Transferring to Phoenix (Tucson, Mesa, Scottsdale: home, employment, living)

[Nana27]

We have recently moved to Tucson (where I have family) due to my health issues. My husband was laid off at his job which made the decision easier.
He has not been able to find work in Tucson at all so we are starting to look in Phoenix and have already found a few things he qualifies for. But we don't want to live in Phoenix! So any suggestions of areas within an hours drive (preferably East of Phoenix)?
We prefer smaller country conservative towns if thats even possible?! Thanks in advance!
Blessings

[observer53]

You could live in Casa Grande or Maricopa, but depending on where the work is, it could be a long commute. Hopefuily he will not end up with a job on the west side. If that happens, you might have to look on the west side, at Buckeye, perhaps.

[Nana27]

If he has to commute we would still prefer northeast or east side of phoenix

[observer53]

Originally Posted by Nana27

If he has to commute we would still prefer northeast or east side of phoenix

Well, there will be a commute, since you don't want to live in Phoenix. I would focus on Casa Grande and Maricopa, if to the east of Phoenix is what you are looking for. They are southeast, but still east. Northeast really doesn't give you a viable option within a reasonable commute, except possibly Fountain Hills, but you seem to want something more removed from the Phoenix area.

Casa Grande and Maricopa really aren't "country towns", in my mind, but they are smaller towns/cities removed from Phoenix but at a reasonable distance if that is what you want.

[Bungle]

Are you only trying to only avoid Phoenix proper or the Phoenix metro area (includes Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale, etc...) because there's a huge difference.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by Bungle

Are you only trying to only avoid Phoenix proper or the Phoenix metro area (includes Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale, etc...) because there's a huge difference.

"Small country town" tells me they aren't looking at the big contiguous suburbs like Tempe, Mesa or Scottsdale, either.

[Nana27]

LOL... We don't know anything about the Phoenix area. We don't like the city, big towns. We came from a small country town in Texas... Krum... Under 4,000 population.

[Nana27]

We'd like to find reasonably priced land, at least 1 acre but more if possible, with a small home or we can build. We love the mountain views and some green (trees/grass) would be a bonus.
Like I said we have no idea about anything in that area just know that there seems to be better job prospects. We may be grasping for straws...

[observer53]

Originally Posted by Nana27

LOL... We don't know anything about the Phoenix area. We don't like the city, big towns. We came from a small country town in Texas... Krum... Under 4,000 population.

Metro Phoenix consists of the city itself surrounded on virtually all sides by large suburbs. There's no gaps between Phoenix and the neighboring suburb, so you aren't necessarily even aware you have driven into a different city uniess you see a sign.

Where in Tucson have you been living? It's certainly not a small town, though much smaller than Phoenix. There is no town within a reasonable distance of the east side of Phoenix or the Phoenix area that's equivalent in size to the town you were in in Texas. The closest thing I can think of is Black Canyon City, and that's north of the Phoenix area on I-17.

Phoenix and the surrounding area is still a desert. Green and trees, and an acre or more of land? Hard to find all three of those within a reasonable distance of Phoenix and still stay out of metro Phoenix in a small country town. Some of the older parts of Queen Creek and Gilbert have some of that kind of property and a less congested feel, but I don't know what your budget is.

[ElleTea]

Originally Posted by Nana27

LOL... We don't know anything about the Phoenix area. We don't like the city, big towns. We came from a small country town in Texas... Krum... Under 4,000 population.

Unfortunately, more opportunities for employment are going to be in the larger populated areas. Knowing how long it can take to drive places here, I have to wonder what kind of home life would your husband had if he is spending an hour or more commuting one way just so you can live in a small town?

You said you know nothing about Phoenix at all, so I would suggest a visit before you just assume you don't like the "big city."

Edit: This isn't meant to sound rude at all, I know sometimes it is hard to tell that from reading text.