Advice on area to move (Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa) (Tempe, Cottonwood: HOA, countertops)

[AZCPA]

Hello all,

I am looking to relocate from our current house in Gilbert to another home in Mesa, Gilbert or Chandler. We need more space and have 2 little ones that will start school in a couple years so need to take all that into consideration. Looking for 3,500 sq ft + and would like to keep the price under $550k. Any suggestions on where the best area would be? I am looking at this as an investment as well so which area would have the most growth (appreciation)? Best communities?

I love the Las Sendas area, but prices there are high which we would be willing to pay however if we can get the same home in Gilbert for $100k less that might be more intriguing esp if the Gilbert home will be worth more in 10-20 yrs.

I am just looking to get other peoples perspective on the different areas in Arizona. Any help would be apprecaited, thanks!

[Pink Jazz]

You can get a brand new 4065 sq ft Fulton Homes Antigua floorplan for at least $325K at Fulton Homes Caribbean at Freeman Farms in Gilbert. Another good choice would be the 3827 sq ft Shea Homes Pepperdine floorplan starting from $381K at Shea Homes Old Stone Ranch Wild Horse in Chandler. With your price, you can get plenty of upgrades with these floorplans (such as high-end kitchen appliances, premium granite countertops, efficiency upgrades for the A/C and furnace, belt-drive garage door opener, etc.).

Keep in mind that Chandler will generally be more expensive than Gilbert.

[Captain Bill]

Most of the areas of Chandler and Gilbert should be good for future appreciation along with the rest of the valley, because prices are so low now.

The two communities that I feel are best in Gilbert are Seville, the golf course community, and Val Vista Lakes the lake community. The clubhouse at Val Vista Lakes offers many amenities, and their HOA dues are only $87.20 which covers it all.

[Pink Jazz]

Originally Posted by Captain Bill

Most of the areas of Chandler and Gilbert should be good for future appreciation along with the rest of the valley, because prices are so low now.

The two communities that I feel are best in Gilbert are Seville, the golf course community, and Val Vista Lakes the lake community. The clubhouse at Val Vista Lakes offers many amenities, and their HOA dues are only $87.20 which covers it all.

Seville is nice; we strongly considered Shea Homes in the Escala II subdivision (which is now sold out), but we couldn't get our desired floorplan (the Pabello) quick enough, so we went with the Cayman at Fulton Homes Freeman Farms.

Shea currently offers the modern-looking SPACES series at Seville, but they are not within the OP's desired range of square footage. The other two builders at Seville include Beazer and Richmond American. Beazer offers the Centennial and Wellesley floorplans within the OP's size and price range.

[Pink Jazz]

Here are a few other communities and floorplans for the OP to consider:

• Pulte Homes Stratland Estates in Gilbert - 3658 sq ft Greystoke floorplan starting at $289K.
• K. Hovnanian Vintage at Legend Ridge in Gilbert - 3829 sq ft Saguaro floorplan staring at $307K.
• Taylor Morrison Adora Trails Discovery and Encore Collections in Gilbert - 3543 sq ft Turquoise floorplan starting at $253K.
• Taylor Morrison Adora Trails Odyssey Collection in Gilbert - 3634 sq ft Cottonwood floorplan starting at $273K
• Taylor Morrison Shamrock Estates Summit Collection in Gilbert - 3818 sq ft Pinnacle floorplan starting at $300K
• Ashton Woods Las Colinas at Seville in Gilbert - 3893 sq ft Gilbraltar floorplan starting at $288K.

[AZCPA]

I forgot to mention that I work in Tempe so all the communities mentioned, while nice, seem a little far of a commute for me. I am not sure how packed the 202 gets during rush hour but I am assuming it would be a 45+min commute?

I would like to be inside the 202 is possible.

[Pink Jazz]

Originally Posted by AZCPA

I forgot to mention that I work in Tempe so all the communities mentioned, while nice, seem a little far of a commute for me. I am not sure how packed the 202 gets during rush hour but I am assuming it would be a 45+min commute?

I would like to be inside the 202 is possible.

Traffic isn't generally that bad on the SanTan Freeway section of 202. Doesn't seem to be quite as busy as Superstition Freeway (US 60) or the Red Mountain Freeway (the northern part of 202).

The problem for you is that most of the newbuilds are being built in the southern parts of Chandler and Gilbert. You may find some fairly modern homes closer to Tempe, but much of that area is older homes. In Mesa, most of the newbuilds are in East Mesa.

[AZ Tracy]

In Gilbert, you might consider Higley Estates, Ashland Ranch, Jakes Ranch, Gilbert Commons - you could probably find a nice custom home, too.

[asufan]

Originally Posted by AZ Tracy

In Gilbert, you might consider Higley Estates, Ashland Ranch, Jakes Ranch, Gilbert Commons - you could probably find a nice custom home, too.

Agreed on Jakes Ranch, and also nearby Vintage Ranch to the South (the bigger houses in Vintage Ranch are just to the South of Jakes Ranch). Vintage Ranch was built by Fulton Homes and has all of the tot lots/green belts and has 4,000+ SF homes with basements for around $400,000. Jakes Ranch was built by TW Lewis and is slightly more upscale (and gated). They also have 4,000+ SF basement homes for about $425,000-$450,000. Both are off of Lindsay and Williams Field/Pecos which is about 1 mile from the 202 Santan.

[CheyDee]

I like this house.