Relocating to Phoenix from SoCal

hi S.,
we have lived in POWER RANCH now for a year - it has everything you mentioned and more... 2 pools - a must in this heat! it's in gilbert, SE of Phoenix. plenty of "for rent" signs up in the neighborhood, too! good luck!
jen

You couldn't go wrong with Gilbert!!! They have amazing parks and an amazing library. I love living here!!! Please feel free to contact me at ____@____.com if you would like to chat.

S. Golden

Sounds like you've gotten all kinds of responses. I agree with everyone in recommending the Southeast valley...Mesa, Ahwatukee, Chandler & Gilbert. The freeway/roads infrastructure is much more prepared for the growth that occurred than other areas. I was previously a school teacher from 2002- 2005 and have been in residential real estate since then. I am a Phoenix native and know many areas in the valley well. I primarily work with buyers, however have worked with renters as well, as many people who can no longer qualify are becoming renters. I am currently "staying at home" with my first child, she's 3 months old, but am doing real estate when my husband can watch her and when my client and I are both comfortable with her coming along. Let me know if I can be of assistance. I would love the opportunity to see how I can help & would appreciate the business! Happy Home Hunting.

Smiles,
M. Bargeloh
DPR Realty
###-###-####
____@____.com

Hi S., Looks like the popular pick is Gilbert! I live in Gilbert also, moved here 5 years ago from Garden Grove, CA. I would suggest staying close to central Gilbert because if you get too far south/east (going toward Queen Creek), it turns out to be quite a drive. Also, I own an independent issurance agency and just a warning....your auto insurance is likely to DOUBLE! Yes, even moving from CA! AZ is second highest in the US after NY and CA is #3. So if you need help with that, visit my website at www.AgentLady.com and let me know if I can shop around and get some quotes for you. The suburbs are generally less than Phoenix, but it does depend on your zip code on what your rates are. But Gilbert is a great family friendly area, I don't think I will leave here! Congrats on the big move and let me know if I can help with anything! F. ____@____.com

Gilbert is WONDERFUL! Honestly if it is not too far of a commute, hands down it is the place to be.

If you are interested I have a home for sell in the heart of gilbert. It is across the street from a park. I am three miles about a 4 min drive to a Great Regional Library and Wildlife preserve that is all very family friendly. Really short walking distance to the elementary school, the middle school is a little farther but tons of kids walk and ride their bikes. The home is three bedroom two bath and totally move in ready. I can send you pics and tons more info if your interested let me know. Just click on my name above and send me a message. :)

GOOD LUCK!

Well, it looks like the popular vote is Gilbert, and I'm sticking with that trend. We moved to Gilbert from Reno, NV (although originally from Michigan with a few stops along the way!), and we really like it. We live in the neighborhood of Power Ranch, which is an award winning community off Germann between Power and Higley Road. There are several parks within walking distance and two community pools. Within the last month or so, a YMCA opened right next to our clubhouse, so there are things there for young families as well. We also have a great MOM'S club which meets the first Monday of the month with weekly planned child activities and monthly Mom's night out. It's a great place, and Gilbert's parks and recreation department is top notch! I don't have any kids in school yet, so I can't comment on the public schools, but my son will be attending a charter school (Benjamin Franklin Charter School) this year for kindergarten. It is a highly rated school as well, with great test scores and outstanding academics. Good luck with your move and your decision! By the way, we are renting also, and there are several rentals on our street alone! You won't have any problems finding a nice rental.

Best,
A.

