Moving to Phoenix from Michigan

[bap9090]

Hello, I will be moving in a few months to Phoenix from Michigan. I am relocating to attend the University of Arizona MEPN program, but I will be based in Phoenix. Is there any advice on what areas to consider when looking to move? My budget is $600-900 monthly rent, preferably a house or townhouse 2 bedroom ideally. It is difficult to do an internet search when I have never been to AZ and have no idea what areas are safe, affordable, and easy commuting distance from central Phoenix. It is also important to me to avoid any stereotypical 'college towns' as I would like something pretty peaceful and quiet.

Geographically what areas should I look for housing?

How much can I expect the avg. energy bill to be, I know it is extremely hot and will not be cheap to keep my place cool?

Is my budget reasonable for decent and safe living arrangements?

Should I anticipate very congested rush hours?

My boyfriend will be joining me in August, any suggestions for workplaces in the clinical development/scientific areas?

Any other concerns I should consider when searching?

Any input from alumni from this program or students recently admitted to the summer 2015 MEPN cohort are welcome as well!

Thank you all!

[AZBlueBell]

If you are looking at no apartments I'd say you will be at the top of your $900 budget if not over that to find a place you want in a decent area. You'll want to find something close by any of the freeways if you'll be commuting into downtown Phoenix...its kind of hard to nail down an area for you to look at, there are lots of good areas...Scottsdale (probably over budget), north Phoenix (along SR51), maybe something in the east valley but I'm not familiar with that area to say. If you use a site like realtor or zillow they usually have stats about the neighborhood and crimes.

For utilities, it really depends. My house is nearly 2000sq ft and in the summer our bill can be $350 and we keep the house between 78-80. But when we lived in a 1200 sq ft apartment we kept it at 70 and our bills in summer were $100. So it can vary greatly depending on exposure to the sun and sq ft obviously.

Rush hour will just depend on where you are starting from and the times you are commuting but yes, downtown Phoenix and getting to it will be congested.

Hope that helps!

[bap9090]

If you are looking at no apartments I'd say you will be at the top of your $900 budget if not over that to find a place you want in a decent area. You'll want to find something close by any of the freeways if you'll be commuting into downtown Phoenix...its kind of hard to nail down an area for you to look at, there are lots of good areas...Scottsdale (probably over budget), north Phoenix (along SR51), maybe something in the east valley but I'm not familiar with that area to say. If you use a site like realtor or zillow they usually have stats about the neighborhood and crimes.

For utilities, it really depends. My house is nearly 2000sq ft and in the summer our bill can be $350 and we keep the house between 78-80. But when we lived in a 1200 sq ft apartment we kept it at 70 and our bills in summer were $100. So it can vary greatly depending on exposure to the sun and sq ft obviously.

Rush hour will just depend on where you are starting from and the times you are commuting but yes, downtown Phoenix and getting to it will be congested.

Hope that helps!

Thanks, that does help!

[lovetoski]

Hi

I am a current U of A MEPN student based in Tucson. Have you considered sharing a house with other students to reduce your expenses? Some MEPN's have done that--just something to think about.

WELCOME!!

[montecarlo64, ASN, BSN, LPN]

I recommend the Deer Valley area. It is in northern Phoenix and is close to many hospitals. The area is nice and apartments are reasonable.