A real estate agent has to be very careful when answering questions like this as there are numerous laws and regulations that prevent us from "steering" people to or away from particular areas.

Another part of the problem is "best" means different things to different people. Even if you specify "best" as say "the best schools" then does "best school" signify lowest student:teacher ratio, highest test score, most extra-curricular activities, etc?

To your specifics... Phoenix is a large metropolitan area, and as such, parks and entertainment are never very far away. "Cultural" type entertainment (museums, theater, etc) tends to be focused near city centers. But keep in mind that many cities make up the Phoenix area, so "city center" doesn't restrict you to downtown Phoenix proper. Parks and play areas are abundant, and many neighborhood HOAs (Home Owner Associations) provide small parks and play areas for their residents.

"Suburban sprawl" can be somewhat of a problem, though again, there are many master planned communities that specifically design to combat this.

Crime is best answered by going to sites that compile crime statistics. I've compiled several such sites at the site listed below.

I hope this helps!

Jay

Nancy - just some friendly advice, your response to Heather is *really* pushing the FHA/EHO "Fair Housing" laws against steering.... "Please stay on the East side if you can" crosses that line in my opinion. Please be careful!!!

Hi Heather,

Great name by the way! I'm a bit new to Trulia and stumble by your question and was completely shocked by the type of answers you have been getting. Looks like you initially got some good ones by some area Realtors but somehow this turned into a "market bashing" by Joyce and Nathan. Now, like I said, I am not too familiar w/ the website but I strongly believe that this is not the purpose of Trulia. Your question has become a "rant & rave" forum for some obviously uneducated "home buyers" who seem to not have any sense to answer the question you posted, but rather give their erroneous opinions that have come straight from our always negative media. I'm curious to why they want to spread bad energy and opinions of our market if they are indeed homeowners? Real estate is cyclical, and yes, we are in a down cycle right now...but that isn't necessarily the case across every part of the Valley. Some areas have remained stable from 2005 and in some cases actually seen some appreciation! This is why you need to speak with a qualified real estate professional and not listen to a crazy "psychic's" views on the market (I thought that since you were bashing the real estate profession yours would be fair game:-). I'm actually a bit surprised that no one has stood up to these ridiculous people and reported them the the Trulia authorities (if there are any).

I'm not sure if these two have been burned by a Realtor in the past but listening to their lack of respect for them that may be possible. I must say I have worked with several Valley Realtors and have nothing but the highest respect for them and actually had friendships develop after our transaction was over. Now, I realize that every profession has their disavory ones but to overgeneralize and call all Realtors "liars" is just plain rude. If I were in your position, I would do my research on area real estate professionals (you could start with some that you feel answered your question in a helpful way), see if they have any recommendations, how long they've been in the business, what their current production looks like, if they have any designations, etc. From there you can discuss what you are looking for in a neighborhood, how close you'd like to be to work, and what they could suggest that would fit your criteria. Then have them show you area statistics and comparables to help you decide on a good home purchase.

Now, you may not even be in the market anymore or may have already found a home given that this question was posted over a year ago (Joyce and Nathan obviously didn't pay attention to that), so my advice is probably a bit too late. Just remember that real estate is a long term investment and to buy in an area where you will be comfortable for 5 years. Phoenix is a wonderful place to live and will be for years to come. We have great schools, sunny weather, plenty to do, and one of the best job markets in the country. I hope that you found my answer useful and welcome you to the Valley of the Sun!

One more thing: you can go to Zillow and check price trends. The annualized percentage decline for the last 30 days is about 20-25% depending on what area you look at. This includes Cave Creek, where I am looking, and which was supposedly immune to downward prices. I also found a house today, about three minutes (walking) from where I work, which is a very "prestigious" (LOL) area. This house is listed by the bank for about $400K, while the other houses on the block are supposedly "worth" 575K and up! Note that this is a development, so many of the houses are basically the same as this one. The house I mention was on the market for 13 days and was just pulled off by the lender so that they can try and fix it up and sell it. When banks are fixing up properties so that they can sell them, we are in a different world.

It's amazing how so many realtors work. Here you have someone who asks about *Phoenix.* She says *nothing too suburban.* What do you guys respond with? Suburbs that are an hour or so from Phoenix and have *nothing* but beige boxes with two car garages and a mall two miles away. Suggestion: When a client comes to you and asks for something, try and find it for her instead of convincing her that she should live in a beige box where you want to sell. For success in sales: Figure out what features the client wants, then show her how your product will meet her needs. Of course, you did great during the boom, so why should you listen to me? Never mind, it is too absurd even to continue this...

