Apache Junction (Phoenix, Mesa: buying a home, neighborhood, buying)

[deckdoc]

Originally Posted by mattpresley

The Bad- Snowbirds double the towns population 6 months out of the year. For some reason they think the speed limit is 45 on hwy 60 and think that the 40MPH section of Apache trail is 25MPH. They also crowd all the stores in restaurants. this boosts AJ's economy but unfortunatley makes going to frys for a loaf of bread take an hour



- An abundance of trailer parks

- this one aint bad IMO, Theres a ton of bikers, probably because all the most scenic valley drives(minus the moutain preserve off 51, and Carefree highway) are a rock throw away from AJ.

Like I said I love and hate the town. it balences itself out with pros and cons. I recommend you rent in AJ for a year. I dont mind living here!

When AJ schools had problems funding they lowered most of speeds in town to 25 MPH~ problem is the AZ license plates haven't noticed the speed limit changes and tend to figure speeds on 25MPH roads are 50 or more~have also met way too many Az plates going wrong way down one way streets~ they also do not realise that stores in town are built to handle snowbird capacity~ without us most businesses in town would be closed down!

A lot of the socalled trailer parks are 55+ comunities which tend to be good places to live and socialise instead of the image of most trailer parks.

A lot of the cyclists are courtious seniors continueing to bike as they have their entire lives~ and understand that speed kills.

Speed limits on 60 is 65~ not the 80 that Az plates tend to think~ and when you are using ramps the speed is in fact the 45 that poster is complaining about!

[AutumnOrange3]

Originally Posted by mattpresley

AAAH you lived on delaware huh?

Yes. I sure did.

[chrisb19]

I live in AJ for a long time, moved there with my Parents, they built a brand new house over near San Marcos/12th ave. I went to high school there, and lived there for a couple years after graduating high school.

It does have the bad rep that you've obviously heard, and it's somewhat true, but also grossly exaggerated. It is beautiful out there in the right places. Stay away from broadway to university from ironwood to crismon rd for starters. A friend of mine and I rented a house in Jacobs Ranch over off of Tomahawk. It was brand new, we were the first people to live there, by the time our lease was up we were ready to get out. Just because it was a brand new neighborhood, I didn't like it all. I would recommend staying away from there...The houses weren't the best quality, streets are so narrow, no where to park, small garages/driveways etc. If you go up by the mountain, up off mountain view or take 88 to nodak rd, it's beautiful, nice houses great landscaping etc.

Again the rep is there for a reason, but it's definitely improved and if you're in the right area you will love it. I sure did..

I heard someone else mention gold canyon, that also sounds like a great location for you. It's all newer neighborhoods, a lot of retired people/professional people and beautiful scenery, and its just about 5 minutes east of AJ on 60.

[Dying To Relocate]

Can I ask a quick question?

You make Apache Junction and the surrounding area seem very nice. I live in Illinois and our goal is to relocate to Arizona. We would like Apache Junction or Queen Creek.

The most difficult thing is finding employment. It is very hard to land an interview when you are from out of state.

Does anyone know someone that works at Superstition Mountain Mental Health Center? I am looking for a contact. Help!!!

Thanks

[aztoga]

Originally Posted by Dying To Relocate

Can I ask a quick question?

You make Apache Junction and the surrounding area seem very nice. I live in Illinois and our goal is to relocate to Arizona. We would like Apache Junction or Queen Creek.

The most difficult thing is finding employment. It is very hard to land an interview when you are from out of state.

Does anyone know someone that works at Superstition Mountain Mental Health Center? I am looking for a contact. Help!!!

Thanks

My suggestion would be to start a new thread with "Superstition Mountain Mental Health Center" as the title. You might get more takers that way. Good luck.

[cleave]

I have live in AJ for over 23 years. Having watch the town grow from 13,000 to 40,000 people. This town has always had a bad rap. Its a great town to live in, no matter what the income level. Because the housing is cheaper here, there are more working class people. It is divided by horse owners and non-horse owners.

If you live close to the mountain, you are more likely to be trap by water run off in the washes. If you live in town you will see some of the seeder folks. Like most cities, it is divided by money, if you have it, you go to the places that people without don't. So they are not much of a bother. Most of the seeder people do their theiving elsewhere. There is less crime per capita than other cities in the valley. Its the cheaper housing that gives it the bad rap.

and then we have the snowbirds.... or seniors that is our winter population. I've met people that were 92, blind, at the hardware store and still driving. They clog the pharmacies and the resturants (if you eat in town). I spend most my time in other parts of the valley and take advantage of the once cheaper housing that AJ was known for.

AS for the crime, that is a myth. We have more of our share of criminals due to the lower income levels. But there are a lot of people with money here. The closer to the mountain the higher the income level. Thats the way we roll. There are not many citys that you will find a cowboy on a horse at the ATM drive in lane, or someone with a colt six shooter in-line at the store checkout. In a way it brings more confort to know you can still do that.

If you like hiking, this is the place to live. You can hike to the Grand Canyon from here without seeing a living soul, if you so desire. Gold is king here, we have working gold mines in the area and Pinal county is one of the most mineral rich area in the world. Lets not forget the cheaper sales tax either... just watch the area you buy in.. and you will love this place as much as I do.

[reddesertfox]

Maverick,I admire your courage and positive attitude.You must have your health going for you.
I am almost in the same boat,I have been leaving Pittsburgh for 45 years..going to Arizona on vacation twice a year and returning to the CLOUDIEST city in the lower 48.
My home is for sale,so when I close I go where I have been since 1962...and stay in Apache Junction.
Hope things worked out for you.

[Webrdj1]

We are in the process of buying a house in AJ on 21st Ave near Ironwood and Southern. Any comments about that area? The immediate neighborhood looks pretty decent.

[kathanners]

Maverick, I have lived on the E side of AJ for 15 years. Never had 1 problem. Very peaceful and nice not far from the Canyon Lake either. I would avoid right in town. And there is a reason homes are dirt cheap in Queen Creek, I would never buy there.

[maverick974]

Hey kathanners,
Yeah, I have heard a lot negatives about AJ but when I was there, I found it to be a cool town with awesome views. I'll be opening a small RV business when I get there and I'll need access to Tucson as well so AJ had everything for me. Reasonable housing costs, I'm an avid fisherman so the lakes are important to me, the freeway is right there and I liked the feel of the place.
I take what many say with a grain of salt. Most people just repeat what they have heard, not what they have experienced.
I can't wait to get my house sold and get down there.