So, on NPR new I heard that we are the MOST searched state/place for Real Estate.  That’s great!  There are houses for sale that need to be sold and bought.  But, What if these buyers are from other places?  What if they have never been to Phoenix?  How would they know if that charming and sunny little piece of heaven is totally wrong!

We built a house in an up and coming area that was being newly developed.  Since I have lived here my whole life I thought I knew what I was doing!  Of course it was during the building boom.  Not much existed but farms, ranches, new strip malls and schools.  A few years later it is a different story.  Our new neighborhood is riddled with graffiti.  The last place you would expect to see crime and gangs…right in this pristine and new tree lined community.

The purpose of this it to inform others about Phoenix and the surrounding communities.  Real estate can always be a good deal if it is in the wrong place to live.   Here are a few facts and tips:

Phoenix: Being the main draw to tourists and visitors it is the most populated city here in AZ.  But, being a native I can say there are selected places to actually settle down in.  Downtown has new lofts that are modern and new age but have yet to find a real draw for everyday people.  Most places are far from shopping and parks.  The smog and traffic leave something to be desired.  There are still many streets riddled with condemned houses and the homeless.  I’d say move there because your job is next door or your single and love culture.  Great Museums!

Scottsdale: Often if anyone famous visits our fine city they stay in Scottsdale.  Nothing comes close to the nearly pristine conditions you can find on every corner and building.  The shopping is spectacular with a wide variety and convenience.  Really, the customer service is the best.  But, you get what you pay for.  Look at paying up to 10% more just for the zip code.  And, on top of that, expect to work hard to keeping up with the Jones’s.  Great place to visit: Old Town Scottsdale!

Mesa: Talk about a split city.  Mesa has really worked hard the last 10 years to renovate their Main Street.  Putting a lot of dollars into sculptures and a huge convention center.  And, it has been worth it.  Now you can shop, eat and work in a quaint and picturesque little area.  The housing is riddled.  It is a strange demographics of working poor and elite socialites.  Some streets are full of old run down cars while others boats and RV gates.  And, the streets touch. It is also known to be a very religious community.  Great place to see: Main Street.

Chandler: Well the fabulous mall certainly put it on the map.  Located at the 101 and Chandler Blvd.  It is surrounded by shopping and great restaurants.  What a great place to live.  Right in the middle of all the cities and a freeway is always close by!  I have however seen some old and probably what some some would see as historic district filled with what should be condemned houses and in need of an HOA!  But, there are a majority of new homes in gated communities that are real perfect!  Great Shopping!

Avondale: It’s pretty far from downtown but, if you are looking for a little more quiet and new….Here it is.  Not far off the freeway it is easily accessed and easily navigated.  With a majority new homes and shops it is great for a new family that is looking for a deal on a house!

Laveen: Let’s think country.  This community is tucked up near South Mountain and filled with new communities and farmland backing up to each other.  It is still quaint and small with some great custom lots and cookie cutter homes.  Not close to the freeway, no shopping but grocery, and has some rough neighborhoods that are filled with section 8 housing.  Look carefully.  Great place to hike or see South Mountain!

Gilbert: Talk about a town that has grown by leaps and bounds.  They have managed to keep the small town feel and add the eloquent shopping.  A great place with custom and clean homes.  Perfect place for a family.  TOTAL family community.  Everyone has kids and dogs!  Quite a haul from Phoenix but may be worth it!  Great idea of Perfect Suburbia!

Glendale: It is the community that used to be new… and, is now old.  Most things are older and worn.  Homes, shopping and buildings.  But, it does add to the charm.  Some areas are still decent and others not worth looking at.  Great thing to do: Close to the I17 freeway and has a spectacular chocolate affair near Valentines Day!

Paradise Valley: Great place to shop and enjoy the outdoors.  On the edge on the city it is a bit isolated.  pretty far from Phoenix but with a great view.  A little hard to navigate and a lot of homes are custom.  Great Sunday drive!

Queen Creek: What a great city away from the city.  More for families that don’t need a lot of shopping or eating out.  Limited fun and access.  But has a total country feel!  Great way to get out of the city!

Well, These are just of few of our fine cities that make up Phoenix and the surrounding areas!

Tags: Arizona, Arizona Real Estate, Avondale, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale., Homes in AZ, Laveen, Phoenix, Phoenix Real Estate, Places to live in AZ, Scottsdale