Actually, I would say that most houses on the market these days are indeed overpriced by about 30%. That is why they are not selling. The time on market now is about 120 days. Example: Two days ago I was preparing to make an offer for a property in north Phoenix that eventually sold for 319K. The person next door had a similar house for about 300K, but the house I bid on had about 75K in upgrades. It sold after 45 days and was fairly priced at about 118 s.f. Both houses were in the ballpark (since the upgrades on the more expensive house, such as the pool, were not things you can expect full value on in your sale). However, my realtor ran the comps, and they were typically about 25% higher in $/s.f. So, the poster is right: Most properties are overpriced about 25%-30%. They have to compete with foreclosures, which exist in huge numbers and are not as hard to buy as people think. Example: in Maricopa, you can buy a 4br, 3bath house, brand new, for 124K. Same thing in Laveen, Queen Creek, Surprise...and on and on. Go ahead: go to realtor.com and type in "Maricopa" (the city, not the county) and "under 125,000." You'll be amazed at what you get. Heck, you can even get a new house, slightly smaller, slightly uglier, for around 79,000. The realtors are in a panic, and that accounts for the even greater number of lies than usual.

I can tell you, home prices (overall) are not inflated 30-40% like Joyce states. You always must compare comps and do homework before you submit an offer. I can tell you that if you submit an offer for 40% of the listing price, you will most likely offend the seller and his/her agent, and most of the time (unless they are in a world of trouble), they won't even give a look at a second offer. Any real estate professional will tell you that.

I do not think you will go wrong with Glendale or Peoria. Deer Valley SD is one of (if not the top) school district in the state.

Contrary to one person's answer, Glendale and Peoria schools are far from "great." Arizona is one of the lowest-performing states in the country, and even the top-performing schools here are poor compared to the better schools in, say, Massachusetts. Again, all of these people are answering your question by telling you about suburbs of Phoenix rather than Phoenix. Phoenix is an actual city. Glendale and Peoria are just bedroom communities. I do think, however, that you might like some aspects of Fountain Hills.

Heather:

Love your picture, you look like your in Love. Depending on your affordability, definately East Valley, I live in a neighborhood in Gilbert that is said to be one of the safest anywhere in Arizona. Please stay on the East side if you can. I have three children and would not be anywhere else in the valley. contact me anytime with questions.

I recommend South Tempe 85284 zip because of the #1 kyrene school district. Best education in the nation. Also everything is so perfectly located, I guess they learned from all the mistakes they made creating Phoenix, which is under all kinds of renewal and transformation. I am a native of 47 years, it gets better every year. You are within 5 miles of South Mountain Park, the largest municipal park at 16,000 acres, and Tempe Kiwanis Park, (Google that for link), it is a big park with lots of activities, indoor wave pool, fishing rental bikes and paddleboats. Then there is the Tempe Town Lake waterfront about 10 miles North, with a big lake to fish and rental boats. Lots of upscale shopping on Mill ave, and the new Mesa Waterfront a few miles east of the Tempe Town Lake has the new Bass Pro Shop and everything else going in new too. I strongly recommend Tempe, later on there is ASU for the kids, I know lots of people sending their kids there from other states spending a mint on dorms. You will have it all.

Thanks Jay - very helpful answer and I appreciate you sending me to multiple resources!

So now that all the real estate pushers who said the market has stabilized and "has even gone up in some places" have been proved wrong by further declines in falling-off-a-cliff prices, will they recant and admit that they never had the slightest idea what they were talking about?

No, they won't.

Heather,
You can not go wrong in McCormick Ranch in Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert, and Tempe.
If you would like a school report with school scores, let me know.
Kindest Regards,
Catherine

Heather # 2 and or, recent poster:

For someone who just happened to "stumble by your questions" (meaning
in re: your response to Heather who posted the question). And, for someone
who is not to familiar with the Trulia website, you have an awful lot to
say for a newcomer.

Actually, your style of writing is very similar to the agent who wrote to Heather.

Since when is telling the truth known as market bashing? What would be the
reason to bash the market? You are an agent, not a home buyer. One doesn't
need to be a rocket scientist to figure that out.

