Relocation Questions: SEA -> PHX

[Burkmere]

Originally Posted by BIG CATS

Or June. Or July. Or September.

You got that right, BC!

[smoochaz]

Originally Posted by 4Sparkling

Hello!

My husband and I are considering a move from the Seattle area to Phoenix. My brother and his wife live in Scottsdale and they seem to really love it there. We are originally from WA state - it's all we really know, but the west side of WA is just an overpopulated, expensive, rainy mess! Our commute times to work continue to increase, our property taxes are becoming outrageous, childcare for 2 kids is $2500/mo in our area (which is actually considered a decent rate) and the solid 8 months of rain is beginning to drag us down. Not to mention the housing market in general here has become so, so expensive.

We visited Phoenix in February (I know, I know, the BEST time to visit!) and started looking for jobs to see what is out there. Well, my husband is flying down for a 2nd interview next week. The job is in the Peoria area. From what I have found, it looks like the N. Peoria area is a good place to raise a family (We have a 2 yr old and I'm 28w pregnant with #2!)

So I have a couple of questions.

- How would you rate N. Peoria to Surprise? And what areas in Surprise would you recommend for a family with young kids? Do you recommend other areas we should consider near Peoria?

- It appears schools in Surprise are not as strong as Peoria - is that accurate? Do you have any advice on which schools to choose and/or avoid?

-We enjoy camping in the summer (travel trailer), so as a way to beat the heat, we plan to travel North for weekend camping trips. Do you have recommended places to camp up north to beat the heat? I'd say we prefer less crowded areas.

-What is the average cost of childcare in Peoria/Surprise area? Current Infant rate and Toddler rate would be great for in-home daycares! (I'm not interested in the bigger centers)

-I know it gets really hot in the summer - my brother mentioned it took him about 2 years to get used to the heat. Any other Seattle area transplants have any comments to provide regarding climate differences and your thoughts? Hate it, love it?

Thanks so much for your feedback!

Many people from Seattle have moved here for same reasons you mention - there are pros/cons any place so it matters what's important to you - I was also sick of gray/rainy days of NJ with extreme weather conditions and so I love my sunny days 360 days a year! I'll take the heat in summer to live in paradise for 7-8mos out of the year! Beats snow and hurricanes!! Some neighborhoods N. of Thunderbird Rd in Peoria have newer neighborhoods - there are also homes with water views or mountain or city views - plenty to choose from depending on your needs for school, recreation, work. Peoria you can get to from the 101 so you have choices! Congrats and Best of luck to you!

[enigmadsm]

It's almost laughable that north peoria is being touted as a slum or unsafe place for full of gangbangers and white trash.

the zip codes mentioned above (85383/85382...also 85310, 85085) rival ANYTHING that chandler and gilbert have to offer as far as safety, schools, entertainment, and scenery. I get that more tech jobs may be east valley, but their job prospect is already in Peoria.

Furthermore, with the 303 being finished N. Peoria is the new hotbed for commercial real estate as land is more readily available than the east valley now is.

You could look in subdivisions like Stetson Valley, Arrowhead ranch, Vistancia, Tramonto, Norterra, and others within 15 minutes commute of most north peoria areas.

Now I'd agree that there may be some shotty areas in the west valley...but thats no different than shotty areas in the east valley. They are also easily avoided if you prefer.

And calling the areas north of the 101 is completely invalid. I don't know of any areas of phoenix with more foothills and mountains in and surrounding the communities than up there.

It also makes it very easy to escape the heat and head North for a quick getaway. You'll save almost an hour of drivetime when heading to southern california as well.

Best of luck in your decision OP. I'm a huge fan of Seattle myself. I miss the water, the cool weather, the greenery, etc. You'll find that as much as you hate the grey weather, June-September heat will simply take its place.

[BIG CATS]

Originally Posted by enigmadsm

And calling the areas north of the 101 is completely invalid. I don't know of any areas of phoenix with more foothills and mountains in and surrounding the communities than up there.

Clearly you've never been to Carefree, Cave Creek, or Fountain Hills.