Those of you living in Arizona...

No way!!! The market is HORRIBLE! Not used to this, we've moved 4 times in the last 5 years, LOL. And sold 1,2,3 each time. That's AZ for ya. But we're here to stay at this house. We built it so we won't want to leave and our yard is AWESOME. The pool's not done yet, next week. I'm dying.
Yes, I"m due July 25th, actually I think sooner the changed the due date to 10 days later, they did that with Hannah and she came 6 days earlier than they said. Drives me nuts. I'm sooooo ready. I wakeboarded with Hannah up til I was 4 months. Not this time cuz I was 8 months when we started getting out on the boat again this season. Yes, that's my peanut on my site;-) I'm expecting another girl!! Yeah for me !!

Those air chairs are super cool, we know someone who has one and my dh couldn't get up on it, I actually haven't been able to try it yet. Looks like a blast.
Hopefully this real estate slump will pass very soon. We've been using a friend of ours forever, but it's nice to know there's somebody else just in case;-)

KIT
Candace
 
Oh my god, you moved FOUR times in 5 years!!!! How do you do that, I'd go crazy - I hate moving!!!!!!

How do you do that being 8 months pregnant in June without a pool. I'd be about ready to kill someone - I had my younger son in August and I wouldn't get out of the water the last 1.5 months. Oh boy, I feel for you.

We should meet up at the lake after you have your baby, DH is a pretty good teacher with that airchair.

I love little girls, they are a lot of fun. The problem only starts when they are teenagers (I can remember how I drove my poor parents on the edge of a nervous breakdown }( ). I have two boys, 6 and 10 years, they are a handful, typical boys getting into all kinds of trouble. I was told boys are easier down the road - I sure hope so, because otherwise prozac here I come :);-)

You'll be fine, I am sure your house will sell, it looks really nice. The market just had to adjust a little (I am telling myself the same thing every day) - it didn't have to adjust that much though, did it?? Something in the middle would have been nice :)

Take care,

Carola
 
Hey Curly!! I am in Chandler too....in fact not that far from you!! We live at Pecos and Alma School. I love your neighborhood and wished I would have found it when I went house hunting a year ago! I only have 4 days to find something and it was right in the middle of the housing craziness, so I had to find something FAST. Let me know if you ever need anything. Take care,

Donna
 
Hi Donna!
Isn't this so funny to find fellow step addicts?? Love it.
Okay, after I have this baby I'm going to invite our neighborhood steppers over to swim! How fun!!
 
I know crazy huh?
All my friends have pools, so trust me, Hannah and I have been taking full advantage. Everyone has really opened up their pools to us;-)
Thanks for the positive advice. I thought no prob with selling this one but then the market came to a screeching halt! Will definitly be interesting to see what happens. I'll keep you posted for sure. That would be a blast to meet you guys at pleasant.

I don't think whether they're boys or girls are "easier" I think it all depends on the being themselves and their personalities. There are so many different opinions on which is easier. I think it's the person.;-) ;-)
 
Denise, I meant to mention that it might be good to find your jobs first (in the same area) and then look for your house. You don't want to be commuting from one side of town to the other. So concentrate either on the southeast side (chandler, awatukee, gilbert(if you like mormons), or on the west to northwest side-surprise, north peoria, and north glendale, specically arrowhead ranch area. The southwest valley is a little dicey. There is a very nice development there called Verrado but there is still a lot of white trash weird stuff out there on the lower west side. Verrado is the only place I would live out there for now. And the northeast valley is way too pricey. North central Phoenix is very expensive now too and the houses are either 50's not updated or just priced out of site if they've been remodeled. My cousin lives there in a remodeled ranch and it is a nice area along central avenue with lots of mature trees but i think just too expensive for you. The advantage of living in north central is that you can commute anywhere and be going against the rush hour traffic. Also it has a ton of restaurants and shops. But-you have to send your kids to private school there. The northern Peoria schools have an excellent rep, and you would be near to Lake Pleasant too. Its a beautiful area. There's a cool development called Vistancia up there. However north Peoria is very desert scaped and not a lot of non-native trees or grass. Its always such a shock when you move here and see all the desert scaping. I'm used to it now but still prefer a more green look. (I live in Arrowhead Ranch on the golf course and love it.) You need to make a visit out here-now-see how you like the 113 degree temps-and drive all over the areas. Also the resorts have great deals right now for family vacations. Check out Pointe Hilton.
Beth
 
I do keep hearing 2 areas over and over again: Chandler and Surprise.

