Portland to Phoenix - Family neighborhood recommendations (Scottsdale, Tempe: RV park, house)

[Skerzz]

Hello,

I'm looking at potentially relocating from Portland, OR to Phoenix in the next 6 months-- the lack of sunshine and high taxes are driving me insane here! My job would be in the Camel Back Center Area (near E. Camelback Rd. and N 24th). Looking for recommendations on areas to look for housing with priorities being: 1 - safe/clean neighborhoods, 2- highly rated schools, 3 - relatively easy commute; 4 - access to shopping and restaurants. Looking for a 3,500+ sq ft house with 4+ bedrooms on a large enough lot for RV parking (parents visit in their RV). Budget around $750K with $1M being my maximum spend.

S. Tempe seems to have decent schools and housing that would fit what I'm looking for below my budget, but I'm not sure how that commute would be. Also, definitely looking at central/north Scottsdale and possibly Arcadia and Paradise Valley. Scottsdale schools seem to be pretty good, how are schools in PV and Arcadia? Really like the homes in Fountain Hills (from what I can see on Redfin), but that commute concerns me. Other areas I should consider -- mesa, chandler, etc?

Thoughts and/or input on areas to consider given my "want list" would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers!

[military spouse]

The RV might be your limiting factor. Excluding that, have you considered the Biltmore area?

[yukon]

24th St or 24th Ave?

[AZJoeD]

I do not think you want Fountain Hills, the commute would be brutal.

For my money, I would look anywhere along the Rt 51 or the Camelback corridor east of 44 St. You could also look in N. Central as there are some nice homes with large properties. You could try Paradise Valley, but I doubt you will find anything nice under $1M.

The RV parking will be a limiting factor. Many of communities may not allow RV parking and especially occupying an RV on premises. You need to look for homes with no HOA.

It certainly is not impossible, but do your homework before you put in an offer. Just because the listing says RV gate or RV parking does not mean it will meet your needs.

[PhureeKeeper]

Recommend you scratch East Valley unless you like long commutes. Agree with AZJoeD, Fountain Hills would be a very long drive. My ex's uncle lived in FH and worked at the airport and hated the long drive, but he worked odd hours so he didn't get stuck in the traffic.

Do your parents HAVE to stay in the RV? Wouldn't they be more comfortable in your home? If you can afford up to $1M, then perhaps expand your number of bedrooms in your search. Or, look for a house with a casita. Plenty of places in the valley where you can park the RV.

Otherwise, my vote is for Arcadia, or PV East (east of 68th street, north of Chaparral). Also consider places in McCormick Ranch, or north Phoenix.

[observer53]

Madison #1 district, which is in the area of your work location, has a good reputation. Arcadia area and the area just to the east and north, which is Scottsdale School District, would be good and would not be a bad commute. I'm a resident of and a big proponent of south Tempe, but that would be a long commute. Not as bad as Fountain Hills, but long.

[Skerzz]

Thanks for the input, everyone. Any thoughts on how the rush hour commute would be from the neighborhoods just south of Paradise Valley Village (ex. 11076 N 50th St zip: 85254) or just east of Loop 101 off of E Shea Blvd (ex. 10919 N 95th Pl zip: 85260)?

[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by Skerzz

Thanks for the input, everyone. Any thoughts on how the rush hour commute would be from the neighborhoods just south of Paradise Valley Village (ex. 11076 N 50th St zip: 85254) or just east of Loop 101 off of E Shea Blvd (ex. 10919 N 95th Pl zip: 85260)?

The first house would be a breeze. The second house would require a bit of a haul down Shea, so probably 30-45 minutes. I think it would get tiresome with all the stop and go. Our lights are terribly timed or not at all.

[vaporaze]

67th Ave and Happy Valley very nice properties up there ticks all the boxes except the commute is long.

[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by vaporaze

67th Ave and Happy Valley very nice properties up there ticks all the boxes except the commute is long.

Why would he live way out there if he has a million dollars to spend and works near The Biltmore? There are places in Prescott that "tick all the boxes" too.