Moving in 08 (Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert: home, upkeep, live)

[relocate07]

My husband and I are planning to move in 2008 or sooner and are researching Texas/ Austin area and Pheonix. We are in our late 30s with no children. We are visiting Pheonix at the end of April to visit some areas and need suggestions on where to look. We will spend anywhere from $200,000 to $300,000 for a home and I would like a home with a pool. I would also like to know the expense on a monthly basis for upkeep on a pool and how difficult it is. As far as work goes I need to be in an area where there is upscale shopping within a 15 or 30 minute drive because of the kind of work I do. My husband works from home so his commute is not an issue. We currently live on the east coast and have lived here all of our lives. We just want a change so hot weather is great! Any info is greatly appreciated. We will be there for about 6 days, so there is plenty of time to look around.

[aztoco]

I'd look into Austin. I have only visited, but it seems like such a cool city and by far much nicer scenery than Phx. I grew up in Phx, but the BIGGEST problem in my opinion is the downtown. It's not all that great and it's not somewhere where people go to hang out. Yes, you've got arenas for sporting events and concerts, but after that you get in your car and go home. There MIGHT be a few pockets that I don't know about that are safe, but as a whole, the downtown area is not desireable. Austin on the other hand seems great for a younger couple, no kids. IF you're looking into suburbs around phx, I can pretty much give you some comparisons, just ask. You can definitely get a nice home with a pool though in the 200's-300's in most of the suburbs (excluding Scottsdale). East side tends to be nicer than west side, for sure. Chandler/Gilbert are more desirable and cater mostly to families/kids. Nicest shopping areas are (upscale) Biltmore in Phx and Scottsdale Fashion Square area and Chandler Mall area.