Moving and need some ideas!! (Phoenix, Mesa: apartment, renting, home)

[msc]

Hi,

Moving back to AZ (used to live in Prescott) and wondering where to locate. I really liked the small-town feel of Prescott, but no jobs there. So where in the Phoenix area would be good for a single, 51 yo female to meet people and be where one can walk or bike to places (library, coffee shop, etc.). I heard Mesa had more of a main street type area, but really have no clue as to other areas.

I'll be renting an apartment, so no consideration about home prices. Don't have a job yet, so if I know where to look to live, I can more closely focus my job search.

Any ideas? Thanks!

[KarmaPhx]

Sounds like you would enjoy the ASU area, even though its a college crowd it has what you're looking for.

[Cida]

I don't know about meeting people, but central Scottsdale, in the vicinity of Fashion Square, has a bunch of things within walking distance - library, department stores, art galleries, restaurants, bookstore, supermarkets, Center for the Arts.

[AzDreamer]

There have been a few threads in the past on walkable neighborhoods, a search should dig up some of them.

Google map satellite view can be used to see the greenbelts and canals that can be used for biking safely. Google maps can also be used to show things like libraries. Set the map up on the area interested in and in the text box above "Find businesses, addresses and places of interest" type in what you would like to find.

There is also a good map showing all the area bike paths at the link below.

Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG)

[Ritchie_az]

I think you'd want to find a job first, then live somewhere within reasonable driving distance.