Best place to live in Phoenix metro area for runners

[locolife]

I can't actually think of a bad side of town to live in for this, as long as you can find safe streets to hit and be near enough to one of the dozen or so preserves you should be in good shape. Phoenix Mountain Preserve, South Mountain, The MdDowells, Lost Dutchman Park, Hawes, San Tan Park, Cave Creek Regional Park, White Tank Mountain Park, Estrellas all basically create a near circle of mountains around and within the valley. You can find maps all over online or download an app like trailforks. I can't really think of a better city to live in for sheer amount of trail singletrack near a city of this size. I've lived in quite a few and I think Phoenix tops them all.

[adriver]

I've been running again for a few years, and nowhere near what you pull off, but even I wont run the canals. I'm more north phoenix area, but the canals around here, are cut through by streets to where you have to run across traffic with no visibility on cars till the last minute, or if they do go under the street; the genius who designed them made them steps. To drop down 20 feet to go under the street there are 3 foot long steps (that they've tried to blacktop even out but it didn't work), that shorten your stride and send a shock up your leg when running down. I personally can't/won't do it, especially if you're trying to have a good stride. Tempe town lake is, I believe, 4.2 miles no traffic, has many trails that can be ran for long distances, and should be having a few marathon/half-marathons coming up before It gets too hot. If you are set on trying to find long distances where you don't have to keep running around the same neighborhood, then I'd stay out of Phoenix. Fountain hills is a nicer area near by, you might find something out in gilbert for those kind of distances.

If you're good with dodging cars or since it will be getting warmer here soon, running at night.. Then you should be fine in the city for a little while..

Also if you're only going to be a few months, have you looked in to extended stay America?? They have whats called the "extended plus program." Stay for 60 days or more, pay for thirty at a time, and your rate is really low. its gone up recently but $800-$1000 a month, (all bills included).

[FloppyRunner]

It sounds like you prefer more road/flat path than trails, correct?

Where I live there is an incredible amount of hilly trails to choose from.

[ajonesaz]

Live near the canals. All the canals have a path next to them and they are very popular for bikers and runners. It is always going to be flat terrain. Some are paved and some are compacted dirt. You can run through most of the city via the canal system. In the east valley, most of the road crossings on the canal trails have a light to stop traffic.