends in Ocotillo and it takes us 25 minutes to get to their house and I drive fast. And we are talking about Friday and Saturday evening not rush hour. People in the valley and this forum in particular understate how far they live from things. I'm sure you will have someone from Ocotillo tell you they are 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix or whatever but its not true. Take the drive yourself. You will see how far it is. That is part of the reason housing prices tumbled there. I work out with a doctor at Lifetime Fitness and he drives all the way from Ocotillo to meet me at the gym. It takes him 25 minutes to drive to the gym. Yes, the 202 is nice but it's not like you live right off the 202. A lot of homes in areas like Fulton Ranch require 10-15 min just to get to the 202.
I think Northwest Chandler is a better investment. The business and development in north Phoenix by far outpaces that associated with Ocotillo. The only thing I've seen growing in Ocotillo is chains (Target, Home Depot, Fast Food). Anything new or trendy is built in North Chandler first and its assumed the Ocotillo residents will drive there. This is why all of the upscale shopping and dining is in North Chandler. Regarding schools, my kids go to private school and I had always planned on sending them there regardless of where I lived. I plan on sending my daughters to Xavier so living closer to downtown is a plus for me.
I owned a home in the same area, just West of Corona del Sol, for 5 years. I agree, it's one of my favorite areas as far as proximity to everything. If I ever win the powerball, I'll build a million dollar custom home on one of the few lots remaining in S. Tempe and move back there. I just happened across the deal for the house I am in now, and felt it was a no brainer. We also have car dealerships and movie theaters and nice restaurants now (with more on the way eventually). You probably aren't aware of it, but there's a lot of fine dining in the Ocotillo area as well. I can also tell you that I routinely make the drive from near Broadway/Rural in Tempe to Gilbert Road S/O the San Tan in 20 minutes. Not making it up, I actually look at the clock and know how to read the clock. But, I am less than 2 miles from the freeway, so that helps a lot.
BTW, my house is about 7 miles from Chandler Fashion Center, and Ocotillo is less than 3 miles away from the mall. These areas aren't nearly as isolated as you make them out to be. I am a little closer to the San Tan Village to the North East of me, so I have lots of options for entertainment out here, and if Main Street Commons gets built in the future, there will be more upscale shopping/dining within a 5-10 minute commute. The schools are just as good in both locations, demographics similar, there are many jobs nearby such as Intel, Orbital Sciences, etc.
I agree with your post for the most part, though, if you want closer proximity to downtown, Northwest Chandler is a better option. But if it's not THAT big of deal to drive 10 minutes further, and live in a newer home in return, then go for it.
I owned a home in the same area, just West of Corona del Sol, for 5 years. I agree, it's one of my favorite areas as far as proximity to everything. If I ever win the powerball, I'll build a million dollar custom home on one of the few lots remaining in S. Tempe and move back there. I just happened across the deal for the house I am in now, and felt it was a no brainer. We also have car dealerships and movie theaters and nice restaurants now (with more on the way eventually). You probably aren't aware of it, but there's a lot of fine dining in the Ocotillo area as well. I can also tell you that I routinely make the drive from near Broadway/Rural in Tempe to Gilbert Road S/O the San Tan in 20 minutes. Not making it up, I actually look at the clock and know how to read the clock. But, I am less than 2 miles from the freeway, so that helps a lot.
BTW, my house is about 7 miles from Chandler Fashion Center, and Ocotillo is less than 3 miles away from the mall. These areas aren't nearly as isolated as you make them out to be. I am a little closer to the San Tan Village to the North East of me, so I have lots of options for entertainment out here, and if Main Street Commons gets built in the future, there will be more upscale shopping/dining within a 5-10 minute commute. The schools are just as good in both locations, demographics similar, there are many jobs nearby such as Intel, Orbital Sciences, etc.
I agree with your post for the most part, though, if you want closer proximity to downtown, Northwest Chandler is a better option. But if it's not THAT big of deal to drive 10 minutes further, and live in a newer home in return, then go for it.
I live in North Chandler area. Ocotillo is not that far. From my home to Ocotillo and Arizona Ave, it takes about 10min. Ocotillo area is not isolated at all. zip code 85226 is a great place, but the houses tend to be old. The price may have reached it peak. From investment point of view, Ocotillo area has great schools and upscale houses with price cut. I prefer Ocotillo area even I live in North Chandler area now.
Observer 53, We will be moving from a city near Charlotte, NC and yes we did look at the house in Chandler many times its a beautiful house that is a short sale. The short sale process is going quicker than we expected. Once we close on the house we would like to put a renter in the house for about a year. I call the area south Chandler but I see it referred to as Ocotillo. I have seen a few posts saying to not buy south of 202 and its making me nervous. I didn't realize Basha was rated so high so that makes me feel alot better. We have family that lives in Gilbert and they informed us that this area of Chandler and Basha and both good choices.
Observer 53, We will be moving from a city near Charlotte, NC and yes we did look at the house in Chandler many times its a beautiful house that is a short sale. The short sale process is going quicker than we expected. Once we close on the house we would like to put a renter in the house for about a year. I call the area south Chandler but I see it referred to as Ocotillo. I have seen a few posts saying to not buy south of 202 and its making me nervous. I didn't realize Basha was rated so high so that makes me feel alot better. We have family that lives in Gilbert and they informed us that this area of Chandler and Basha and both good choices.
Great, I think you will be fine. I can't see why you were told not to buy south of the 202. Lots of nice areas down there. As you've already seen, this area, and all of metro Phx, is very different from Charlotte, so it will be a change for you. Good luck to you!
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