Need some advice on Phoenix

[Bibbs]

Looking at some areas in Phoenix-Mesa,Gilbert,Chandler and Suprise. Any opinions on these areas. We are into dirtbiking,golfing and of course boatin. Which is the best lakes to go and how far away are they? We are more into trailriding than motocross but how far to both.Looks like golf is everywhere no matter what area.Thanks for any advice. Will be going in Feb to look around.

[SPBFAN]

Are you moving to PHX?

[Bibbs]

lookin at possibly half time to get away from really cold winters.

[kottenmouth21]

East Valley or N Phx

If you buy in the East Valley you have 3 lakes within 30-45min...Saguaro, Canyon and Apache lake...then Lake Roosevelt is about 1.15 from the East Valley. It is a huge lake!! Very nice, great water.

Cant forget about Havasu either...about 3-4 hrs from Phx.

[Pro-Fab]

We personally go to Apache on a regular basis but you have to take apache trail to get their and it sucks because its a washboard dirt road that will make your boat super dirty. We are taking a liking to roosevelt lake,s north side, the water is pretty calm in most of the coves on that side of the lake. Saguaro and canyon get really windy and too many stupid people who have no regaurd for other boaters or the law.

[Pro-Fab]

oh yes Apache is really nice because most people dont like to go there because the road. And the scenery is the best peice of scenery in Arizona...Period.

and roosevelt is very large so even if there are other boaters it is easy to stay away from everyone else.

[Paublo]

The mentioned lakes are great if you're living in the east valley area- Mesa, Tempe, Chandler or Gilbert. If you're Scottsdale then there is Bartlet Lake. For Phoenix, Glendale, or Peoria you are closest to Lake Pleasant. All are very busy on the weekends and ok on weekdays.

I did alot of trail riding out from the north or NW part of town- many great ride spots, but there probably is the same from the east valley. I would pick the area to live based on where work is to reduce the drive/commute time. That leaves more time to boat and ride.

[Bibbs]

Thanks guys that helps out. Just one more bit of help-which areas and districts are good to live in (condo). Mesa,gilbert,suprise,chandler and ahwaukee.Anything or any area I should stay away from. Work will not factor into it. Thanks for any advice.

[quick]

Bibbs,

I live in Mesa. We normally always go to Saguaro. Early Morning, Late afternoon, and weekdatys you can normally find good water....contrary to what others might say. You can't beat a boating season that is as long as you care to make it.

You also have awesome trail systems out by Saguaro. I dirt bike myself and you literally have miles upon miles of trails for all ability levels close by at Sycamore / Four peaks area. There are many other trail systems around the valley. Not to mention Glamis is a few short hours away. I will never leave AZ! Ever!

[quick]

Motocross track right by Saguaro also....

[Bibbs]

Hey Quick thanks. One more question for ya-what areas in mesa should I stay away from. We are looking in the Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler areas. Appreciate some thoughts you have. Thanks

[quick]

The further East you are in Mesa the better off you are. Your realtor will be able to fill you in. There are some ghetto pockets in Mesa, but really nice homes more to the East (The further east you are the closer you are to the lake, trails, track). Gilbert and Chandler are nice also. If I were to move again in the near future, I would probably move to Chandler, just because it is closer to my office.

[kottenmouth21]

Agree!!!

Hey Bibbs, Quick is absolutely correct.
I live in Gilbert, near Mesa. The further East you go the better in Mesa. They actually call it East Mesa, some beautiful homes that aren’t "tracky" looking like a lot of developments in AZ. Saguaro is a smaller lake and gets really busy in the summer weekends, if you don’t arrive to the lake sometimes by 10-11am they will make you sit in the holding tank about a mile from the lake on a asphalt parking lot for 1+ hours. Don’t forget it could be over a 100 degrees in the air. If you store your boat at the marina dry or wet dock, you can go anytime and launch. It can get crazy with amateur boaters on a crowded lake so be aware.

As I mentioned before there is also Canyon Lake, beautiful tall canyon rock walls lining the lake, Apache (never been because of the rough road to get there) and Roosevelt. Perfect family lake, huge, clean water and amazing views. About 1.15 hrs away from East Valley.

[Bibbs]

Thanks Is Gilbert and Chandler the same-further East the better. What about Apache Junction or Dobson Ranch area? Thanks again

[kottenmouth21]

SoSo

I would call Gilbert & Chandler "spotty"....good and run down area's here and there. You can tell by looking at the area.

I know there are some nice homes in AJ and also a lot of trailer parks... I think a lot of snow birds live in AJ. Its an area to buy if you want a little land on your lot and no HOA's. AJ is super close to both Saguaro and Canyon Lake.

Not so sure about Dobson Ranch, maybe someone else can comment.