Where should I live in Phoenix, AZ?

July 27, 2010 6:17 PM

Where should I live in Phoenix?

My boyfriend and I are moving to Phoenix in a week. We are currently trying to decide where to live. He wants to be near the light rail and cool restaurants; I want a condo with a swimming pool in the complex in an area that is relatively safe. We are looking to spend about $700-950.00 a month for a two bedroom condo/townhouse.

We would appreciate any suggestions as far as neighborhoods or complexes to consider. I have my eye on a Pointe Tapatio condo in North Phoenix, but I am willing to consider any area that meets the about criteria. We are especially interested in Central Phoenix, Scottsdale and perhaps Tempe.

Also, is the rental market pretty tight in Phoenix? We are moving from Providence (RI), so it would be good to know if the rental market is as tight as it is on the East coast. Thank you!

posted by Ylajali to Grab Bag (24 answers total)

If you want to be near the lightrail, cool shops, bars and restaurant, you'll have to live in central/downtown Phoenix, preferably in the historic districts of Garfield or Roosevelt ... maybe even Coronado (where you're still likely to find some smoking deals on rentals.) Not that there aren't cool shops, etc., in North Phoenix but they aren't on the light rail.

You'll find the rental market here tighter than it was, say, before the housing crisis hit but it is nothing, and I mean nothing like you'd find on the east coast. I live in Central Phoenix, a quick ride to the light rail, have a condo-style apartment with all the amenities (pool, check; washer/dryer in unit, check; fitness center, check) and pay well within your range for a 2-bedroom. I am woman, live alone and feel really safe here (but then again, I'm from Brooklyn).

I could go on a ton about Phoenix because after a shaky start, I love it here! Mefimail me if you'd like. Also check out: Downtown Phoenix Journal.
posted by notjustfoxybrown at 6:29 PM on July 27, 2010

I don't know how the rental market is on the East coast, so I couldn't compare the two. But the housing bubble popped pretty badly here. Phoenix was one of the worst-hit areas in the real estate crash because of all of the speculation in this market. The result is a lot of houses are being sold short or being put up for rent. So there seems to be a fair amount of vacancy hereabouts.

We are currently also experiencing a major vacancy issue with storefront properties. The recession has led to a lot of businesses shuttering in the area. Additionally, if recent reports are accurate, it appears that the recent law SB1070 is causing a large number of hispanic businesses to shutter as folks move out of the state for more

Real estate prices here are still down perhaps 30% off of their 2007 highs. Many folks I know who bought in the early 2000s are not quite under water, but have lost a LOT of their equity. The impact this has had on rental prices has been fairly suppressive - rental properties tend to .

I can't speak to neighborhoods and complexes in Scottsdale, Phoenix or Tempe since I'm more familiar with Mesa and Chandler.
posted by darkstar at 6:30 PM on July 27, 2010

Don't know why that was cut off. Anyway, it should have said:

"...rental properties tend to be well within your price range for a decent place."
posted by darkstar at 6:32 PM on July 27, 2010

I have friends who live in the Pointe Tapatio condos and that's a great area. However, it's not close to the light rail and not super close to cool restaurants. My friends like living there because it's a good location for someone who commutes to downtown and splits social time between central Phoenix and Scottsdale.
posted by mullacc at 6:32 PM on July 27, 2010

downtown tempe's about as hip as it gets in the valley (imo) and lightrail runs right through it.
posted by RockyChrysler at 7:45 PM on July 27, 2010

Yeah, downtown Tempe is pretty cool. I used to live in a small apt complex off of Roosevelt St north of University (memail me if you want a recommendation; the landlord was awesome and I still have his number). It's a bit college-towny, but neat. I then spent about 18 months up in north Phoenix (near Metro Center mall, while commuting to Tempe by car and by car+light rail). It sucked. High crime, crappy apartments.. do not want. Currently, I'm in one of the smaller 2brs in Roosevelt Square, which is a bit above your price range, but awesomely located (right on the light rail at Roosevelt & Central). It can be a bit noisy on the weekends, but nothing terrible from a grad student perspective. A guy I know and his wife rent a house a bit northwest of me (still near the light rail, I think up closer to Indian School) and I think they're paying less than I am per square foot, and still have good light rail access and only a ~10 minute longer commute (assuming going south to Tempe or downtown).
posted by Alterscape at 7:59 PM on July 27, 2010

