Thinking of moving to the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. Any thoughts?

Question

Family of 4 kids, my wife and me. Is there plenty of fun family stuff to keep us occupied? How are the schools? Any other info would be great.

We're in San Francisco now, so not too concerned about number of people or cost of living. Just quality of life.

Answer 1

It is a very clean, well-developed area with good schools. It is also very hot during the summer months...and the humidity goes through the roof during monsoon season...but it is a nice community. They also have a high senior population or "Snowbirds" who go there for the winter months. Real estate can be a bit pricey...depending on just exactly where you settle. There are portions of Phoenix that have deteriorated...and there is a higher crime rate...but most of it is just fine. I have no idea what they do for fun. They do have a number of beautiful restaurants to offer. I'm sure you and your family will be just fine...and Good Luck!

Answer 2

It depends on where you are moving from, you didn't say. I have lived in Phoenix Arizona for 21 years. If you're talking Phoenix, the schools are over-crowded from our illegal problem. We do live on the border. Scottsdale, is not so bad. Not sure what kind of activities your family is involved in, you would have to be more specific. But there is a lot to do in Phoenix and Scottsdale. Its really hot in the summer, today was 113 plus degrees, so we mostly stay indoors during the summer. There are some nice water parks, though. Lots of nice Malls to go walking through.

I don't think I was too helpful with your decision. There were a lot of facts I really didn't have and would need more specifics. Good luck in your decision.

Personally speaking, I love Phoenix.

Answer 3

If you can take the heat in the summer, and the creepy crawler's it's a great city. Plenty of family activities, most schools are good. I lived in Scottsdale and it is a beautiful area. Very picturesque, lots of hiking trails, the real estate is a little more expensive in Scottsdale, however, after the bubble broke values are going down and its a buyers market. Had to move due to business opportunity. Would highly recommend Phoenix/Scottsdale...Have a great day...

Answer 4

I visit my aunt in Arizona every summer- she is close to both:
a. Phoenix is a nice place, but Peoria, Arizona (near Phoenix) is better. It has most of the resturants Scottsdale has (some that even Scottsdale doesn't), yet is an inexpensive place to live.
b. Scottsdale is a marvelous place- but, it is expensive. If you live in Peoria, you are about 45 minutes away from Scottsdale and- in some places- about 15 minutes away from a good part of Phoenix. Also, it has a lot of good schools and is very safe- it is in Maricopa County. (Sheriff Joe Arpaio's territory. ^^) Also, if you are in Peoria, you can be near many nice resturants or farms. (Depending on where you go.) It is a nice combination of city and country life- and, it's very clean.
c. A part that is both good and bad about Peoria: It is near Sun City. (A place for people over 50.) Although this can be a good place to stick Granny, and it's presence makes you feel safer (police frequently patrol through there): You must sometimes be wary of old-fart drivers. X)

P.S. Most of the people who go to schools in Peoria are from the developments around it- meaning fewer illegal idiots.

Answer 5

Real estate values and costs have definitely gone up over 30% in the last year. As for the schools, the schooling systems in the Phoenix area have seen its better days due to layoffs and reconstruction, but overall are fairly well. Lots of family opportunities such as music, art, sports...

Answer 6

Wow. I'm in Albuquerque NM, just next door, and it's HOT here. It's even hotter in Phoenix area. No way I'd think about moving out there.

Although, I have been there several times and it seems they have their budget and gov't in order. Streets are clean, look great, excellent technology, a better-than-average educational system and job-market. I guess they need all they can get. If it were me, Denver area, Austin area, Portlant OR area. Definitely not Phoenix desert though.

Answer 7

i'm an American and may rather bypass to the united kingdom. i like the accent, and Europe seems extra thrilling with each of the historic homes and castles. yet, in case you go with united states, San Francisco is the most beautiful and thrilling city to stay in. it is not cluttered with strip branch shops like some thing else of the U.S. It also has good eating places.

Answer 8

schools are fine. it is extremely hot in phoenix, better in scottsdale. phoenix is extremely congested and heavily populated. both are extremely expensive.