Glendale, Arizona

Many of the advantages of Phoenix and Scottsdale without the price tag. And, they have lots and lots of antique shops. People are surprised when they visit and get a more historic vibe than much of the Phoenix area.

Here's a local's point of view on living here:
Glendale is a good town to be in, it has everything good and bad you need to experience life. If some body who’s renting in Scottsdale and leasing a bare bones bmw thinks there hotshit so be it. If some Mormon in Gilbert thinks there safer and more cultured then me cause they have a “downtown” then so be it. But everywhere you go in metro Phoenix area is pretty much the same except for street signs and area codes.

Unemployment is high (but Phoenix is close-- 20 minutes). So let's go with the insufferable Arizona desert heat.

Here's a locals note on the heat:
Been living here since 1999. When I was at ASU I used to walk/bike to classes. Sure it kind of sucked, but it was bearable. You don't feel like you're being roasted alive. It's different now.

Glendale is part of the Phoenix Metro Area so you’ll be just outside of Phoenix..

North Glendale is home to what are considered the good neighborhoods. These are affluent, suburban neighborhoods near parks, shopping and job hubs that draw many families, business executives and professional athletes. It’s a higher-education hub as well. This neighborhood is centrally located on metro Phoenix’s west side. Freeway access is easy.

West Deer Valley, Union Hills Drive, College Park, North Litchfield, and West Augusta are some of the safest neighborhoods in the Glendale, AZ area.

Arrowhead Ranch, West Pinnacle Peak, and Sunset Vista are some of the best neighborhoods in Glendale for education.

Westgate, Arrowhead Ranch, and Arrowhead Lakes are considered prime locations and upscale. Westgate has some nightlife and is better for younger people. Arrowhead Ranch and Arrowhead Lakes are planned communities that are known for being family friendly. Arrowhead Ranch is one of the West Valley’s most sought-after addresses. Built on acres of orange groves, the community has million-dollar homes and a country club and golf courses. A large shopping center and hospital can be found here, too. Loop 101 runs through this area.

Westgate Entertainment District, is a bustling complex with casual restaurants and sports bars, plus open-air shopping at specialty stores. Rock concerts and NHL hockey games take place at Gila River Arena, while the neighboring State Farm Stadium hosts the Arizona Cardinals NFL team.

Hillcrest Ranch is sandwiched between two large preserve areas. Homes are newer here and on bigger lots. There’s still room for new development here.

There are complaints about Downtown seeing rising crime and homelessness but the historic districts, Old Town and Catlin Court are charming and popular areas where antique shops and boutiques are plentiful. Downtown Glendale also boasts a Broadway theater, space center, and botanical garden.