New arrival in Phoenix!!!!!

ayndim · Jul 1, 2004

Thanks everyone for the advice, I have certainly learned a great deal. One remaining question that I do have:
If I am working at St. Joe's which areas/neighbourhoods would be good if I don't want to commute for more than an hour?

Do you know what shift you will be working?

rica75 · Jul 2, 2004

Hi again! St. Joe's is right outside of downtown, and almost anywhere in the metro Phoenix area is not more than 1/2 hour commute, as long as you don't go north of Loop 101. There are freeways all over Phoenix and surrounding communities, so travel time is not to long. But there is rush hour to consider, 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. Traffic is horrid anywhere during these times. Going into downtown in the mornings and leaving in the afternoon is worst. But there are nice neighborhoods everywhere, and a block down could be a bad neighborhood. That's inner-city. I still suggest Paradise Valley if your renting. My mom lives right outside of P.V. and works in the heart of downtown, it takes her 30-35 minutes to get to and from work!

rica75 · Jul 2, 2004

Hi again! St. Joe's is right outside of downtown, and almost anywhere in the metro Phoenix area is not more than 1/2 hour commute, as long as you don't go north of Loop 101. There are freeways all over Phoenix and surrounding communities, so travel time is not to long. But there is rush hour to consider, 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. Traffic is horrid anywhere during these times. Going into downtown in the mornings and leaving in the afternoon is worst. But there are nice neighborhoods everywhere, and a block down could be a bad neighborhood. That's inner-city. I still suggest Paradise Valley if your renting. My mom lives right outside of P.V. and works in the heart of downtown, it takes her 30-35 minutes to get to and from work!

MsBruiser · Jul 2, 2004

My wife and I live in a neighborhood called North Central Phoenix. It is located about 3 miles north of the downtown limits. It is a pretty tony area - but we do not commute more than 15 minutes to get anywhere, even at the height of traffic. I have personally driven to St. Joe's in order 10 minutes. It is located between Bethany Avenue and Northern Avenue 7th ave and 7th street. We have our own school district too, Madison, which is one of the best around and keeps property values high. There are also other neighborhoods around this one. You may pay a bit more, but it is an excellent central place to live that is quite distinct from the suburbs which are kind of bland and ugly.

MsBruiser · Jul 2, 2004

My wife and I live in a neighborhood called North Central Phoenix. It is located about 3 miles north of the downtown limits. It is a pretty tony area - but we do not commute more than 15 minutes to get anywhere, even at the height of traffic. I have personally driven to St. Joe's in order 10 minutes. It is located between Bethany Avenue and Northern Avenue 7th ave and 7th street. We have our own school district too, Madison, which is one of the best around and keeps property values high. There are also other neighborhoods around this one. You may pay a bit more, but it is an excellent central place to live that is quite distinct from the suburbs which are kind of bland and ugly.

Mithrah · Jul 3, 2004

It is a pretty tony area -

What is a "tony area"?

BTW, from what I heard, Arizona has the highest auto insurance rates in the nation. Thanks due to high auto theft and large numbers of accidents. My classmate almost had her Blazer stolen by a Mexican and the police told her that if her neighbor didn't spot him trying to steal it, the vehicle would have gone to Mexico. I don't want flames, but it is true that numerous vehicles are stolen and taken across the border.

In my opinion, the best city in the Phoenix area is Tempe. It is central to all the good places you'll ever want to go. Second best is the city of Chandler. Avoid the west side (highest crime). The east side considered the "good" side. Both north and south are decent.

Good luck in your search for a place to live in AZ. You may consider finding a short term lease (3 month) first, then decide where you want to live. After living here for a while you'll learn real fast where you'll fit in....or won't fit in.

Mithrah · Jul 3, 2004

It is a pretty tony area -

What is a "tony area"?

BTW, from what I heard, Arizona has the highest auto insurance rates in the nation. Thanks due to high auto theft and large numbers of accidents. My classmate almost had her Blazer stolen by a Mexican and the police told her that if her neighbor didn't spot him trying to steal it, the vehicle would have gone to Mexico. I don't want flames, but it is true that numerous vehicles are stolen and taken across the border.

In my opinion, the best city in the Phoenix area is Tempe. It is central to all the good places you'll ever want to go. Second best is the city of Chandler. Avoid the west side (highest crime). The east side considered the "good" side. Both north and south are decent.

Good luck in your search for a place to live in AZ. You may consider finding a short term lease (3 month) first, then decide where you want to live. After living here for a while you'll learn real fast where you'll fit in....or won't fit in.

Kabin · Jul 3, 2004

It's true about the Mexican border, several years back the Mexican police chiefs would drive stolen American luxury cars. Suppodely shopping malls are some of the favorite locations for car thiefs.

For my tastes, the Tempe Chandler corridor is too congested. The freeway system that surrounds that area can be rough to look forward to. Not quite as bad as the US60 that feeds the Mesa area however. And then there's the whole college town feel, rental homes with college students, etc. that can get tiring.

I'm in the north east Scottsdale area which has good schools, shopping and freeways that aren't as congested as some. But, the most important thing is to live near work.

Kabin · Jul 3, 2004

It's true about the Mexican border, several years back the Mexican police chiefs would drive stolen American luxury cars. Suppodely shopping malls are some of the favorite locations for car thiefs.

For my tastes, the Tempe Chandler corridor is too congested. The freeway system that surrounds that area can be rough to look forward to. Not quite as bad as the US60 that feeds the Mesa area however. And then there's the whole college town feel, rental homes with college students, etc. that can get tiring.

I'm in the north east Scottsdale area which has good schools, shopping and freeways that aren't as congested as some. But, the most important thing is to live near work.

MsBruiser · Jul 6, 2004

"Tony" is a polite way of saying that it is very expensive. Central location, great schools, and an older, architecturally interesting housing stock makes North Central Phoenix expensive. But there are relative bargains if you look...

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Jul 6, 2004

I bought a new car from Honda/Kia of Tempe.

I feel they were honest in their dealings with me. The service dept was good, too.

I had relatives who lived on the south-west side of PHX off of Baseline Rd. A very bad area!

Roozeyk · Jul 10, 2004

yeah..."Sweet Tomatoes" rocks!! if you like good fresh salad bars and pasta!! yummy!! Paradise Valley rocks too!! expensive though to buy houses. Scottsdale is cool...there are so many nice areas though. Best of luck to you and welcome to summer in AZ.... :coollook: