Help Me Choosing a New Place to Live

Yes, definitely ask the police station. They can give you statistics of crime in the area you are moving. Keep in mind, some vandalism, car and home break-ins, and domestic calls will happen in any community. The police will have a first hand knowledge of good and bad areas. They will be happy to help you!! I would recommend you stay away from anywhere that a person says, "Some roaches." Roaches come in large numbers, if they are alive there are more then some in the buildings.

I'm going to be really honest, if a person says they won't help you or anything else, because of where you choose to live...I don't think that person in a true friend. Perhaps, you can find a nice place near public transportation, so that you can get your groceries without her help.

Hi! Your posts are always so sweet and thought provoking, I wish I could help you...
Speaking with the police is perfectly fine, they'll be frank and can give you information you can truly use.
Have you spoken to university housing? They too can be a wealth of information. I guess that depends on the college though.
Have you considered looking for some kind of live in position? They aren't the easiest to come by but it would solve your housing and money problems. Check Craigslist often! I've been considering getting a caretaker for a while and I'd hire you just based on your posts!
If you are unsure of a neighborhood, go by a few times at different times and see what it is like.
Good luck!

Consulting the police actually sounds like a good idea to me. You could contact them and ask, "I'm moving into the area and don't know much about it. Can you tell me what the safest neighborhoods are?"

Since you're unfamiliar with the area, it may be a profitable thing for you to talk to a real estate agent who specializes in rentals. No apartment and no neighborhood is going to be perfect. One thing to do is to take a look at the neighborhood itself. Are there children playing outdoors happily? Are there a lot of bars on windows or doors? Do the streets and the yards look as if the people who live there take some pride in their properties and in the neighborhood?

If you're a church-goer, you might look for a good church first, and ask the people there for suggestions about where to live.

Roaches... I don't know. Roaches sort of come with Arizona, don't they? Does everyone have to deal with them?

Just thoughts.

Hi,
There is no perfect and cheap place. Hurry up. Students (and we have 60000 for ASU) start reserve their spots. You will find out that some good place are already booked. You will have to make a decision by yourself, make a list of must and want. Train in Tempe horns at night near major crossroads. Will it bother you? I have never heard that someone have roaches. Brr... Do you need to be close to ASU? If not it could be cheaper. If yes, try this apartments. I have 3 postdoc family who lived there. I am not sure about the price, but it should not be bad. I have visited my friend there. Apartments were clean. hope it will help. If you have doubts, try to make a lease for 6 month instead of a year. Good luck.
Rancho Las Palmas
1249 E. Spence, Tempe, AZ 85281
###-###-####

Defnitly check with the local police station! They know the truth about their neighborhood. Have your freind with the car take you to speak with them so you can both hear the answers 1st hand.

You might also want to speak with a real estate agent that handles rentals. They may know where the hidden gems are.

Good luck!

Unfortunately, the cheaper the price, the more problems you'll have. Is there any way you qualify for public assistance. I think it would be worth a try. You must keep you and your kids safe!