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Let's each take a city in AZ that we're very familiar with and list specifics about them for the newbies. I guess there are a lot of questions about schools, crime, housing prices, economy, culture, air quality, good food, shopping, commute time, and good neighborhoods. I guess the success relies on objective posts!
I'll take Surprise, since I live here!
Weather: We're often a few degrees warmer than Phoenix. Schools: Struggling because of the rapid growth, but I'm confident that this will even out. There is a school (I'm not sure if it's charter or private, but there's no tuition) that has a good reputation for their K-8 program. It's call Paradise Education Center (I've heard it referred to as PH school, too). The other charter schools out here seem to attract otherwise would-be drop-outs. Valley Vista HS and Willow Canyon HS are the better high schools. Willow Canyon has an IB program, but Valley Vista has the better overall reputation. Commute: The worst thing about Surprise IMHO. If you work in the area, it's not bad, but when you're commuting out of Surprise during rush-hour it can be a nightmare! It generally takes 45 to 75 minutes, depending on how bad traffic is. I find that taking Olive is the fastest way out of here. Bell Road has greatly improved in the last few months, but during snow-bird season, it backs up a bit. Food: I do like My Daddy's Bakery on Bell. Not technically in Surprise, but close. It's an Italian deli and bakery. My other choice is Babbo's... SO good and affordable Italian food. My fav chain restaurant here is El Paso BBQ. For a good, local coffee shop, check out Over Coffee on Greenway and the 303. Shopping: All the typical suburb shopping (Target, Pier 1, Michaels, Best Buy, Barnes N Nobles, Starbucks, etc.) We do have a mall (by Cotton Ln.) and Desert Ridge-like shopping center coming (construction begins this year). There's also a bowling alley, movie theater, and restaurants going up right now on Litchfield and Waddell. Air quality: terrible, just like Phoenix. Economy: Growing and strong! Lots of healthcare and retail jobs right now. Crime: Very low crime, although El Mirage, very near, has a lot of crime associated with Hispanic communities. I haven't heard of any issues in Surprise, though. I guess this is one advantage of being difficult to get to... some of the problems you want to stay away from don't come out here! Housing prices: Comparing to Phoenix, they're very low right now because so many investors are trying to get rid of the houses they built. Resale houses are going for really cheap because the market is saturated. You'll pay 225-245k for an 1,800 square foot home in my area. Good neighborhoods: Marley Park is a nice gated community. I like Sierra Verde, Royal Ranch, and Surprise Farms. The further west you go, the longer the commute is into Phoenix. I would try to stay west of Litchfield, because east of that is where the first Surprise boom took place (originally selling for under 100k). Also, it's very close to El Mirage. I'm sure there are some nice pockets, but I wouldn't choose to live there when I can go west for the same price! But again, too far west just packs on the commute! Also, I'd stay south of Bell to stay away from Sun City (I hear the elderly can be crabby when you're that close to em!). I've heard that communities like Rancho Gabriela, West Point, and Sierra Montana have a lot of renters. Culture: Heh. We're a city of transplants, and we don't have one set culture. We're not really close to much, so several Californians have moved here, realized that night life isn't a hop, skip, and a jump away, and moved right on back to CA. But, it is closer to the I-10 and further west, so I guess this is an attraction to those that still have family in CA. Stuff to Do
We have the Heard museum out here now. Surprise center on Bullard has a pool/waterslide, library, fishing pond, huge playground. There's also a Spring Training center where the Royals and Rangers play. Lots of shopping and parks around. Other than this, we drive into other cities, but like I said, that'll change very soon.
We will be visiting in the Sierra Vista area and when we lived there (quite a few years ago) there was a very good restaurant in Naco, Sonora that we went to regularly. It was called the Cafe Juarez.
Does anyone know if the Cafe Juarez is still there, if so is it recommended, etc.?
I can do a little on Tempe, at least until someone else can fill in the blanks.
General: Tempe is landlocked by Mesa, Chandler and Phoenix, and is the home to ASU - Arizona State University. Most of Tempe is older and well established, relatively speaking (for the Phoenix area). Most houses will be 30 or more years old. There is very little new build areas, if that is something that might be important to you.
Weather: Same as the general Phoenix area.
Schools: The Kyrene School District is one of the best for Maricopa County (Phoenix area). Not sure about any other's.
Commute: Pretty good, except for the areas close to ASU. Also, the 60 Fwy runs through part of Tempe and is one of the more crowded freeways during rush hours for commuting into/out of Phx. Otherwise, it is generally closer to downtown PHX than the outer/newer areas.
Economy/Shopping: Stable to growing. Tempe has been around for a while, as have most of the commercial areas. There are a few malls, including Tempe Mills, and lots of strip malls with major anchors/chains, lots of good places to eat, etc. The areas around ASU provide an interesting college atmosphere, as well as a good night-life in "Old Town" Tempe. There are also some light industrial/manufacturing areas.