A few years ago hubby and I stayed in Chandler at a golf resort (not a very nice resort, it seemed a bit run down and the gold course was brown..lol)

Hubby and I did notice a lot of new homes going up in that area. Last night we were talking about the RV cement slabs we saw while we were driving around, is that for the Snowbirds? What are Snowbirds?..LOL!

Is Chandler or Surprise a decent commute to an of the area Hospitals? If so which ones, and how long is the drive?

Right now I live about a 15 minutes from my work, so that is nice.

WOW!
The idea of paying more money for a basement just blows me away!! Just about every house here in the midwest comes standard with a basement, not finished of course. The only houses that don't come with a basement are modular homes, and even many of those have basements or crawl spaces. The thought here is if your house doe snot have a basement then it is not a "Real" (AKA Modular)house.

To have your basement completely finshed is anywhere from $30,000-$50,000, basmement remodling is a huge business here.

Here $700,000.00 would buy you a 5,000-7,000 mansion in the very best area of town with all the goodies and so much more!

I was telling my husband that he could always go out there for a temp job for a few weeks and check things out, but we were wondering what the rent costs are out there? Plus we have a 5th wheel camper and we were thinking about those cement slabs..??? LOL!! Are those empty in the summertime?

I did check out some vacation rates at a few resorts and they are just down right cheap this time of year..many were only $100.00 a night!!! WOW!!
:)
 
Hi Denise,

About the basement homes, there are a few basement homes that are around $ 380 to $ 450k. You have to realize the ones Candace is talking about are 4,000 to 5,000 s.ft homes with lots of upgrades, so they kind of are mansions :) with all the bells and whistles. And Chandler is a pretty nice area with lots of newbuilds going on.

There are lots of hospitals around the Downtown, Mesa, Tempe area. So if you would live in Chandler, you commute, depending on traffic and where in Chandler, would be around 20 to 45 min. Surprise (again depending on location) is probably more 40 to 60 min.

I am sure there are hospitals in that part of town (Surprise, Goodyear, Glendale, etc.), I am just not really familiar with that side of the Valley. Maybe someone else can jump in here?

Oh, almost forgot, Snowbirds are mostly retired people that overrun the state during the winter months. You definately notice a difference in traffic. They usually flood the area around October / November and leave around March. The biggest "snowbird centers" are Sun Lakes (which is next to Chandler), Mesa and Scottsdale (for those who can afford it). Part of Chandler will house snowbirds, but young families make up a majority of the population in Chandler.

As to rents, it depends on what you are looking for, they can go anywhere from $ 500 for a studio apartment to $ 5,000 for a fancy house, especially if you come during "snowbird season", the seasonal rental charges are outrageous. If you only come for a few weeks, I'd probably stay in one of those "Extended Stay" Hotels.
As to RV park, I would say during this time of the year, you'll have many choices where to park your 5th wheel camper, and you probably get a pretty decent price.

Carola
 
I've lived in Chandler 10 years, no mormons here. Gilbert and Mesa are mormon Central ;-) Chandler is very new and has become quite upscale, prices are just about the same as Scottsdale but the homes are newer and yards are bigger. They are very clean cities. And extremely desirable. I wouldn't recommend the West side. But yes, it's important to know where you will be working. I know many that commute. It's worth it for the right environment and schools;-) It'll be so fun to hear where you choose.
 
Thanks for the clarifications Carola! LOL> Denise is so lucky to have found you on this forum!! Chandler has Chandler Regional Hospital. It's been there for about 5-6 years now. It's located at Dobson and Frye. I actually deliver at Banner Desert in Mesa, takes 20 minutes on the great 101!
Gilbert just opened an amazingly gorgeous hospital on Val Vista and Pecos. It's looks like a gorgeous musuem. Incredible!

This is so funny isn't it???? D
Denise, you must be getting a kick out of this. Are you guys still wanting to move here? I can't wait to here where you'll end up. It's very hard to tell until you're here, you may move somewhere and find you really like it in another part of town;-)
 
Hi Denise,

I live in Casa Grande, Arizona, which is about 30 minutes from Chandler. I recommend you call all the Chamber of Commerce in the cities of interest and have them send you a relocation package.

Mary
 
Are you pulling my leg here, missy:) You have to admit you do live in a mansion}( Over 4,000 s.ft, lordy, lordy, I only dream about this right now:+ I sure could use a house like that right now, with 3 dogs, 3 cats, a tankful of fish, two boys and a husband (not in any specific order, so don't think this is in order of importance }( )

I totally forgot about the new Gilbert Hospital. One of my clients is actually one of the directors there, he used to be a nurse (well, I guess he still is a nurse, I don't think you ever stop being a nurse) at Mesa Lutheran. If you want I can put you in contact with him, maybe he can answer a lot of your questions about nursing in AZ. One of my other current clients is a clinical manager / director at Casa Grande Regional, which is as someone said before pretty close to Chandler (25 min drive), she is an awesome lady and I am sure she would be happy to share information with you. Both of them were not only clients but they have become really good friends, and they owe me }( .