"Uneducated home buyers?" I think not. Unless for you, some 25 years
equates to uneducated. I do not know how long for Nathan but for me, 25 years.

Additionally, Nathan knows his stuff, one can easily deduce that reading his
posts he is well informed. You are not.

If you bothered to read all the posts, you would have noted.....my first answer
to the real Heather. Go back and read it before posting misinformation. I listed
several area’s for her.

“Bad energy?” LOL.....since when is telling the truth, “bad energy?” Bad Energy?
Isn't that Psychic or Paranormal term?....ROTFLMAO...bad energy that kills me,
LOL for real.

Which area's remained stable since 2005? Are they in some type of unknown
“stable” force field?

Would you like to list the reasons that you feel you can actually call anyone "crazy?"
How long have you known me? Not at all. So for you, it makes perfect sense that
any person corresponding/posting with fact or truth is defined according to you, as
“crazy.”

You made a complete fool out of yourself by stooping to the tactic's of
a fourth grade child....you would not be my choice for an agent. Your rambling
is pathetic.

Ridiculous people? You sound more and more like a listing agent with each
sentence you write. You embarrass all upstanding agents by sinking to the level of
calling persons names....that is beyond low and just plain childish.

What could possibly lead you to deduce that I was burned by a realtor? What
you determine to be lack of respect is untrue. Trying to guide a young person to
be aware is not a lack of respect. A person would have had to just fell off the
turnip truck after reading some of the inhumane postings done by the agents in
this forum with the exception of, Jay Thompson...read his post you may learn
something. FYI that would be the second time I paid Mr. Thompson a compliment.
Read posts then, think twice, write once.

Try staying in alignment with Heather's question....she was not asking for a
recommendation of an agent. Her query was: "Where are the best places to buy
in Phoenix for a young family?"

Obviously, the last person she would want to ask is an agent. If she did she
would have included the words, agent or realtor in her question but did not.
She wanted an opinion of person's that are not going to tell her the best place
to go would be where their listings are located! In short, a disinterested party
one without a motive.

Oh we have the best schools and best jobs? Tsk tsk.....suggest you do some research.

Since "Joyce and Nathan obviously didn't pay attention to that." Are you serious?
LOL....so Nathan and I are wrong according to you who did the exact same thing,
posted to a post listed over a year ago, you are too funny. Old saying, “people who
live in glass houses should not throw stones.”

Honestly Heather, it is beneath me to argue in this forum and annoying. You are
the second agent who has done this and as I told the first, do not make any
unfounded accusations about me. Do not respond to me unless you have the
decency to apologize to me. Under no circumstances will I respond to you again,
once is enough.

A word of caution do not call anyone crazy or even better, "crazy Psychic" or ridiculous,
unless you know the person which in this case you do not. Please try your best to
become a certified grown up. Thank you.
Joyce

Good for you Nathan, you are soooo on the money!

And now for Jerry who moved to Az. from S.F. four years ago.

Jerry, Jerry, Jerry, those original Del Webb acres that sold for
3K an acre and became Anthem are not a good place to buy.

Hopefully you escaped the monumental problems with the
overpriced homes in Anthem....those that began to sink, others
with cracked walls, plumbing defunct and etc. etc. etc.

Oddly, the boom in Az. began in Anthem....people were excited
about the place. I don't know why since it reminds me more of
an amusement park than life in the desert. I would imagine its
great for the kids but feel that if my child were still a child (he is
48) I would be on the edge of my chair and on watch while he
played in the amusement park. Those homes are on teensy
lots in typical former Del Webb style and it took away a lot from
New River.....do you remember how the residents battled it?
They were right, it created traffic, crime, and way too many stores.
Aside from that, its far from Phoenix...I had recommended Cave
Creek and didn't realize the lady is asking for Phoenix. If you want
to send her that far out go another five miles and send her to Black
Canyon City.

She says Phoenix...so North Phoenix would be good but even in
the Greenway area not far from Bell Rd. is good too like the North
50th streets area. My attorney has lived there since 1987 which is
when I came to Az. too, he has young children and they like it down
there so I would say North Phoenix is good too and the 50ths streets
as I said.
The strange thing....as I said, Az. boom began in Anthem and worked
its way down and throughout the State.....so if they ever get those homes
up to par, I would imagine the recovery may begin in Anthem. But still,
those houses are way overpriced.
Joyce

Hi Heather,

My family and I moved down here from San Francisco almost 4 years ago. We live in a beautiful community called Anthem. Now, it is a bit suburban, but if you have young children, they and you woul love it. It is like nothing I have ever seen. Right now home prices in Anthem are again affordable. I am in the process of helping one couple purchase a 4 bed 2 bath, 2,300 sq.ft. home for only $217k.

