Relocation to Phoenix from Cleveland...best school districts (Mesa, Scottsdale: apartments, rental)

[ClevelandGirl82]

Hey all! I’m currently in Cleveland and going through a dissolution of my marriage. I will have full custody of my sons, ages 6&8, with their Father having them summers in Ohio. I’m looking to relocate to the Phoenix area. My brother used to live in Tempe and a good friend of mine lives on the east side of Phoenix. I see pluses for both these areas. I will be a single Mom, working as a nurse, so would life an affordable area in the best school districts. School for my boys is a huge importance to me as my eldest has very high functioning autism and my youngest has suspected ADHD. They are a handful to say the least! They have done well in a school setting with some support s and education is very important to me as I want them to succeed. I’m unsure of the best school districts in the Phoenix area. Obviously safety is an important factor too, but unfortunately, with 2 kids, I would need to live in affordable area, looking for maybe $750 to pay in rent. Any insight? Thank you all so much, am looking to relocate next June.

[ShampooBanana]

Sorry to say but you won't be in a "good area" and paying $750 per month in rent. More like $950-1,000 for a decent place if you are lucky. As far as best school districts, generally: Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Higley, East Mesa, Madison in Central Phoenix, Deer Valley, Kyrene, and Scottsdale (more expensive). Mesa has some good schools, too, mostly on the east and north central parts of town but it varies widely. Just check GreatSchools.com ratings for any area you are looking at places in. Even mediocre overall districts can have a decent school or two. Consider charter schools, too. There are some very good ones spread around the metro. Best of luck.

[goolsbyjazz]

I echo what Shampoobanana said. You will need to raise your rental amount for something in a decent area.

[nike M]

Originally Posted by ClevelandGirl82

Hey all! I’m currently in Cleveland and going through a dissolution of my marriage. I will have full custody of my sons, ages 6&8, with their Father having them summers in Ohio. I’m looking to relocate to the Phoenix area. My brother used to live in Tempe and a good friend of mine lives on the east side of Phoenix. I see pluses for both these areas. I will be a single Mom, working as a nurse, so would life an affordable area in the best school districts. School for my boys is a huge importance to me as my eldest has very high functioning autism and my youngest has suspected ADHD. They are a handful to say the least! They have done well in a school setting with some support s and education is very important to me as I want them to succeed. I’m unsure of the best school districts in the Phoenix area. Obviously safety is an important factor too, but unfortunately, with 2 kids, I would need to live in affordable area, looking for maybe $750 to pay in rent. Any insight? Thank you all so much, am looking to relocate next June.

I suggest you to look at Paradise Valley School District. Within the district boundaries you can find affordable price apartments and in safe areas. This location is close to the major freeways, SR51 and SR101. Look also closer to PV Mall on Cactus Rd. The district also have a school for sped kids.

[BIG CATS]

$750 will get you in the 'hood, girl. That means your kids will most likely be in bad schools (AZ's are ranked the worst, usually). They will get a better education in OH, if that's important to you. Or you will have to get a roommate, move somewhere nice in order for your kids to be safe and have a better education. Private schools are HUGE out here, that's another option you can investigate if you want to.

[pbenjamin]

Note that Arizona has open enrollment for public schools. You don't have to send your children to the neighborhood school, although there may be a waiting list and you'd have to provide your own transportation.