45 min. commute to/from downtown Phoenix

[Bates419]

Maybe it has a little more to do with where they want their family to be raised than actual cost.

Originally Posted by Valley Native

I completely agree with this, but at the same time, it's a person's choice to live where he/she wants. Living in a more centralized location has many advantages, but it also tends to be more expensive to live in a more urban environment vs. a suburban/exurban area. That's one of the reasons some people still prefer to live out in the distant suburbs: it's cheaper ... or so they think. When the cost of gas and car maintenance are factored in, the amount saved isn't really all that much in the long run.

[Zippyman]

Originally Posted by Valley Native

I completely agree with this, but at the same time, it's a person's choice to live where he/she wants. Living in a more centralized location has many advantages, but it also tends to be more expensive to live in a more urban environment vs. a suburban/exurban area. That's one of the reasons some people still prefer to live out in the distant suburbs: it's cheaper ... or so they think. When the cost of gas and car maintenance are factored in, the amount saved isn't really all that much in the long run.

I don't know how it could be any cheaper than living in Phoenix, but out of the "core" of downtown. You get great pricing on the things you buy because of competition & many of the transplants won't even consider a real "phoenix" zip code because of how other major cities are, so properties cost less than many suburbs. The side benefit is you don't have to commute as far.

[Zippyman]

Originally Posted by Bates419

Maybe it has a little more to do with where they want their family to be raised than actual cost.

lol.. in a development of 500 "semi custom" stucco boxes conveniently situated no more than 8 feet from each other?

[Java Jolt]

Originally Posted by Valley Native

I completely agree with this, but at the same time, it's a person's choice to live where he/she wants. Living in a more centralized location has many advantages, but it also tends to be more expensive to live in a more urban environment vs. a suburban/exurban area. That's one of the reasons some people still prefer to live out in the distant suburbs: it's cheaper ... or so they think. When the cost of gas and car maintenance are factored in, the amount saved isn't really all that much in the long run.

Cost is one reason but there are other reasons too.

Closeness to family and significant others can be a bigger priority and determine where people decide to live, even if that means living in a suburban area and having a long commute to work.

Newness of a community can play a part too along with safety, most of these neighborhoods are in the suburban areas.

Ideally I would like to live in a center location and be closer to my workplace but a lot of neighborhoods in those areas are older and contain homes needing remodel-repair, I don't want to deal with that.

[Bates419]

More like in a place with little traffic and many parks that you and your kids can enjoy with little risk from drivers and such. But carry on I'm sure it's just as nice for the kids downtown to go outside and play.

Originally Posted by Zippyman

lol.. in a development of 500 "semi custom" stucco boxes conveniently situated no more than 8 feet from each other?

[Maroon197]

In most cities, the reason people leave the urban core once they have kids is because inner-city schools tend to be terrible, even in very wealthy cities.