Phoenix AZ area-- where to live? (Scottsdale, Chandler: salons, apartments, job market)

[goodlife36]

I visited Las Vegas three times and I was surprised how drawn I was to the desert, mountains and low cost of living. Las Vegas job market is terrible so I am exploring AZ as a possible option. I have noticed that it is possible to get a nice one bedroom apartment for around $800. I was wondering if it is in a nice safe area close to amenities. I am not really sure where to start. I am a 40 year old single, childless, black female white collar professional. I am a seeking a safe slower pace of life with beautiful views of the mountains and close to amenities.

Initially, I thought of Gilbert as a possible option but it seems to be geared towards families. I keep reading Tempe may be a good option for me. I actually just applied to a job in Tempe, AZ.

Is there a place that you would recommend? I would like to visit but I have no idea where to start.

[Ponderosa]

You are going to hear it over and over: this is a huge city in area and living close to where you work is a good idea. If you do get the job in Tempe I would suggest you consider the Ahwahtukee neighborhood. It has all of what you mentioned as important to you. Do a search on Ahwahtukee. One of the ZIPs there is 85044 - I used to live in that one, but there are a couple more as well.

[BuckeyeBoyDJ]

I agree with the above I would look at either Tempe itself or Ahwatukee (Phoenix neighborhood that borders Tempe nestled in the foothills of South Mountain). The South Mountain area along Baseline Rd might appeal to you as well. It's a super easy drive into Tempe and that's where a lot of African American culture and amenities can be found in the Phoenix area such as hair care stores, salons, soul food restaurants, predominately African American churches, jazz festivals, etc. Tempe/South Mountain/Ahwatukee area is a great area as it's centrally located and has plenty of things to do.

[goodlife36]

Thanks for the responses. Please note I am not interested in living in a predominately AA neighborhood. I mentioned my race because I did not want to receive recommendations for closed communities.

[goolsbyjazz]

My suggestion; come and see.

[goodlife36]

I need an action plan. I have taken a stab in the dark and went to cities where I saw confederate flags hanging in the front of the house. It was not a great experience.

[Jkgourmet]

Originally Posted by goodlife36

I need an action plan. I have taken a stab in the dark and went to cities where I saw confederate flags hanging in the front of the house. It was not a great experience.

What on earth are you talking about?

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by goodlife36

I need an action plan. I have taken a stab in the dark and went to cities where I saw confederate flags hanging in the front of the house. It was not a great experience.

It's not like that here.

[goodlife36]

Originally Posted by Jkgourmet

What on earth are you talking about?

My experience with visiting places that I am not familiar with.

[Jukesgrrl]

According to the 2012 census, of the 1.488 million people living in Phoenix, only 6.5% self-identified as black or African-American. I don't think that's enough people to create their own neighborhoods. As far as I can tell, gainfully employed people willing to make a positive contribution to the city are welcome everywhere in Phoenix no matter what they look like.

I join people who encourage you not to worry about an apartment until you know where you would work. There are plenty of apartments in safe and attractive areas with good amenities in the price range you mention. A good goal would be finding one that gets you a reasonable commute from your employment. Some of the suburbs are definitely family-oriented and some are retiree-oriented, so if getting a social life is a priority, I'd avoid those. If Tempe turns out to be your place of employment, there are lots of nice places to live within commuting distance. It is close to both Old Town Scottsdale with plenty of entertainment options and Chandler with mega-shopping attractions.

If you find yourself attracted to desert life and want an affordable place to live in a major metropolis, Phoenix might well be the answer for you. Good luck.