Awahtukee? (Phoenix, Tucson, Chandler: cul-de-sac, for sale, apartments)

[KarlaT2]

I was over in Phoenix last week for some job interviews, and spent some time driving around. I had wanted to look at Seville and Val Vista Lakes areas, whic were both very nice in different ways. One of the guys I met over there said I should check out Awahtukee, so I did. That's a very pretty area! I hadn't really done any research in that area. What can you guys tell me about it? Looks like some of the schools are very good, and some ok.
I had some trips down memory lane while I was there. I had my first Sonic slushy in 5 years (since I moved from Tucson to Palm Springs CA area). Good times. LOL

[Stumblina]

I don't now that much about Awahtukee either . . . I sort of "stumbled" upon it while driving around exploring the Phoenix area. I actually got lost in there and couldn't find my way out, but it was a BEAUTIFUL area. Also, all the homes I've seen listed for sale in that area seem to be kind of pricey.

[_Charles_]

This should help.

Ahwatukee (broken link)

[exit2lef]

Ahwatukee Characteristics:

-- Attractive, well kept-up area with a variety of home types (McMansions, more modest older homes, townhouses, apartments)
-- Part of Phoenix, but in many ways more closely aligned with Tempe and Chandler
-- Beautiful views of South Mountain and access to hiking trails
-- Generally good Tempe and Kyrene schools
-- Most shopping and restaurants dominated by chains and big boxes. Fewer interesting and independent businesses than other portions of Phoenix, although the options begin to improve on the Tempe / Chandler side of I-10.
-- Heavy traffic and difficult commute to Central Phoenix. This is especially true in the southern portions along Chandler Boulevard, which has been called "the world's longest cul-de-sac."
-- Not very diverse.

[Boatdrinks]

I'd say you can't really compare it to Seville and VVL. 'Tuke is kind of a city/suburb in itself, whereas the others are just subdivisions, and both nice ones at that.

'Tuke is more expensive, for the most part (though VVL is pricey). Also, traffic is really bad getting to and from the I 10 during rush hour. It's not called a huge cul-de-sac for nothing. There are some decent schools, but also some bad ones so you can't just move there and assume the schools are good. You'd have to research just as you would in Gilbert.

I'm not a big fan of 'Tuke - it's too clausterphobic for me and you don't get enough for your money - but that's just my personal preference. The mountains are gorgeous though, and if you can afford a house right up in the foothills with a view, it might be worth putting up with the congestion.

You should consider your commute as it would vary dramatically between the 3 locations you asked about.

Also, I'd suggest you read up on the highway they'll be putting in. I *think* it's the 202 which will be extended up Pecos, through 'Tuke and I think I heard they're going to dynamite through the mountains to bring the highway through the other side. Don't quote me on all that, but I do know the highway is going in that general area. I'd do a LOT of research on that before I bought in 'Tuke.

[wit-nit]

I believe it will be the new AZ-Can truckers highway planned to go through and split up the community by-passing the center of Phoenix.