E.G. asks from Canton, GA on January 10, 2012
Possible Move to Scottsdale, Tucson or Mesa
Hey Everyone:
Well, there is a possibility that we will be moving back to the West Coast. For the past nearly six years, we've been in the ATL. Prior to that, we never lived anywhere outside of the West Coast. We certainly got used to it though. We do love it here. However, all family is back on the West Coast. For a variety of reasons, weather and the high cost of airfare being two of them, we are considering this move.
Do we have any Scottsdale, Tucson or Mesa folks out there? I have two little girls (eight and four), so schools and neighborhoods are, like most parents out there, quite important. One thing I LOVE about GA is that our older daughter, who is ADHD, has wonderful support with her IEP. It's funny ..... I never would have thought I'd be putting roots down here. But it does sort of pull at my heartstrings to move again. Maybe it's because moving is SUCH A P-I-T-A!!!!
Any advice as to the best schools, neighborhoods, etc. would be much appreciated.
More Answers
V.C. answers from Dallas on January 10, 2012
My SIL and BIL have lived in Mesa for about 25 years. Their oldest son chose to move to Washington state upon graduation from college. The youngest also plans to move. They loathe the summers there. I do think they received an excellent education in public schools, though.
A good friend has lived in Tucson for about 10 years. She and her husband were very disappointed in public school choices. They have kept their children in private school. Getting from point A to point B is a real pain there. So it takes forever to get the kids to school and then to work. My friend has also said she feels like you have to be tenured to have friends there.
But boy do I enjoy visiting them all in the winter!
L.M. answers from New York on January 10, 2012
My brother and sister in law live in Mesa. I know it's highly rated on those best places to live lists and they love it there. Home prices are very low there too. As Cheryl said, check the greatschools.net site for school info. I know Scottsdale is pricier than Mesa. I don't know much about Tucson.
M.M. answers from Tucson on January 10, 2012
I live in Tucson. I've seen Scottsdale on the top 10 list for families to live.
I also have 2lil girls 3 and 8. My 8 yr old goes to a descent school. it has a wonderful gifted program. In Tucson the best area to live is Vail which is south. Rita Ranch area is nice. Vail has the best school district in Tucson. Mesquite Elementary is one of the best schools in AZ.
HTH
C.O. answers from Washington DC on January 10, 2012
I don't know the area. I have a girlfriend who is stationed at Davis-Monthan USAF base and loves it!!
Go to http://www.greatschools.net
to find out about schools in the area.
GOOD LUCK!
C.W. answers from Phoenix on January 10, 2012
I lived in Tucson, and my kids were in Vail schools......we loved them. They went to one called Cottonwood and It thought it was terrific. The Rita Ranch area is a great area to live. I really wish I could move back. lol
S.B. answers from Redding on January 10, 2012
I have friends who live half the month in California and the other half in Scottsdale. They love it there. The wife would never come back to California if she had the choice, but she and her husband both have businesses here. Scottsdale is very nice. I can't speak to the schools as their children are grown, but they live in a beautiful neighborhood.
I hope you get some great responses.
Best wishes.
T.C. answers from Phoenix on January 11, 2012
Not sure about Tucson, as I live in Gilbert. This is a great town. Scottsdale is nice, but seems to be full of the snobby types. If you drive a decent car forget it. Mesa, you have to be careful as certain parts are not good...some older and some have really good schools. Tucson, been there enoughtto know I would not live there......great weather rains more, but just reminds me of a college town. I have lived in Gilbert for 16 years...put all my boys thru schools and they are not what they used to be. Good, but not good enough. I think still better than most other cities here in the valley. It is a hit or miss with teachers/principals that care. I myself am moving to Dallas area soon and trying to find out the sames things. Good Luck.... :)
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