Question

Just wondering...hubby & I will possibly be relocating to AZ within 2 yrs. We want to rent an apt. or condo for the first year or so and then consider purchasing a home...just to be on the safe side. Can anyone give me HONEST info on the Glendale area? Also, any other areas that may be nice for renters. Wouldn't mind any other AZ info you can offer.

I actually enjoy Glendale, although there are some problems with crime on occassion in that area. A good area to think about living is in teh Estrella Mountain area-especially in a neighborhood called Estrella Mountain Ranch.

Why the interest in Glendale? I've never lived there, but I have been all over the place many times. There are some really low-end areas where crime can be an issue, and then there are some much nicer areas where housing is brand new and very expensive.

Glendale is located in the northwest portion of the Metro Phoenix area. My rule of thumb in this particular case would be, when in Glendale, the further northwest, the better. North of Bethany Home Rd. and west of 67th Ave. seems to be where the nicer homes are located, though this is just from memory and I could be off by a few miles :-).

Thanks for the replies. To be honest I've never been to AZ, but we plan to visit in Aug. (I know, I know, but that's the only sane time that I'll have to go since I'm in nursing school). My sister relocated there last May and actually about six different friends have moved there w/in the last 2 years...we've heard lots of good things. I think we started looking into Glendale, because we're originally from Chicago and want to have the convenience of everything being close (entertainment, shopping, etc.) but we don't want to be in the middle of all the action either. As I said, we are very much in the beginning of planning so, nothing is firm yet. Since we probably won't be in position to purchase a home/condo for at least 2 yrs after moving, any info on home/condo rentals in nice areas? We are just very leary of the huge apt. complexes, esp. in larger populated areas (i.e. Glendale)

I think we started looking into Glendale, because we're originally from Chicago and want to have the convenience of everything being close (entertainment, shopping, etc.) but we don't want to be in the middle of all the action either.

Anywhere in the Metro Phoenix area will give you convenient access to everything. Of course, "convenient" is a relative term. You have to remember that while most large cities like Chicago and New York build upwards (so there is a lot compacted into a small area), whereas in Phoenix we build outwards. So there is a lot less congestion, though things are further away. Because of this, public transportation doesn't work so well here -- Everyone has their own vehicle.

So for Chicago residents, "convenient" might be down the street two miles, and it takes 20 minutes to get there in a cab that crawls along. On the other, "convenient" here could be 15 miles away, though it still takes 20 minutes to get there.. except walking isn't an option. If you want a cab (and you're not at the airport), then you call one and ask it to come pick you up.. you don't stand on the side of the street with your arm in the air waiting for one to arrive.

This is really only a problem here, in our more dense areas, during rush hour. At that point, our traffic moves just as slowly as yours, but has to travel much further. For this reason, people tend to either get jobs near where they live, or get housing near where they work, because it saves lots of time and lots of money in gas.

As I said, we are very much in the beginning of planning so, nothing is firm yet.

I would definately visit for a period of time before deciding where you would want to live. Most people that I know tend to prefer the east valley (Glendale is in the northwest valley, about 45 minutes away, depending on time of day).

Since we probably won't be in position to purchase a home/condo for at least 2 yrs after moving, any info on home/condo rentals in nice areas? We are just very leary of the huge apt. complexes, esp. in larger populated areas (i.e. Glendale)

Rental housing, condos, single family homes, etc., are all scattered about and inter-mingled, so you can find something nice to rent just about anywhere. There aren't really specific rental areas.

Hi Nick, I'm becoming more interested in moving to Arizona. What is considered the East Valley? I'm looking to live somewhere that isn't congested but within a reasonable distance to stores. I'd appreciate any info. Thanks.

Glendale is wonderful- I have many friends out there. I also think Mesa is a great place. My husband and I live in the East Valley, and its really nice. Mesa is great, along Power Road and Country Club drive - those are both great areas. Traffic on the US 60 is a problem (especially if you are a single car-rider!) but if you carpool, it isnt too bad. :-)

The East Valley is basically Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Apache Junction, Queen Creek.. there may be more.

Almost no areas in the East Valley are congested, though some areas can be during rush-hour. The further you are from Phoenix (the further east), the less congested the roads will be.

Hi Friends, i have read your concerns about moving to Arizona, and renting, with interest, since i too am relocating from NY to AZ. One thing that might help is the website: apartmentratings.com. People write about their experiences with rental housing. (Just watch out for too many perfect statements. They seem to be from management, but you can tell when you read them.) Some raters include their email, and you can write to them personally. I hope that helps.