Darkstar gave good background. Tempe sounds like it would fit your bill pretty well - it's on the lightrail, has a lot of restaurants, and (like many parts of the Phoenix metro area) there are plenty of condo complexes. Prices for a two-bedroom might be $800-1200/month. There are neighborhoods with more or less petty theft in Tempe. This site might be helpful for you in looking at the rates of different crimes in different areas.
posted by scrambles at 11:16 PM on July 27, 2010

I live in Tempe, so I'm biased, but Tempe has a reputation for being progressive, youthful, and hip. As darkstar pointed out, the real estate market throughout the valley crashed and still hasn't recovered. You should be able to find rental properties in every neighborhood.

I've driven by and admired an apartment/condo complex called the Lofts at Rio Salado, located on the north side of Tempe Town Lake. If I wanted to live along the light rail, near downtown Tempe (night life), five minutes from the Scottsdale border, and 10 minutes from downtown Phoenix - this is where I'd look. Of course it has a pool - that's pretty much a given in Phoenix. The 2 bedroom model at this complex looks like it might be above your price range, but they're advertising a 2 bedroom special for $950.

The only drawback to Tempe is that you will be moving here about the same time ASU students will be returning to the area, but I still think vacancy rates are so high that you won't have trouble finding a place and negotiating a good deal.
posted by kbar1 at 12:03 AM on July 28, 2010

I used the Tempe Police's record of calls to apartment complexes in Tempe as a guideline when considering apartments there. I was very excited about a complex run by the same company that runs the complex I live in now with units that are double the size for the same price, until I read the reviews at apartmentratings.com and looked at the police statistics. Just something to consider, if you end up looking in Tempe.

I live in the same complex as Alterscape, and I'm pretty happy with it. My boyfriend and I looked at larger places in the same price range, but they were further out from the center of town. Downtown Phoenix is coming along, and there are plenty of good restaurants in the area.
posted by lemonwheel at 2:25 AM on July 28, 2010

Where are you working?

It's easy to take on a huge commute when you move here because of the insane size of the valley, but trust me, it ain't worth it to spend an hour and a half of your life on the freeway every day. I dig Tempe, personally, since it's pretty centrally located, but there are lots of nice parts of the Valley and there's never been a better time to rent.
posted by ph00dz at 6:05 AM on July 28, 2010

I actually roomed with someone in the condos at Tapatio Cliffs about 15 years ago - loved the area! but I'm partial to the West or NW parts of Phoenix... so my recommendations would revolve around Westgate and Arrowhead...

But with the market the way it is now 700-950 could get you a decent condo or rental home almost anywhere... and as others have stated Tempe is the hub for students and the younger crowd.

Good luck!
posted by strongdad at 6:07 AM on July 28, 2010

Response by poster: Thank you for all your help! I'm currently in a doctoral program and will actually be on fellowship this coming year, so I can basically live anywhere in the area. But I do plan on looking for a part time job at ASU, so Tempe does seem like a good fit. I'm glad to hear there's a lot going on in that area. I'm basically having to drag my boyfriend kicking and screaming to Phoenix, so it's good to know there's a decent restaurant/student life scene still going on...
posted by Ylajali at 9:49 AM on July 28, 2010

nthing Tempe. I live in the Maple/Ash neighborhood, just southwest of Mill/University. It's definitely the place for nightlife, lots of good restaurants, and the best public transportation in the valley. Rent is all over the place, but you should definitely be able to find something in your price range. There are TONS of houses for rent in the older neighborhoods from University to 13th, and Mill to Hardy, which is what I consider the best neighborhoods in terms of access to everything.

