Should we Choose a Suburb of Phoenix or Suburb of Albuquerque? (Tucson: real estate market, apartment)

[ArrowThruTheMoon]

Hi, we have been on the New Mexico area of the City forums, asking this same question. I grew up in Southern Cali, but my husband and I currently live in LONDON, ENGLAND, because of his job. We have narrowed things down to Rio Rancho, New Mexico, which is a suburb of Albuquerque, or a suburb of Phoenix, AZ. We want cheaper housing, and a good place to raise our kids. My husband needs to complete a masters degree, so we require a close University for that, and we want to start out in an apartment in the area we will buy a home, then save up for a while. We want to know what people think, who have lived in both a Phoenix suburb, and in suburbs of Albuquerque. I have traveled to both places, but want an insiders view. The pay scale to housing ratio is about the same in both places, but I know inflation has caused many problems for AZ residents... they are sitting in a house they would have to pay money to sell. To me, it seems in the next few years, this could be an issue in NM as well. Mostly we have heard from people in Phoenix who hate it, that recommend suburbs of Albuquerque, but is there anyone who thinks thinks the opposite, and would recommend AZ? Any opinions welcome.

[brian_2]

..PHX living over London, England? Even with the lousy London weather & living expenses - only with a gun held to the head.

[ArrowThruTheMoon]

Originally Posted by brian_2

..PHX living over London, England? Even with the lousy London weather & living expenses - only with a gun held to the head.

This city is in about the same shape as NY was in the late 70's. Can't wait to leave!
AZ vs. NM that is our dillema.

[SpeedyAZ]

I live in Scottsdale which is an upscale suburb of Phoenix. I truly love it here and don't plan on moving. The real estate market in Phoenix has slowed but that'll be good for both of you. Houses aren't neccesarily cheaper but because they're sitting longer on the market, sellers are offering incentives.

I don't know what you mean by "cheap" housing. A cheap home in L.A. is $400,000 while a cheap home in Minnesota is $100,000. Do you know where you'll be working? Are you willing to commute?

I assume your husband will be going to ASU (Tempe) almost everyday? Tempe is a fairly nice area to live in if you don't mind college kids running around. There are also some great pubs and resturaunts in the area.

I prefer Scottsdale because of the atmosphere. It isn't exactly on the cheap side but I find it's worth every penny. You have thousands of resturants, pubs, shopping, entertainment, etc all within a 5 minute drive (well, 15 in rush hour traffic).

Another city I highly recommend is Fountain Hills. Small town (about 25,000 people) and is stunning. Another area I wouldn't mind calling home. Houses are cheaper than Scottsdale but still well-above the average.

Do you have family in either city? To me it was the 2nd largest factor in deciding where to live.

Good luck on whatever you decide to do!

[ArrowThruTheMoon]

Thank you! Its great to hear from someone who has a positive outlook on a Phoenix suburb. Not many people have given a positive perspective. Cheap housing for us... I guess I meant more affordable. We are looking to pay around $180,000. Just want a decent, economical place. No family in the area to consider, so we can move freely, no issues. Thanx for the input.

[AussieGirl]

Originally Posted by ArrowThruTheMoon

Thank you! Its great to hear from someone who has a positive outlook on a Phoenix suburb. Not many people have given a positive perspective. Cheap housing for us... I guess I meant more affordable. We are looking to pay around $180,000. Just want a decent, economical place. No family in the area to consider, so we can move freely, no issues. Thanx for the input.

Seriously, I'd rather chew my own arm off than live in a 'suburb' of Phoenix. It is is horrid!

[a1m1700]

Originally Posted by ArrowThruTheMoon

Thank you! Its great to hear from someone who has a positive outlook on a Phoenix suburb. Not many people have given a positive perspective. Cheap housing for us... I guess I meant more affordable. We are looking to pay around $180,000. Just want a decent, economical place. No family in the area to consider, so we can move freely, no issues. Thanx for the input.

180,000 is the problem for something decent in a decent area. Would you consider maybe a condo or townhome? Than try Chandler, Gilbert, South Tempe. Decent you can get but ample space I'm not sure what you need.

[Steel87]

Yes, check out what a1m1700 suggested. Chandler is a great place to live, same with Tempe and housing is much cheaper there than Scottsdale.

Albuquerque has more charm than Phoenix as its a much smaller city. But with large population comes with more benefits. Much more to do in Phoenix, better retail, more dining options, professional sports, etc. I would suggest a suburb of Phoenix over Albuquerque anyday. Check out http://forum.skyscraperpage.com for more opinions. A greater number of Phoenicians and a wider age, and much greater maturity. (Aussiegirl, how old are you? Just Wondering If you can't provide a constructive and helpful reply, don't reply.) Whether you have something negative or positive to say about Phoenix, be mature about it. Saying "I would never live there" is not helpful to her and it gives her no comparions between ABQ and Phoenix.

Arrowthroughthemoon, what are your interests? What are you looking for in where you move besides cost?

[AZ Native]

Originally Posted by ArrowThruTheMoon

Hi, we have been on the New Mexico area of the City forums, asking this same question. I grew up in Southern Cali, but my husband and I currently live in LONDON, ENGLAND, because of his job. We have narrowed things down to Rio Rancho, New Mexico, which is a suburb of Albuquerque, or a suburb of Phoenix, AZ. We want cheaper housing, and a good place to raise our kids. My husband needs to complete a masters degree, so we require a close University for that, and we want to start out in an apartment in the area we will buy a home, then save up for a while. We want to know what people think, who have lived in both a Phoenix suburb, and in suburbs of Albuquerque. I have traveled to both places, but want an insiders view. The pay scale to housing ratio is about the same in both places, but I know inflation has caused many problems for AZ residents... they are sitting in a house they would have to pay money to sell. To me, it seems in the next few years, this could be an issue in NM as well. Mostly we have heard from people in Phoenix who hate it, that recommend suburbs of Albuquerque, but is there anyone who thinks thinks the opposite, and would recommend AZ? Any opinions welcome.

I was born in Phoenix and grew up in both Phoenix and Albuquerque. While both cities have pro and cons I personally would take Phoenix over Albuquerque any day. There is a lot more to do in the Phoenix area and the weather with the exception of July-September is great. If you like wind, dirt and tumbleweeds move to Albuqerque.

[steve22]

Hmmm... a "suburb" of Phoenix. Isn't that an oxymoron?

I've never lived in Albuquerque, but having visited I'd say that it definitely has much more culture, character and charm than Phoenix. It's much less of a "concrete jungle; it seems far better assimilated into its desert environment rather than paved over it. It's much closer in resemblance to Tucson than Phoenix in terms of overall feel. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains are absolutely stunning, and the weather's much milder than Phoenix. Terrific biking/hiking nearby, Santa Fe's an awesome place for those types of things & it's only about a 45-minute drive. Taos has some of the most fantastic skiing in North America, and it's about 3 & 1/2 hours away. Similar crime problems, similar school underfunding issues to Phoenix. I'd take Albuquerque, given the choice.