Easy N Mesa Commute From A Happening Area (Phoenix, Scottsdale: neighborhoods, school)

[azul]

I recently posted this under a different name...

I'm moving to the Phoenix area but have never been there before. I will be working in north Mesa and I'm debating between two options:

1. Longer commute but living in a more interesting area (I'm looking at Old Town Scottsdale/Camelback) By interesting I mean a variety of restaurants, shops, attractions and activities for a recent graduate.

2. Shorter commute, possibly bike to work, and live in Mesa. I've read conflicting things about Mesa and it seems like there are definitely areas that should be avoided on a street by street basis. Would it generally be safe for a single female to bike to/from work in Mesa?

I don't like the idea of sitting in traffic for over 30 min, especially since the commute will be into the sun both ways if I go with option 1. Any input about splitting the difference between commuting and living areas?

I'd ask about recommendations about where to live, but it seems like the area I mentioned above is the general consensus for my age group. But I welcome any new suggestions. I'm active, so I'd like an area that's walkable, safe, has parks nearby for running/biking, cultural activities, good restaurants, etc.

[Maroon197]

You would be reverse-commuting, thereby avoiding rush hour both ways. Since there would be no traffic for you, it would be an easy and quick drive from Tempe/Scottsdale to N. Mesa via the 202.

[KarmaPhx]

The commute to Mesa from Old Town is about 30 minutes on average, you can take the 101 down to the 60 or 202.

Old Town Scottsdale is awesome, tons of shops, and it's where all the good nightlife is at. (I bartend in old town).

[MAtheBanker]

Pick Scottsdale. There's nothing fun about Mesa. Trust me, I live there

[asufan]

Originally Posted by KarmaPhx

The commute to Mesa from Old Town is about 30 minutes on average, you can take the 101 down to the 60 or 202.

Old Town Scottsdale is awesome, tons of shops, and it's where all the good nightlife is at. (I bartend in old town).

Not sure how you can say it's 30 minutes, when it is about 6 miles from Old Town Scottsdale (Indian School/Scottsdale Road) to the 101/202 interchange (gateway to North Mesa). If they have to work 15-20 miles East of that point, then maybe. But it may be as little as 15 minutes.

[ninjagrrl]

I live in North Mesa, and I work in Northern Tempe near the Scottsdale border - the commute is about 15 minutes via the 202.

[KarmaPhx]

Getting to Old Town would take another 10-15 from the 202 if you're coming up Scottsdale Rd.

I usually would take indian school to the 101S to the 202 or 60.

[solow]

Mesa well nothing exciting I live on the east side east of gilbert rd I feel safe here and its quiet but boring old scottsdale sounds good
tempe is a bit dicey in places I work all over the valley and can tell you for sure I see quite a bit of insanity in every single city . From retirement communities getting robbed to super quiet neighborhoods that get cleaned out while at work.
THe old adage of moving away from "the bad area " those days are kinda over . SOMe areas are definately little better than others . After you visit different spots at varying times you will find a good spot /