Possible move from UK to AZ with children. (Mesa, Chandler: home, neighborhoods)

[Journey2]

We have been looking at the Tempe/Mesa/Chandler/Gilbert areas for easier access to work, but wondered what it is like living here with children? I have a 6 yr old and toddler and shall be a stay at home mum initially. Playgroups at centres in the UK is very normal, lots of toddler groups/activities to choose from, was wondering if it's the same here and schools. I heard from a random stranger they are not so good in these areas yet someone else said they are fine, what is the best way to check these out, other than visiting them when the time comes if we move?
Thanks.

[observer53]

Well, you will be hearing from more random strangers here! Those communities are very family oriented. As far as finding play groups for pre-school age children, there are lots of preschools in all those cities, where you would meet other parents of similar-aged children and plan play activities outside the preschools as well.

Perhaps someone with toddlers can chime in about other ways to find existing play groups in neighborhoods/areas of the cities you suggest.

Since your older child will be in regular school, you may also make contacts with parents there who also have younger children as you do.

[Finger Laker]

all of those cities should have a recreation section on thier webpage for visitors

i live in goodyear and am familiar with what they offer as far as city programs (which is pretty good including drop in classes for parents/toddlers that cost $2 per session or $15 for like 5 months worth) - not so much familiar with the other cities

here is something for chandler with a pdf for youth classes towards the end of the page

Leisure and Lifestyle

[Muscled1]

Southern part of Gilbert is the most family and community-oriented part of the valley I've seen.

[Journey2]

Thank you for your replies

[Arizona Mike]

The Mom's Club organization is an international organization with quite a few chapters in Arizona, many of whom have their own websites linked through the main webpage:

International MOMS Club: Chapter Links

It's an informal networking group for mothers to help get to know a community and other parents and tp help set up playdates between their children, especially with younger children. When we moved back to Arizona after living in LA for 11 years, it helped my wife get situated within the community and get to know some of the other mothers in the area. She is still close with some of them even after the playgroups have moved on as the kids grew up, and as my wife got more involved with other mothers in school-based activities.