Tell me about Phoenix (Tolleson)AZ

[lgb240]

Hi everyone,

I'm going for an interview early next month for a management position in Tolleson, AZ. If hired, it would involve a relocation to this area.

I'd like to be proactive and get a jist of the area. I'm hoping to get some input from local residents - generally what it's like, what are housing prices like, cost of living, things to do, ect.

I'd be looking at areas around and up to about a 1/2 hour commute. I've searched the web and it looks like as though foreclosures are the norm. I've also searched our forum and have read through a few Phoenix posts - some are more than a couple of years old. I know a lot has changed over the last few years. The web generally gives the glossy, all is rosey look - I'm looking for the inside scoop from people living there.

So, with Tolleson as a work place, where would a good place to call home be? I'm single, (not concerned about schools and such) early 40's, fairly active and outdoorsy, love cars and all things automotive as a hobby.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.
lgb240

[Rick Lee]

Tolleson is just about the westernmost suburb of Phoenix. There's no shortage of anything you'll need there, tons of shopping, big box stores, good highways and close to some major crossroads if headed to LA or SD. You could live well north or east of Tolleson and your commutes would be going against traffic on the 101 Loop or I-10, respectively. You'll have to come check it out to see if you like the vibe. I don't think I could live there. But you sure can get a lot of house for your money.

[John Rogers]

Well you'll be close to PIR for driving events, Cabellas is on the west side, Bass Pro Shops on the east side and Dillon is on the east side so lots of neat things to visit. Get used to everyone having guns, guns, guns and do NOT speed as they have those radar cameras. Finally it gets HOT, but it is a dry heat!

My racing buddy Ted moved there years ago, left in the beginning of May to visit Europe and take in 4 months of F1 races. He was back for only 3 weeks when his wife said she couldn't stand it and they moved back to San Diego! I was surprised when he told me his utility bills were the same there as here in the San Diego area although there he used the A/C all the time and ran the pool system where here he only uses the A/C now and then?

[Arizona_928]

My mom works for tolleson unified school district. it's better then south phoenix i guess, but not by much. When I played against those school my senior year of highschool. I got death threats from other players.

[motion]

I had properties in Litchfield Park and was there often. It was a great idea and started off beautifully, but the low-life's have moved in and ruined the place. I wouldn't go there again. No way.

[Hugh R]

If its in the Phoenix Valley, its effing hot in the Summer, at Midnight, it can still be 100 degrees F.

[Mrmerlin]

dont forget about the Haboobs

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=7&ved=0CFcQtwIwBg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D8vQ MuwRjI6s&ei=4NGkTtuAJummsQLK3NzGBQ&usg=AFQjCNFXU5A5YblxICwuTiGGszXTsKwjDw&sig2=DACCIJ6YMOB7nfU_rrkP1w

[tweezers74]

I love Phoenix and Arizona! I have lived here most of my life which is unusual because most people are transplants. But I don't know much about Tolleson. It is on the west side and I live on the east side. Never venture much out to the west side. Don't ever hear that great of things about it although supposedly it did ge better with the housing boom but when that went bust, can't imagine what it is like now. But yes, you would be able to get a lot of house for your money.

And it is hot but not for long... And it is absolutely gorgeous the rest of the year. Golf, spring training a plus during the beautiful months. CA isn't too long of a drive and always have cheap flights from Phoenix. I love it here... Although my love for the ocean is pulling me towards CA.

[RANDY P]

stay clear of Mesa.

rjp

[Joeaksa]

Look on the outskirts. South Phoenix is gang city so not a nice place.

Been here 10 years now and love it. Yes its hot but hot is better than shoveling show or ice. Now when its chilly elsewhere we have the top down on the car or riding the motorcycle in January wearing a t-shirt...

[Rick Lee]

I'm riding up to UT next weekend. This place is great for being within riding distance of all kind of amazing national parks. I plan to ride through Zion, Canyonlands, Arches and Monument Valley. I'll take a few mos. of furnace-like weather for what we have now for the next eight mos.

[JavaBrewer]

It takes a special person to live in PHX. Weather in Nov will be fantastic. If you take the job definitely hold on committing (buying) until you have experienced a full 12 month season. I love the desert and we hit up a JW resort in Scottsdale every year around this time but I could never put up with the oppressive heat PHX sees June-Oct. YMMV. Definitely listen to Rick and Joe about PHX suburbs.