On a side note, seems like quite a few of us in Tempe. MeFi meetup?
posted by BryanPayne at 10:30 AM on July 28, 2010

You don't mention how old you are and whether or not you're a student. If you're over 25 and not a grad student, you might not find Tempe all that appealing. I certainly don't.
posted by notjustfoxybrown at 10:53 AM on July 28, 2010

The light rail runs from downtown Phoenix, through Tempe, to the northwest edge of Mesa. Be aware that it does not go through Scottsdale, Gilbert, Chandler, or most of Mesa.

If your mention of the light rail implies that you won't have a vehicle, that will be a problem. Phoenix is one of those cities where you need a car.

I'm basically having to drag my boyfriend kicking and screaming to Phoenix, so it's good to know there's a decent restaurant/student life scene still going on...

ASU's Tempe campus has the largest student body of any single campus in the country. Parts of Scottsdale are practically made of money, and that's reflected in the clubs, restaurants, and shopping. Hell, Los Angeles is a day trip away. There's not much you won't be able to find in the Valley. And it's a dry heat.
posted by reductiondesign at 11:04 AM on July 28, 2010

On a side note, seems like quite a few of us in Tempe. MeFi meetup?

I'm always on the lookout for Phoenix meetups on the grey, and never see any. :(
posted by reductiondesign at 11:05 AM on July 28, 2010

(Ditto here on the Phoenix meetup drought. I'd definitely be up for something!)
posted by darkstar at 11:15 AM on July 28, 2010

Heh...how 'bout a housewarming meetup for Ylajali and her bf?
posted by darkstar at 11:16 AM on July 28, 2010

I'm in!
posted by notjustfoxybrown at 11:42 AM on July 28, 2010

Response by poster: A housewarming meetup would be awesome! I actually lived in Arizona many moons ago, but never really got a sense as to all that the metropolitan Phoenix area had to offer. And I know nothing about the rental market. So this thread has been very helpful!

I am in my (very) early thirties and a graduate student. My boyfriend is in his late thirties and, well, a graduate student. We will have a car, but my boyfriend has dreams of riding his bike and the light rail hither and yon. And while I'm not too fond of living near tons of undergraduates, living by ASU would be very convenient as we both need access to a university library. And I'm hoping there might be international film festivals and cool lectures and all that stuff happening in the area. So maybe Tempe it will be...

One more question: Any decent used bookstores in Phoenix? I know of Bookman's, but I'm curious as to if there are any other bookshops worth checking out.
posted by Ylajali at 2:16 PM on July 28, 2010

Yeah... there's Changing Hands, they've got a mix of new and used stuff... plus, they do a bunch of cool events.
posted by ph00dz at 6:08 PM on July 28, 2010

Downtown Tempe is where the ASU campus is. Keep that in mind when considering your neighbors and their nightlife.

Scottsdale is the high end area; its nicknamed "Snottsdale" for a reason though.

Mesa is stereotypically the poor white area. So is Apache Junction. Gilbert is nice but east. Queen Creek is in BFE, but you can get a lot of space for your price range.

I recommend Chandler. If you get a place near the 202 or the 101, you can get to most of Phoenix in less than 20 minutes.
posted by phritosan at 4:58 PM on July 30, 2010

I live in Chandler and it has a lot going for it...near the mall are excellent shopping and restaurants. Excellent access to the rest of the valley because of the two freeways. But there's not a great night life scene. For that, we go to Tempe, usually.

Also, while the bus lines are good here, it's pretty far away from the rail line.
posted by darkstar at 5:15 PM on July 30, 2010

I keep saying I'll make it to a Phoenix meetup, and I keep not showing up due to that whole being-an-absurdly-busy gradstudent thing. That said, I'm in if I can make the time.

And yeah, if you're okay with driving (and paying the absurd parking fees at ASU), Chandler could work well. A friend of mine used to work downtown and lived in one of the apartment complexes right off the 101 just north of Chandler Bvld. It was a bit of a hike, and I hate to think of doing that commute in traffic, but he liked it alright. If you do end up driving, I know a couple of good free-and-not-too-terribly-far-from-campus places to park if you don't mind walking 10-15 minutes to campus. Don't want to post them here and bring down the attention of the Tempe Parking Enforcement people, but memail me and I'll hook you up?
posted by Alterscape at 6:13 PM on July 30, 2010