Candace is absolutely right about people being very adiment about moving to one part of town and then they actually end up in a different part (I guess she has some experience with moving - sheesh, I still can't get over you moving 4 times in 5 years, Candace).
It is really hard to say, until you are here. There are so many different areas with so many pros and cons, you will have to find what feels and is right for you. The best advise I can give you, get as much information as you can ahead of time and then come down here and look at all the different areas.

Someone else mentioned to get a relocation package through the Chambers of Commerce here, relo package is a good idea, just be prepared, once the Chambers receive you inquiry, they will give out your contact info to all the area realtors. Sooo, instead of just me bugging you, you'll have 50 other agents bugging you }(
Let me know if you need a relo package, I promise I won't hunt you down:+

Have a wonderful day!

Carola
 
Hey now,
I have to stick up for the West side, and I am not even white trash! I live in Avondale right between Goodyear and Litchfield park and it's a nice area! My house is only 5 years old, 1600 sq. feet and was just appraised last month for $300,000. You really don't need to be as far west as Verrado to be in a nice part of the West Valley.

Avondale and Glendale are growing at leaps and bounds. We will be getting a new upscale mall like the Chandler mall, Westgate which is being built around the 2 new sports area/stadium is going to be amazing when completed, a 5 star hotel is being built 2 miles from my house, and I am 10 min. from a brand new Banner health hospital off of the 101 and I-10. So don't completely rule out the West side.
In a couple of years it will be the place to be.

Enjoy all of this information.

Rhonda
 
Oh geez Rhonda,

I don't think anyone thinks you are in a "white thrash" area. Sorry if it came across that way. I think the West Valley is growing by the minute, there are many terrific areas and with the new sports arena things are just exploding down there.

I don't think there really are "white trash areas" with the exception of Apache Junction right now, which is East of Mesa. This may change as well down the road.
The valley is just growing by metes and bounds, the West Valley used to be the pooh pooh area, but I do think this has changed a lot. I had several investors buy in the Avondale, Tolleson, Glendale, Goodyear and Surprise area and they made a killing. The West Valley no longer is the stepchild of the area, it may have been a few years ago, but it no longer is. Since I do a lot of relocation (because I am from Europe), I have seen a lot of CEOs, VPs and sales managers for international companies go into that area (West Valley) they love it and they are happy there, they love their kids' school and the amenities, I am not as familiar with the area as I am in my own backyard of the East Valley but I would never call it "white trash".

But then again, I also don't agree that Gilbert is Mormon Central. I think Mesa is much more a Mormon occupied demographic than Gilbert is, but I don't see what difference it makes, it is people that live there, no matter what denomnation they are. There are great people that are Mormons and there are great people no matter what denomination they are. I don't think you can put a label on any of the areas here, there are great people and there are not so great people and it doesn't matter what religion they belong to. What I love about Phoenix, is, that it is so diversified!!!

I think you are in a great area, I am not as familiar with it as I would like to be, but I don't think you need to apologize or justify anything. Just my 2 cents.

Take care,

Carola
 
Carola, I just love you!
Everything is so well put. It was so interesting to read everything.
We moved so much because of how hot the seller's market was for so long. Yes, now we are in a semi dream house and NOT leaving;-) Poor Denise has heard so much. You really won't understand AZ til your here for a year. Then you get it. Phoenix is funny because it's so sporadic. There are wonderful amazing areas all over with pieces of the ghetto here and there;-) But I have to say I love the Ahwatukee, Southeast Chandler area, and Gilbert is wonderful too.

Peace everybody!:7 :7
 
Well, I will jump in for the "white trash" too. I live in Surprise and can tell you no white trash here-very beautiful place to live. There is Del Webb hospital in Sun City West-where I work-it is 3 miles from here. Hope that helps.
Lisa
 
I have friends who have moved into heavily Mormon neighborhoods in Gilbert without realizing it. Their children have no one to play with becuase the community is very insular. The PUBLIC schools have mormon religous instruction before and after school. If you're not Mormon, you just are left out. They have moved out to other more diverse neighborhoods for their children's sake. I'm not knocking Mormons but just warning you that there is a good chance your kids will be isolated if you move into Gilbert or Mesa. Unless, of course, you are a Mormon in which case you would want to move there.
Now, I am also a West Sider, and wouldn't live anywhere else. I am near 59th AVe and the 101 loop. It is cooler up here, closer to hopping to Sedona or Flagstaff for the day, the people are NICE and not snotty like Scottsdale, shopping is good (unless you want designer stuff), traffic is great where I live and I can get anywhere in 30 minutes. Also I have no brown cloud air pollution like lower down in Phoenix and the south areas in winter. I am about 500 feet higher than PHoenix. I about died going to the Chandler Mall in December-it stinks down there in winter. And they have no views of mountains. I love my view up north-real mountains! And I"m 10 degrees cooler in my overnight lows in summer-yeah!
Beth
 