[Rick Lee]

Paging Eric Coffey. He lives in the west Valley, closer to Tolleson than the rest of us. Gas is pretty cheap here, but you can really rack up the miles because the distances are vast. I work from home and still manage 800-1000 miles a month on just my bike. My wife works 10 min. from the house and she easily puts 1000 miles a month on her car. Tolleson is definitely commutable from some good areas because you'd be going against the crowd. But you need to do some research. Come out here with a map and do some exploring. When I first came here to explore, I made sure to be on the roads during rush hour so I could see what it was really like. And though they complain about it a lot here, it's a ghost town compared to DC-area traffic, which was my metric.

[madmmac]

I have a 2nd home in Avondale. If you are going to be working in Tolleson, Surprise(down the 303), Goodyear, Avondale are all viable options to the West. As Rick said, to the East you have to get past South Phoenix prior to shopping, and with the + of going against most of the commute traffic. The freeways and traffic here are no comparison to the Seattle area.

North Peoria (Arrowhead) is nice but you would be pushing the 30 minute commute time down the 101 during rush hour.

You have a plus in that you know where you are going to be working. You just need to decide what are the other things you like and the proximity of those.

From my place we can be at 5 different spring training facilities in 30 minutes or less, a couple in about 10 minutes. PIR is about 10 minutes away. Golf courses everywhere. U of Phoenix Stadium is about 15 minutes away, 2015 Super Bowl and 2015 BCS Championship game!!...nice.

Personally, I would not buy a place without a pool.

Here is a web site that you may find handy.... My Neighborhood - Brought to you by azcentral.com

Good luck,

[DonDavis]

I've lived in Mesa since '93. Love it and will most likely always have some sort of a residence here. Close to lakes (Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake, Roosevelt Lake) and higher elevations are only 1 hour north to Payson and the Mogollon Rim ( Willow Springs Lake, Woods Canyon Lake ) with tons of camping, fishing, hunting, etc...) Housing is plentiful, prices are all over the spectrum. Mesa gets a bad rap because it has a large Mormon population. However, I've been in my current place since '07 and no Mormons have knocked on my door. Jehovah's Witness, tho? Almost weekly.

However, Mesa is too far east for your consideration. The downtown Phx area has really improved in the last decade. I'd live there ( certain areas ) without question. It's going to be tough to stick to your 30 min commute. I did the same as Rick, drove around during rush hour. But that was back in '93. The freeways were nonexistent. It sucked going anyplace. Now? Completely different and improved. Lots complain, but complaining is normal anyplace you go.

Weather is hot in the summer, but we don't have the things that come with moisture. Bug, gnats, bugs, swamp ass, bugs and mold. We do have scorpions and cactus. Big deal. Never been stung and it's mainly an issue with infants (<6 months) and elderly folks with breathing issues.

In the above, what I meant to say was "It sucks here, don't come, go to Kalifornia instead. It's the land of milk and honey over there. Just ask them."

[RANDY P]

AZ traffic in general is nothing compared to other areas. The only real holdups are because of car wrecks. It isn't that bad.

I came from Seattle- now THAT's traffic.

rjp

[lgb240]

Thanks everyone for their contributions - there's some great information to digest here.

I've been to this area for work, but this was more than 12 years ago. I had to drive from Albuquerque, New Mexico to the Phoenix area (stayed a few days) then on to Los Angeles. I thought that Phoenix and Scottsdale where quite nice, the weather was great (it was February), and I always thought that I might like to have some type of retirement property here. I know that a couple of days driving through and actually living there leaves miles of speculations and unknowns.

I'd be leaving behind Southern Ontario winters (can't tell you how much it will suck here in the next few months) and Toronto / GTA suburb traffic (which sucks even more, especially in the winter)

Please keep the information coming ... the more the better, and thanks to everyone so far

[Rick Lee]

Scottsdale to Tolleson would be a tough commute. Bear in mind, they ALWAYS have major road closures on weekends here. They're usually in the west Valley, which makes the 101 hell in those parts. I live about 500' north of the Phoenix line and probably two miles west of the Scottsdale line and I wouldn't want to make a commute to Tolleson.

[Joeaksa]

Agree with Rick and thats why I mentioned looking on the West and South side. The highway idiots close something every frigging weekend and you really have to stay on top of it otherwise you are stuck taking normal streets for the drive.

There are some nice places out that way, just need to take alook and talk with people living in that area.

[Joeaksa]

Also,

Look at the photos on this thread, then look at the ones from Arizona. No snow unless you want it and never have to rake leaves again...

It's Fall!