Retirement/schools combo question (Phoenix, Tucson: for sale, to rent, student loan)

[Frannie1972]

My husband is much older than me, already retirement age but plans to work a few more years until our oldest finishes high school but we have three more school age children. We want to move somewhere that could accommodate both situations- where I could work (teacher), good public schools for our children plus somewhere he would want to retire - the Phoenix area seems to fit the bill (fairly large city with major airport since we travel quite a bit, warm and sunny, low property tax from what I understand). We currently live in Louisiana, kids are in private school, would not be possible on one income. I lived in Tucson for 4 years as a child and remember it fondly. I cants see any downsides but I haven't been to Phoenix since a short trip in college....any thoughts would be appreciated!

[AZgarden]

Yes, the property taxes are low here, but so are the school ratings.
Would you put your kids in private schools here? Just a thought.
Many of the retirees don't stay here in summer. They escape the heat by going to a cooler climate for a few months. Is that an option?

[Frannie1972]

We usually spend summers in Italy (where my husband is from) and since I teach, it works out. I wouldn't necessarily want to put my kids in private school, I haven't researched the public schools there but ideally would like to live in an area where public schools are a good option. I imagine there are better districts? Also, would it be better to rent for a year and get the lay of the land before buying?

[sandy6879]

Originally Posted by Frannie1972

We usually spend summers in Italy (where my husband is from) and since I teach, it works out. I wouldn't necessarily want to put my kids in private school, I haven't researched the public schools there but ideally would like to live in an area where public schools are a good option. I imagine there are better districts? Also, would it be better to rent for a year and get the lay of the land before buying?

Please do a LOT of research, both in the area of teaching in AZ and education in AZ as a whole. Public schools in AZ, as a whole, leave a lot to be desired. Teaching here does as well. You can find a great deal of this information with some google searching, and even a lot in this forum.

Yes, renting before buying is always recommended.

[Frannie1972]

Yes, I certainly will do a lot of research. Similar situation here in Louisiana, unfortunately.

[AZgarden]

In addition, many of the school districts, not all, have year round school. The Chandler kids just went back to school today.

[OutdoorgirlUtah]

I used greatschools.com when making a decision about what areas/schools. I refused to look at any house in any school that was rated below an 8.

[Frannie1972]

Year round school wouldn't be a deal breaker, my husband plans to live part of the year in Italy and the rest with us, we could work it out. From my first research attempts, it looks like Scottsdale would be the best for our situation. My plan is to rent for a year - it looks like 4-5 bedroom houses start at around $2500/month? What about housing prices? Our budget would be $300-400K with 20% down. Is that realistic? As for living there-our income will be significantly less obviously with my husband's income limited to his pension and social security and I have no idea what a teacher's salary is there- I have 2 Master's and in Louisiana I make mid 50k. We don't have debt other than my student loan and I would put the kids in public school.

[OutdoorgirlUtah]

With that budget your probably not going to be able to afford much in Scottsdale what does pop up for Scottsdale will be a few homes in South Scottsdale. Places with good schools include Chandler, North Phoenix, Gilbert. Obviously in that budget your money would go alot further in other cities other than Scottsdale. You might want to consider the desert ridge area that is barely over the border from Scottsdale in North Phoenix.

[OutdoorgirlUtah]

I actually found a house that may be perfect for you I came across it the other day it was a little over my budget but it may be a good fit for you.


1713 E Cielo Grande Avenue, Phoenix, AZ For Sale | Trulia.com