Ideal areas to live in Phoenix (Mesa, Scottsdale: apartments, to rent, buying a house)

[southerncharm86]

I want some ideas of GREAT areas to live in my husband MAY get sent there for his job at the Airport. ( Sky Harbour INTL)
We live in Vegas now. We can afford between 1000 -1100 on rent.
We dont want any ghetto areas, we live in the ghetto now and I am NOT doing that again. with my husbands raise we can afford so much more.
Thanks in advance.
We are also looking at Tempe and Mesa

[lyzzard]

Depends on what your definition of ideal is I suppose. Do you have kids? Is it just you two? Are you looking for a specific social scene? Have you thought about buying a house? How many rooms/bathrooms are you looking for? It really can be hit or miss with the ghetto out here.

I personally like North Central Phoenix. It's relatively quiet and the people are really nice around the neighborhood. On an average day it usually takes 20 minutes to get to the airport, however I don't know what the commute would be in the early morning going in or going out in the evening. I imagine not so great no matter where you live as congestion during peak traffic hours can be high around the airport. Certain areas of Chandler would probably be nice too.

[Ritchie_az]

How long do you want to commute? I work VERY close to the airport, live in Estrella in Goodyear (great place to live, btw), and drive 40-45 minutes each way.

[asufan]

I would look at South Scottsdale, Ahwatukee or Tempe. Parts of East Phoenix and West Mesa can be pretty undesirable. Also avoid South Phoenix. The West Valley can be much more affordable than the East Valley, just not sure if you would want that commute.

[southerncharm86]

Thanks we have a 9 month old so we need 2 bed. It isnt a permanent move so no not looking to buy a house. Maybe rent one but not buy.

[observer53]

I think you should look at Tempe, north central Phoenix, Ahwatukee. I'm not sure what the other poster meant by "south Scottsdale", but that is not a particularly nice area, as I define it. Not "ghetto", but you can do better.

[southerncharm86]

Thanks! I found a couple nice palces in Tempe well they look nice LOL. Once we find out exactly if we are going there then we are going to drive to look at them.
Thanks again!

[asufan]

Originally Posted by observer53

I think you should look at Tempe, north central Phoenix, Ahwatukee. I'm not sure what the other poster meant by "south Scottsdale", but that is not a particularly nice area, as I define it. Not "ghetto", but you can do better.

South Scottsdale property values have actually held quite well. The houses may be older, but it's still a very desirable place to live, and thus there is very little of the criminal element. In fact, there are MANY parts of Tempe that are worse than South Scottsdale.

[ivanabacowboy]

Try the areas up around NE Phoenix/North Scottsdale. If you look on a map, find the top of the 101 freeway where it "loops" from going north/south to going east/west. Areas around Scottsdale Airpark, Desert Ridge, Paradise Valley Mall, and Kierland. $1100 may be a "stretch" in most of the apartments for a 2BR, but typically they provide first year "incentives" (ie prorating months free) which may bring you into your desired price range.

Commute to Sky Harbor would depend on exactly what time of day. With low traffic, I can get from this area to Sky Harbor in 20-25 minutes. (Tho if he would be doing rush hour commute, I would definitely prefer 101->51 to the airport rather than 101 straight down. I've had much better experiences on the 51 during the day to Sky Harbor-the 101 was a parking lot the few times I tried it anywhere close to rush hour.)

This part of town is very nice. There are a lot of golf courses and resorts, movie theaters, shopping, etc.

Good luck and congratulations on your move!

[redjan1225]

I second the area recommended by ivana. I live in the area and find lots of things to do for entertainment. I pay $1100 per month to rent a 3bdr home with a large yard in a very nice community. Good luck.