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Phoenix Arizona suitable for raising a family?

Phoenix Arizona suitable for raising a family?

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Old Aug 17th 2009, 5:04 pm
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Default Phoenix Arizona suitable for raising a family?

Hi All,

My wife and I are planning to move to the USA in the next 12 months - we are 28/29, currently live in London, and want to start and raise a family in the USA. We own our own company, so we can work from anywhere - but we're having trouble deciding on the best place to live. We're ideally looking for:

: Property prices in the region of $500-600K for a family home.
: Warm climate
: Low crime
: Good schools
: Outdoor activities either locally or within a few hours drive.
: Decent sized City - doesn't have to be New York/LA but don't want to be in too small a town....

We quite like Phoenix Arizona but we've only stayed there for a couple of days - could anyone here tell us what Phoenix is like to live in, and does it meet all of the above criteria?

Also open to suggestions on other areas? We also considered Fort Worth, and we figure California is a safe bet but worried we won't be able to afford property there....

Thanks
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Old Aug 17th 2009, 5:08 pm
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Default Re: Phoenix Arizona suitable for raising a family?

No. Too damn hot.
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Old Aug 17th 2009, 5:09 pm
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Default Re: Phoenix Arizona suitable for raising a family?

Originally Posted by James1979
but we're having trouble deciding on the best place to live.
Being allowed to live and work here is most probably your problem, not where to live.
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Old Aug 17th 2009, 5:10 pm
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Default Re: Phoenix Arizona suitable for raising a family?

Phoenix motropolitan area would definitely fit in with your prescribed parameters.
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Old Aug 17th 2009, 5:11 pm
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Default Re: Phoenix Arizona suitable for raising a family?

We're ok with the Visa and work - just need advice on location thanks
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Old Aug 17th 2009, 5:14 pm
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Default Re: Phoenix Arizona suitable for raising a family?

Originally Posted by another bloody yank
No. Too damn hot.
It is cool today, 108F down from 116F. Actually a bit chilly!
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Old Aug 17th 2009, 5:14 pm
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Default Re: Phoenix Arizona suitable for raising a family?

Originally Posted by James1979
We're ok with the Visa and work - just need advice on location thanks
Right!
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Old Aug 17th 2009, 5:17 pm
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Default Re: Phoenix Arizona suitable for raising a family?

Originally Posted by CelticRover
It is cool today, 108F down from 116F. Actually a bit chilly!
When you can call 108F "cool" and even "a bit chilly" then it's too damn hot!
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Old Aug 17th 2009, 5:18 pm
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Default Re: Phoenix Arizona suitable for raising a family?

Originally Posted by another bloody yank
When you can call 108F "cool" and even "a bit chilly" then it's too damn hot!
It's a dry heat!
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Old Aug 17th 2009, 5:19 pm
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Default Re: Phoenix Arizona suitable for raising a family?

How is the weather somewhere outside of Barstow?
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Old Aug 17th 2009, 5:23 pm
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Default Re: Phoenix Arizona suitable for raising a family?

Originally Posted by CelticRover
Phoenix motropolitan area would definitely fit in with your prescribed parameters.
Cheers CelticRover - any idea which part would be best to live? We've only stayed in Scottsdale - liked it there but have heard it's a bit snobby? Any advice?
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Old Aug 17th 2009, 5:31 pm
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Default Re: Phoenix Arizona suitable for raising a family?

I couldn't take that heat - it's bad enough here.

How well do you know the USA, to be sure you will like the lifestyle?
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Old Aug 17th 2009, 5:32 pm
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Default Re: Phoenix Arizona suitable for raising a family?

Scottsdale has its 'wannabees' but has some beautiful areas as do many of the surrounding communities. The good news is that you should easily be able to buy a substantial home in any one of them since there are many stunning homes selling at 50% of their valuations from 2-3 years ago.
As in most areas some are better than others but as an independent business enterprise you should have maximum flexibility in your choices.
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Old Aug 17th 2009, 5:37 pm
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Default Re: Phoenix Arizona suitable for raising a family?

Originally Posted by CelticRover
Scottsdale has its 'wannabees' but has some beautiful areas as do many of the surrounding communities. The good news is that you should easily be able to buy a substantial home in any one of them since there are many stunning homes selling at 50% of their valuations from 2-3 years ago.
As in most areas some are better than others but as an independent business enterprise you should have maximum flexibility in your choices.
The further north you go in Snottsdale, the worse it gets.

I always think the Camelback Corridor is nice and central, with some old, good-sized lots and without the mindless HOAs. I love Arcadia.
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Old Aug 17th 2009, 5:43 pm
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Default Re: Phoenix Arizona suitable for raising a family?

Originally Posted by Sally Redux
I couldn't take that heat - it's bad enough here.

How well do you know the USA, to be sure you will like the lifestyle?
Hi Sally,

We lived in Vail CO for a year, and have travelled round most of the USA on various holidays/road trips. How does the lifestyle in Phoenix compare with the rest of the USA?
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