Chicago to Phoenix (Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe: apartments, rental, how much)

[MigsHiggins]

Let me preface this thread by saying I looked at as many threads about moving to Phoenix as I could before deciding to post this so here we go. My girlfriend and I live in Chicago and feel the city has run it's course. Between both of us being sick of the cold and not really the types that care about going to clubs, bars, and the various other things city-dwellers do, we have been contemplating a move to Arizona since we tend to be more physically active and enjoy being outside. We just got back from Phoenix after deciding that a trip was necessary to confirm our feelings about moving and it was everything we hoped for. We loved being able to go four-wheeling, hiking through various mountains, the warm weather and, for me, the fact that Arizona isn't ridiculous about it's firearms policy (basically everything opposite of Chicago). We stayed at the Sheraton on Dunlap and 17 and thought the area was nice. We are both looking to rent initially and want to know what areas are affordable and safe enough to be able to go for runs at night and not worry about the usual concerns of anyone relocating (getting shot, lots of theft and burglary, etc). We have been advised (and I have also seen enough posts confirming) to stay away from South Phoenix. Also, I am currently working in the IT field as a desktop support technician but am looking to make a career change in to law enforcement. I was curious if anyone had any insight regarding the ease or difficulty of finding a job for either of these positions out there?

[observer53]

If you are talking about sworn police officers, many of the cities in the Phx area are not hiring at the present. They will have to eventually of course, but not in the short term.

There are plenty of affordable safe areas all over the Valley. A lot is going to depend on where you end up working, as commutes can be very long if you live/work in different areas of the Valley. That area around where you stayed is OK, neither best nor worst. What is your rental budget, and what amenities do you want to be close to?

[MigsHiggins]

Ideally we would like to be close to hiking trails/parks and places you can go four-wheeling. We hiked up the Camelback Mountains but neither of us will be able to afford anything in that area more than likely. I have no issues with commuting 30 minutes away or so though closer would be best. The tiny bit of traffic we got caught in on the way to the airport yesterday was a walk in the park compared to what we deal with on a daily basis here. As far as budget is concerned, I admittedly don't know what a decent 1 or 2 bedroom in a decent neighborhood would be. Is $500-700 a practical number?

[observer53]

Well, you could be down in the Ahwatukee area near South Mountain Park which has tons of hiking trails (the largest municipal park in the world). West Chandler and south Tempe are also near that park. I've never gone four wheeling, but there ought to be areas where you could do that probably to the south of those areas. I'm sure someone could fill you in on that. As far as your apartment budget, I don't rent, but others will comment on that for you.

[MotleyCrew]

My daughter and son in law rented a nice two and two in Chandler/Tempe, close to the freeway and off of Ray Rd for around $900. Safe area and close to great shopping and lots of restaurants.

[MigsHiggins]

Originally Posted by MotleyCrew

My daughter and son in law rented a nice two and two in Chandler/Tempe, close to the freeway and off of Ray Rd for around $900. Safe area and close to great shopping and lots of restaurants.

$900 might be a little to steep for us at the moment. Unfortunately without knowing how much I will actually be making once I find a job out there makes it difficult to gauge what we can actually afford so I'm trying to play it conservative at the moment. To your point though, I have generally heard good things about Chandler, though my girlfriends friend who lives in Sierra Vista said that Tempe is questionable around the University I believe but I have also heard others say it's a nice area so I don't know what to think about about Tempe.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by MigsHiggins

$900 might be a little to steep for us at the moment. Unfortunately without knowing how much I will actually be making once I find a job out there makes it difficult to gauge what we can actually afford so I'm trying to play it conservative at the moment. To your point though, I have generally heard good things about Chandler, though my girlfriends friend who lives in Sierra Vista said that Tempe is questionable around the University I believe but I have also heard others say it's a nice area so I don't know what to think about about Tempe.

Tempe right around the University might not be your cup of tea, but you don't need to get very far from there to be in an area where you wouldn't know the University is there. There are some older apartments in the neighborhoods just south of the University along College that seem very quiet, with lots of green around. There are LOTS of apartments in Tempe overall-- some internet searching should give you some ideas.

[glomb23]

Sorry I can't give you any suggestions on where to live, but just wanted to say best of luck with your search and relocation. My wife and I are currently planning a move to the Phoenix area and have been doing tons of research as well. Maybe we'll see you in the valley of the sun one day!

[lsatfeb]

Originally Posted by MigsHiggins

$900 might be a little to steep for us at the moment. Unfortunately without knowing how much I will actually be making once I find a job out there makes it difficult to gauge what we can actually afford so I'm trying to play it conservative at the moment. To your point though, I have generally heard good things about Chandler, though my girlfriends friend who lives in Sierra Vista said that Tempe is questionable around the University I believe but I have also heard others say it's a nice area so I don't know what to think about about Tempe.

For me, Tempe was safe and enjoyable (lived a few blocks from the University). However, Tempe is big and of course the "feel" of the city varies by location. I enjoy taking evening runs along the West side of the University, up over the river/lake into Scottsdale and back. None of the neighborhoods along the way seem unsafe.

Anyway, good luck to you. Moderator cut: snip

[MigsHiggins]

Originally Posted by observer53

Tempe right around the University might not be your cup of tea, but you don't need to get very far from there to be in an area where you wouldn't know the University is there. There are some older apartments in the neighborhoods just south of the University along College that seem very quiet, with lots of green around. There are LOTS of apartments in Tempe overall-- some internet searching should give you some ideas.

Sounds like Tempe is worth looking into. I will definitely take a look at apartments in that area. I wish I would have visited while I was there to get an idea.

Originally Posted by glomb23

Sorry I can't give you any suggestions on where to live, but just wanted to say best of luck with your search and relocation. My wife and I are currently planning a move to the Phoenix area and have been doing tons of research as well. Maybe we'll see you in the valley of the sun one day!

Perhaps! Always looking to meet new people!

Originally Posted by lsatfeb

For me, Tempe was safe and enjoyable (lived a few blocks from the University). However, Tempe is big and of course the "feel" of the city varies by location. I enjoy taking evening runs along the West side of the University, up over the river/lake into Scottsdale and back. None of the neighborhoods along the way seem unsafe.

Anyway, good luck to you. Moderator cut: snip

Very good to know as I prefer running at night or early morning when it's darker out and knowing there is a lake nearby is also a plus.