I'm new to the area too......

[AZ_singlemother]

Originally Posted by lookingtobuy

As my log in name states....we are looking to buy and would like some information on areas and builders here in the Phoenix area.

We are Californian transplants (my husband's job brought us out here, thought I wasn't going to like it here and I would miss the green of the San Joaquin Valley but I have come to appreciate the desert beauty here too! What a pleasant surprise!!!). We are doing our homework, but would like opinions and first hand experience with builders in the area. Most specifically HomeLife Communities builder. Took a drive up to their new site location, right before you come to Vistancia, and looked at their lots. They have not built their models yet but they do have the similar models in Maricopa. So took a drive out there to check it out.... Homes were ok. But I can buy a premium lot with a view, and put in $20,000 worth of upgrades and still have a home for $280,000. It sounds almost too good to be true. So! Opinions?

I did look up customer feedback on this builder but that was in Atlanta. Couldn't find anything here in Phoenix.

Also anyone living out in Maricopa? Would never have thought of looking out in Maricopa until I took a drive out there.... Walked into some model homes and the agents were VERY anxious to make a deal!!!! Commuting for me is not that much of an issue. Where I lived in California if you wanted a decent paying job you had to commute at least 40 minutes. And this was from a 2 lane farming road until you reached a freeway. Had to deal with tractors on the road,sheep and an occasional stray cow!!! Just wondering how people like their quality of life in Maricopa? Love it? Hate it? Remorse? Adjustments? What are the schools like etc...... I would appreciate your opinions and feedback.

You should probably rent prior to purchasing. Seems like you do not know the area well enough to make a huge investment. It's much harder to sell in today's market - if you find you do not like it. I know a couple from another state who purchased then hated it enough to leave and sell. Renting will give you the opportunity to live in and check out areas you are willing to settle in longer term.

[To4Seasons]

We live in Ahwautukee, and have a couple of friends who have moved to Maricopa. Their kids still attend their old school in the Kyrene School disctrict (one of the best in the Phoenix metro) . In fact a lot of kids, in my childrens school are bussed from Maricopa as the schools there are inadequate for one reason or another. My guess is that the Kyrene School district, will continue for to allow kids from Maricopa to attend for a longtime; as our local elementary school enrollment has fallen over the years, due to maturing families.

If we were not planning to move away from the Valley, I would personally consider Maricopa. I wouldn't worry much about the schools as the kids would attend in the Kyrene school district.

[lookingtobuy]

Well, you've all given me lots to think about....and I do appreciate all your input. You've all been great! Looks like I have my research cut out for me....but now it's off to look at more houses and communities! Opinions on Anthem?

[Axiom]

We have several friends who live in Anthem. Most seem to really like it - other than commute issues.

I was just up at the new high school the other day and it is a really nice facility.

I will say it seems all too often my daughter will be planning something with one of her friends up that way and she'll get a call pushing plans back because they know the traffic is horrendous, so better to wait a bit for things to clear than to sit in it. I've got to believe Friday evening has got to be downright miserable every week.

Hopefully someone who lives up that way will come along and give you more info.