How likely is the rapid growth to continue in these areas? (Phoenix: to rent, houses)

[Newbe10]

Was just noticing the final census tallies on a few suburbs of the Phoenix area and noticed the crazy growth particularly in Gilbert, Chandler, Maricopa, Goodyear, Buckeye, and Surprise. Except for Buckeye, are these areas still building up like crazy or have they built out already? I know that Buckeye covers something like 140 square miles so I know that it may be awhile before it is completely built out.

Also, I read on an online article somewhere (I can't remember which one) that Buckeye was trying to grow out to 2 million residents eventually. How accurate is that? That seems a little crazy to me. I don't know how that is possible unless Buckeye has some serious industrial (i.e. Tech and manufacturing) commercial and office development so all of those people have places to work w/o having to commute all of the way to Phoenix.

[Newbe10]

Sorry, I meant ask: Are those mentioned areas still growing at a rapid pace? Looking back at the title, I realize that that is not what I was actually wanting to know.

[Pink Jazz]

Originally Posted by Newbe10

Sorry, I meant ask: Are those mentioned areas still growing at a rapid pace? Looking back at the title, I realize that that is not what I was actually wanting to know.

These areas are indeed still growing at a rapid pace, although it has slowed down a little. One town I noticed that you didn't include on your list for rapid growth is Queen Creek. The population of Queen Creek exploded from 4,316 in the 2000 Census to 26,361 in the 2010 Census.

[goolsbyjazz]

I live in Chandler and noticed more houses are starting to go up again. Gilbert also is growing, so yes they are growing. You thinking about moving here?

[observer53]

Census numbers take into account the huge boom in all those areas, which came to a screeching halt when the bubble burst. None of those areas are growing at that pace now. It has slowed down A LOT from the crazy mad building in the boom times. None of those areas are "built out". There is building going on in those places, but at a much slower pace than before. It's starting to pick up a little from being at close to a standstill after the bubble burst.

I would not hold my breath waiting for 2 million people in Buckeye.

[dadof2divas]

I hope to be back out there soon! I wish our house here in NC would sell so that I can get back. I have a job waiting for us and we are looking to land in either Queen Creek or San Tan Valley area. Work will be in Chandler. So with that said I think Queen Creek has grown alot. If things had not slown down I would hate to see how far things would be by now!

[observer53]

Rent before you buy. I give that advice to pretty much everyone, but you don't want to make an expensive mistake and wish you'd bought in a different place. You mentioned in another thread that you have been offered a job with a "startup" company, which is another factor to consider in the rent vs. buy scenario.

In addition, anyone thinking about QC or STV should also be thinking about gas prices and commute times.

[dadof2divas]

Originally Posted by observer53

Rent before you buy. I give that advice to pretty much everyone, but you don't want to make an expensive mistake and wish you'd bought in a different place. You mentioned in another thread that you have been offered a job with a "startup" company, which is another factor to consider in the rent vs. buy scenario.

In addition, anyone thinking about QC or STV should also be thinking about gas prices and commute times.

Yes, we are definitively thinking about renting but since we have lived there before and know the valley somewhat we just don't want to move twice. I agree on the expensive mistake on buying in a different place. We really like the Chandler/Gilbert area but with prices seeming like they are starting to climb I don't know how long we can wait and still be able to live where we want to. And with gas...well I drive a Ram and the other vehicle is a SUV so I hear you on the gas prices!

[Captain Bill]

The rent first advice is certainly advisable in some cases, but not all. It depends on the circumstances of the individual family.

Many people come to the valley and within a week they can determine what city they want to live in and the maximum drive they can tolerate.

Having to move twice, and probably store furniture and personal belongings, plus possibly having to change schools for their school age children, is a huge concern for many.

I've advised some of my clients, after learning more about their personal situation, to rent first. I've also advised others that it would be best to buy.

If a person can't learn enough about the area, and especially if we are in a declining market, then they are probably well advised to rent first.

If a person can learn enough about the area, or already knows the area, and if we are in an increasing market, like we are today, then advising to buy, after learning more about their personal needs, may be the best advice. Today, we have a fast increasing market, and a year from now a particular house may be out of the reach of some people.

That's why any decision on buying first or renting first, should be made by the individual based on their personal requirements, and giving consideration to the current market and the developing trends.

[pandaundercover]

Ya, growth is continuing in all those areas. I don't know about the east valley, but in Surprise, construction work has picked up a lot since January. The highway is a big one they're working on around the clocks. They're getting the Prasada area finally built, and the walmart at 303 and Waddell just finally opened last week (6 months ahead of schedule). There's a lot of smaller construction going on around Bell (a new Carls Jr at Grand/Bell; another storage place is almost done; sidewalks were added where they weren't at; etc). Houses are probably being constructed again, after they stopped doing it for nearly 2-3 years. There's also some huge place being built down the 303 near Indian School Road... I have no idea what it is suppose to be, but it has a sign for Dicks Sporting Goods out front, although it seems way too big to be a Dicks alone. So I'm not sure about that. The auto mall at prasada is also undergoing construction again. So, I can say, Surprise is really picking up, and as more of the construction finishes and buildings open and jobs become available, the homes will continue to grow in numbers to compensate, and hopefully sell as well to compensate availabilities (great news for those of leaving in 2 years!)

As for Buckeye... I doubt that. Maybe 20 years for now Buckeye will be a lot bigger, but right now, or anytime soon, doubt it.