I have the choice between these 3 areas in the valley. I have kids. Which shall I choose? (Phoenix: apartment complex, home)

[JDproAV]

Originally Posted by DetroitN8V

Bottom line, if you’re so worried about safety, pony up and pay for an affluent area, not BFE San Tan or Apache Junction. It seems like you’re incredibly concerned about crime, but not willing to pay for the isolation you seem desperate for.

Are you backtracking on your claim that most areas around Phoenix are safe now?

[belgirl]

To the OP's original question: I would pick San Tan Valley.

[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by JDproAV

Are you backtracking on your claim that most areas around Phoenix are safe now?

Not at all. Look up the definition of the word “most”. It’s accurate. I was giving you a suggestion to appease the paranoia about crime. To have the best odds of being totally isolated, pony up for a nicer area (which clearly won’t guarantee anything, of course). Or, quit worrying so much as just about anywhere around here will be plenty safe. Again, the area is largely a massive suburb.

[Sno0909]

Originally Posted by belgirl

To the OP's original question: I would pick San Tan Valley.

Exactly. Based on what the OP wants, San Tan Valley is the only answer here. AJ is a hard no. The area off the 17 is very hit or miss. I used to live up there. Some very nice areas surrounded by some very scary places. Not knowing what specific community he is referring to, I would play it safe and go with STV. Sure, it's out there, but a short enough drive to all the amenities of Gilbert.

[phx1205]

You guys are crazy and my head hurts just reading all this back and forth.

[observer53]

No on Apache Junction, for a number of reasons. San Tan Valley is just too far out there. I've made several trips out there doing volunteer work, and can't imagine living out that far even for a few months. Up to 40 miles from my house in south Tempe. Would be considered safe, though. As far as "Country Gables", I'm not sure what you mean. Country Gables is the name of a street north of Thunderbird Road that appears in many neighborhoods across the grid street system here in the Valley. Close to I17 on that alignment would not be great, but it depends on how close. There are some nice areas in that alignment not all that far from I-17.

How did you end up with those three areas?

[FlurryCat]

There's a neighborhood called Country Gables just to the west of I-17 and just south of Greenway between 29th and 33rd Aves. (as described in Post #1).

I was over that way this past Saturday so I drove through out of curiosity. Smallish 1960's/70's houses on smallish lots, one-car or no garage, well-kept yards, decent cars in the driveways (no Beemers, but also no beaters). Quick walk to restaurants, convenience store, etc. up on Greenway. Nice park/playground with a bunch of kids.

If that was my budget range I wouldn't hesitate.

[Sno0909]

Originally Posted by FlurryCat

There's a neighborhood called Country Gables just to the west of I-17 and just south of Greenway between 29th and 33rd Aves. (as described in Post #1).

I was over that way this past Saturday so I drove through out of curiosity. Smallish 1960's/70's houses on smallish lots, one-car or no garage, well-kept yards, decent cars in the driveways (no Beemers, but also no beaters). Quick walk to restaurants, convenience store, etc. up on Greenway. Nice park/playground with a bunch of kids.

If that was my budget range I wouldn't hesitate.

What restaurants would you be walking to in that area? I used to live on the other side of the 17. The area you are describing is pretty trashy. It's a concrete jungle. Very unappealing. I wouldn't say it's "unsafe" but it's definitely not very nice.

[Sno0909]

Originally Posted by observer53

No on Apache Junction, for a number of reasons. San Tan Valley is just too far out there. I've made several trips out there doing volunteer work, and can't imagine living out that far even for a few months. Up to 40 miles from my house in south Tempe. Would be considered safe, though. As far as "Country Gables", I'm not sure what you mean. Country Gables is the name of a street north of Thunderbird Road that appears in many neighborhoods across the grid street system here in the Valley. Close to I17 on that alignment would not be great, but it depends on how close. There are some nice areas in that alignment not all that far from I-17.

How did you end up with those three areas?

The OP said he wanted a safe area for his family and only planned on leaving his house a few times a month. Based on those requirements, who cares how far out STV is? 10 minute drive and you're at the Queen Creek Target. Who cares?

Not to mention, most of the communities out there have large green belts and playgrounds for kids. Possibly even a community pool. It's a no-brainer for what he is looking for.

[FlurryCat]

Originally Posted by Sno0909

What restaurants would you be walking to in that area? I used to live on the other side of the 17. The area you are describing is pretty trashy. It's a concrete jungle. Very unappealing. I wouldn't say it's "unsafe" but it's definitely not very nice.

Just in the immediate, walkable area there is a Mexican place, a Thai place, and a few fast-food chains. Sorry, no Michelin-starred eateries, but plenty of places that normal people eat at every day.

Concrete jungle? They'll be in the neighborhood, not living in a strip mall on Greenway. A clean, safe, and quiet neighborhood.