Reviews & Comments
Mesa, AZ
Mesa AZ -
3/31/2015Mesa will seem more like a neighborhood than an actual city. For those of us who live in Mesa, we typically drive to other places nearby to work, shop, and eat. Mesa downtown area is not quite yet developed into a real city downtown. But, in 15 min we are in Scottsdale or Gilbert where we can visit new malls & restaurants, and in 30 min or less be in downtown Phoenix or Chandler, where there are numerous places to work (tech, manufacturing,aerospace,healthcare), as well as to the airport.
If you are OK with driving a bit, you can have what you are looking for. Mesa itself is very diverse. There is an upscale area with beautiful homes in the orange groves, NE Mesa with higher altitude and more open spaces, scenic views and upscale homes, SE Mesa with new homes and schools which appeal to new homeowners, in addition the historic downtown Mesa area (where higher crime exists).
Northeast Mesa is ideal, an easy drive up north on the Beeline highway to northern areas where the weather is cooler. Fantastic place for anyone into outdoor sports, especially cycling, hiking, and golf as well as those who enjoy scenery. People in general are friendly and there is a mix of those from the midwest and eastern states. Great access to good healthcare and variety of supermarkets, overall very clean streets, lower-cost living arrangements available. Since housing cost in general is low, many can afford several summer escapes driving distance - San Diego, northern AZ, for example, if they don't already own or rent cabins in the mountains.
Downsides: you have to drive everywhere, population generally older so young people may feel more isolated, air quality not great, workplaces limited to healthcare and retail primarily unless you commute to Phoenix/Scottsdale/Chandler or work from home.
Pine, AZ
Pine is a perfect weekend or vacation getaway -
5/3/2012Pine is situated very close to Phoenix and just south of Sedona, making it an accessible location. It's really a second home or vacation community. Pine has a lot going for it- amazing scenery and trails for hiking, biking and four wheeling. The air is amazingly clean compared to Phoenix and it smells just like pine! The area really has a lot of potential, especiall if some new shops move in to give it more of a European feel.
Phoenix, AZ
Positive Comments about Phoenix- Metro Area -
2/24/2011Since I moved to the Phoenix-Metro area 12 years ago, I've yet to find a better place to live. I grew up in NYC, lived in Europe and traveled to most states in the U.S. Yet, I've had a tough time finding a better place to live than Phoenix. With Phoenix, there are many, many different neighborhoods, so we cannot generalize it is either all good or all bad. But, I found a good spot for me.
I live in the Northeast Mesa area where every day is like being on vacation. Here's why it's so good:
1. I can hike right out my doorstep
2. I feel safe in my community
3. People are friendly and say hello to each other on the street
4. I'm within a few miles of excellent ethnic restaurants that are not chains
5. I can reach an upscale mall in Scottsdale with a 15 min drive on the freeway if I want to
6. There is work if you look for it. Global companies that are hiring exist here. The people I work with are extremely intelligent & good people.
7. The heat in the summer is long but it's not worse than humidity out East. We have central air, most everyone has access to their own pool or a community pool & the lower cost of living allows us to go on several getaways- up north where it's cooler (Flagstaff, Sedona, Grand Canyon, White Mountains) or drive to California (Big Bear, San Diego).
8. I can BBQ in my backyard almost every day of the year.
9. Weather is good so I can run or bike outside and not even need a gym membership or get fat.
10. Housing:for many, it will be the opportunity to get into a home in a good area that is finally affordable.
11. Good education can be found. Look for the good school districts. My kid attended a charter school that offered an education similar to private schools and she was able to earn a year's worth of college credits for free.
12. I have found the Mexican people to be kind, courteous, respectful and hard-working. In fact, they were here well before any other Americans moved in. Many speak English, have college degrees, work as professionals and raise families. The media doesn't always portray reality,does it?
13. I have found the Mormon people to be excellent neighbors. They are friendly, contribute to society and the well-being of the community.
14. No earthquakes or Midwestern snowstorms
The only population I would not recommend Phoenix-Metro to would be for young single people. There isn't a very strong social scene compared to other major cities & there are very few universities.