Wherever you decide to move, your research should be the same. Explore the 5 base amenities below before moving on to your wish list. Having lived in several different areas of the country I can tell you , the East Valley portion of the Greater Phoenix Metro region has more to offer than anywhere else I’ve ever been.
According to recently released census data, Arizona is still one of the fastest growing states and in this report from WalletHub, five Phoenix Valley cities are among the top 20 in the nation for job opportunities.
Public transit in metro Phoenix is expanding and improving every day. A new portion of the light rail was just finished and more extensions are on the way. Super-size buses have recently joined the fleet of clean, efficient, natural gas-powered vehicles already serving residents all over the valley.
The growth of retail, restaurants and services in the Greater Phoenix area is mind-boggling. New businesses like Zenefits and app developer DoubleDutch, Silicon Valley startups like Tuft & Needle, St. Clair Technologies and other Canadian companies, a huge high-tech Apple plant, are moving to the valley in droves, and Health Care of all varieties, is a major player in our region’s economy.
There are dog parks and ‘people parks’, bike trails, riparian preserves. Libraries are thriving and the Southeast Valley locations have events, activities and classes going on constantly.
I can’t speak for other regions of the valley but the public school systems here in the East Valley are among the best. In addition, publicly funded charter schools cater to students whose interest and aptitude lie in the arts, sciences, literature, technology or engineering… you name it. Your choices when it comes to schooling are unlimited.
When we relocated here fifteen years ago (and never looked back) we were prepared for culture shock that never materialized, if anything we experienced culture overload. The Phoenix Valley meets every need and grants nearly all your wishes… sadly we do not have a coastline but a half-day drive to San Diego remedies that.
Making a move? 5 Considerations Wherever You Go
By Dixie Somers
Since relocating is such a major undertaking, it’s vital to thoroughly research your options. This is especially essential regarding a long distance move. Here are five things to assess in a prospective neighborhood to ensure you’ll feel at home, whether your new home is here or abroad.
1. Transportation
One consideration is how you’ll navigate your new surroundings. Find out whether you’ll have access to public transportation or need a car. If you can use public transit, what are the service hours and stops? If you require airport proximity, determine how you’ll get there. Do you currently have a job lined up? If so, calculate the distance of the commute from the neighborhood in question. Will the trip be a cakewalk, or grueling?
Even if a REALTOR® lists the distance from a house to a public station, the calculation doesn’t always include door-to-door travel time. You may be able to use Google Maps to determine this. If not, the website of a city’s public transit system may provide a clue.
2. Businesses
Before visiting a neighborhood, think about businesses you’ll be frequenting, such as a bank, grocery store, pharmacy and retail shops. Make sure they’re a feasible distance from your prospective home. Also, ensure their customer service is reputable and prices are reasonable. For example, if there’s a grocer nearby, does it stock staples, or only expensive gourmet goods? Where can you find fresh produce?
You may be able to minimize leg work by reading online business reviews. Yelp is expanding internationally, with websites emerging in Europe and Asia. Reviews are also conveniently available via iPhone and Android apps. Local Yelp announces business openings and events in major cities.
3. Schools
If you have children, another must-have is access to quality education. Many schools provide bus services, but trip length must be tolerable for kids. In towns where public schools are sub-par, you may want to enroll your children in private schools. If so, consider the extra expense of entrance fees, tuition, uniforms and transportation.
Did you know there’s a correlation between the presence of schools and crime? A 2011 study by the University of New Mexico found that elementary schools have a protective effect against property crimes. Middle schools, however, promote drug felonies, and high schools foster both property and narcotics crime. So, regarding school proximity, aim to be close enough for a short trip, though maybe not a hop, skip and jump away.
Concerning school reputation, attend a PTA meeting at a given school. By speaking with other parents, you’ll get firsthand information on the school’s quality. A good school district increases a home’s value, should you wish to sell in the future.
4. Amenities
Is culture important to you? If you’re an avid fan of the arts, theater and music, this is a consideration. Do you like to frequent restaurants, pubs, or dance clubs? If nightlife is high on your wish list, how close are these options to the home you’re debating? If you must travel to a distant town, factor in transit costs.
Also, research proximity to free entertainment, such as parks, museums and libraries. If you’re a sports enthusiast, assess the distance to athletic arenas.
There’s one caveat regarding crime: Steer clear of a neighborhood where bars are prevalent. The study mentioned above concerning schools and crime found that ready access to alcohol promotes violence and vandalism.
5. Economy
Neighborhood decline has telltale signs. Drive through the streets of a potential community and look for financial clues. Examples of red flags would be unkempt parks, littered streets and a prevalence of “For Sale” signs. Are people moving out of the area? Are businesses closing up shop?
Query town employees about the town and whether it’s fiscally sound. Ask if the library has cut down its hours, another subtle clue to a suffering economy. Look for indications that people care about their property and each other. Do houses and landscapes look maintained? Are neighbors interacting? If any seem talkative, ask about their experience of living there.
A Smart Move
Like a good journalist, get detailed information from reliable sources. Invite conversation, and record your observations. Then, make your smart move. You’ll be able to settle down for as long as needed in a wonderful neighborhood no matter where you move.
For more information, Call or Text: 602-999-0952
eMail: golfarizona@cox.net
Bill Salvatore / Arizona Elite Properties
This post was originally published on RISMedia’s blog, Housecall. Check the blog daily for top real estate tips and trends. Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2016. All rights reserved.
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