Phoenix Area or Las Vegas (Chandler, Tempe: real estate, home, schools)

[rainedancer1]

I need some advice. I am a self employed person who is looking to move to a warmer place, either Las Vegas or the outskirts of Phoenix, I currently live in Connecticut. I work at home so I don't need to set up an office or find business locally. I have two children ages 9 and 3 so schools are a consideration for me. I am looking to spend between $300,000 and $400,000 on a house. Can anyone give me an idea of what area would be better with a family?

Thanks so much.

[sidrah]

Clark County schools are pretty good. I have lots of friends who worked there when they lived in Vegas areas and they all liked their jobs and thought the attitudes of their students were better there. For the record, 2 moved because of family and the other 2 are married to each other and retired to AZ and sub here. The other one moved b/c of the heat but moved to Flagstaff so she got her cooler weather. She was only there for a year and a half right out of college.

[Captain Bill]

For the Phoenix area, the Gilbert, Chandler and Ahwatukee schools are known to be good.

[observer53]

Ahwatukee schools means Kyrene District, which is also in all of south Tempe and part of Chandler. So, you can add Tempe to the mix-- south Tempe is a great family area, like some of the others mentioned.

[acrylic]

For suburbs, I'm very partial to Chandler. I'd recommend that. For that money, you can get an awesome newer house. Same can be said with Gilbert as well.

I wish I could comment on Tempe and the Ahwatukee area of Phoenix, but I don't know much about the real estate prices in those areas, except that you'll get less for your money in them, though you'll be more "centrally located" usually.

[las vegas drunk]

Originally Posted by rainedancer1

I need some advice. I am a self employed person who is looking to move to a warmer place, either Las Vegas or the outskirts of Phoenix, I currently live in Connecticut. I work at home so I don't need to set up an office or find business locally. I have two children ages 9 and 3 so schools are a consideration for me. I am looking to spend between $300,000 and $400,000 on a house. Can anyone give me an idea of what area would be better with a family?

Thanks so much.

Neither one. Arizona and Nevada have the worst schools in the nation. Stay where you are at.

"Arizona ranked dead last for the second straight year. Vermont was the smartest state. Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey and Maine rounded out the top five smartest states"

"California ranked 47th on the list followed by Mississippi, Nevada and Arizona"
Read more: Arizona ranks as dumbest state in the U.S. - Phoenix Business Journal

[kdog]

Originally Posted by las vegas drunk

Neither one. Arizona and Nevada have the worst schools in the nation. Stay where you are at.

"Arizona ranked dead last for the second straight year. Vermont was the smartest state. Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey and Maine rounded out the top five smartest states"

"California ranked 47th on the list followed by Mississippi, Nevada and Arizona"
Read more: Arizona ranks as dumbest state in the U.S. - Phoenix Business Journal

That report is 4 years old and is totally wrong by recent measurements. I doubt it was correct even back in 2006 when it was written.

While Arizona ranks as one of the lowest states for school spending, it's right in the middle of the pack in academics. For example, Arizona is ranked 31st in SAT scores. What's interesting is that Maine, which is listed as one of the top-5 smartest schools in your report is ranked dead-last in SAT scores with a ranking of 50th. Nevada is ranked 40th, BTW.

Reference: Best and Worst States: State SAT Scores 2009

[lisarole]

Originally Posted by Captain Bill

For the Phoenix area, the Gilbert, Chandler and Ahwatukee schools are known to be good.

i agree, they are known to be good