Carola,
Thanks for your post. Very well stated. I actually lived in Chandler before I moved to Avondale. I loved Chandler, but 5 years ago I got more "bang for my buck" by moving to Avondale. I agree that the West side has had a bad rep in the past; but it is different now.

Where are you from in Europe? I met my husband when he was an exchange student (mom is Italian, dad German). I actually lived with him for 2 years in Italy.

I have been following your thread on your dogs. Sooooo glad they are doing better. I am the "mother" of 2 4 legged children and they are my world. It can be very tricky to find a good vet these days.

Sorry to get off topic here. I just wanted to let everyone know that the "Valley of the Sun" has many wonderful options and some reputations just aren't true.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Rhonda
 
I live in east mesa - signal butte and broadway. I have lived in Az for 27 years.
Tempe, IMO, is falling apart. Everything is so old and needs to be redone.
South Gilbert in pretty nice. I would have liked to stay in this city.

Chandler- My husband grew up there. My son Caleb (almost 13) and daughter Sarah (almost 11) were born at Chandler Regional. That hospital looked very nice. In July of 93 when Caleb was born, they had just arrested a nurse for stealing a baby a couple of months before). South of chandler has been developing quite nicely. The Ocotillo area has some very nice housing.

Mesa (1 mile west of apache junction is where I live)- I don't like Mesa, at all. For some reason my husband just HAD to live over here. My son Isaac was born at Desert Samaritan on Dobson and the US60. That hospital was pretty nice. Lots of construction at the time, but still nice.

I would like to stay in the areas that still have open land around them. The building is getting out of hand. I go to smaller convenience stores over by where I live and there are actually signs posted saying, "please don't ask for credit". When I asked the guy what that was for, he said that a lot of people come in wanting to run a tab on their groceries. AJ, to me, is nothing but "tweekerville". I have had people in the AJ walmart approach me asking me if I want to buy their walmart card. Apparently they returned something w/out a receipt and could only get a shopping card. Anyways, AJ is definitely NOT where you want to be. There is a place called Boulder Canyon (I think) that is east of AJ. I have heard that their housing is very nice.

My friend lives out in Youngtown (again, not a desirable area) she cleans houses in Surprise which is right up the road from her. She said there is lots of new building and the homes are very nice. According to my realtor, more people are moving to Surprise, the Ocotillo area in Chandler and South Gilbert.

WOw, again I wrote a book. LOL :)

My son Isaac was diagnosed w/ autism. We have an Occupational therapist, speech therapist and music therapist that come to the home. He gets physical therapy at school. If you need any #'s please let me know and I will call my DDD worker and get them for you. If you know ANY behavioral analysts, please talk them into moving here w/ you. We have the best one in Az, Leslie Morrison, and she is moving to the east for a couple of years. There is someone from California coming to take her place, but the lady can only handle so many cases. WE NEED MORE!! :) We are having her evaluate Isaac for a 3 hour session and having to pay her 65 dollars an hour. It is well worth it. Isaac is non agressive.

Do you hike? There is an awesome hiking group out here. The site is called www.arizonahikers.com , www.hikearizona.com is basically the same people. They are awesome and very fun to hike w/. They hike all over the state and have a group hike of the month (GHOTM).

Like I said, if you need more info/#'s just ask. I would be more than glad to help you find the help you need for your kids. The housing I don't know much about, except the areas I have lived in. :(
 
Snowbirds- we consider them the old people from the colder states that come here to get away from the cold in their state.

Apache Junction has tons of snowbirds. We moved from Chandler to East Mesa in 98 and our insurance went up 35 bucks on each vehicle. Our agent said it was because the snowbirds cause the most accidents. On 3 seperate ocassions my husband was waiting to make a right onto the street from a stop sign. The old guy in front of him put his vehicle in reverse instead of keeping it in drive and turning. They always say they don't realize they had it in reverse. DUH!!! When you reach the age of 50, you need to be tested EVERY year, I think.

Those rv slabs that you saw. They were probably for the snowbirds.
Sun City is nothing but old people. Around the state you will find entire communities dedicated to the "oldies" (I call them). There is a saying here for them, "You came, you saw, now go home!"
 
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