Hi - I'm planning to relocate from Michigan to the valley within the next couple of months. I'm somewhat familiar with the east valley and would most likely live in that area. I'd really appreciate some feedback on where you live and how you like it there. I'm considering Ahwatukee, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa and Tempe.

I live in Gilbert and like it alot. Family oriented (I have kids), relatively inexpensive, fairly decent schools, close to shopping.

If you are...

Retired and like that life... Ahwatukee

A family person with kids in tow...Tempe, Chandler or Gilbert

Crazy... Mesa (I'm just not fond of Mesa)

I no longer live in the Valley. Lived there for 10 years. I lived in Tempe, Ahwatukee and Scottsdale. My favorite was Tempe. I just really like the people in that part of the Valley.

Wherever you decide to locate in the Phoenix area, beware that if it is a newer subdivision, it will have a homeowners association that will be empowered to control many aspects of your life. If that is fine with you, then locate in such a place. If not, find one of the older subdivisions without an association - I did

Ann, Everything said above is true. If you have a family then live in the east valley but to those of us that enjoy some of the nicer shopping areas and good restaurants than East Phoenix or Scottsdale is a much better location. I do have a couple of single friends that live in South Tempe but they always end up driving into this area.

Ann, My suggestion is do not move here. The crime rates are high, the traffic is awful, and for the most part people are rude. Arizona also rates near the bottom for education, teen pregnency and many other categories that people should not be proud of. I came here from NH 2 years ago and will be moving back in September ( and am counting down each day). I used to think that New Englanders were rude but compared to here they are angels.

On my trips to Phoenix and Scottsdale from Scotland, I found the people to be some of the nicest I have met in the United States.

I live in the East Valley (Gilbert) and am very happy. Somebody above mentioned "Ahwatukee" and "retired" in the same sentence; clearly they haven't been here in a while. The Ahwatukee area has exploded over the last few years. There's lots of shopping and restaurants, but it is also WAY overcrowded. Traffic in and out is horrendous. Tempe is my favorite East Valley city, due to the amenities and proximity to Phoenix/Scottsdale etc., but housing is more affordable in Gilbert and Chandler. Yes, you have to drive to Scottsdale or Phoenix for decent food and nightlife, but the freeways are convenient.

The East Valley is nice, IF you are going to work and live in the area...the commute into Phoenix is a nightmare and traffic here is awful. Plan to live in the area where you will be working and you will love it here.

I'd agree with except Karen. the recent opening of the Route 101 has made commuting from the E. Valley much more tolerable, with the exception of Ahwatukee. I would not live in Ahwatukee for the solitary reason. They built the place with three roads to get out. Lunacy. Mesa, unless one wants to live way out East, is at best, forgettable. Chandler has marginally better schools and lower taxes than Gilbert. But Gilbert has higher apreciation on their houses (go figure). Tempe is nice but older and generally more expensive. (I'd also disagree with Eric's comments, and offer him a drive to the airport when he finally leaves!)

I moved here in 1989 from Ohio and watched Phoenix double in size, I found my wife here and a better life here! I first moved to Tempe where I lived for a couple of years and then moved north to Paradise Valley and then to Scottsdale. I have nothing to say bad about any of the areas you mentioned. Although it's a life style decision. How old are you? do you have kids? are you single? what you can afford? etc.I am 35 my wife is 29 and we have no children at this time. She works in Tempe and never complains about the drive.She is a native and lived in Tempe. The 101 is a great change if you live north. You can get just about anywhere nowadays, in a reasonable amount of time sports, airport, etc.The north valley for the most costs about 20% more though in my opinion is well worth it! not to say the south is'nt great also. My in-laws live near Ray & Kyrene area and it is really booming great shopping and restaraunts. It all comes down to what you want. I found that when I lived in Tempe I found myself always driving north. It's still true my wifes brother still seems to stay with us a lot on the weekends (he lives in Chandler and can't afford Scottsdale) Where ever you decide to live I am sure you will love it here. And to the person from NH sorry you have had a bad experience. I find people here wonderful, sure there are rude people. There are rude people everywhere. Have you ever thought maybe it's you go back to the snow. Although NH is beautiful in the fall!