Help with narrowing down our search areas (Phoenix, Mesa: rentals, houses)

[karatemomx4]

Hello,
We currently live in the Rocky Mountains and need to get out of the altitude due to a health condition. Hubby was born in Phoenix, lived there until he was in Junior high, and we still have family in the area. So, my family and I are looking into relocating to the area sometime this year. I'm in need of some direction as far as neighborhoods to narrow our search. Here's our story:

1. We're a family of 6, so a 5 bedroom is kind of essential. Rental budget is up to $1800 per month, but we'd rather keep it around $1600 if possible.

2. We'd love a pool if we can find a house that has one.

3. Hubby commutes for work, so we need to be within 30 minutes of the airport.

4. I've got kids who are going to be needing to be close to either a community college or a 4 year school. I'd like them to not have more than 30 minutes drive to school, if possible. The other kids are home schooled so school districts don't matter much.

5. I would really like to be near shopping, restaurants, groceries, etc. Lots of mature landscaping in the area would be nice as well.

We were kind of looking at the Tempe/Gilbert/Chandler area, but not sure which areas specifically. Any assistance would be much appreciated.
Thanks!

[ReadyFreddy]

Maricopa County has the one of or the nation's largest community college systems, with 10 schools across the Phx area, some with multiple campuses. So it's pretty easy to be within 30 mins. of one campus or another.

Mesa and Gilbert have a lot of LDS families, so a lot of large and home schooled families.

Shopping, etc. is pretty standard throughout, if you're not on the extreme outskirts, I think. The landscaping age tends to be, too. There's not a lot of giant, old trees like in CO. The palms and orange trees don't change much over the years.

It's hard for me to find a house withOUT a pool, so you probably won't have much trouble there.

And like I always suggest-- google "phoenix relocation realtor" and find an agent to help you in your search. Rental houses are on the MLS and agents are paid by the homeowner/manager. Usually agents realize that if you like it here you'll eventually buy and call them up again later, so it's good business to help a relocating family find a rental.

[esnox82]

Check out the Ocotillo area in south Chandler.

There are several Realtors on this forum who are very knowledgeable with the East Valley area that you are interested.

[karatemomx4]

Thank you for the tip about the realtor; I wasn't sure how that part of the search would go, so it's helpful to know that realtors will assist with rentals.

[AZ Tracy]

You might want to add Ahwatukee to your list of possibilities. It is an urban village of Phoenix - close to the airport, shopping and not too far from schools.

[Steve Pickering]

Just about anywhere in the Valley of the Sun.