Scottsdale v Tempe
Post New MessageI am considering a relo from the northeast to work just outside of Phoenix. It seems to me that Tempe is more of a college town and that Scottsdale may be more of what my wife and I are looking for (with our two little kids). We would be looking for a house somewhere in the $400K - $450 range and I would like to stay no more than 30 mins or so from the Intl Airport.
Also, I appreciate the frank postings on the site re: scorpions and spiders...I am not fans of either, and my wife is getting freaked out because all we see is the pest references and references to dust storms,etc. But I just know AZ has got a lot of good stuff to offer....
Appreciate your input on the location question. thanks,
kscotty,
I am considering a relo from the northeast to work just outside of Phoenix. It seems to me that Tempe is more of a college town and that Scottsdale may be more of what my wife and I are looking for (with our two little kids).
You will be near a lot of the college-type locations in Tempe if you are within one mile of downtown. Other than that, it's mostly friendly neighborhoods.
Scottsdale, on the average, is more expensive than Tempe. If you're looking for a house over $400K, then you'll probably want north Scottsdale or south Tempe. You'll find similar housing in both, but lower population and more house styles in Tempe. Anywhere in the 85284 zip code of Tempe can be easily confused with north Scottsdale.
Another possible option is to head east (from Scottsdale) in to Fountain Hills. This area is very nice, and houses start around $300K. This area is much more secluded. Of course, the downside with that is that it puts you about 10-15 minutes further from the airport as being in Scottsdale does, on average.
I am not fans of either, and my wife is getting freaked out because all we see is the pest references and references to dust storms,etc. But I just know AZ has got a lot of good stuff to offer....
You will tend to find these more in north Scottsdale and Fountain Hills (in areas that are pushing the outer-development of the valley).. but not so much in Tempe. As I've mentioned here in previous posts, I'm an Arizona native.. I've lived in Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, and probably a couple others. I have yet to see a scorpion in the wild.
Excellent feedback......this is great. I'm adept at web searching, but it is SO much more helpful to have the perspective of someone first-hand!