I have a blog dedicated to Anthem, http://www.AllAboutAnthem.com. I encourage you to visit. I think you will be very impressed by just the little amount of information about Anthem I can provide on that blog.

Very well said Nathan and very true....you've been doing your homework.
I thank you for noting "poster is right."
You are also correct about the newer homes and the 79K price range.
Ditto's to the panic and the lies...it just isn't right.
Regards,
Joyce

Just wanted to say to the poster....Jay Thompson gave you an excellent answer, honest and forthright.

I can reaffirm that contrary to Scott's post, prices are inflated 30-40% based not simply on my personal observations but both Arizona Radio and TV continually make that same statement (inflated 30 to 40%). Insofar as offending the seller and his or her agent I would say, most sellers and agents are surprised that there are any offers out there. I have watched homes listed by agent/brokers, RealtyTrac and Truila, inter alia...and have seen asking prices of some 650K drop down to 499K in a matter of months. We must understand that it is not a sellers market. It is a buyers market and the buyers are few and far between because of the unrealistic prices. We are not in California....we are in Arizona and these are California prices because of the California investors who not only made a big mess, they also caused taxes to increase...per those inflated purchase prices. Not to mention all the track homes that have been built. This is ridiculous considering we live in the desert....we need air, not a neighbor ten feet away. So according to Scott, we should not offend the seller but the seller can offend the buyer with their 40% inflated prices. I don't think so.

First remember, Arizona grew very quickly. And with growth there is growing pains. It's usually in the school districts or the parks and community perks. I would advise you to take a look at the Arizona Buyers Advisory. It is an online document that assists you in answering the questions you have on properties, communities and school districts. It's located on the Arizona Association of Real estate website at: aaronline.com and I also have it on the main page of my website as a link at : shellyfarley.com
Some cities I would consider? Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Surprise, just to name a few. The Kyrene school district in Tempe is very popular with people with children.

You should also remember that the homes are all overpriced by
30% to 40%. The boom caused an unrealistic rise in prices because
these investors and brokers were not satisfied with a profit of say,
10K to 20K and took advantage of the second wave of investors and
the third wave. Most of the homes for sale would not either Comp out
or Appraise for the asking price. The sellers and a lot of brokers are
not living in the current world. Sales are beyond slow and if they do
not come to terms that prices must go back to where they were in
2004 there will be nothing but boarded up houses for a very long
time.
So remember before making an offer deduct at least 40%, you can
always go up but can't go back down...so be wise.
Joyce

Heather, I'd look into Glendale and Peoria area's of the northwest valley. Great schools, plenty of recreation, great buying opportunity's and I believe a friendly area to settle into.

I don't know what your budget is, but I know a lot of people that like McDowell Mountain Ranch in Scottsdale,

Cave Creek, East Mesa, Apache Junction, Desert Hills, I would think AJ would be good for the children and above all the Superstitions are there....the views are unbeatable.
Good Luck!
Joyce

The people who are answering your question are all recommending places in the suburbs. The best buys in Phoenix are in Coronado, an up-and-coming neighborhood with a nice stock of historic housing.

If you would share with me what is your price range, are you qualified for a mortgage loan (what kind) and in what area is you place of employment I would be abe to make some suggestions.
George GeoSzk@WBhsi.net
Tucson Home Advisor LLC - I also work in Phoenix area.

Scottsdale or Paradise Valley if you have money to spend. If you are average folk... Arcadia is nice.

Hi Heather:
If you're still exploring, why not explore Fountain Hills? Located on Scottsdale's eastern border it was voted as one of the best places to live in the Phoenix area. It is a town of 25,000 people with schools, shopping, a great recreation program available for children, parks, Boys & Girls Club, affordable housing (particularly in this market) and because of it's location it is relatively crime free. Most homes sit on a minimum lot of 1/4 acre. You have a choice of homes within subdivisions or custom homes (yes, affordable.) Check it out!

Hey Heather!

I Found some Web Sites that May be of Interest to you.

http://phxnorth.com/
http://www.onescottsdale.com/
http://www.citynorthaz.com/
http://www.weknowurban.com/

These pretty much will give you a good indication of the up and coming areas here in Phoenix.

