exploring tucson from NJ-possible relocation (Phoenix, Oro Valley: renting, crime, how much)

[kgbrav]

Hello everyone,

we have been planning to relocate to AZ for quite a while, but now it seems that a great job maybe extending me an offer but is located in tuscon..I was originally looking in chandler, gilbert near phoenix.

Is Tuscon as nice? We're a young family so I need good schools I have a 3 yr old and a 6 month old..so school isnt immediate and we probably wont buy there for a yr. we plan on renting for at least a yr.

can anyone recommend someplace nice within commuting distance to tucson.

we live in northern suburban jersey right now.

all the talk about gangs, smog and crime..has me a little weary.
thanks!

[ChrtnsMom]

We moved from Long Island to Tucson (Oro Valley) back in July. We chose this area because of the school district. The Foothills is said to be the best district in Tucson....but we chose the Amphi area as it was more affordable for us. Even though this is supposed to be a good school district it still needs a lot to be desired.

I know I complained about the school taxes back in NY, but you get what you pay for...there is a big difference...I'm not sorry I made the move here, just hadn't realized how much more NY had to offer because of the higher school taxes.

I haven't heard about gang activity here in Oro Valley, and I haven't heard of any crime in my development (Copper Creek) either. I'm sure like NJ & NY there are areas that have heavier crime, and areas that are safer.

AZ is a big change from NJ, but one you will love, as soon as you realize you don't need that down coat or snow blower anymore....LOL

Good Luck

[borderboy86]

I would stick to the Phoenix idea. Tucson is does not hold a fast pace of life to have children grow up ready for the real world outside of that dinky town. I went to school there until I was 17 and it was not until then that I realized how awful the schools really are.

[Daniel_T]

Hi, I am a current high school student. graduating in May. let me say, the school districts in tucson are nothing to be desired. They are full of gangs and drugs. I enrolled myself into a charter school, because the HS experience was enough for me.

The city of tucson is not very nice. Phoenix is a lot greener, and cleaner. there is more traffic and pollution there, but I would live in Phoenix over Tucson anyday.

For neighborhoods, avoid anything really within Tucson. Marana, Oro Valley, and areas west of the city are nice. If you go south enough to communities like Sahuarita and Green valley, you will find nicer areas. I was really surprised at he condition of the city when I moved here 4 years ago from Alaska. We keep growing, but we keep getting nastier. If you have more questions, let me know.

Daniel

[kgbrav]

Hi Daniel and everyone, thanks so much for your input!

Well I am leaving for tucson tomorrow (03/17) Today here in NJ we're in the middle of hopefully our last snow storm if the season!

I am very excited cause on the workfront everything seems to be falling into place and I am beyond excited about that! Sunday I meet with a realtor who will have me tour the surrounding areas.

I am travelling on my own this first time and if "the deal is sealed" the next time I will be out with my husband looking "for real." I have a good feeling the job is mine, so this is going to happen. I am moving to Tucson. So thanks for the guidance on the areas you listed above. I am meeting with a realtor on Sunday...I am considering renting a house to start...any other towns other than what's listed above should I ask her to take me to? Anything else you guys suggest I request to see? any help would be sooo appreciated!! thanks a million!

[Daniel_T]

if you look at houses on the Northwest Side of town. Ina and La Cholla. You can find some nice housing. That's where our Super wal mart is. Very nice area. I'm sure you will find a nice spot in Tucson. It can be nice if you don't live in the poorer section like me. Congragulations, and good luck with your job offer, and welcome to the Old Pueblo.


Daniel

[BruceNJAZ]

Hi...I'm also in northern NJ now....moving to Vail Az....I read the replies to your post....I wouldn't live in Phoenix if you bought the house...
If you want to live in the city Tucson you better have money...then you would look in the NE section...the foothills...Mt. Lemon area..NE ONLY!
Vail is just SE of the city and very nice....houses are reasonable to forgetaboutit....schools are nicer and pace is slower than the city...

[Muffin]

hold out for Phoenix. I guess it depends on what you're looking for but you will be sorry if you SETTLE for Tucson if you really wanted Phoenix! I'm 25, and If I were to stay in Arizona (which I'm not, moving back down south) I would live in Phoenix. If you do go to Tucson, keep your eye out for Phoenix jobs, they have soooooooooooooo many more jobs than Tucson. Good luck!

[elwood1964]

Originally Posted by BruceNJAZ

Hi...I'm also in northern NJ now....moving to Vail Az....I read the replies to your post....I wouldn't live in Phoenix if you bought the house...
If you want to live in the city Tucson you better have money...then you would look in the NE section...the foothills...Mt. Lemon area..NE ONLY!
Vail is just SE of the city and very nice....houses are reasonable to forgetaboutit....schools are nicer and pace is slower than the city...

Vail is much nicer than the NW side. Much better schools. You are a little far out, but very close to the mountains. Depending on where you work the drive could be rough. Stay away from Phoenix. They copy everything from Southern Cal. The pollution is terrible. The water situation is much worse in Phx. Vail would be a good investment. It is the next "hot spot" in the Tucson area.

[eddie gein]

Don't listen to all these Phoenix loving Tucson bashers. For some reason these people can't understand that Phoenix is a different choice than Tucson but not necessarily a better choice. Once you are out there you will be able to see the differences between the two cities. If Phoenix suits your tastes better then by all means try and go up there. But you may enjoy the beautiful setting that is Tucson with many of the amenities of a big city but with some of the feel of a small college town.