Expert: Judy Hedding - 5/18/2006

Question
Hi Judy,

Is real estate in the Phoenix area expensive?  I've heard reports that there was rampant inflation of the real estate values.

I was considering moving to AZ because I heard the job market and growth was positive but I am afraid at being forced to buy a very expensive home there which would offset the positive aspects.

Are there any suburbs which are nice but not rip offs real estate wise?  Also can a person easily drive around Phoenix from one place to another or is the traffic horrendous?  I guess I'm afraid of moving to such a big city that I can't afford the housing and will get caught in a traffic jam to and from work etc. Is it easy to make friends there or are the people sick of *outsiders*? Can you describe the situation for me?  I presently live in Rochester, NY.  Thanks for your help.

Best,
Michael

Answer
Hello Michael,

Is real estate in the Phoenix area expensive? I've heard reports that there was rampant inflation of the real estate values.

Some is, and some isn't! Real estate values have risen significantly here in the past few years, but they are levelling off now, and it's more a buyer's market, still at a higher level than a few years ago. If you are coming from an expensive area, like Santa Barbara or Long Island, it will seem very reasonable. If you are coming from Kansas City or a small town, it will not seem so. Don't know about Rochester, or your situation.

Are there any suburbs which are nice but not rip offs real estate wise?

Again, I don't know what you consider a rip-off so that's not possible to answer. The Phoenix metro are is made up of more than 20 cities and towns, including people of all socio-economic strata.

Also can a person easily drive around Phoenix from one place to another or is the traffic horrendous?

It depends what you are used to. If you are from Southern Ca, the traffic won't seem so bad. Many people find the traffic horrendous. The Phoenix area is very spread out, and it is not uncommon for people to spend an hour commuting nowadays.

Is it easy to make friends there or are the people sick of *outsiders*?
Ha! There are so many *outsiders* that at least you can make friends with them. I actually get this question often. I think that people generally find the people here friendly. Personally, I think that people who can make friends anywhere will make friends here, too, and people who are shy and aloof will have trouble anywhere including here.

Here are some links for you to look at:

Home Prices
http://phoenix.about.com/library/blhomepricesQ42005.htm

Commutes
http://phoenix.about.com/library/blcommutesurveyresponse.htm

Forum Threads about Meeting People
http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?msg=5377.1&nav=messages&webtag=ab-phoen...

http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?msg=5403.1&nav=messages&webtag=ab-phoen...

Generally, I recommend you visit the forum and post some of your concerns.
http://phoenix.about.com/mpboards.htm
You have to join to post a question, but it is free and easy to sign up. I recommend that when you ask a question, be as specific as possible—price range, what kind of apartment, how long you are willing to commute, where you'll be working, family, etc. The more specific your question, the more likely you'll get responses.

Good luck!

Judy Hedding
About Phoenix, AZ
http://phoenix.about.com

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