sly fly

We're looking for a new house to build. With the addition of our first baby a couple days ago, I thought it would be nice to get off to a good start in a larger house (~3,000-3,500 sf.).

I've lived in the North Valley for a long time, so a change of scenery would be nice. My business is location sensitive, but is essentially Valleywide. No problem moving anywhere within shouting distance of the 101.

Here are my options, which I've narrowed down:

- Arrowhead Ranch / North of Arrowhead.
- Estrella Mountain
- Chandler
- Anthem

Someone, please sell me on S. Chandler (Ocotillo area). It seems that some really good growth is going on over there.

Anthem is a long shot, considering that a traffic accident would prevent me from getting home. But, the scenery is awesome.

Arrowhead is pricey, as is the surrounding areas. It's a good location (business-wise), but I'd rather have more house for the buck.

Any opinions out there?

Thanks!

Chandler Mike

I live in South Chandler, and of course, I'd recommend it. There are a ton of new homes going up, plus some nice resale in Ocotillo if that's what you want.

202 Freeway is going to be done all the way to Arizona Ave by the end of 2004, so that's great. It will be just south of Pecos, so only about a mile north of Queen Creek, which will be convenient.

It's growing like mad, lots of new stuff, the new Chandler mall is nice, 101 and Chandler Blvd has tons of stores and food, almost like the Arrowhead mall area.

A few others live out here too, they can add some more thoughts that I've missed.

Mike

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Brian in Mesa

That's an understatement. It's more like South South South South Chandler where you live.

sly -

Chandler area is great and growing. We live in Mesa, but on the Chandler border just South of the intersection of Guadalupe and Alma School. We love the new Chandler Mall and the surrounding plazas for shopping. Tons of places to eat out as well, if that's your thing. Freeway access is awesome out here.

On the other hand, both my Dad and my Uncle built homes North of the Arrowhead area and I have to say they built impressive homes for a nice price (my Uncle's house is more expensive but it's right on the golf course). My Dad lives at 68th Ave and Briles, North of the 101, North of Happy Valley Rd. My Dad and his wife hop on the 101 and go to Desert Ridge Marketplace (Tatum, North of the 101) quite a bit. They are shocked at how quickly you can get around the Valley with the North freeway.

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thirty-two

I live near Arrowhead Ranch so that's where my biased vote goes to.

I just think its a nice area, its got the 101 which can take you wherever you want (Dec 2003 Coyotes ... 2006 new Cards stadium!!). Bell Road is your one stop shop for basically anything you want, including Arrowhead mall and all the shopping places, etc.

My mom's friends have a house in Arrowhead Ranch and the value on their house has just skyrocketed due to the growth the area has gotten.

So there's my two cents!

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maddogkf

Hey Sly...Anthem is nice, but one way in, one way out.

We had some projects up there & traffic was a nightmare!

Don't know much about Arrowhead - appears nice!

Chandler - w/202 going in, it's easy access - good new mall & shooping.

...anyways...thanks for the message about pool salt. I have a farmer that lives behind me - maybe I'll drain it when he irrigates!

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tommcnabb

Far West Valley, Avondale, Goodyear. Way more house for the money.

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Ryanwb

Historically, appreciation is less in the West Valley than it is in the East Valley

Chandler Mike

We've lived in our house for almost two years now, and it's gone up about $20k already.

Mike

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Total Rainfall at Chandler Mike's in 2008: 7.55 inches (as of 11/27/08)

Ryanwb

East Valley rules...my house is projected to be worth 165,000 in 3 years, I paid 135,000

sly fly

Thanks guys (and girl!)...

It would be a HUGE move if we chose S. Chandler (Cooper/Ocotillo). And, I'd have to say that's the way I'm leaning.

You basically can get a new (Richmond American, for example) that's about 3400 sf. for about the same price as a 2500 s.f in Arrowhead.

Thank god for the 101!

Chandler Mike

Yup.

By the end of THIS year, the 202 will go from I-10/Pecos to the 101...pretty stinking awesome!

Mike

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"Pop Critics - Movies, TV, Music, Books" - http://www.popcritics.com
Total Rainfall at Chandler Mike's in 2008: 7.55 inches (as of 11/27/08)

tommcnabb

My house in the West Valley went up over 30 thou in a bit over two years.

I'm happy.

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mattyboy

i would bet that the west valley's value will be going up with all of the new growth and the new venues that will sprouting up within the next few years. that is just a guess though.

Audrey19

I'm in the Richmond American homes at Cooper/Ocotillo.

1) Don't buy unless you like the smell of cows. And when it rains, it smells like wet cows. Yuck. Doesn't make for a nice bbq party outside.

2) Be prepared to drive very, very fast or be run over. Seems living this far away from civilization has people in a rush to get places and they don't care if you get hurt in the process.

Other than that I'm liking it out here so far.

Cardinals.Ken

Move to Seattle Sly, you'll be much happier in the long-run there.

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