We were in Iowa and the lover had a job offer in Kansas City and in CO. We picked CO. I say this with all due respect all the wonderful people here that live there but KC isn't exactly pretty. Yeah Phoenix has alot of turd brown houses that do what they can to blend into the environment but the desert really can be gorgeous. Even the freeways are pretty. Pay no attention to the Indians they shoved to the side to build them, they certainly pay homage to the culture in the cement walls.

If you'd have took the cuddle to the next level the rails would have been there, probably off your ass. But I'm damn glad you got out when you did...

Ridin tha rails...
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Labeling an entire city as something is just not possible in Phoenix. There are way too many bad/nice pockets in every city, including Scottsdale (south Scottsdale). We live just north of Avondale and while I would say the majority (>50%) of Avondale is not desirable (most south of the 1-10), there are great communities that make up north Avondale and the area we are in which is Litchfield Park, located just north/east of Avondale.

Finding a house should be decided by your commute most likely. Before we moved to Phoenix everyone suggested Chandler/Gilbert but we both had jobs in the West Valley. Unless you like spending hours in the car and hundreds of extra dollars in gas, looking for something that fits your budget that isn't a far commute can be done in every part of the valley. I would never suggest to anyone who hasn't been to Phoenix to completely cross off an entire city in Phoenix from the list. Just explore the good areas for what you want/can afford that is relatively close to work. My wife and I each commute 30 minutes each way because we wanted to live in Litchfield Park.

Budget has a lot to do with it too. Our friends bought a house in south Scottsdale in 2012 while we just bought 4 months ago here in 2014. They paid 20k more, for 500 less sq/ft, for a house that is 50 years older and doesn't have a pool. They've had major problems with the house but wanted to be in Scottsdale but couldn't afford anything more than something in South Scottsdale. They valued central location, while we valued house/space, schools and less crime.

Message to the OP. Explore every area you can. Phoenix is unique in that you can find great/bad things in all parts of the valley and in every city. Everyone wants to bash on the West Valley because in large part, the bad pockets of Phoenix are on the west side. But until you see how gigantic the valley area is, there really is no need to worry once you know the location of these areas. They make up a much smaller portion of the city than people realize.

Ahwatukee is in southern Phoenix and presents a fair commute to anywhere major like downtown (Chase Field, US Airways Center) or Scottsdale. Getting to the west side (Univ. of Phoenix Stadium, Jobing.com Arena) is way the **** out there and it smells like Lewdog.

There a 3 or 4 hospitals within 20 miles (est) of Ahwatukee though.

ROFL

I'm an ok dude, I swear! I do like being by Westgate (10 minutes) for the NHL, concerts, NFL and the restaurants there. Usually something going on there when guests are in town. We've gone to Suns/Dbacks games from our house during the week at rush hour and it takes exactly 30 minutes because most of the traffic is heading away from central Phoenix at that time. I'm cool with that.

101, 10, 51,17,202, etc.
If you're coming here look into working from home...

Lol everyone has different tastes. We like CO but we don't care much for it. KC isn't beautiful by any means but we love it. Phoenix is a possibility mainly due to the heat and swimming year-round. But it's tough because KC is home and home to the Chiefs, KU next door, and the Royals. I wanna be able to take my kids to all the games and for them to enjoy what I got to enjoy growing up. As good as a father as I am I will not take my kids to any D-backs or Cards games lol. Yuck. :)

Don't forget about Spring Training. Can get real close to the players.

I haven't been out there (Scottsdale) to see my Brother in probably 10 years or so but I recall it being fairly nice. He and his Wife make in the 6 figures each year - so I don't get the $30,000 millionaire thing, but I'm sure that there are a lot of poseurs there.

Hell, look at OP and Olathe - I would say that there might be the same vibe in both OP and Olathe ( funny, I live in Olathe......)

Ya I'm excited to come out there, more then likely going to move, this is basically like a scouting trip.

That was my point. I lived in GoodYear and Avondale back in the early 60s - they were damn fine cities back then. But, like anything else, the times change. Funny thing - My Sister had a good friend that lived in Scottsdale (back then) that was Dean Martin's hair dresser. That was back in the day when the folks from Hollyweird kept houses there....

Do yourself a favor and eat at Pinnacle Peak Patio. Mammoth steaks, cooked over an open fire (outside). Old west vibe. Iconic Phoenix restaurant. Overlooking the city lights. On a summer night it is fantastic. If you are bringing the kid, there is a shoot out ala Tombstone, can dress up as old west and have a 'vintage' photo taken and some shit to look at.

If you wear a tie, they will cut if off and hang it from the ceiling. There are thousands of ties hanging in there, everywhere.

They just sold out to a real estate developer as it sits on PRIME real estate so it will be closing, but not before July.

Do not let this opportunity pass you by. It's in N. Scottsdale.

Where should we live if we decide Overland Park? We'll likely rent first then look for a house but anything we should look out for or go for?

Just Google Scottsdale sucks.com. It will explain way better than I could