Housing: Housing prices are higher than in the outer/newer areas. A 3-bedroom house in a nice older neighborhood probably goes for $300,000 and up. There are also many apartments, especially around the ASU area.
Recreation: Tempe Town Lake has various boating and water activities year round.
I'd be happy to update this as a lifelong Tempe resdient...
General: Tempe is much older than most other communities, and a few neighborhoods do need some work, but most of the city has undergone major remodels, and there are a number of newer developments in small pockets of south Tempe. This is a quirky, artsy, university town with nationally-recognized kids programs and constant cultural and entertainment activities to be had by people of all ages. Things are changing rapidly in Tempe, as evidenced by 2 new 30-story $300,000+ condo buildings right downtown. Some are upset by the rapid changes to this former refuge for bikers and hippies, but many also see this as a positive.
Weather: Same as Phoenix, generally. Although ASU scientists claim there is no such thing as a heat bubble that has changed weather patterns over the last several decades, things are a lot drier than they used to be IMHO. For example, monsoons are not nearly as strong and wet as they are in outlying communities. This was not always the case.
Schools: Kyrene and Tempe E.S. are both good, although Kyrene caters to a wealthier south Tempe clientele, and has more funding. The high schools generally perform well, although Tempe High is just bouncing back from a rough patch after being "redistricted" to a majority low income school with many students bused from East Phoenix ghettos.
Commute: Fairly easy in all directions. Central location and numerous entry points to valley freeways make Tempe an easy jump-off point for commuting. Free neighborhood commuter buses and the addition of the light rail are expected to make this even easier.
Housing Prices: High, but very market stable compared to the rest of the valley. Expect $250,000-450,000 minimum for a free-standing home of any size or age. South Tempe properties, especially the beautiful old 1 acre+ horse properties start around $800,000-1,000,000. Condos start at $150,000. Rent is also very high due to university student "inflation."
Air Quality: Bad, but so is the rest of the valley! Close to the freeways, so definitely not the cleanest air.
Food: 1000s of choices from the regular chain restaurants to an amazing selection of every imaginable world cuisine ( Turkish, Ethiopian, Cuban, etc.), sandwich shops, healthy stuff (Pita Jungle is my favorite) and very good expensive stuff, too (House of Tricks is phenomenal). Lots of tasty mom-and-pop choices that are locally owned and have been around for a while.
Shopping: Arizona Mills has really gone downhill unless you're really hunting for a bargain. Downtown has a decent selection, but Tempe Marketplace is the hot go-to place for most of your needs. The Eiliot/I-10 corridor also has pretty much everything, and there are many, many choices throughout Tempe, including Whole Foods (adding a second one downtown), Sunflower, and Trader Joes for good groceries.
Crime: Not bad, generally petty property crime and centered around ASU. Go a mile south and it's as safe as anywhere in the valley. Tempe PD is very quick to respond to all complaints, and there are very severe ordinances to keep ASU students in check ($250 fine for first-time noise violations!). We have never had to call.
Good Neighborhoods: Occasionally spotty near ASU, but fantastic most other places. Stick to south of the 60 to avoid the downtown/ASU culture, although you'll be missing out on some really great cultural events, civic services, and people.
Recreation and Leisure: Anything you're interested in you'll find. Tempe Town Lake is fun, the city has all kinds of activities for kids and families, and it's a quick hop on the freeway to get out of town to the outdoors.
Weather: Cold but sunny winters with snow. Road conditions usually clear soon after storms. Windy, warm, hot, snowing, unpredictable springs. Fabulous summers, temps rarely exceed 85, summer monsoons. Autumn is gorgeous!
Schools: There are some very good public schools, but like most places a lot of inequality. Abundant and good charter schools. The few private schools are very good.
Commute: Nothing is more than 20 minutes away. Residents learn the back routes as tourist traffic can be bad.
Food: Plenty of variety for tourists. The downtown restaurants are generally good. Limited fine dining, but don't miss Brix!
Shopping: Touristy shopping downtown. Otherwise typical suburban type shopping. Most people do at least one or two shopping trips to the phoenix area each year to fill in the gaps or get things that are more fashionable. Shopping has improved with mall renovation and major new shopping center.
Air quality: Good, clean air, except when the local fire departments and Forest Service are doing control burns.
Economy: Lots of service industry jobs. The major employers include W.L Gore, the hospital and Northern Arizona University.
Crime: You don't really hear of a lot of violent crime here, but there is quite a bit associated with homelessness and alcohol.
Housing prices: More than Phoenix, less than Sedona.
Good neighborhoods: Lot's of nice neighborhoods. Ponderosa Trails, University Heights, the Continental Country Club area, Boulder Point. Many more rural neighborhoods that are very nice. More exclusive neighborhoods are Forest Highlands and Pine Canyon.
