Any neighborhood ideas? Where to move, where to move... (Mesa: sales, new home)

[5together]

I know this group is a wealth of info so here goes!

Moved to AZ in 2009 for a job, live in west valley (Goodyear). Job has moved to Papago Park area so commute is brutal at times. We do not mind the west valley, although I have noticed a lot of the action is on the other side of town!

Co-workers said 'Move east!' looked at Gilbert/East Mesa, but Gilbert does not seem too different from Goodyear (burbs/good and bad schools, etc). Plus the commute would not be that different from where we are now (looked at Eastmark, etc)

Our issue is budget, have around 300K (a little wiggle room) and would like 4 bedrooms, so that eliminates Scottsdale and the like. Plus we are not chi chi and I have heard the kids drive cars nicer than I do in Scottsdale.

Oldest is entering high school so that is a big concern.

What neighborhood/area should I look at? I really do not know PHX that well!!

Thanks in advance!!

[asufan]

Hamilton High School is one of the best in the state, so you could live around there. Some neighborhoods in the area with homes under 300K would be Fox Crossing and possibly Clemente Ranch and Carino Estates (there's not much in the area with 4 bedrooms under 300K and Ocotillo and Fulton Ranch are definitely out). Not sure what the commute would be to Papago Park area but figure 10 minutes or less to the 101/Santan interchange and figure from there. North Mesa would of course be closer, not sure what the school rankings are like there. Also Ahwatukee Foothills could be an option if you want mountain views.

[DetroitN8V]

I don't know how the schools are in this area, but there is nothing uppity about 85257. You can get a 4 bedroom for around $300k. It will be older but you'll be close to work and close to all sorts of activities, the zoo, DBG, parks, etc. If you want newer and cookie cutter, you'll have to look elsewhere.

[KurtAZ]

Originally Posted by asufan

Hamilton High School is one of the best in the state, so you could live around there. Some neighborhoods in the area with homes under 300K would be Fox Crossing and possibly Clemente Ranch and Carino Estates (there's not much in the area with 4 bedrooms under 300K and Ocotillo and Fulton Ranch are definitely out).

You aren't going to find 4 bedrooms in Clemente Ranch for under $300k...not with any sizable rooms at least.

[kodokan]

We live in North East Mesa, around the Gilbert Road/ McKellips area. Hubby commutes along the 202 to just by Sky Harbor in about 20 minutes - and a consistent 20 minutes; jams and gridlocks are unknown barring actual accidents - and the schools round here are very highly rated on Great Schools and by parents. High schools are Mountain View and Red Mountain (a little further east) with lots of AP classes, sports, vocational electives through a work/ study program called EVIT. Nearby Westwood High also has the International Baccalaureate program which seems very well thought of, although I think the regular high school program there is less good.

Your housing budget would work fine here.

[fennec2009]

Originally Posted by DetroitN8V

I don't know how the schools are in this area, but there is nothing uppity about 85257. You can get a 4 bedroom for around $300k. It will be older but you'll be close to work and close to all sorts of activities, the zoo, DBG, parks, etc. If you want newer and cookie cutter, you'll have to look elsewhere.

HS is Coronado and it's not a good school. There are a few charters around though, but I don't know how highly performing they are.

[asufan]

Originally Posted by KurtAZ

You aren't going to find 4 bedrooms in Clemente Ranch for under $300k...not with any sizable rooms at least.

I see a couple active listings and a couple pending sales in there for under $300K with 4 bedrooms, but yeah, I can't speak to room size. I agree prices have risen there. To think I was looking at buying an investment property for $240K in Clemente Ranch a few years ago and passed on it, now comparable properties are going for over $350K

[KurtAZ]

Originally Posted by asufan

I see a couple active listings and a couple pending sales in there for under $300K with 4 bedrooms, but yeah, I can't speak to room size. I agree prices have risen there. To think I was looking at buying an investment property for $240K in Clemente Ranch a few years ago and passed on it, now comparable properties are going for over $350K

If they are in the section north of Ryan and closest to Alma School the rooms and bathrooms are quite small...a 4/2 at 1538 sqft...well...but there are a couple 2000+ sqft for under $300k...prices seem to be going down a bit.

[asufan]

Originally Posted by KurtAZ

If they are in the section north of Ryan and closest to Alma School the rooms and bathrooms are quite small...a 4/2 at 1538 sqft...well...but there are a couple 2000+ sqft for under $300k...prices seem to be going down a bit.

2200-2300 IMS. They may have been 2 stories which is less desirable.

[AZJoeD]

Why not consider N. Mesa? There are some nice communities like Las Sendas, Lehi Crossing, and Lehi Shadows among others that may fit the bill. Lehi Crossing is right off the 202, new homes, approx. 15 mi commute to Papago area. Not too bad.