Relocating to AZ from MI (Scottsdale, Chandler: fit in, apartment complexes, leasing)

[moore4tj]

I will be moving to AZ from Michigan for a job in a few weeks. I am 22 years old and this will be my first full-time job. The company I will be working for is in Gilbert and I am looking in both Gilbert and Chandler for one bedroom apartments, with Chandler being the most likely fit. Right now I have my eye on a couple of the Mark Taylor properties down there and I have visited San Palacio (2255 W Germann Rd. Chandler, AZ). I am also looking at San Cervantes (400 N Coronado St. Chandler, AZ)

I have also looked into the San Tan Village area in lower Gilbert for living and I have a few questions regarding location.

What areas of Chandler/Gilbert will I be able to meet/interact with people my age? I know no one in the area and I want to make sure I am living in an area with people my age (specifically, women my age ). The two areas I have been focusing on are the Chandler Fashion Mall area and the San Tan Village area.

Does anyone have experience with Mark Taylor properties? The two I visited while down there for my final interview were exceptionally nice and seemed very well kept. Also the 24-hour well equipped gym and the pools they offer are amazing, which are important to me.

Any other advice about the area for a 22 year old male moving from across the country?

[petroglyphin]

Id chose Downtown Scottsdale/Old town by a long shot of Chandler for a young person. Much more to see/do and lots of young people.

[birdernerder]

When I was your age, I moved from MI to CO and lived with family outside of Denver. I wasn't in an area know for nightlight and meeting people, but Denver wasn't a very far drive. I think the above comment was well-intentioned when it comes to recommendations for someone seeking a nightlife and meeting other young professionals, but downtown Scottsdale to your job in Gilbert would be a heck of a drive to be doing every day.

You have the right idea to be looking closer to your job. I can't offer much advice on where young single people hang out, because I don't fit into that demographic anymore. However, I think you'll have opportunities to meet people your age no matter where you choose to live. People on this forum have mentioned using Meetup, and I think that would be a great place to seek out people with similar interests.

I've seen younger single people out and about at San Tan Village for dinner/drinks. I am not too familiar with the area around the Chandler mall, but that area is seeing a lot of development right now. It could be fun to live near there too.

Wish I could be of more help, but just know that you can always move if you don't like the initial area you choose here. You can't go wrong being close to work. That will give you time to explore the different parts of the East Valley, and then you can always reevaluate your living situation.

Best of luck on the move!

[yukon]

What about some of the complexes in Tempe? Seems like there would be singles there. Would that be a good or bad drive to Gilbert? I avoid Gilbert like the plague so I'm no help with drives to/from.

You might try checking out apartment complexes that are within a 10 minute drive to the big dog park (I think it's Shawnee Bark Park). I know other cities I've lived in, that was often a big draw for pet owners and single females do have dogs. Just a thought.

[Jkgourmet]

Originally Posted by yukon

What about some of the complexes in Tempe? Seems like there would be singles there. Would that be a good or bad drive to Gilbert? I avoid Gilbert like the plague so I'm no help with drives to/from.

You might try checking out apartment complexes that are within a 10 minute drive to the big dog park (I think it's Shawnee Bark Park). I know other cities I've lived in, that was often a big draw for pet owners and single females do have dogs. Just a thought.

I think the park you mean is Cosmo Dog Park.

[yukon]

Oops, sorry, I meant to say Chandler. My goof. I noticed a decent number of apartments within a short radius of Shawnee. That part of the metro is the area I'm least familiar with, but personally I think Chandler has a better singles vibe than Gilbert. Gilbert always strikes me as Family Central.

[observer53]

To answer your other question, Mark Taylor properties are often recommended here. They have many, including some in Tempe and on the Tempe/Chandler border, so you could look at those.

[The_Cadillac_Lawyer]

OP, my son's mom relocated from MI to AZ as well. She's a leasing manager with Mark Taylor. PM me and I'll give her your contact info to make sure you get a good deal and feedback

[RenW]

Since moving here my impression has been that Chandler and Gilbert are more family oriented communities. Tempe (with the University) and Scottsdale might be better choices for younger adults.

Mark Taylor properties seem nice but certainly more money than I would want to spend on a single income unless you are fantastically well paid. I wouldn't want you to get into a lovely apartment and then not have enough disposable income to go enjoy yourself.