I have been planning for almost 2 yrs to relocate to Phoenix, I am born and bred in Chicago.?

Question

Since my vacation back in July, I went to Phoenix and California for the 1st time. In LA I really enjoyed Knotsberry farm and Venice beach. didn't get to really visit any monumental things there but I just enjoyed driving thru the communities and enjoying the sun. If I do decide to go with Phoenix since I have done more research on that, what communities would you suggest I start with? I have a teenage boy. Customer Service/ Admin Asst is my occupation so finding employment should not be so difficult, but I would of course do that before relocating.

*** I am looking to reside in a multicultured neighborhood, being from Chicago this is what we know ( all diferent races, not just one) .

Answer 1

I have lived in Phoenix for 25 years. We live in what is now considered "central Phoenix" (though it was west Phoenix growing up) near 35th Ave & Glendale Road. We live in a red brick house in a very involved neighborhood (we know our neighbors, have an active neighborhood organization). We don't have a homeowner's association--which is a plus for me. Our houses are about 50 years old which means they have individual character and flavor. Our neighborhood is majority Hispanic and White, with a little bit of everything else thrown in. :) I would say that we live in a more affordable area (houses are in the $215k range) and that their is some bad sections and some better sections. Crime doesn't seem to be worse or better here than in other places in town. Some advantages to where we live include low commute time to the central cooridor (we are near the I-17 freeway), living in a multi-cultural environment (we are as likely to hear Spanish at the grocery store as English), and lower housing cost. The public schools, I've heard are OK but there are options beyond the school in the neighborhood. Arizona has charter schools that are funded by public money, a great selection of private schools and North (Public) High School offers an International Baccelauriate program that any accepted student can attend.

If you are looking for new build and don't mind commuting (which, from Chicago, you are probably used to), I'd check out Surprise. Gilbert and Chandler are also nice but again, it's a drive and neighborhoods vary within a community. I agree with the idea of renting in the beginning--find a job, rent something nearby and then explore the city. If you move at the beginning of summer, you might be able to rent for 3 months and your son may not have to change schools.

Answer 2

DEFENETLY NOT MESA,GILBERT,SOUTH PHX, OR PEORIA OR GLENDALE!!!!!!!!!!! dont listen to any of them. Lets Just say Im a little street smart in these areas. And since I am young and been in and out of trouble...(not anymore though) on and off the streets of all these citys with in Phx, I think for your son these wouldnt be best. I say North Phoenix Like all most outskirts of Phoenix. Look up around Deer Valley anything between 31st ave and 75th ave along DeerValley and anything north of it. It is all very nice and great schools. I in fact read in the paper the other day that the Deer Valley area is one of the best with the crime in the city. I also live in Deer Valley and I have a home that is only 5 years old that I rent 3 bd 2 1/2 bth garage 2 storys and only pay 940 amonth. Not too bad. Lots of great steals in the area. Look in to it. Psssst PS mesa and gilbert have alot of crack heads and heroin junkies on the streets. YUCK

Answer 3

Don't know what time of year you passed through Phoenix - summers will be very hot. There really isn't that much diversity in the Phoenix area as compared to Chicago. I'm originally from San Francisco and Phoenix doesn't have the same degree in diversity. But do rent your first year - Peoria and Glendale are nice areas.

Answer 4

I would start with the Mesa and Gilbert areas. We have had several friends move to Arizona and that's where many of them have ended up. Most of the Phoenix suburbs seem to have good neighborhoods and schools. I would suggest renting for the first year so you can be sure you are in a neighborhood you like before you buy. It's way easier to get out of a lease than try to sell a home.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Oh definitly look to go to Peoria. Beautiful place with lots of communities. There are businesses everywhere so finding a job would be easy. Almost anywhere in Phoenix is nice and jobs are plentiful so its an excellent choice. I've heard scottsdale is beautiful as well.

Answer 6

Mesa and Tempe. Tempe is a little more expensive, but has way more bus service. By more expensive, I mean condos start at $150 and houses are about double that.

But yeah, even in Tempe, not alot of diversity. There's like, some Thai restaurants in Chandler, maybe. Hookah bars around the college. Downtown Mesa is kind of quaint, even with all of the halfway houses. That's about it.

Answer 7

If you have a teenage boy in school. I recommend Peoria over Glendale. My sister and her family lived in Glendale and couldn't wait to get out, because the gang activity in the schools were BAD... They are VERY happy in Peoria. However, if you are used to a wonderful transit system in Chicago, You WILL NOT find it in Phoenix. Valley Metro is EXTREMELY limited in availability. Unfortunatley, there is VIRTUALLY ONE bus route that will take you to the Northwest Valley. the 106 Peoria/Shea

Answer 8

Let me Recommend the following cities:Tempe, Mesa or Scottsdale!!! They are the nicest areas in the Phoenix, Arizona area!!!! Plus, there is alot of diversity out there!!!!!!!!!! You have alot of people from all over the U.S moving out that way due to the cost of living is cheaper than in California!!!!!!!! Thats why I am moving out to that area next year if I can come up with the funds.

Answer 9

I live in Glendale AZ and I love it! I highly recommend checking out the westside

Answer 10

in AZ Sedona, Prescott, and Jerome are awsome!!! i live in west pheonix in a real nice house and i live in a very multi cultural neighborhood. if you wanna live near the city and have any questions you can click on my profile and email me.