Help us pinpoint location to look - Avoid long commute (Phoenix: homes, neighborhood)

[Returning2USA]

Originally Posted by AZ Tracy

You'll have to get a map out in order to use this....but, you can get a feel for the traffic you'll be facing by checking out these freeway cameras: AZ 511 - ADOT

Thanks for the site/link, AZ Tracy

I've recently bought two very good maps of the Phoenix area.

[SoCalCpl2]

Originally Posted by adriver

Traffic on I-10 coming in from the west is the worst traffic in the area in the morning second is I17. from about 6 am to almost 9 am, and the reverse from about 3pm to 7pm. If you wont be commuting those times, then you don't have to worry about it. If you will, then 10 miles will take on average about 30 minutes.

If it was me, with that budget, I would be looking around Central Ave & Camelback. Its just a few miles north of the area, and surface streets are just as quick during rush hour. There's a lot going on in that area, That's either Encanto, or I think Camelback Corridor. There are mostly older historic homes in general (but its a well kept up historic neighborhood), or there are a few nicer newer (still 20-30 yr old) established communities. Not sure if that's what you are looking for though since your other ones mentioned are NEW communities.

Is there anything else you are looking to live near or considerations?

I am in Los Angeles and since they are from Atlanta, Phoenix's rush hour would be a breeze to myself or them....

I have been in Phoenix rush hour quite a few times and it was not a bad commute... and 30 minutes to go 10 miles in rush hour traffic is not bad... That is an average of 20 mph.. Compared to LA which can be an average of 9 mph or sometimes even slower depending.. And Atlanta which can be an average of 12 to 15 mph depending....

[HTY483]

I have no idea why people are suggesting Goodyear and Estrella!!! I-10 eastbound is a parking lot between 6:45am and 8:00am. Trust me, I commuted in from Tolleson for a year and it sucked.

As Observer mentioned, it's going to be difficult to reverse your commute to that location because it's right downtown. I would suggest one of the more centrally located neighborhoods. The area between Camelback and Dunalap and between 16th street and 19th ave is pretty nice, though it may be difficult to find something at your price point in that area. Many are well kept older homes that were selling for over $500k before the recession. Not sure what they would cost now. I know our rental near 15th Ave & Northern is valued at $180k but its only a 2br/2ba and I'm guessing you'll want more space then that. That area near Bethany Home and 7th ave is one of my favorite neighborhoods in the Valley.

You could always try Encanto but it's a little sketchy. Not dangerous like south Phoenix but if your going to the store late at night in that area I'd definitely have your awareness in high gear.

There's also a decent middle class neighborhood just east of Glendale Community College around 43rd Ave & Thunderbird. Hope this helps.

[leemaa30]

Originally Posted by FromEastCoast

Good luck with your search. I moved from Marietta a couple of years ago and am very happy with the decision.

Really? That is so great to hear. I grew up in Marietta area and now live in Smyrna. Where in Phoenix do you live?

[leemaa30]

Yes, 30 minutes is not a big deal at all. Ours in ATLANTA can be an hour to two!

[BIG CATS]

I see so many Georgia and Texas plates lately. Is this the current trend to leave the South and head West? Good luck on your move!

[FromEastCoast]

Originally Posted by leemaa30

Really? That is so great to hear. I grew up in Marietta area and now live in Smyrna. Where in Phoenix do you live?

In Anthem, off 17 north of Phoenix.

[leemaa30]

That's the neighborhood that we like the most, at least from looking online. How do you feel the heat is, compared to ATL?

[FromEastCoast]

The summers are impressively hot and long but we aren't minding it too much yet. This is our 3rd summer and there is certainly something to the dry heat versus humidity that everyone mentions. I'll take the dry heat though I wish it lasted about a month or two less. It helps that I don't have much of a yard and I do have a pool. I think Anthem would be a long commute for you but if you need any help considering it just let me know and I'll be glad to do what I can.

[kell490]

My suggestion is the central Phoenix homes there older but many are remodeled, and represent early 1900's Phoenix. This area runs from about Thomas to Bethany home 7th street to 7th avenue. This would allow a very short drive to work, and no freeway's to worry about. Check the 85013 zip code on zillow as an example homes can run 250-800k or more depends on what you get. The west valley such as Goodyear, buckeye are homes that mostly look the same red tile roofs, and wood stick built with tan stucco. I would avoid commutes on I-10 or I-17 as others said traffic driving to home which is close to I-10 west of I-17 is terrible. If you google search MLS #: 5466254 you can see a nice home it might be out of your price range it's an example of the area. I would fly out for a week and drive around pick out an area and then work on buying a home in that area. I live north central phoenix Moon Valley area and my commute is 10 minutes no freeways about 7 miles.