Hi all, wife is interviewing in Phoenix next weekend and we wanted to look at homes in the area. Are there any areas we should avoid? How are the education systems? We have a 2 yr old who should be starting school soon. The company has arranged for us to go around with a broker but I'd like some extra opinions if possible. Thanks in advance.

 

Where are you planning on looking? Awatukee has great schools (Kyrene school district). Scottsdale has good schools as well.
-Lee

 

One thing that Cesar (our local Tech) found out, was that in the new areas that are rapidly expanding, the grade schools are growing out of control. there is no room in classrooms. But in the areas South Tempe, North Chandler and Ahwatukee already have set housing and they will not be expanding into new land or residential areas so you will not have such a big issue with overcrowding.
Up north near Cave creek and tatum is a nice area as well, rapidly expanding area;Paradise valley and most northern parts of Scottsdale you will get nice areas and rather large houses.
For 1500 sq ft look to pay anywhere from 250K to 350K just for a reference. Housing prices in Tempe are pretty high just b/c there is no more land to build on. But I think the best place to raise a child is in the area of Rural and Ray, especially in Warner ranch (where I grew up) you have the Kyrene grade schooling and then you wil have the 3 HS's of your choice to pick. good luck and when you're down give us a call for dinner
Joe

 

We don't really know where we are looking. We've never been to Phoenix. She got a job interview with a practice that has 2 offices (Phoenix, Scotsdale). So it'd have to be something near one of those two locations. So new developments aren't a good idea? 1500sq ft is the house or property? We are probably looking in the $400k range as our house in NY is worth about $700k but I'd imagine the dollar gets you more in Phoenix then in NYC?

After this will be visiting Las Vegas for another interview and Orlando, so we just want to get an idea of what the local communities are like.

 

What size home are you looking for? Ammenities? Active lifestyle, etc...?

Your coming out at a good time because the weather is beautiful and there are a lot of houses on the market. The unfortunate part of that is the market has almost topped out IMO (supply vs. demand). You won't be seeing the type of appreciation most people in the Valley have been enjoying the last couple years.

 

Avoid Phoenix (except for Arcadia).
Scottsdale has good schools.
North Glendale is ok too.

Let us know if you pull the trigger. We can give you a tour of the town if you decide to relocate.

You might want to consider Private Schools too.

No problem on the house. 400K will get you 1500sf anywhere BUT Paradise Valley. BLING BLING!

 

Best schools are in Chandler and Tempe. Scottsdale is OK too. Kyrene school district is the best elementry school and they are in Ahwatukee and Chandler. My wife is a teacher at Corona in Tempe on the border of Chandler. that school rocks. We live in the Ray/Rural area and love it. Everything you need is very close and its a quiet and safe area.

 

Corona is where I graduated from werd to your mother. 400K in the Ray/Rural area in most neighborhoods (with the exception of wingfoot,greystone) will fetch you a nice 2300sqft house. maybe even 2500sqft

 

Brophy
-Lee

 

Thanks for all the suggestions, I'll keep a list with me to narrow down areas with the realtor.