Looking 4 a good HS around Florence area.

[mee_shee]

Also, what about Mesa? What's the area like there and how are the schools? I realize it's a drive but we already know that we are going to be driving quite a way unless we live right in Florence, which I have heard is not the best area for schools.

[sh9730]

Again, what you are going to get for 800.00 in Mesa is going to be in a much worse area than you will get in any of the areas we ve discussed that are closer to Florence.

As a rule the closer you are to PHOENIX downtown the more expensive. Since Mesa is closer to PHX, the nicer areas will not get you much for your money, whereas since CG, QC, and Santan Valley etc are further away from PHX (but thankfully closer to Florence which is good for you) so they will allow you to get much more house in a much nicer neighborhood for your money.

I really think you need to get down here and you will see what I mean. CG or Santan Valley are really going to be your best compromise for price and drive. Honestly I would not refer you to a dangerous area.

The schools in Mesa are definetely not any better (for the most part - always exceptions) than those in CG, and again, here in AZ you can choose to go to the charter schools, of which the Legacy Academy here in town has a very good reputation.

Once again, anything you here about crime is overblown and what is here is concentrated in a small area of town....where you will be renting houses is almost assuredly a nice area.

But in the end you ll need to see for yourself.

[sidrah]

Let's say a big NO to COolidge HS, FLorence HS, and Casa Grande High Schools! Trust me, I know.

[sh9730]

Sidrah,

You may be right. I never had kids in school here....but there is the legacy Academy, and the new Vista Grande HS in Casa Grande....

Plus, like it or not, the OP has budget constraints. We need to help her get to the best place she can for the money....not just the best place! If it was strictly about the best public schools, I would probably defer to the many on City-Data that rave about Kyrene School district etc....but she wont find a decent house in a decent neighborhood for 800.00/mo in those districts....so we have should try and point her in the best direction AVAILABLE.

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by mee_shee

Really need some advice, I've read lots of posts on here and found some great opinions. We are planning on moving to AZ in the fall. I have to children, one will be in the 11th grade and another in 9th. I'm looking for a good high school. With good academics and not cliquey.

We don't plan on living in Florence, but somewhere around that has no longer than a 45min commute. So any towns around that distance, that have low crime and good schools??? Also relatively cheap living....just middle class is good. Thanks!

Am I missing something or is there no particular reason for you to be in or even around Florence at all...? What exactly is the point of even mentioning Florence?

[sh9730]

Sierraaz,

I interpreted the initial post is that at least one person will be WORKING in Florence (probably prison related), but they dont want to LIVE in Florence, but dont want to be tooo long a drive to it.

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by sh9730

Sierraaz,

I interpreted the initial post is that at least one person will be WORKING in Florence (probably prison related), but they dont want to LIVE in Florence, but dont want to be tooo long a drive to it.

Yeah, your interpretation makes sense, but this is not explicitly stated anywhere. It just seems to me as if the suggestions are all over the map at this point.

[tlc925]

Just an FYI- if you can visit Florence I would suggest that! I didn't want to live in Florence... because the reviews are all over the place! So I really had to feel it out for myself..

So for family, Florence is ok. Small town- there are many conveniences, malls, wal-mart etc... I felt very peacful in Florence when I was there. Not over populated like Tampa!

If your a young 20 something... there is limited nightlife, and this was the common census when we were there, and asking various people what they thought of Florence. We asked all people Black, White, Purple , Green etc.. All kinds of ethnicities.. no one had anything bad to say about Florence- Common answer--small town, and you need to drive for higher end retail shopping, outlet malls, beach etc.. But I say--no big deal!

I love taking a small drive out to the beach and stores- spend an afternoon shopping, get dinner enjoy your outing, and then come home and live in peace! Away for tourist in Myrtle Beach!

This is just my take on Florence! Being against Florence originally, and coming full circle- is pretty amazing.

To make the long, short of of it-- you need to see it, experience it and do your research. Don't base your move on only 5 opinions.. we all live different life styles- so Check it out!!!

[tlc925]

But maybe this will help others trying to relocate to Florence!