North Valley, South Valley? (Phoenix, Mesa: renting, HOA, home)

[Smr86]

Not living in Arizona YET, but just curious...

I know there's the east and west valley and I know which subburbs are considered west vs east. Are there north and south valleys or is it just an east vs west? If there are north/south valley's, what would be considered the north valley other than Cave Creek, Anthem, Carefree?

Also, when we came out to visit, I really liked Surprise and Goodyear, but we have to be within 30 miles of my husband's work which will be in Paradise Valley. What towns in the east valley replicate Goodyear and Surprise (if any do)? I like the laid back, no hustle and bustle, chain stores/restaurants, palm tree lined streets, and lakes/ponds/small bodies of water that I saw in the west valley. Everything looked new and upscale. We will be renting for a while so are looking at Fountain Hills, North or central Scottsdale, and Gilbert. Oh, also North Phoenix area (would that be the north valley?)

[Colt AZ]

North Valley, South Valley?

Most assuredly. Yes. Of course.

However, we prefer to have our East & West Valley skirmishes.

[kitshipp]

In Surprise, did you visit Marley Park? That might be what you're talking about with tree lined streets, lakes/ponds, etc. That would be a hike from Paradise Valley. Morrison Ranch in Gilbert would be similar, but it's still 27 miles from Paradise Valley. North Phoenix/Stetson Hills area might be good too. That's 24 miles from Paradise Valley. I'm sure others can chime in about Scottsdale, but know it will be a lot pricier.

ETA: The North valley is largely considered anything north of around Bell Rd, going from East to West. Desert Ridge would be the NE Valley, whereas Arrowhead Ranch area would be NW Valley.

[Bluejay55]

We live in the Central North Valley near where the 51 & 101 connect (north of bell road as kitshipp mentioned) and love it in this area. We are due north of downtown Phoenix by 19 miles. I drive to work in uptown Phoenix and take 7th street all the way and love the commute because the sun is not blasting me in the face (or in my rear view) and it's an interesting drive through Moon Valley, Sunnyslope, the Jewish strip near Maryland ave, and through all the new developments south of there.

I am also grateful that there are good public school options in North Phoenix and it is has easy access to Northern Arizona which offers a different climate and good camping spots for my family. This may not matter to you but we found a great house/neighborhood without an HOA in North Phoenix which was important to us. The South Valley has a lot to offer as does the East and West but I feel at home in the Central North Valley and would definitely say it offers something unique to other parts of the valley if you connect with it. Happy searching!

[CodyW]

Yes, we do have north and south but it's a little different than the east and west rivalry. East and West Valley are differentiated because they have different cities. West Valley suburbs like Glendale and Peoria, and East Valley suburbs like Mesa and Tempe.

However, the North and South parts of the valley are just... Phoenix. There isn't a separate city to the north, just more Phoenix.. and similar on the South side - just Phoenix. Different neighborhoods, yes, but same cities. Carefree and Cave Creek are TECHNICALLY North Valley, yes - but they're so far removed that they function more as enclaves of North Scottsdale than anything else..

[Smr86]

Originally Posted by kitshipp

In Surprise, did you visit Marley Park? That might be what you're talking about with tree lined streets, lakes/ponds, etc. That would be a hike from Paradise Valley. Morrison Ranch in Gilbert would be similar, but it's still 27 miles from Paradise Valley. North Phoenix/Stetson Hills area might be good too. That's 24 miles from Paradise Valley. I'm sure others can chime in about Scottsdale, but know it will be a lot pricier.

ETA: The North valley is largely considered anything north of around Bell Rd, going from East to West. Desert Ridge would be the NE Valley, whereas Arrowhead Ranch area would be NW Valley.

We are looking at E Desert Peak Parkway 85024

[Smr86]

Originally Posted by Bluejay55

We live in the Central North Valley near where the 51 & 101 connect (north of bell road as kitshipp mentioned) and love it in this area. We are due north of downtown Phoenix by 19 miles. I drive to work in uptown Phoenix and take 7th street all the way and love the commute because the sun is not blasting me in the face (or in my rear view) and it's an interesting drive through Moon Valley, Sunnyslope, the Jewish strip near Maryland ave, and through all the new developments south of there.

I am also grateful that there are good public school options in North Phoenix and it is has easy access to Northern Arizona which offers a different climate and good camping spots for my family. This may not matter to you but we found a great house/neighborhood without an HOA in North Phoenix which was important to us. The South Valley has a lot to offer as does the East and West but I feel at home in the Central North Valley and would definitely say it offers something unique to other parts of the valley if you connect with it. Happy searching!

Everything you mentioned sounds nice. We are looking at E Desert Peak Parkway 85024.

[Bluejay55]

That is a very nice area where you are looking. I love to see the hot air balloons out in the morning and there are a lot that can be seen from there.

[JGMotorsport64]

Originally Posted by Smr86

Not living in Arizona YET, but just curious...

I know there's the east and west valley and I know which subburbs are considered west vs east. Are there north and south valleys or is it just an east vs west? If there are north/south valley's, what would be considered the north valley other than Cave Creek, Anthem, Carefree?

Also, when we came out to visit, I really liked Surprise and Goodyear, but we have to be within 30 miles of my husband's work which will be in Paradise Valley. What towns in the east valley replicate Goodyear and Surprise (if any do)? I like the laid back, no hustle and bustle, chain stores/restaurants, palm tree lined streets, and lakes/ponds/small bodies of water that I saw in the west valley. Everything looked new and upscale. We will be renting for a while so are looking at Fountain Hills, North or central Scottsdale, and Gilbert. Oh, also North Phoenix area (would that be the north valley?)

You wouldn’t call it north and south valley. Just northern Phoenix or South Mountain/Awhatukee.

The east west valley thing has to do with the way the suburbs are laid out and divided.

[Prickly Pear]

North of northern, south of southern

Just kidding, no one goes by north and south valley. The divide is between the avenues and the streets and it always will be.