Looking for the best area to raise kids (Phoenix, Mesa: crime, how much)

[jojobettyboop]

We are looking into moving to Arizona but we don't even know where to begin to look. What are the best areas as far as kid friendly and great schools. We have a 2 1/2 yr old and a 1 yr old. Somewhere safe, we understand all cities have their share of crime but some are safer than others. We are from Northern California and we are literally 40 minutes from one of the most dangerous places to live. It's 22 on the list of most dangerous cities in the US. I have heard to stear clear of South Phoenix
and Phoenix. When I look online at ziprealty.com how do I know what is north phoenix or south since it doesn't indicate it. Any help is appreciated.

[AzDreamer]

Do an internet search for "phoenix zip code map".

[jeska88]

depending on how much your willing to buy a house for really depends where you wanna live in az. Newer parts of Chandler, or Gilbert and Awatukee are all very family oriented placed where little crime is. try to stay away from most pf phoenix itself and glendale has gotten a little bad also.

[MotleyCrew]

We are from Northern CA as well. Where are you located? I Can't recall any area there that was the most dangerous place to live. Creepy yes, dangerous I dont know. Maybe Oakland? I thought Oakland was turning a corner.

Anyhoo, we started looking in Scottsdale and made our way around the valley and ended up in North Peoria. We like it here. The city suits us and we love the new construction that is underway on just about every corner. The schools are well rated and you have many choices in housing. We picked Vistancia which is a newer master planned community in the northern part up near Lake Pleasant. You can also check out Sonoran Mt. Ranch, up 67th Ave as well as Westwing, which sits up in the foothills. Our son just graduated from Sunrise Mt. High and we were pleased. Best of luck in your search.

[lola8822]

here is a link to the ADE's website (arizona dep. of education) you can view schools report cards.

here is a list of EXCELLING schools

AZ LEARNS Achievement Profiles (http://www.ade.az.gov/profile/publicview/Excelling.asp - broken link)

Deer Valley and Peoria USD's have great schools....Fountain Hills has the highest AIMS scores.... reading/writing and math....however FH is very expensive. Paradise valley has good schools too......

[dgs92]

We also moved from Nor. Cal. (Marin County) 6 years ago. We settled in North Scottsdale (85255 zip) and love it and wouldn't move for anything. The schools are great (Paradise School District for us), and tons of kids! There are a lot of master planned/gated communities in this area (Mc Dowell Mtn. Ranch, Grayhawk, DC Ranch, Silverleaf) It's worth a look for you. Good luck in your search!

[jojobettyboop]

We live in Milpitas. I am talking about Oakland. I believe they as this morning they are at 83 homicides for the year and it's only half over. Not to mention that the gangs are now setting fire to innocent victims just because they are calling the police on them. Some areas of Oakland are beautiful and are trying to grow but that's just too close for comfort. Here is one article that puts Oakland on the map of most dangerous places to live. Most dangerous*and safest cities - Top 25* - Oct. 30, 2006

I heard that Peoria was very nice and I saw pictures of Vistancia, very nice. I also heard that Anthem was nice as well. I appreciate your imput and advice.

Take care

[artvandelay]

Originally Posted by lola8822

here is a link to the ADE's website (arizona dep. of education) you can view schools report cards.

here is a list of EXCELLING schools

AZ LEARNS Achievement Profiles (http://www.ade.az.gov/profile/publicview/Excelling.asp - broken link)

Deer Valley and Peoria USD's have great schools....Fountain Hills has the highest AIMS scores.... reading/writing and math....however FH is very expensive. Paradise valley has good schools too......

This helps, but the OP should keep in mind, I've heard students who moved here and said their "excelling" schools are way less challenging than the midwestern or eastern school they came from. Just something to keep in mind.

[JDish2000]

On the East side of the valley:

1. Gilbert-Chandler
2. Scottsdale
3. Mesa

On the West side:

1. Peoria-Surprise
2. Glendale-Anthem
3. Goodyear

[UTorCO?]

All Cave Creek schools are also excelling. Although as someone pointed out, I'm not sure how this compares to education in the NE....