101 and Pima Rd. Area (Phoenix, Scottsdale: new home, buying, good schools)

[AcousticBuckeye]

Hello all. Planning to relocate from Columbus, OH to this area. This are seems to be a a good fit because it appears I can find homes in my price range (425000 or lower) and be very close to work 3-5 miles.

Office is located by the Scottsdale Sports complex and the TPC golf courses.

I'm hoping some fellow Phoenix residents can give an general advice that you think may assist us with out search for a new home in the area.

We are a family of 5 with children 10, 12 and 14. I like outdoors and hiking. Can't wait for that. My wife will like the pool/patio. Must have a pool.

Any suggestions on other "must haves" or "must consider".

also is it good to have a West facing backyard? I like it in Ohio for Sunsets but don't know if it's good for AZ?

Thanks everyone. Maybe we'll meet someday.

AB

[observer53]

I prefer north-south exposure, generally, for minimizing the afternoon heat coming in the house. You can still walk outside and see the sunset if you want to.

That's a very nice area, close to lots of hiking in the surrounding desert/mountain areas. Desert hiking will be very different from what you may be used to in other parts of the country. I read just yesterday that they are going to start widening Pima Road in that area, and are going to try to get it done on a fast track. So, it will mess with traffic for a while, but might be done by the time you actually move.

In your price range, you should find a lot to choose from. Good luck!

[talich]

West facing is last orientation you want to consider. Have a north-south one for ventilation, or south-east one.

[azdr0710]

south-facing windows will help warm the house in the winter, but, hopefully, have some sort of shading in the summer (slight overhang, awning, exterior blinds, etc.)....sun is lower in the winter....

I'd say west-facing windows are not good at all, year-round.....definitely do NOT want a west-facing patio....

spend time looking around....lots of choices...ask questions....check very recent comps on very similar houses....good hiking in the McDowell Mountains nearby....forgot the name, but there is a fairly new, very fancy trailhead off Thompson Peak Pkwy (??) that has great trails into the mountains there all the way to the crest and beyond....very nice

[AZJoeD]

You should have little trouble finding a nice home within a reasonable commute to that area. This is a great area close to shopping, dining, parks, good schools, etc.

Try Grayhawk, McDowell Mountain Ranch (just saw a nice 5BD/3BA for $399K), Ironwood Village, just to name a few communities. Or do a search on 85255,85266,85260 zipcodes.

[ivanabacowboy]

I live in the area by TPC. Originally from Cleveland.

As the others said, avoid west facing if you can. The sunsets are pretty to be sure, but when its 110 + west facing is the last place you want to be. And we see lots more sun here than Ohio (thus it is called the Valley of the Sun lol) and it really beats down on you.

Tons of nice housing in the area. Also consider Desert Ridge area just a few miles west may give you more bang for your buck, or Kierland area, zips 85054 and 85254.

On those hikes do not forget water. When it is hot, you can dehydrate quickly.

If I were buying, Id make sure the pool has a heater for winter. Back in Cleveland, we swam once it was over 50 lol...most Arizonans wont hit an unheated pool until its nearing 100.

Good luck!