I need some suggestions...I know this isn't travel-related but need help. Maybe from a AZ local. A friends daughter wants to move to AZ to start her "life". She is a successful hairdresser, single, Christian. Likes activity but not athletic. What communities are young-minded yet affordable?? She is targeting Scottsdale. What are the upscale younger areas please.

The whole area is growing quickly, but I'm wondering if she should look in Tempe (college town)...? Scottsdale is upscale, but not specifically "Young" in my book. Tempe or Phoenix is where I'd start looking.

And the "Christian" thing intrigues me: What does that mean? No non-Christian neighborhoods? No neighbors who might live a non-Christian lifestyle (like, say, living together before marriage or, heavens forbid, *whisper* homosexuals)? "Young-minded" communities are going to have such people living there. And a young hairdresser is going to run into lots of young people whose lifestyles may not adhere to "Christian" values. Arizona is politically a bit center-right, but socially is quite progressive. Has she been there yet...?

A former roommate moved from LA to Phoenix in February to take a new job as a FlightAttendant.Three new hires got a crashpad in Mesa.He emailed me last week that he is moving down to Houston.He said the cost of living in the Phoenix metro area was lower than CA but he couldnt cut it.His comment was that it turned out to be more expensive of an area than he was lead to believe.

And before anyone jumps on me accusing me of being "anti-Christian", I'm not-- but some use the term as some kind of social buffer: "I'm Christian, your heathen ways can't penetrate my force field, mu-WHA-HA-HA!!!"

Point is, one goes to new places to challenge their Status Quo-- part of experiencing new things is to appreciate the familiar things in life, and maybe broaden your horizons. I know lots of Christians who happily live and socialize with their gay neighbors, those that live together without getting married, those that are of different religions.... I hope this young woman is ready to enter a more varied world.

Let's not over think this "Christian" thing. All I got out of that is that the person is looking for like-minded people, which isn't so rare. And people don't always move to "challenge their Status Quo." Often, it's something far simpler than that -- such as warmer weather or cheaper real estate.

Anyway, Scottsdale is a big retirement area and fairly expensive (for the Phoenix area, that is). I wouldn't rule it out, but there are cheaper areas. Kinda depends on what you're looking for.

Christians and non-Christians alike can always find like-minded people when they move to a new area. That said.... friends who live in Phoenix (they are early to mid 40's active single folks) find it to be a bit tame and unexciting in terms of cultural activities e.g. non mainstream live music shows, cool cafes to hang out in etc.

Other acquaintances who live in the Flagstaff area seem to like it very much but they are outdoor activity oriented and that's a major draw for many people who move to the Flagstaff area.

Phoenix, Mesa, or Tempe are good areas.
She may also want to look at Tucson.

I think Flagstaff is great for young people if they like winter! It's a college town and even beyond that, has a youthful feel to it. Residents do seem to be outdoorsy types. Quite a lot of non-mainstream live music, too. A pretty town with the San Francisco Peaks towering above it.

OMG. I am bent over laughing at the second response to this post. Someone should really generate a map of the U.S. designating where all those Christian forcefields are. Must be something that Bush's cronies at the Department of Homeland Security are working on...

I'm guessing that the mention of Christian is to suss out church communities. Hardly worth raising a fuss over, it's not quite different than asking if an area is good for golfers or swimmers or book lovers.

I would probably think of Scottsdale as the least affordable area around Phoenix. Tempe is the "college area", but she could live in Mesa, Chandler, or Gilbert and still be close enough to all that and yet live in a more affordable area. My son (attending ASU) lives in that area and loves it. One of the things my (Christian) son likes about it is that he's close enough to the activities available in Phoenix and Tempe without being constantly in the middle of the party scene around the college.

Scottsdale is a nice place, but a little expensive. If she does move there, she might try Scottsdale Bible Church, a large church with an active singles ministry.

Tempe is a college town. Mesa & chandler have nice parts for singles. Grace Community Church in Tempe has a good singles ministry. In Phoenix, North Phoenix Baptist Church and Phoenix First Assembly are among the biggest, most active churches.

Because it can be a real hassle to drive the the Phoenix area, I would secure a job first and then look for a place to live within 5 miles or so.

Thanks to the replys... Didn't know I was going to cause such a rage with one word!! All I was targeting with the "Christian" word was that sometimes a church is a good place to meet young singles and not the party/drug scene. I like the idea of a university town, she could find many young singles there...so...okay, WHICH university town then??? Are some more "party" schools than others!??? THANKS!!

If we're just talking about Arizona your college towns are going to be Flagstaff(NAU), Tucson(UA), and Tempe(ASU). ASU is the largest of the 3 and of course the Phoenix metro area (which includes Tempe) is also the largest of the 3.
I live in the desert area in southern California, so a lot of our area kids consider the Arizona schools. Around here NAU is considered more of a party school. ASU, being so large, also has a bit of a party reputation. That's all based just on our local opinion, not any Princeton Review list.
It's probably important to note that ASU is not the only college in the Phoenix area (for instance, there's Grand Canyon U, a great little Baptist College) and Tempe is not the only ASU campus, however, Tempe is where the 'college scene' is centralized. My son attends the East campus in Mesa, which is a zero tolerance campus and is located a few miles out in farm country. He enjoys going to Tempe for football games and other events and sometimes to hangout, but likes to retreat to his quiet campus most of the time.

I live in Scottsdale-lived in Chandler, Tempe. If you want your daughter safe, Scottsdale. I try not to leave it. Crime Victimend her to Mesa, Tempe. Chandler is going downhill, Mom lives there. Um, whoever said it is a big retirement community obviously does not live here. I live at 78th/McDonald-off of Hayden; great area-borders Paradise Valley-homes there start at $500k, my condo is worth low $100s so there is affordability for everyone.It is central Scottsdale.Canals to walk, run on, stores close, etc. Dog park across the street.

Princeton Review isn't the place to look for party school lists, it's Playboy!

sart29 - My college days are unfortunately long gone. Please enlighten - what is a zero tolerance campus?

I relocated to this area in a few years ago. Before anyone makes a big move, they need to sit down and write a list of everything they are looking for. Then they should try and make a trip there to see if the area is what she is looking for.

Jobs here pay less than other areas of the country. Cultural activities are severely lacking. Outdoor activities are very big -- especially hiking.

As someone mentioned there are tons of Churches and activities of all kinds for singles.

As far as locations to live. This is a huge metropolitan area. There are no "safe" areas where crime will never happen. But there are areas that are more crime ridden. Scottsdale is not all retired residents. There are some great sections and also some that I would avoid.

So, have her come on out and look. And, she should come during July or August to see if the weather works out for her.

By the way, I'm glad I made the move. Even though this post sounds negative, there are so many wonderful things about this area. The people can't be beat. They are friendly, outgoing and at least where I live people take the time to say hello when they see you on the streets or stores.

Jumbo -- a zero tolerance campus can be thought of as the opposite of a party campus. There is really strict enforcement of rules, especially regarding drinking age and drugs.

Scottsdale on a hairdresser's salary? Not a chance. Tempe, Mesa, or Chandler, but personally I would avoid Chandler.