Relocating to Scottsdale (Phoenix: real estate, affordable houses, gated)

[503Rose_city]

I want to move to Scottsdale probably within a 1 year to 1 1/2. It's been a life long dream of mine to move to this state. Coming from the Mid-West I am anxious to leave the cold winters behind. I know it gets hot in this area but I can tolerate the heat. I'm looking for a house in the $650-700k range (a pool is a must), is North Scottsdale the place for me in terms of upscale homes? Any additional information on this area would be appreciated. And I already know about the sterotypes, you find snobs in literally every city in America, so please no Snobbsville comments

[sablebaby]

North Scottsdale is a beautiful place to live (def. on my top 3 places to live in the valley). Yes, you will find upscale homes and neighborhoods. You will also find homes in your price range. Though I'm not too sure what will happen with prices by then. I recommend looking at anything north of Thunderbird for a nice location. That will give you tons of options. The more north you go (like north of the 101) the more expensive the homes will be. But for an great established neighborhood that is very easy access to phx or downtown, I'd say look between Thunderbird and Bell rd, and Tatum and Scottsdale rd. These homes are on slightly larger lots. If these homes don't suit you then continue north until you find your ideal place to live. I'm sure you'll find it. Good luck!

[TurcoLoco]

Originally Posted by ravenclaw

For 700k, a house located on a postage size lot usually built cheaply by unskilled illegal aliens, Pool maybe, in that price range,

If that price range is not enough for a house in Scottsdale, then I hate to say it but Phoenix is a lot more overpriced and expensive to live in than Orange County. Even in OC, the house prices came to a halt and went down a bit (and will go down more I believe). If that price range is really a 'norm' in Scottsdale area yet you have other comparable areas with a lot more affordable houses, then one should consider purchasing a house in one of the other areas, imho.
If people were paying that much for a house then why would people from So Cal even consider moving to Phoenix area?

but mostly unusable Nov thru April (too cold) mid June to mid-September (too hot). One of the greatest myths about Phoenix metro area is the year round "good weather" and "pool culture" and clean air. That's really found in Southern California.

Here is another myth, Southern Cali doesn't have a year-round "good weather" either! I have been checking the temperature on line and between October through April, the temperature difference is within 10 F degrees (sometimes Phoenix is hotter or colder) and Summer time, Phoenix is anywhere from 10 to 20 degrees hotter on the average. So Cal can get 65% to 80% humidity while Phoenix area is generally 20% to 35%. So Cal has a 2-season climate which to most is far from ideal.

No offense but I do not like to read a simple information minded question turning into yet another 'Phoenix bashing'.

[gigi927]

Originally Posted by 503Rose_city

I want to move to Scottsdale probably within a 1 year to 1 1/2. It's been a life long dream of mine to move to this state. Coming from the Mid-West I am anxious to leave the cold winters behind. I know it gets hot in this area but I can tolerate the heat. I'm looking for a house in the $650-700k range (a pool is a must), is North Scottsdale the place for me in terms of upscale homes? Any additional information on this area would be appreciated. And I already know about the sterotypes, you find snobs in literally every city in America, so please no Snobbsville comments

I think you can definitely keep Scottsdale on your list of places to look, but I wouldn't rule out other areas of Phoenix as well. There are plenty of upscale communities in the southeast, north and northwest valleys as well.

It depends upon how large a house you are looking for in the $650-$700K range whether or not you'll have tons of choices in Scottsdale. If you're looking for 4000 sf, you'll probably be out of luck. If you're under 3000 sf, you shouldn't have too much of a problem finding something. outside of Scottsdale, you'd have your pick of very large homes in any number of communities.

Having moved to Scottsdale from Orange County 5 years ago, I can definitely say that you will still get sticker shock moving from CA to AZ. Phoenix has gotten to be a much more expensive place to live. so in that price range, don't expect a gigantic palatial mansion. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me - I lived in north Scottsdale for 4 years. good luck with your move.

[SpeedyAZ]

I live in N. Scottsdale and it sounds that you'll easily be able to buy a nice home here. You need to decided if you want a gated community, a regular subdivision, or a golf community (or a combo or both). Some of the most popular golf communities and gated communities in N. Scottsdale are Grayhawk (where I live), DC Ranch, Troon North, McDowell Mountain Ranch, and Legend Trail. I'd recommend going to www.scottsdale.com for more info about each community.

Don't expect a huge 3000+ sq ft house though. Many homes in your price range would be from 2200 to 2800 sq ft and most should have a pool. Pools are a big thing down here and can easily add $50K onto the price of a home, just remember that when you go looking. N. Scottsdale is a great place to live, don't listen to those who constantly put it down. Going on 7 years and loving every minute of it.

[503Rose_city]

Thank you all for your input. 2200 to 2800 sq ft is actually exactly what I'm looking for. I don't want a massive house. Are there any other concerns I should worry about? I hear scorpions are abundant. I have a 4 year old pitbull (don't worry, he's friendly...even with cats ). Are there any websites of the real estate available for Greyhawk, DC Ranch, Troon North?

What's the average temp. for the winter months?