Whats a better move? Florence or Arizona City? (rental, buying a home)

[sh9730]

Laurens,

So to this point I haven't stepped into this thread - which is very rare when it comes to anything to do with Casa Grande as people on C-D will attest! LOL I didn't because others here have been giving good information.

AZ city is small - that's the biggest thing - less than 5000 people. As such it is an unincorporated area and is served by the Sheriff for police and a volunteer fire department. Not bad things in and of themselves, but it gives you an idea of the size of the place. There are virtually no services in the town beyond a couple of small restaraunts, a convenience store, I think a couple of fast food places etc. ANYTHING beyond that will need to be done in Casa Grande.

The lake is not bad - and as someone else said - if you like a little more house for your money, don't mind being a little more isolated a majority of the time and then come into town (CG) once or twice a week its a fine place to live.

But if you are someone who on the spur of the moment likes to go to Home Depot, or Walmart, or have more choices for eating out, or go to a movie etc. then you may want to do the reverse and LIVE in CG, and drive the 10 miles each way into AZ city for work.....

Its all choices - but this lake is not like a fancy resort or something - that was the original plan 30 years ago when Erik Estrada was doing late night infomercials on the place - but never completely materialized....

But again - you can get a lot of house for your money there if you can live in that environment.

But its not unsafe or anything like that - its just isolated somewhat.

[sandy6879]

I'll be honest and tell you that there is almost nothing in Arizona City. It's a much older town, and with that comes some problems. It's run-down, there doesn't seem to be much in the way of any kind of shopping, and I have never heard of a lake or golf course in the area. Please do what was suggested and come check it out. Hopefully it's what you expect but I'm suspecting it won't be.

[sh9730]

Sandy,

I don't completely disagree with your assessment - though I wouldn't say its that bad - but there is in fact a lake, and TWO golf courses - one in town, and one along the I 10 freeway. The course near the freeway is actually a pretty nice course!

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ar...50823816?hl=en

[observer53]

But, if you don't play golf, and don't really care about living on a fake lake, you are right back to the "almost nothing" description.

[Laurensbigmove]

Originally Posted by sh9730

Laurens,

So to this point I haven't stepped into this thread - which is very rare when it comes to anything to do with Casa Grande as people on C-D will attest! LOL I didn't because others here have been giving good information.

AZ city is small - that's the biggest thing - less than 5000 people. As such it is an unincorporated area and is served by the Sheriff for police and a volunteer fire department. Not bad things in and of themselves, but it gives you an idea of the size of the place. There are virtually no services in the town beyond a couple of small restaraunts, a convenience store, I think a couple of fast food places etc. ANYTHING beyond that will need to be done in Casa Grande.

The lake is not bad - and as someone else said - if you like a little more house for your money, don't mind being a little more isolated a majority of the time and then come into town (CG) once or twice a week its a fine place to live.

But if you are someone who on the spur of the moment likes to go to Home Depot, or Walmart, or have more choices for eating out, or go to a movie etc. then you may want to do the reverse and LIVE in CG, and drive the 10 miles each way into AZ city for work.....

Its all choices - but this lake is not like a fancy resort or something - that was the original plan 30 years ago when Erik Estrada was doing late night infomercials on the place - but never completely materialized....

But again - you can get a lot of house for your money there if you can live in that environment.

But its not unsafe or anything like that - its just isolated somewhat.

Thank you so much for the info! Very helpful I appreciate it

[Laurensbigmove]

Thank you everyone for the great help! I really appreciate it!

[Gandalara]

Originally Posted by sh9730

AZ city is small - that's the biggest thing - less than 5000 people. As such it is an unincorporated area

Which would make the property taxes less if the OP plans on buying.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by Gandalara

Which would make the property taxes less if the OP plans on buying.

Trur, but a really minor concern compared to other issues (both those related to being in an unincorporated area, and those related to the best "fit" for her. I think she should rent something first, anyway.

[azstartupguy]

I work for the Pinal County Assessor's Office and i am in both areas all the time. Arizoa City is more for retired people who are looking to get out of the city as it is in the midle of Nowhere. (Casa Grande is 20 minutes north). Arizona City gets High Winds and dust storms all the time, its a big dust bowl if you ask me.

Florence has Anthem (A Del Web Communnity) 55 and older side and a Family side. Much better area and close to shopping (Queen Creek).

My Choice would be Florence.

[corydon]

Don't want too hurt any AZ City residents, but imho it is really a run down place. Bad roads, weeds every where, many houses with issues, like never repaired damage.
Yes, there is this lake...

Did check it out about 5 years ago, and seen enough to never drive out there...
So, nothing bad about the people living in AC, but think about it, when homes around a lake are cheap, why????