cost of living around Scottsdale?

[ehirsch83]

Hey everyone!

I got an email from a company that I have worked with and they said they have an opening in a few weeks for what I do and they were wondering my pay requirements. Before I give them this, I need to figure out what cost of living is out there!

Can anyone help give an idea? (would be looking to get a 2 bedroom house or townhouse with a fenced in backyard, have 2 dogs) within decent commuting distance to SDL airport for work.

I've been doing some searching online, but am still trying to get a better idea.

[bmccasland]

My experience is a tad old, but Scottsdale zip codes were more expensive than Phoenix zip codes. Also depends where your prospective office is, and how long a commute you're willing to have.

[Crankin]

Compared to other major cities, not so expensive. And when I was there in March, every other house/townhouse was in foreclosure. Values there have gone down about 50%. Not sure if you are looking to rent or buy, but there are some nice condos near the airport. And you are close enough to the Carefree/ Cave Creek area, where it's rural, beautiful, and lots of country roads and hills for riding. Scottsdale is crowded and there's a traffic light every square mile. The example i can give is that the house I sold in 1990 (in south Tempe) for 132,000 was valued at about 600,000 in 2008. It's now worth about 300,000.

[ehirsch83]

Thanks Crankin.

I also talked with a friend who lives there. I agreed to their salary offer if they help with relocation( coming from Florida) so see what they say...

I am iffy though on the lack of greenery. I have lived in Colorado and in New Mexico and I liked Albuquerque, but I did miss greenery a little. Traffic doesn't bother me Florida-the SO and I just want to get back to being somewhere that is more outdoorsy. We really want to go back to CO or up the the PNW but I haven't been able to find a job in those locations yet( I work in private aviation, so it is a small field).

[Crankin]

If you live in north Scottsdale, you will be close enough to "real desert," outdoorsy type areas that you will like. But, being honest, there is a reason that I don't live there anymore. The area is just one big suburban sprawl. But, you are close enough to some really cool stuff for riding, hiking, even skiing. It sounds like a good compromise for you, given that it's hard to find a job in your field.
It just makes me mad that the place I loved was essentially ruined by greedy developers and people who think moving to a warm climate will solve all of their personal problems!

[Dogmama]

Hi Emily,
If you don't mind a drive, you can go to Flagstaff for your greenery. It's north of the Phx area. They have skiing, big trees, etc.

[spokewench]

Thanks Crankin.

I also talked with a friend who lives there. I agreed to their salary offer if they help with relocation( coming from Florida) so see what they say...

I am iffy though on the lack of greenery. I have lived in Colorado and in New Mexico and I liked Albuquerque, but I did miss greenery a little. Traffic doesn't bother me Florida-the SO and I just want to get back to being somewhere that is more outdoorsy. We really want to go back to CO or up the the PNW but I haven't been able to find a job in those locations yet( I work in private aviation, so it is a small field).

It's only 2 hours to Flagstaff - pine trees, 7,000 feet so if you get tired of the desert, just come north!

[Crankin]

+1 for Flagstaff. Sorry i didn't go to NAU!