UPDATED as of May 11, 2011
A lot of out-of-towners have asked me about diversity and the best places to live in Phoenix. They basically want to know where you can find the most black people! Since I'm a native, I'll step up to the plate and offer my thoughts. You readers are welcome to comment - if I'm right on target, let me know! If I'm way off, set me straight!
Here we go ...
Laveen - I would move there for the affordability, the proximity to downtown Phoenix and the potential. I live just east of Laveen (in south Phoenix) and homes are very affordable. Great homes from 1300 sq. ft. and up. Shopping centers, restaurant and entertainment venues are coming, but right now Laveen has little night life.
You'll find a diverse community here - African American, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, Caucasian, etc.
South Phoenix - You gotta pick your spots in south Phoenix! Some neighborhoods are beautiful, safe and affordable. Some of the more expensive, upscale neighborhoods offer great views of the Valley and they are safe. And then some of the neighborhoods ... uhhh ... wow ... hmmmm ... how do I say this in a nice way? Let's just say that you don't want to be caught dead in these neighborhoods after 8 p.m.!
I live in South Phoenix and I am proud of it. You can't beat the affordability, the proximity to downtown Phoenix and the potential. For the most part, the people are down-to-earth and friendly.
You can find affordable homes, shopping centers, restaurants and entertainment venues, but South Phoenix definitely has much room to grow.
The schools are the main drawback. Sorry to say ... I will probably send my kids to private school.
You'll find a diverse community here - African American, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, Caucasian, etc. South Phoenix was once considered the "black part of town," but I think the Hispanic population is taking over.
However, South Phoenix is home to the majority of African Americans in the Valley.
Central Phoenix - Is my top choice for single people (no matter what race you are). If you move to central Phoenix, you'll be living near many of the cultural festivals, theatres, museums, nightclubs, live music spots, unique restaurants, historical landmarks and of course, the Light Rail. I advise all single people who move here to start out in central Phoenix and once you get comfortable in the Valley, then consider moving out to the suburbs. Some parts of central Phoenix are gorgeous, some parts are not very flattering ... you have to do your research before settling into your home. Please visit cenpho.com to learn more about all that central Phoenix has to offer! Great Website!
Chandler (or Gilbert) - Is my top choice for families. Great place to live and the homes are definitely affordable. Chandler has everything that a family would need - malls, restaurants, great schools, parks, etc. It's close to major companies like Intel, Freescale, etc. But Chandler is really spread out so you have to be careful. You could end up buying a home on the border of Mexico if you go too far south.
The East Valley does not have much diversity but more and more minorities are moving into Chandler and Gilbert.
Scottsdale - If you're a big-time golfer, Scottsdale is heaven. I love the nightlife in the Old Town area. Scottsdale is also home to my favorite Mexican restaurant - the Old Town Tortilla Factory! However, I've found that many Scottsdale residents are superficial and self-absorbed. There's a Website called Scottsdale-Sucks.com that will give you all the reasons not to move there. Scottsdale has little diversity and I think it will stay that way for many years to come.
Glendale - If you live in north Glendale, you'll be fine.
You'll be close to major stadiums - Arizona Cardinals and Phoenix Coyotes. The nightlife is definitely getting better because of Westgate City Center and the Arrowhead district. Westgate City Center is a good home for those who are looking for an urban lifestyle - nice condos, restaurants, shopping, entertainment and sports venues all in one spot!
You'll also find that Glendale has everything that a family needs. Parks, malls, good schools, up-and-coming nightlife, restaurants, movie theatres - you'll get a great bang for your buck if you buy a home there - especially in the Arrowhead area.
I've found that the races seem to stick together in Glendale. The Hispanic population seems to have gravitated to the southern portion of Glendale and there's more diversity in the northern sector (but whites dominate here).
Peoria or Surprise - Too far out for me. Homes are affordable and big, schools are great, it's a haven for families.
Not much diversity here.
Northern Phoenix - Anthem/Boulder Creek was made for families. Great schools, affordable homes, more entertainment/restaurants are coming, but I read and saw news reports a year ago about the land not being stable. Owners are finding huge cracks in their homes and I've seen them with my own eyes. Bad cracks! Ask your realtor about the land that your house is built on.
Not much diversity here.
Goodyear, Avondale, Buckeye, Queen Creek, Fountain Hills, Maricopa ... they're just too far out for me, but these towns are also great for families. Not much diversity in these places though.
Obviously, I couldn't cover every nook and cranny in the Valley because there are too many little towns to name! If you have any suggestions on good or bad neighborhoods in the Phoenix metro area, let me know!
Also, if you want to specific information on home prices, I encourage you to contact local real estate professionals - the Arizona Association of Real Estate Brokers is a good place to start.
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