Moving from Seattle area to Surprise, AZ (Phoenix: apartments, rentals)

[ACazz731]

Hi, my name is Austyn and my family and I are going to be relocating from the rainy and gloomy Pacific Northwest (Kirkland, WA) to the hot and sunny Southwest (Surprise, AZ). I'm 26, my girlfriend is 24 and we have 27 month old twin daughters, it's just the three of us moving down. Me & my gf are going down for our first visit to Surprise in a few weeks to check out the area and find some prospects for neighborhoods and location. We know for sure that we want to be somewhere that has close access to parks and schools because the biggest reasons we want to move to Arizona is for the weather and cost of living compared to the Seattle area. My gf has lived here her whole life and I grew up in San Antonio, TX. I know that we have to get used to the heat and lifestyle difference which will be harder for her than myself. Since we have a family now and my daughters are growing up I want to live somewhere where we can be outside frequently and also be somewhere affordable...which is difficult to find up here. Anyone have any advice on certain areas or neighborhoods in Surprise to check out or areas to stay away from? We're looking to rent a home in the area somewhere between $1000-$1200 per month. Looking to make the big move in August or September! Any advice will be greatly appreciated! Thanks for your time!

[DetroitN8V]

I count four. Anyway, where will your jobs be? I ask because Surprise is on the outskirts and metro Phoenix is massive. You'll want to determine where you'll be working before you narrow in on specific locations.

[adventuregurl]

I count four too!

I'd be smiling too if I was moving from the PNW to AZ, anyday, however you won't be outside too much in Aug. or Sept. (possibly May June and July too), it's too stinken hot. but come fall nowhere beats it! Good luck!

[Burning Madolf]

One place to start is CrimeMapping.com
Not an end all be all, but a good place to start.

[ACazz731]

Oops yeah I meant 4! Good thing I can add

[MotleyCrew]

Surprise Apartments For Rent and other Surprise Rentals — Trulia.com

Try checking out some of the realtor sites or get in touch with a property management company in Surprise. There are plenty of decent little neighborhoods in Surprise and Surprise Farms is huge. I love Surprise and enjoy the community center there along with the park. They have some great art shows there. Best of luck.

[ArizonaGirl]

Sierra Montana is reasonable and has parks and a good elementary school (One of the teachers was awarded a "best state teacher award.). We pay $920 for a 4 bedroom house with a 2 car attached garage. There are a lot of walking paths and trails. No community pool. It's west of Cotton Lane, between Greenway and Waddell.

[ACazz731]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the input. We look forward to our visit down in a few weeks. We're actually staying at a hotel in Surprise on Bell Rd. Any particular places we should check out or see while we're there?

[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by ACazz731

Thanks guys, I appreciate the input. We look forward to our visit down in a few weeks. We're actually staying at a hotel in Surprise on Bell Rd. Any particular places we should check out or see while we're there?

There's tons to see and do here. Not much is going to be near Surprise though. Any reason why you've zeroed in on that area?

[ACazz731]

Originally Posted by DetroitN8V

There's tons to see and do here. Not much is going to be near Surprise though. Any reason why you've zeroed in on that area?

Mainly because we want to be on the outskirts of Phoenix and I've read that it's a very affordable area for a young family to live in. I've read that it's a pretty safe city and more family oriented. And I generally want to be more northwest of Phoenix. And I don't really mind a commute if need be. I have options for work because I work in the auto industry.