I live in North Central Phoenix. Just off the 51 highway. It only takes me 15 max to the airport. Traffic is only bad mid morning and late afternoon. The area is great, and the market has gone down a bit, so it is real good time to buy. I hate the summers. If I didn't fly for a living I would not live here, no way! It makes it better that I can get away. The winters are wonderful, and can be cold too, believe it or not. Everyone lives out in the East Valley. I would stay away from there. Way, way too conjested. Central Phoenix is great, the light rail is almost done. Finally there will be a sense of a real city, community, etc. You can stay at the Twin Palms by ASU. 5 minutes from airport. They offer a 40.00 to all airline I believe. Not the nicest place, but cheap, and good area of Tempe. Hope that helps!