Good areas, accessible to downtown, under 225K? (Phoenix: house prices, neighborhoods)

[kellyyouse]

My husband and I are considering a relocation to Phoenix, and I wanted to ask if anyone could recommend neighborhoods that are generally decent, accessible to public transit, relatively walkable (grocery stores nearby), with homes that are $225K and under.

I know that's a lot to shoot for, but I thought I'd ask anyway!

Kelly

[Master Shake]

One thing to keep in mind is that Phoenix is generaly a driving city -- not a walking city. We are currently adding a light-rail system (http://www.valleymetro.org/METRO_light_rail/Downloads/Maps/index.htm - broken link), but in my opinion, it will (at least initially) be severely under-utilized and will only serve a single 20-mile route. The bus system is also not very good.

As for recommended neighborhoods, that depends on a lot of factors. Most importantly, will you and/or your husband be working? and if so, where?

[kellyyouse]

We do both plan to work, but I would be limited to what's accessible by public transit. . .that's really not a big deal for me, as I'm used it. Philly's transit system is good, but it really limits you to the downtown area for work. All of my jobs in Philly have been in the Center City area for that reason. My husband will be able to commute by car, so his options are more flexible.

Basically, I just want to be able to get to work from home via public transit in under 60 min. My husband would probably like a 45min or less commute.

Any ideas?

Thanks

[twiggy]

Do you mean the bus? I would consider anything within a 1/2 hour to Phoenix. That would take you an hour by bus. The system isn't that great though. Really check into it. Everyone drives here.

[sablebaby]

We really can't direct you in an area unless we know where both of will be working. Have you been to Phx before? It's a REALLY big place and it's impossible to pinpoint an area when you don't where you'll be working. In Phx metro, you can virtually work anywhere. You could end up in one of the suburbs.

Once you find where you'll be working, then look at the bus lines on valleymetro.com and then find areas that have the bus to get to work. At that point, we can help you a lot more.

[artyst]

there is a park and ride bus station on bell road around 36th street. the bus runs to downtown nonstop. i'm not sure of the house prices in the area but maybe aren't too high.

[ptbrennan]

Park and Ride helps broaden your options considerably. For pure proximity, however, I've got to recommend Laveen (assuming that you are looking for a new house). Here's a transit map: System Map