Community› The Bump Local Boards› Phoenix Babies
Phoenix Babies
New Discussion

Tell me about raising a family in Phoenix - might be relocating to the area

vlcoleyvlcoley member
in Phoenix Babies

Hi everyone -

My husband was recently approached my his employer about a potential promotion opportunity that would take us to AZ. We currently live in Western NY so this would be a huge move for us. There is a lot we need to consider before making a final decision.  Of course we want to do as much research as possible about the area - What suburbs are best to raise a family?  How are the schools (I haven't heard good things about the public school system so my guess is we would look into private schooling)?  Are people friendly?  Are there a lot of activities for families to do?  How about the housing market (I have heard people are having a hard time getting ride of homes out there - which is good for buyers - but do you think the market will turn around in the near future?)?  And what about that HEAT?  With temperatures in the 100s in the summer months I am guessing you spend most of your time indoors in the AC?  

Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!  Thanks! 

Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
Report Reply to Post

Re: Tell me about raising a family in Phoenix - might be relocating to the area

  • monifa9283monifa9283 member

    The heat is bad, but honestly- you get used to it. Currently, we live in Tucson, but are moving to Phoenix next month. We bought a home in the Roosevelt historic district because we like the walkability of the area. If you are interested in "suburbs" as you stated, I know a lot of families live in Mesa, Chandler, and Gilbert. Not sure what you're looking for there. 

    We will also be sending our kids to private schools.  

    <a href="http://www.thebump.com/?utm_source=ticker&utm_medium=HTML&utm_campaign=tickers" title="Parenting Advice"><img src="http://global.thebump.com/tickers/tt17b11f.aspx" alt=" BabyFruit Ticker" border="0"  /></a>
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • linschapleslinschaples
    I actually moved from a WNY suburb 6 years ago right after college. We love it out here. I am a teacher and there are a lot of charter options too. Where you want to love also depends on what side of the city you are going to live on.
    Report Reply
  • BLONDRAVYN124BLONDRAVYN124 member
    I just moved to phoenix (Ahwatukee area) a little over a month ago from FL....so far its just okay. The dry heat Sux! my skin is so dry . My nose is reallly dry, like I have a hard time breathing...ive been told i'll "get used to it" but i dunno. i like this area we are in but i dont know too much info about the school system. Good luck on your move.
    DSC04873-1 AlternaTickers - Cool, free Web tickers
    Report Reply
  • sonshine0609sonshine0609

    Arizona native here! I've lived in Northern AZ & the East Valley. I will say this depending on where you are in the state the weather can be VERY different. The heat is bad but you're right I find myself spending enough time inside in the AC that it's not too bad.

    As far as schools go Kyrene/Ahwatukee district is supposed to be very good. Gilbert, Chandler & Tempe aren't bad either. Surprisingly I've heard good stuff about some schools out in Gold Canyon/Apache Junction area too. 

    We were looking at houses this year too but unfortunately had to use a big portion of our down on a car instead this year. I myself prefer the East side. Prices are still really good so it's still considered a buyers market but it is turning around. Mesa is a little bit rough right now but prices are really good. Lots of older houses & some of the bigger yards. More retirement communities & fewer HOA's. Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale, and Gilbert are good areas but the yards seem smaller and more HOA's (good thing or bad thing depending on what you are looking for). Queen Creek, Maricopa, and San Tan Valley have really nice new houses for really cheap but they are a big drive. 

    I've never heard anyone say people aren't friendly out here. I suppose it's like most places where it's just a matter of putting yourself out there & meeting people. Seems like there are plenty of things to do for families if you know where to look. I LOVE my zoo membership (during the right season). We have a pretty good zoo & they usually have something going on. I know of a weekly classic car show out in Scottsdale that my family loves to go to as well. Sea Life Arizona at Mills mall is pretty neat & if you are into that sort of thing the big Bass Pro Shop in Mesa has kids programs almost weekly that my little boy loves. Mom's groups in your area would be a great place to start when you know where you're going to be.

    BFP 4/3/07 EDD 11/23/07 MC 7/20/07 Lilypie Angel and Memorial tickers Lilypie Fourth Birthday tickers Lilypie Pregnancy tickers
    Report Reply
  • ToAoSheshaToAoShesha member

    Hey!

    AZ is very different from NY but as everyone says you will adjust.  The heat can be hard but everywhere has the AC cranked up and there are pools everywhere!  So the only bad part is getting in your car when it is 115 out because your car is like 140!  So park in the shade and keep your windows cracked.  Other than that I love AZ!

    As for what city etc, it depends what you are looking for, schools, people, houses all depend on where you are at.  Unlike some places all of our cities connect.  So unless you are familiar with the area you never know when you are in Phoenix vs. Scottsdale etc..  Like many other states/cities there are good parts and bad parts of each city.  If you would like to PM me and ask questions I will get real and answer seriously, BUT in an effort not to offend anyone or piss off anyone I will not get to in depth here. 

     Here is a fun website I used when picking out the neighborhood I currently live in. :)  Again I welcome a PM :)

     

    https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/

    BabyFruit Ticker Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Image and video hosting by TinyPic
    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"