Moving to Arizona? 5 Things to Research Before You Move to the East Valley

We help people relocate to Arizona's East Valley all the time. Sunshine, great communities and plenty of things to do draw buyers from all over the country. But the families who love their move most are the ones who did their homework first.

Watch the Full Video Here

Here are the five things we tell every buyer to research before they make the move.

1. Your commute

Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler and Queen Creek sit close together on a map, but drive times can be very different. A home that looks like a quick trip to work on a Sunday afternoon can feel much farther at 7:30 on a Tuesday morning.

Before you choose where to live, drive your actual route during rush hour. Check the trip to work, school and anywhere else you'll go often.

2. Arizona summers

Arizona summers are no joke, and how a home handles the heat affects your comfort and your budget. When you tour homes, ask:

• What are the average summer electric bills?
• How old is the AC unit, and has it been serviced?
• How well does the home handle triple-digit temperatures? Look at insulation, window quality and which way the home faces.

These answers can save you from surprise repair costs and high utility bills in your first summer.

3. New build or resale

The East Valley has plenty of new construction, and new builds can come with attractive builder incentives. Just make sure you understand what you're getting.

Ask about upgrades, landscaping, window coverings and what's actually included in the base price. A resale home may come with a finished yard, mature trees and established neighborhoods. The right choice depends on your priorities, timeline and budget.

4. Look beyond the mortgage

Your monthly payment is only part of the cost of owning a home. Before you commit, factor in:

• HOA fees
• Property taxes
• Homeowners insurance
• Extra costs for pools, pool service and community amenities

These can vary a lot from one community to the next, so compare the full monthly picture, not just the list price.

5. Your lifestyle

The best neighborhood is the one that fits how you live. Think about your favorite activities, parks and trails, shopping, restaurants, and access to health care. Make a list of the amenities you want close to home, then look for communities that check those boxes.

Find your place in the East Valley

The East Valley has so many wonderful communities, but the best fit depends on your needs and your budget. You don't have to figure it out alone.

Thinking about moving to Arizona? Send us a message. 

We're Kim and Becky with Keller Williams Integrity First Realty, and we'd love to help you find your place in the East Valley.

https://www.nowsellingazhomes.com/connect