I lived in Glendale for over 23 years and had no porblems...I'm not saying **** didn't happen in my area...you just dont make yourself a target and thats in any neighborhood...
Cities and counties for decades have used airial photographs to enforce potential zoning violations ( in addition to complaints ). Now they have, the professional version of google earth where they can count the hairs on your dog in your back yard. Years ago at a car club meeting, one guy there was telling everyone how he was getting aroudn the rules by being crafty, putting up a higher fence, planting trees and oleanders, etc. He was, somewhat, boasting how he could outsmart the city and get away with it. I raised my hand and asked him " Are you aware that they use airial photography to monitor those kinds of things?". Well, his jaw dropped open right in front of the whole group and his face got a little red. I was much younger than him and he felt pretty bad. That was not my intent, I just dod not want him fooling others into thinking the same thing. Later, he ended up tearing down his deal and buying a commercial shop to do his body work and painting, restorations etc. Don't think the city is stupid, that is very naive. ANYONE can make a complaint to the county or city. they do not have to be a neighbor. It can be someone who lives 1,000 miles away. Where they live has nothing to do with if you are in compliance to zoning rules or not. So, you can be the best to all your neighbors and it means little if you push the rules. I learned this over and over for years living in the cities and suburbs until I finally and wisely, decided to move to where I can do what I want to do without issues from the city.county. Just presenting some facts for you guys to help out. I had a buddy in Glendale who built a 1 1/2 car shop in his back yard. I go over to see it and he built the darn thing about a foot from his prop line! I asked him how he got a permit to do that? He told me he would not need one because he talked to his neighbors and they do not mind. I told him he was fooling himself.\ sure enough, sometime later, the city found out about it and he had to tear the whole thing down. You will not be fooling anyone. Just trying to help.Guys, just be sure you know what you are getting into, what is allowed and what is not. Many push the rules and some get away with it but, to me, that is not worth it.
Here's another vote for Tempe. I'm in South Tempe. I'm in a small subdivision that does not have an HOA, does have alleys and real mail boxes - not a cluster mail box! There's several car guys in my neighborhood. If you look for a house with an alley then you should be good to go.
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