Relocating to Phoenix with 8 month old - which area would you pick? (Mesa: rental homes, daycare)

[Seattle Mommy]

Hello all,

We will be relocating to Phoenix in early October and we are looking for a house to rent. I've search the internet and am currently working with a realtor. However, the realtor never gives me feedback on my questions about the neighborhoods which the rental homes are in. Obviously, the descriptions always state that it's a great or even desired location and close to everything that you can think of.

I'd appreciate a locals perspective on some rental homes that we are interested in (I'm not really sure if I'm allowed to post addresses here, but I'll try and hope for the best). We've based or picks on the location (close to ASU and/or downtown Phoenix), the size and description of the house (we'd like an open kitchen, 3 bedrooms and at least 2 baths, we'd love a pool and a park/play ground close by) and lastly the distance to potential daycare's for our son.

Here are some of the current options:

4513 E Cheyenne Dr., Phoenix AZ 85044
4346 E Corral Rd, Phoenix AZ 85044
10133 Knowles, Tempe AZ 85209
1865 E McNair Dr., Tempe AZ 85283
311 E Embassy St., Tempe AZ 85281

This one has no pictures online, but the description is nice:
2702 N Papago Dr., Tempe AZ 85281

Thanks.

[observer53]

The first two are in the Ahwatukee area of Phoenix, which is a nice area, not new, but still very popular. I'm a Tempe fan; the house in south Tempe would be my preference of the Tempe addresses(the one on McNair) and perhaps the whole group. The address on Knowles, with that ZIP code, is not Tempe... not sure where that is. You need to come and see for yourself to see which is right for you. Good luck!

[Seattle Mommy]

I'm sorry for the confusion.

[khuntrevor]

Hey Mommy, After reading your name, and the thread title, I thought--not another vague where to live question.......but yours is opposite. You have done your homework, and are looking at specific properties. You've educated yourself, at least some, before coming to this forum with questions. I'm sure with your specifics, you will get good info. on those houses. Good luck.

[LocoAZnative]

Originally Posted by Seattle Mommy

Hello all,
10133 Knowles, Tempe AZ 85209

googlemaps puts that near Baseline and Crimson thats Apache Junction not Tempe. I would cross that off. My vote goes to Tempe plus you have the Kyrene school district one of the best in the valley.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by LocoAZnative

googlemaps puts that near Baseline and Crimson thats Apache Junction not Tempe. I would cross that off. My vote goes to Tempe plus you have the Kyrene school district one of the best in the valley.

I would not put the Mesa one on my list, either. As far as Tempe, she's in Kyrene district only if she picks the McNair house, of the ones she lists in Tempe. Of course, she has a while to wait before the little one is in school, but no problem with being prepared.

[Jkgourmet]

Maybe I'm looking at this from left field, but my FIRST thought is where are you going to be working????

If you are only going to school at ASU and concerned with childcare options for your 8 month old, those Tempe addresses sound like good options. BUT if you don't know where you will be empoohed - WHOA. Don't enter into a lease until that is resolved.

[Seattle Mommy]

I will be working at the Biodesign Institute at ASU, Tempe and my husband will be working downtown Phoenix.

[observer53]

Tempe, then, for sure. Best public transit options for access to the University and to downtown Phx, safe, good quality of life, good schools.

[dura]

Another option: MLS# 4632008 (4/2/2, nice yard, great neighborhood, lake access, Dobson Ranch amenities including 4 community pools, etc). Just FYI... Watch out for the rush hour traffic that can back up at Dobson and Ray, if you're going to move into that area and find yourself traveling around that intersection. Anyway, be sure to get yourself an ASU parking permit for a garage next to biodesign.