Jewish Families in the Estrella development?

[esterbrook]

We just came back from the Harlem Globetrotters basketball camp that took place at Agua Fria High School. Not only was I completely impressed with this camp, the area was nice as well. I personally didn't see any gangs, graffiti or crime afoot. There is major major growth going on there. This was my first visit which in turn prompted my initial inquiry about the demographics.

[sablebaby]

Originally Posted by vegaspilgrim

Ok, I'm sorry about saying that. In the future, I'll specify the specific area of each municipality I'm talking about, rather than generalizing about the "west valley." I've been to the beautiful area by Thunderbird Park by 59th ave and Pinnacle Peak Rd, and there is just no way that can be lumped together with El Mirage. Sawww-reee!

aww, aren't you sweet. I live right down the street from Thunderbird Park, and yes it's nice. I just wish they weren't widening the road through the mtns. I have loved the small road going through there, it's quaint. Thanks for seeing what I see.

[CodyW]

VERY off subject question for Sablebaby: I heard the city was making improvements to Thunderbird Park? Are they? Have they? Is it neat?

Secondly, and I HATE to stereotype and generalize like this, but, the wealthier Jewish families (doctors and such) have, as it appears, formed a little clique type thing in central Phoenix. Around Central Avenue.. and Oh, Bethany Home, I guess. Every Jewish person I know lives within about a mile of that intersection.

Was that politically correct? Do I get a COOKIE? =D

I've asked a few of them why they moved to the central corridor.. and the response I got was.. "So our kids can be around other jewish children." So.. Thats probably your best bet. But, then again, most people that live in that area send their kids to catholic high schools.. so, I dunno how serious they are about it.

There isn't an actual Jewish COMMUNITY in the south west valley. Just people living here and there.

[exit2lef]

Originally Posted by CodyW

Secondly, and I HATE to stereotype and generalize like this, but, the wealthier Jewish families (doctors and such) have, as it appears, formed a little clique type thing in central Phoenix. Around Central Avenue.. and Oh, Bethany Home, I guess. Every Jewish person I know lives within about a mile of that intersection.

Was that politically correct? Do I get a COOKIE? =D

I've asked a few of them why they moved to the central corridor.. and the response I got was.. "So our kids can be around other jewish children." So.. Thats probably your best bet. But, then again, most people that live in that area send their kids to catholic high schools.. so, I dunno how serious they are about it.

The Jewish community in North Central Phoenix is about more than just clustering with people of the same faith. It's the neighborhood where you'll find the most orthodox synagogues, kosher restaurants, and other institutions that cater to conservative and orthodox Jews. On Saturdays, I see some of my neighbors walking to their synagogue. Many of them live in the area because their faith teaches them they cannot start a fire (i.e. a car engine) on the Sabbath, so they need to be within walking distance of the synagogue. There's even an eruv, a sort of virtual wall that allow a little more leniency during the Sabbath, around North Central Phoenix. For all those reasons, NCP remains the traditional center of Jewish life in Phoenix. It's not really about a clique; instead, it's about community, history, and faith for many of my neighbors.

Article about the Phoenix Eruv

As for the Catholic high schools, I'm neither Jewish nor Catholic, but I'd strongly consider those schools for my children's high school education simply because of educational quality. I suspect it's the same for many of the people you've spoken to.

[BlueStone]

Esterbrook - much of Scottsdale is heavily Jewish; contact the Jewish Center or Jewish Family Services, both in Scottsdale - they could help you out - - you have synagogues all over the East Valley - reform, Orthodox, etc...there are also a Hassidic Center just south of Shea.