Searching for great family oriented East valley neighborhood (Phoenix, Mesa: house prices, schools)

[Smzim]

We are currently in North Phoenix and considering a move to the East Valley. We have two young children, so we are looking for a safe, clean, family oriented community, with great schools. We also want community amenities, such as community pools and parks and maybe even events, where the kids can make neighbor friends easily. I like Val Vista Lakes and Power Ranch, however Val Vista Lakes is getting pricey and Power Ranch is a little too far South for us. We really need to stay close to the 60. (Husband travels to Globe a lot for work). We are open to Gilbert or Mesa though. Any suggestions for great communities for me to research? Thanks!

[AlohaFriday]

Maybe check out Eastmark? It's a developing community where Apple is setting up a campus. Developers are promoting it as a city within a city.

They have some really nice models there. GCU is also supposed to build a campus, although it just got delayed.

[observer53]

Red Mountain Ranch? Las Sendas? I don't know much about them personally, so I don't know about prices.

[marimar51]

There's a new subdivision on Ellsworth and Ray where they have all these ameneties, just let me know and I will help you find it
it's close to the 60 and 202.

[kodokan]

North East Mesa, just south of the 202 in the blocks between Gilbert Rd and Val Vista. Top rated schools (elementaries are Hermosa Vista and Ishikawa), very family friendly neighbourhoods with lots of kids playing out, walking/ biking to school alone, people out walking their dogs, plenty of play parks dotted about, etc. There are always people around the streets; it's not one of those barren 'everyone's been eaten by zombies' places. The schools organise a lot of family events to get people together, and there's a community pool next to Stapley JH school that's open all summer.

House prices span $200-$750k (most are in the 250-350 range), so there's a lot of variety for different budgets. It's an ex-citrus farms area, so there's a lot greenery if you like that sort of thing.

[maverick974]

I live in far east Mesa. Ellsworth and Brown to be exact. Well as exact as I'm willing on this type of open forum. HA...
Anyway, I love, LOVE the area. That area just described is wonderful. I wouldn't hesitate for a moment to live in that area. Beautiful scenery, close to about any outdoor activity you could ask for, yet still close to any of the amenaties you could want. Close to freeways with easy access to downtown if necessary. Close to several lakes for recreation as well.