West Valley v. East Valley (Phoenix, Mesa: violent crime, houses, to buy)

[Boatdrinks]

I'm a fan of the east valley b/c it seems newer to me, and I think it's prettier - love the "hieroglyphics" painted on the freeway barriers. And I like that there are more freeways - 202, 101, 60 and 10. The west valley feels more isolated and spread out to me too. We've driven to Estrella Mountain Ranch a few times and to Vistancia last weekend, and places in between, and everything just seems more spread out, with large empty spots throughout. The east valley is more cohesive - the cities seem to flow into each other. Also, we have more malls in the east valley

One of my biggest complaints about the east valley is the lack of planned communities. The west valley seems to be doing a great job with those and has a few in the works, I learned today. Aside from Anthem at Merrill Ranch, which is WAY the heck out there, and Power Ranch, and Seville, there's not much like that out here. I wish there was something like Verrado, with the commercial, Main Street type of thing within the community.

[CodyW]

I much prefer the west valley.. and really- part of that is because I get lost every time I'm in the east valley. XD

Really, though. The west valley really feels more down to earth, although that could change with all these upscale developments coming in. And I like that we still have open plots of land, although those won't last too much longer.

Boatdrinks mentioned how the east valley cities tend to blend in together.. And, The same thing applies out here, too. Look at northern glendale and northern Peoria - You can't really tell the areas apart - except peoria reaches further north. I do think that most of the west valley cities have retained their own distinct identity though..

Glendale is recognized throughout most of the state now... Which is a definite change. I remember one time I was staying up in Page.. and I met some people. They asked me where I was from, and instead of simply saying "Phoenix." like I normally do, I said "Glendale." ..They were hopelessly confused.

Was odd considering we were and still are the 4th largest city in AZ. But all that's changing. People know Glendale! WOOT! =D

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by Boatdrinks

I'm a fan of the east valley b/c it seems newer to me, and I think it's prettier - love the "hieroglyphics" painted on the freeway barriers. And I like that there are more freeways - 202, 101, 60 and 10. The west valley feels more isolated and spread out to me too. We've driven to Estrella Mountain Ranch a few times and to Vistancia last weekend, and places in between, and everything just seems more spread out, with large empty spots throughout. The east valley is more cohesive - the cities seem to flow into each other. Also, we have more malls in the east valley

One of my biggest complaints about the east valley is the lack of planned communities. The west valley seems to be doing a great job with those and has a few in the works, I learned today. Aside from Anthem at Merrill Ranch, which is WAY the heck out there, and Power Ranch, and Seville, there's not much like that out here. I wish there was something like Verrado, with the commercial, Main Street type of thing within the community.

20 or so years ago the east valley looked spread out too with farm fields, orange groves, etc. Give it some time and the west will loose the open space, too.

New developments in the west valley reflect the trends of today. The planned community/Verrado look is the "New Urbanist" style - a sort of compromise between high density and sprawl. Many West Valley cities have ordinances now that require homes NOT be painted the same color; require landscaped strips between the sidewalk and the road; outlaw "roll curbs" and generally address some of the more objectionable features of tract home development that occurred in the older East Valley.

You will also notice far more landscaping in shopping malls parking lots and wider parking spaces than in the older east valley malls. The higher end west valley cities have demanded (and sometimes paid for) that chains like WalMart rework their store fronts and dim the parking lot lights to blend with the character of the SW and be less obtrusive. They also have more restrictive sign ordinances than some east valley cities had.

I think that all of this is giving a more "polished" look to the developing west valley areas. You can find the same things in newer east valley areas like Gilbert and that is one of the reasons that city is so attractive to newcomers.

[sablebaby]

There always seems to be more traffic delays and backed up freeways in the east valley. Not too bad on the west side!

[Nice Nice Baby!]

Because you commute both sides of the valley and would know.

[sablebaby]

Originally Posted by Nice Nice Baby!

Because you commute both sides of the valley and would know.

Boy, you are such a "nice nice" person!! What I should have mentioned is when I watch the traffic reports there always seem to be more back ups and accidents and such on the east side. There are more freeways over that way and apparently more people. And yes, I have traveled all over town during rush hour in the past.

Why don't you actually contribute something to a thread rather than going around posting sarcasm? Chill!

[foma]

ice ice baby?

[CodyW]

Gah! don't bring up that loser's lame tagline!

Vanilla Ice. *gags*

[topjimmy]

I lived there for 10 years, it is great if you don't mind the graffiti, gang banger thugs in your kids schools, and gunfire at night.

I lived in Ahwatukee for 9 years, then the west valley for 10 years... guess where I moved back when I finally had the money?

[Nice Nice Baby!]

Nice!!!!!!