Anyone from the Phoenix west valley?

[Paul G]

I accepted a job in Sun City. Should be starting in September. We are moving from northwest Indiana, just outside (30 minutes from downtown) Chicago. No more frozen eyeballs for me!

So, can someone from the area please give me the scoop on whats what in the west valley? Where are the better places to live, things to do, places not to live, etc. Not to concerned with schools, the youngest is in college.

I will be alone for a few months till my wife and daughter join me. Will I be able to find a month to month house or apt to rent for the short term?

[Charger74]

Had a friend that lived up that area.  There isn't much that isn't up that way.   Schools are decent, so are colleges.   Arizona State is about 30 - 45 minute drive  in Tempe depending on the time of day.  Avoid the interstates as much as possible during rush hour.  If you do, make sure you have a friend so you can ride the carpool lane.  Not sure about now, but I know that he sold his house for more than double what he built it for.  But that was two years ago before the burst. 

Hope you like to cook you eggs on the sidewalks this time of year, because you can.   There is pretty nice little lake up on that side that is great for boating, I think they have a swimming area as well.

[yeahitsgotahemi!]

Yep, live in chandler, south of ASU tempe campus. The housing market is down here, so if your in the market you should have no problem finding a place to buy or rent. I don't go up to Sun City ever, I think theres more older retired people living up there. As far as things to do, unless you own a boat or drink, you'll have to get creative. If your a drinker, plenty of decent bars/clubs in old town scottsdale, there is also a decent scene on Mill st. which is right next to ASU. Tubing down the Salt river is a good time, they have a website. Just be sure to bring beer, water, and plenty of sunscreen. I'm a student at ASU, so unless your looking to be in the center of the college scene, be very careful if you decide on getting a place near ASU, college rentals are usually trashed, and the nieghbors can be rowdy. Yep, 110 daily now, but I imagine it will cool off considerably by the time you get here. Also, there is a car show gathering every saturday night at the pavillions, which is a shopping center on indiana school rd. and the 101. Usually a pretty good turn out, its a great time to go during the barett jackson auctions. 

[Paul G]

I hear that traffic through Phoenix is just horrible. Any cruise nights or Mopar clubs on the west side? I have been to the Pavilions cruise night in Scottsdale. That is a big deal. Lots of cars and they have parking organized in to clubs and by make/model. I don't think I want to be crossing Phoenix to go to the Pavilions very often. Depends on traffic and the price of 91 octane. .