Culture: Well, its a bit of a mixed bag. The arts community is vibrant. Museum of Norther Arizona is great. Lots of visual arts. The performing arts are active. University of Northern Arizona adds a lot to the culture of the area. Also, there are so many easy day trips, making cultural opportunites abundant.
Stuff to Do
During the summer, downtown is the place to be for live music and movies on the square. Art festivals in the summer. College sports. Day trips (Grand Canyon, Sedona, etc...). Hiking and camping are popular. Skiing and winter sports.
artsyflag
[mod] no personal sites [/mod]
Last edited by sablebaby; 05-26-2008 at 11:38 PM..
Reason: Great post, but no advertising please. Thanks.
Weather: Most nights are cold during the year. There is snow and it can snow heavy. The snowing usually lasts, off and on, till march. Most of the time it does melt. The lowest i've been in was 10 degrees. This was in the morning in the middle of winter. The highest i've seen it is 100 degrees with the monsoons. Schools: Great education system. Blue ridge is one of the best in the state. All 3 of my brothers have gone there and love it there. The high school football program is top class. They are currently working on expanding the jr high as a stand alone school Commute: It can be bad to be limit to go 40 mph, but everything isn't that far drive wise. Bicycle or walk wise its pretty bad. Most of the jobs are in show low. There is minor mass transit. Only operates during the day Food: Steak, Thai, fast food. There is all sorts of restaurants. Most of it is good. Shopping: Small nick nack shops, super walmart. If you want anything beyond this you need to go to the valley or shop online Air quality: great because all the pollution gets pushed down to the valley. Economy: Growing slowly at a small town pace. If you are looking for a career in this area, you need to know someone or start a business. Crime: Low to no crime. In the winter the town is an estimated 6,000-10,00 people. Not including holidays. Most crime is drunks from the bar, speeding, or from the reservation. Housing prices: Pricing can be fair. You need to know someone in town to find a good price and lots of neighborhoods going up. Other then that its like everywhere else. Good neighborhoods: All Culture: Small town culture. friendly, polite. Everyone might know you if you work for a big company up in that area. Stuff to Do
I would say you can do anything you can do in the city, but fancy shop. There are bars, restaurants, grocery store, and a lot of outdoor activities. Lots of hiking trails, beautiful scenery.
Weather: We're often a few degrees warmer than Phoenixin the summer and a few degrees colder in the winter. All this is due to less mountain coverage (we are not in THE valley). This drastically effects plant and landscaping growth, frequently fighting frosts.
Schools: Struggling HARD because of the rapid growth and the refusal to pay teachers what they do in Maricopa County. Many children ride a bus fourty minutes each way just to get the top quality education that the East valley offers.
Commute: This is by far the worst thing about Maricopa. When you're commuting to Phoenix plan on to or three days a week of parking lot traffic for at least an hour. People drive back like bats outa hell and cause a collision at least once a week, making the roads jam up miserably. This is the reason for the slow down in housing. People are sick of it.
Food: Good restaurants are opening up every day. Bar and Grills, Italian eateries, 4 authentic Mexican places, one seafood and one Taco Shoppe, 6 pizzerias, SAY SUSHI and 3 nice breakfast places all the fast food joints to make you sick
Shopping: Wal-mart opening soon along with a home depot, we already have all the ubiquitous crap, Ace hardware, Fry's, Bashas, dollar stores, consignment shops, furniture boutiques, etc. good prices too.
Air quality: WAY better than Phoenix. Also 'LIGHT" pollution is illegal, which means we can see the milky way from our driveway at night. incredible
Economy: Typical to the US. We are actually actively searching for big businesses to locate plants and offices here to take advantage of the highly educated citizens. A recent poll revealed that people in Maricopa have an income higher, on average, to those in Scottsdale. I imagine this is only because we don't have any apartments here, though.
Crime: Very low crime, occasional vandalism or crap caused by kids trying to act like they are in a gang here.
Housing prices: Comparing to anywhere, they're extremely low right now. I saw a 3000 square foot house on sale, with a pool, for 130,000! This is because so many peopel are losing there homes because are ARMS, interest only or they took out money when the value got real high for a while there. I told them how stupid they were and they didn't listen.
Nearly one out of ten homes is foreclosed or empty, prompting the news to call maricopa a ghosttown.
Good neighborhoods: Every neighborhood is good and some have golf courses and most have pools, 'Copa is building new schools and libraries right and left and other fantastic stuff. It nice all around and a grea mix of people.
Stuff to Do: Very little. The big community Park, Pacana, sponsers a lot fo family things, the big casinos on either side offer bar and casino music and what not. Gotta drive far to Casa Grande or Phoenix to bowl, see a move or go to a gun range.
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