New to Arizona - Need advice on Real Estate

[Michael LemMon]

I am highly considering buying a property in Arizona due to significantly lower prices than my current market (San Diego). I am interested in the Scottsdale area and have also heard great things about Chandler & Tempe (and not so great things about Mesa). Any thoughts, recommendations, or general facts on those areas would be appreciated. Some additional facts on my mindset and what I am looking for:

• -I would ideally like to turn this into an investment property down the line, so would like it to be in a good market for that. I will most likely "live" in it to start to qualify for the FHA loan.
• -I like the idea of Scottsdale because the vibrant social scene and baseball stadiums (I'm a male in my 20s and SF Giants fan)
• -I am looking for a single family home (3-4 beds + pool)
• -Ideally would like to keep budget under $500k and from what I've seen that is not very doable in Scottsdale, but seems obtainable in Chandler
• -I've heard Mesa is a dirtier more crime ridden town (which I don't understand if its in between Scottsdale and Chandler)

Morale of the story is I know nothing about AZ and want to invest in a place i wouldn't mind living, but with great rental potential. Please be as brutally honest about these areas or if my expectations are unreasonable. Looking to learn. Thanks~