Moving to Arizona (Phoenix, Tucson, Chandler: best city, for rent, low crime)

[jgardner24]

My family and I would like to move to Arizona within the next year. What is the best city to move to? We are coming from a rural Ohio area and are looking to get away from the strict conservative mind set to an area where the people are more open minded and tolerant. We are looking for an area with good schools as I have 3 sons ages 17, 15 and 11, reasonable housing (rent around 500-800 a month) a decent job market (with this economy I'm not expecting a miracle) low crime rate and a family oriented town (not wanting to move to a retirement community or singles heaven). Any insight from those that live in Arizona is much appreciated.

[MotleyCrew]

Originally Posted by jgardner24

My family and I would like to move to Arizona within the next year. What is the best city to move to? We are coming from a rural Ohio area and are looking to get away from the strict conservative mind set to an area where the people are more open minded and tolerant. We are looking for an area with good schools as I have 3 sons ages 17, 15 and 11, reasonable housing (rent around 500-800 a month) a decent job market (with this economy I'm not expecting a miracle) low crime rate and a family oriented town (not wanting to move to a retirement community or singles heaven). Any insight from those that live in Arizona is much appreciated.

Your rent budget may not buy into the best and safest of communities. I would contact a realtor to help you find something safe. The job market here is pretty sad right now and I personally would hesitate to make a move based upon political attitudes in my area. CA sounds like a good fit for you and I would suggest the Chico, Paradise/ Magalia area. You can rent little places and the town is very charming. Chico is a bit more progressive and very open minded. Our job market is in about the same shape. Good luck

[redjan1225]

The housing you are looking for to accomodate you and three growing boys is not reasonable if you intend to live in a good area. I rent a home in NE Phoenix that has 3 bedrooms for $1100 per month. I would recommend budgeting at least $900-$1400 per month based on the area you choose. Chandler, Gilbert, Anthem are three very family-oriented cities. I can't attest to schools since I don't have kids, but the crime is relatively low. As for the suggestion above, I'm not aware of an area in Northern California that would have such cheap rent or I'd move back there. The job market is dire these days, so I'd suggest having a job lined up prior to moving.

[cacto]

you can meet those criteria in Tucson. Crime's not bad there except in S. Tucson, downtown. Schools in Vail and Oro Valley usually get recommended on the Tucson Forum. It's a good sized city with a college(U of A) right in the middle of town but renting towards the edge of town and you'd avoid all the negatives of that. It's really pretty there. It's less hot than PHX and gets more rain. For rent you might have to settle for a townhouse or apt. for that price range, though if you hunt you might find a house to rent around $900.

[crazyme4878]

Why Arizona? The economy isn't good, the schools overall aren't good (not meaning there aren't any good schools in AZ), it is a conservative state, and property prices are high (which are then passed onto the renter). I'm sure you could find towns and cities here that might meet your criteria, but it seems like it would be easier to start in a different state.

[Radical_Car]

Well if you want a decent job market then avoid Arizona. Of course ohios job market sucks too, I would try Texas, its job market is terrible in this economy but better then Arizona

Arizona ranks low in education too, im not saying there isnt any good schools there, but overall it isn't to good
Minnesota ranks high in education, but that doesnt mean all the schools here are excellent, there are many poor districts here too.

[jgardner24]

Originally Posted by crazyme4878

Why Arizona? The economy isn't good, the schools overall aren't good (not meaning there aren't any good schools in AZ), it is a conservative state, and property prices are high (which are then passed onto the renter). I'm sure you could find towns and cities here that might meet your criteria, but it seems like it would be easier to start in a different state.

Thanks for your response. We are willing to consider other states, really looking for more sun, warmer weather and open minded people. Any suggestions as to a state to look at?

[LordBalfor]

Originally Posted by jgardner24

Thanks for your response. We are willing to consider other states, really looking for more sun, warmer weather and open minded people. Any suggestions as to a state to look at?

New Mexico has a reputation for being pretty open-minded.
With it's higher elevation, it's generally cooler than Arizona, but apparently pretty sunny.

I wouldn't give up on Arizona though. Yes the economy is bad - but then again, right now, that's the case with almost everywhere.

Ken

[justpassinthru']

I am from North Carolina and I went to Arizaona last year just to check out the area and I found that most of the area between Tucson and Pheonix was very pleasurable (the people I mean) especially were nice. I visited Casa Grande and if I were going to move there that is probably the area I would be most interested. But again if you plan to rent it is a little pricey!!! But you get what you pay for!!! Good Luck on your anticipated move!!

[poolgirl51]

Originally Posted by jgardner24

Thanks for your response. We are willing to consider other states, really looking for more sun, warmer weather and open minded people. Any suggestions as to a state to look at?

Have you actually visited Arizona? It is really important to do this before you move here. Arizona is wonderful but it is not for everyone. You should never move anywhere without visiting first but this is especially true for Arizona. I continue to be amazed at how many folks will consider moving to a state that they have not visited.