Apt complex recommendations

Because there are hundreds of options in all of those towns that you have suggested....perhaps your best bet might be to work with a local PHX real estate agent. They can help you first narrow your search, by identifying your priorities (e.g., what school district you want to be in - if you would do public school, your price range, features - is a pool and a playground on site at the complex mandatory, do you need a W/D provided in-unit, etc.)....
Then, b/c so many different apartments went "condo" in our real estate boom several years ago, now there are lots of condos (which are really apt complexes) - loaded with amenities, that are being sub-let and rented out by either the complex (b/c they didn't sell all of them as condos), or by the agent representing the owner.....

When I first moved to the area, I knew I'd be buying a house, but my employer was paying for 2 mo. of apt while I figured out where I wanted to live. I got a real estate agent (since I was doing this from Boston), never had to pay her a penny (her commission was paid by the lessor, not me, the lessee), and she sent me some wonderful options....and it worked out perfectly!!!

enjoy!

Happy2BMommy, is a stay-at-home mom who just turned 40 (argh!) with a 6 yr. old daughter and a 4 yr. old son, and is a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com living in Scottsdale.

Because there are hundreds of options in all of those towns that you have suggested....perhaps your best bet might be to work with a local PHX real estate agent. They can help you first narrow your search, by identifying your priorities (e.g., what school district you want to be in - if you would do public school, your price range, features - is a pool and a playground on site at the complex mandatory, do you need a W/D provided in-unit, etc.)....
Then, b/c so many different apartments went "condo" in our real estate boom several years ago, now there are lots of condos (which are really apt complexes) - loaded with amenities, that are being sub-let and rented out by either the complex (b/c they didn't sell all of them as condos), or by the agent representing the owner.....

When I first moved to the area, I knew I'd be buying a house, but my employer was paying for 2 mo. of apt while I figured out where I wanted to live. I got a real estate agent (since I was doing this from Boston), never had to pay her a penny (her commission was paid by the lessor, not me, the lessee), and she sent me some wonderful options....and it worked out perfectly!!!

enjoy!

Happy2BMommy, is a stay-at-home mom who just turned 40 (argh!) with a 6 yr. old daughter and a 4 yr. old son, and is a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com living in Scottsdale.

I live in Mesa, and I've only lived in two different apartment complexes. Right now, we're living at The Moorings. It's pretty close to the 202, 60 and the 101. It's been a while since we've looked around, as we've lived here since December 2003, but I wouldn't doubt that it's still one of the largest floorplans you can find for the current price. We've got close to 1200 sq. ft. and we only pay $800 a month, but we live downstairs. The upstairs units cost more, especially if you account for your electric bills, because they have vaulted ceilings, so it just plain & simply takes more electric to heat & cool the place. If you do go this route, definitely select a unit in the front or the back of the complex. The units in the middle seem to have more issues than the rest of the complex for some reason. Maybe check out this website for more info/reviews:

http://www.apartmentratings.com/rate/AZ-Mesa-Moorings.html

Depending on where you want to live will make a huge difference. If you are working in Phoenix (west or central) I would suggest looking in North Phoenix for an apartment you will save time and gas on a commute rather than if you live on the east side. Your best bet is to google rent.com and look there. Also (just to keep in mind) last year I spent approx. $1000 a month on a 3 bedroom condo (approx 1200-1400 sq ft) and was able to find a 3 bedroom + den home (approx 1400-1600 sq ft) with a backyard (small but still a backyard) for $1200 a month. It was a no brainer to up and more. Also if you are set on certain school districts I live in the DVUSD and my kids attend a fantastic rated school. Just some other options to consider. I would look on AZcentral.com or google houses for rent in AZ to find a home.

Good luck!

"It's not to late to become who you've always wanted to be..."

There are alot of really nice apt complexes in the East Valley. Awatukee/Chandler area is really nice.

also the housing market out here is in a HUGE slump. You can probably find an affordable house. It's a buyers market.

DD 3 years old EDD #2 C/S sched for 6/9/08.