Relocation - Active, 'safe', decent commute (Phoenix, Mesa: to rent, house, safe area)

[kal33]

Hello!
I've read a ton of posts here but wanted to ask a few direct questions.
I'm considering a relocation from Cleveland and would be working about 10 miles from the airport. I'm an active person, early 40's, like to play organized sports and meet people.

1. Where are some good areas to look for housing? Considering buying but might rent for a bit first. Don't want extremely expensive housing but want a safe area with stuff going on not far from where I live. Grocery store within 5 or so minutes. Don't want to have to drive rediculously far if I need a Home depot or Lowes and maybe some local pubs to hang out at. I like modern but currently own a house built in the 30's that was party refurbed so doesn't have to be new construction. And would love to have maybe a 20-30 min commute to work. What cities/areas should I check out to focus my search?

2. Are there some good organized sports leagues in the area? Competitive adult softball? Other fun coed sports like flag football? Looking to get involved in outdoor stuff to meet people - but if there's not a lot of that, it makes it hard to meet folks! (you can only meet so many people at work and at the local fun spot!)

3. What have been the biggest challenges for those of you that have transplanted yourselves in the past 5-8 years?

Thanks all!

[sheena]

Originally Posted by kal33

Hello!
I've read a ton of posts here but wanted to ask a few direct questions.
I'm considering a relocation from Cleveland and would be working about 10 miles from the airport. I'm an active person, early 40's, like to play organized sports and meet people.

1. Where are some good areas to look for housing? Considering buying but might rent for a bit first. Don't want extremely expensive housing but want a safe area with stuff going on not far from where I live. Grocery store within 5 or so minutes. Don't want to have to drive rediculously far if I need a Home depot or Lowes and maybe some local pubs to hang out at. I like modern but currently own a house built in the 30's that was party refurbed so doesn't have to be new construction. And would love to have maybe a 20-30 min commute to work. What cities/areas should I check out to focus my search?

2. Are there some good organized sports leagues in the area? Competitive adult softball? Other fun coed sports like flag football? Looking to get involved in outdoor stuff to meet people - but if there's not a lot of that, it makes it hard to meet folks! (you can only meet so many people at work and at the local fun spot!)

3. What have been the biggest challenges for those of you that have transplanted yourselves in the past 5-8 years?

Thanks all!

Check out Ahwatukee.

[observer53]

Working 10 miles from the airport in what direction??? Ahwatukee is a good suggestion, but it depends on where you are actually working. Give us some cross streets or general area. I don't think it's going to be hard to find what you are looking for, but we need just a little more info to really help you.

[kal33]

Sorry - about 5 miles south of PHX - E University Dr.

[observer53]

That would be five miles south of DOWNTOWN Phoenix. If your work is on University Drive, unless you are out in Mesa, you're a lot closer than 10 miles to the airport.

Ahwatukee or Tempe. Both fit your bill as far as distance, shopping, etc, Tempe has a very good Parks and Rec Dept, and the Ahwatukee area of Phoenix probably has some leagues of some sort through Phoenix Parks and Rec Department or some other source.

[nickw252]

I'd recommend at least renting before you buy so you can get a feel for the neighborhoods. I live downtown and it is very safe and active. There are plenty of restaurants/bars/entertainment within walking distance. There is a Safeway grocery store on McDowell just about 1 mile north of where I live and I sometimes take the train to the Super Target on 19th Ave. to buy groceries.

As far as sports leagues go, sorry but I don't know about any of them.

And come on over here, we can use more Ohians. :-D

[tripper76]

I would also recommend renting first and drive around to get a feel for the area. Out here, a good neighborhood turns into a ghetto by crossing a street.

[Captain Bill]

Ten miles would be around Dobson Rd at Baseline (Dobson Ranch, which is located in a nice community in Mesa)

Tempe,

Chandler,

Ahwatukee

South Scottsdale.

As others have said, it's best to rent for awhile so you can see the communities and determine the best community to meet your lifestyle.

Most of the relocating buyers that I've worked with, and am presently working, with have rented first and learned the areas before buying.