Hi S.,
We moved here to Phoenix from the Irvine/Newport Beach area.
The first thing to consider is your husband's commute. Where will he be working? Is he on the road a lot? Or is it same place every day? Does he travel out of town, so being close to the airport would be helpful?
We were told to look in the Ahwatukee area, which is south of central Phoenix. However, my husband works at St. Joseph's Hospital. NO WAY would we tolerate such a long commute for him. The traffic is worse here sometimes than in OC. So be careful of the area too far out.
We bought in Arcadia because the schools are academically impressive and have amazing parent volunteer and extra-curricular activities. So yes the homes are pricier, but we ride our bikes to school and most important my husband's commute is never more than 20 minutes.
Hope this helps. Just remember, the realtors are the ones who did not disclose the long commute times to us.
Also, check out Great Schools online. You can look at school performance for any neighborhood / school district your potentially interested in buying into.
Good Luck!
Let me know if you move to the Arcadia area!
Jennifer

I am an experienced REALTOR with Arizona Realty One Group and would love to help you with your home search. I have a 4 year old boy and an 18 month old daughter. Let me know if you would like my help, my services do not cost you anything, as I am paid by the landlord or seller of the home, although I would be representing you and not them. Good luck!

It depends on your spouse's employment as public transportation is virtually non existent and driving can be a long haul on a daily basis. (Though you are accustomed to California and long commutes : )
I live in Ahwatukee, south east valley, and it is a beautiful community with plenty of amenities. There are currently lots of rental properties which would have been difficult to locate a few years ago. The school district is highly rated and there are lots of young families that reside in the area. There is also an increasingly used bus service to downtown.
Good luck!

S., I also relocated from SoCal and I moved to Gilbert in the southeast valley . Both Gilbert and Chandler are super "kid friendly". They have great schools and lots of Parks and Rec programs. I am sure there are other great places, but I am very happy there. Good luck.

Hi S.,
I've got to agree with a lot of people here in that Gilbert is a great place to be. I'm in north-central Gilbert (Higley/Guadalupe). I'm near three great parks and the library. I've just moved from Mesa and am so glad I did.

I've got a two-year-old son so if you decide on the East Valley/Gilbert and when you get settled - let me know and maybe we can do a play date or something.

Good luck on the move!
-A.

Hi S.! Welcome to Phoenix!
My husband is a realtor here in Phoenix, and grew up in San Diego..so he is familiar with SoCal too! He could help you find exactly what you need.
We would be happy to help.
His name is Tyler. Phone # ###-###-#### or email ____@____.com
We have lived here fo 10 years now and have a 3month old son. We know the area very well. Looking forward to hearing from you!
T.

Try looking in the Gilbert area. There are lots of houses for rent and they have a great neighborhoods with parks and some with pools. They also offer a great parks and recreation department that has lots of rec centers that offer fun preschool classes. We love living in this area. There a new mall(Williamsfield Road and the Loop 202 Freeway) that has fun stuff for kids to do and close to the South East Regional Library that has a great kids section and a Raperian Preserve that you can walk around (in the winter when it is not soooo hot) and see ducks and have fun. Good luck with your move!

hi, S.! we recently moved to gilbert (just southeast of phoenix) and worked with a great realtor named Marci Slater who also works with rentals. She was an awesome realtor who has lived here all her life, and she knew exactly what to avoid (we have 3 little ones). She listened to us (very important to me) and just really took care of us. if you want her number, contact me, or you can contact her directly at her email: ____@____.com was really awesome, and even set us up with internet listings so we could look in advance of moving. Good luck!!

G.

I'm from SoCal (orange county) too and have been living here for 8 years. I have a 11 day old baby girl. My mother lives in the Arcadia area, and it has really good schools, but it is rather pricey. But I'm sure you could find deals these days. There are lots of great areas in the phoenix area... no. scottsdale is good too. You just have to look around. It all depends on your price range.

Hi S., I am also a Realtor here in Gilbert Arizona. I would love to work with you,Most of my business is working with Renters. I have lived here for over 13 years and have two boys of my own,10&8, and my finace has two boys 12&10. You can search my website for free at wwww.azhomesbyth.com. Please feel free to e-mail me or call me with any questions you may have. Good Luck to you. FYI, I live within walking distance to the Gilbert Police station(very safe neighborhood)bus line, and park. I can e-mail you rental listing in this neighborhood if you wish.

T. H