Please let me know if I can be of further assistance to you.
Thanks,

Ryan

Heather,

Being a Phoenix native, I am becoming an increasing minority in our ever expanding "Valley of the Sun". Phoenix is an amazing place to grow up and now I can share my area expertise with my clients looking to own a piece of the Arizona dream. I am very familiar with the Valley and the current buyers market that we are experiencing here, and I would love to help you find that perfect neighborhood for you to raise your family.

Please let me know if I can be of any help and best of luck to you!

The best thing about buying in a market like we have is that is a Buyers Market, and there is an abundance of homes for sale. The hardest part of buying a home in Phoenix is going to be choosing where to live. There are homes for sale everywhere on almost every street.

The next thing to do is go get Pre-Approved, not Pre-Qualified. Pre-Approval is where you actually are ready to receive the loan, Pre-Qualified, is just an opinion of what you may get.

Anyway, after your approval you should sign up with a REALTOR®. Speak to a few to get an idea of what they can do for you. Then you go out and hunt for you home.

If and when you find a home, then its time to negotiate the price. A good Agent will facilitate this. Finally you go to Escrow, and cross your fingers that things go smoothly.

I have more questions for you than answers, only because it is important to find out what your looking for in a home. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me or visit my website.

It all depends on what you like. I'm in the same age group as you and have a family. I like N. Phoenix, and live near desert ridge. I have other friends that like cenral phoenix, scottsdale and chandler. I think that there are so many nice places to choose from that it all depends. I hope that is helpful

"Best" certainly pertains to what you feel is best. There are many many fantastic neighborhoods in the Valley. Do you currently live in the area and/or have you had the opportunity to visit? What is your time line for purchasing a home? A great start may be to meet with a Realtor (one that your are comfortable working with and who has your best interest at heart) and discuss your wants and needs. Creating an action plan with help you navigate to the right neighborhood and home for you.

My first recommendation would be to visit the different cities websites. Each one will have an area with parks and recreation giving you an idea of parks and programs available for the children. If a particular town sparks your interest, visit citysearch.com for entertainment ideas in that area. Lastly, you can visit my website and utilize the MLS/IDX search capabilities to get an idea of what an area's cost of home might be. I also provide free of charge email updates as to available homes within a particular neighborhood or area. as they become available so you don't have to keep checking. Just email me and I can get that started for you. To get information on crime statistics visit http://www.faxnet1.org and sex offender information visit http://www.azsexoffender.org. There are many wonderful places for a young family to live in Arizona. Best of luck in your search.

Tough question to answer. There are a lot of other variables to take into consideration. There are many nice areas of the valley. What might be important to you may not matter to someone else. I would say to only work with an agent who is truly an expert in the area you are looking, as opposed to an agent who will show you a home anywhere in the valley. I live in Gilbert and personally love it. I have a community in mind that I think is awesome. It is Power Ranch. I have put together a website for just that community. The link may be clicked below. From my Power ranch site you can access my Gilbert site at http://www.eGilbertArizona.com

Hi Heather,
There are many great areas in the Phoenix area to buy. There are quite a few master planned communites that have the school in the neighborhood along with parks for the kids all within walking distance. There are so many things to do in the valley that being close to a freeway is a great way to get the best of all worlds. Fortunately there are lots of new freeways in the Southeast valley where you can get a home that is priced well and be able to go where you would like to fairly quickly. Many of the communities also have movies, restaurants, and shopping close as well so you never have to go to far for what you would like to do. Feel free to contact me with any furthur questions. Good luck!

Heather,
I always ask people where are you moving from, and what are your expectations, ideas, and goals, once you arrive in the Phoenix area. What do you envision for you Arizona Experience? Have you been here, do you know people here? What is your Arizona dream?

Coming from the East coast 14 years ago, I had to move a couple of times before I hit my "niche". Once I got to my little corner of paradise, I found 1/2 of my neighbors were from the East coast! Funny but true.

Now, all my friends and family come out to visit, a few times a year...and I never have to shovel snow again!
I would love the opportunity to find out about you and your Arizona dreams. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance. Hopefully, I can welcome you to the "Valley of the Sun!"
Kind Regards,
Nancy Parana

Jay makes some excellent points. Please contact me and share your specific needs information. The Marriott Group will then try to offer you options of which there are many which fit the criteria you need of price, culture and safety.