Boston Mom moving with Husband/4 year old to Phoenix area (Mesa: waterparks, houses)

[twho62]

My husband is getting a job in Phoenix area and I simply do not know anything about Phoenix, Arizona. We are a Irish Dad, New Yorker Mom and 4 year old girl. We travel to Europe and New York a lot, but beyond a few trips to California - I love the vineyard trips. I know nothing about the state of Phoenix.

Would you recommend a area in Phoenix for us to live? We would love a good school for our child. Yeah, I am more of a liberal and like urban areas. But understand that this area is not Boston nor New York. I appreciate the differences, but would like to find the ideal area for this family.

The cons would be me leaving family, longer trips to Europe and saying goodbye to friends.

Would greatly appreciate any information. Thank you -

[MotleyCrew]

If you like a more urban feel, then a university town like Tempe might be more to your liking. I am not familiar with the elementary schools there. Others can fill you in on some of the east side locations that might fit your needs. You really should look close to where your work will be, the traffic is getting thick. Please check the City by City thread at the top of the page. It will give you a peek into most of the areas.

[Beliy Plashik]

definitely Tempe. If you want more of a ritzy look on Phoenix check out Scottsdale. But not as urban. (Northside of town)

I have to say that Tempe is a great area, with many educational facilities. Has a bit of an urban feel to it. Not far from the airport, waterparks, many shopping malls.

And Arizona State University.

[Captain Bill]

twho62, in addition to the Scottsdale and Tempe area's in the east valley is Chandler and Gilbert. Some parts of east and north east Mesa are good. These are all good areas to raise children.

Do you have any idea where you and/or your husband will work? That will be a large determining factor in your location.

Another is the price range of home you'll want to have, and what features do you want in a home.

Phoenix is not like Boston in that it is more spread out.

You can get a lot of information from the posters on the forum. There are posters here who can give you information on almost any area you want to know about. In addition you can locate and work with a local realtor who can provide you more information on houses that you are interested in.

Good luck in your research