drive time from San Tan Valley to Gilbert.... (Mesa, Chandler: houses, living)

[Paul91]

Hi all,

My wife and I will be relocating to the east valley this summer. (we currently live out of state)

We have read a few messages on this very informative board, talking about the bad commute to San Tan Valley. While we are looking at housing in other areas (Chandler, Mesa, etc), but we are seeing some great opportunities in STV as well, and are curious about the commute time.

I will be working in Gilbert, at one of the car dealers at the San Tan Motorplex. ( 202 and Val Vista Dr). The houses that we're considering in STV are in Johnson Ranch (Hunt Hwy and Bella Vista Rd).

I'll be working a Monday-Friday 8-5 schedule for about a year, then switching to a 5am-2pm or 3pm-midnight schedule.

If you are familiar with the route I'll be driving, I would REALLY appreciate your input regarding driving times, planned road expansions or additions, or anything else that would be helpful!

Thanks for your time!

[ReadyFreddy]

Google Maps estimates around 40 mins. outside of rush hour. I think that could be an hour in rush hour, but I'm not sure.

I don't know of planned new roads. The 202 loop is fairly new itself down there. I've heard there is a problem in that it's partly Pinal County down there so Maricopa County isn't going to build highways to there. I don't know much about it, though.

I hate that drive-- all 2-lane surface streets. I used to appraise homes valley-wide and those zip codes out there are the only ones I'd refuse to serve. I'd rather drive to Surprise (from Mesa) than there.

There are good deals in east Mesa, too (or there used to be).

[CheyDee]

I'd guess is it's about a 35 minute drive, without traffic. Even with traffic I don't think it would take as long as an hour - unless you were behind an accident.

[Paul91]

thanks guys. I saw that google and bing maps show it to be a 35 minute drive, but I was curious as to what the actual drive is in traffic, since it's all 2 lane roads as ReadyFreddy mentioned.

We're looking in the whole east valley area, ReadyFreddy, and see some good listings in other cities. We're focusing mostly on 55+ communities, and the Solara area in Johnson Ranch looks to be awesome. We've also seen (on-line) great looking property in south Gilbert, and Mesa. We'll probably be 'on the ground' in a few weeks to see them in person and make a decision.

The purpose of my post was to see if the commute time to STV was going to be terrible, or if my wife's favorite house in STV is still a possibility.

[imartin26]

I lived out near there for about 5 years, I would say on a good day probably about 30 minutes to get to SanTan motorplex since it will be mostly side streets you would be taking. You will find it quicker on side streets than driving all the way over to the 202.

Honestly though while home prices may be cheaper out where you are looking I would really try to find something a little close into civilization. If you plan to work at that company for the rest of your career then I would say it may be ok but if you are looking at changing jobs in the future it will be a REALLy far drive to get anywhere in the valley. If you are looking for 55+ South East Chandler has a huge 55+ (retirement) community called Sun Lakes also around Lindsay and Riggs road there is a rather large 55+ community and it is going to be a whole lot easier to get to work from there.

[ReadyFreddy]

I haven't seen Solara but Sun Lakes is really nice. It's really close to all the Chandler amenities (malls, etc.)

[Paul91]

thanks for the info, imartin26 and ReadyFreddy. We've been keeping an eye on the 55+ communities in Chandler, and Sun Lakes looks like a nice one.... for sure.

I am hoping to get some idea of the drive time from STV to the San Tan motorplex during rush hour traffic, so if anyone drives a similar route.... your input would be greatly appreciated!

[ReadyFreddy]

I think it's going to be somewhere around 45 mins. in rush hour. I said maybe an hour above but now that I think of it, in the housing boom I knew people who lived out there and drove to central Phx to work and it took an hour and a half. It's not going to be more than half that, I don't think.

This article might make you think hard. It's old but I don't think a whole lot has changed, though I bet there are fewer people living out there now. One person in the article lived in Johnson Ranch and said the commute to Chandler's Intel campus was 50 minutes.

[Paul91]

thanks ReadyFreddy... that information helps!

[shadow91]

I currently work in Gilberet and live in Chandler, if you take the 60 east you are going against the traffic and it take about 15 minutes to get there. Not a bad drive at all. Also the 202 is great for driving into Gilbert.