[MarkimO]

Congratulations on finding a place. We have been interested in this thread because we are looking for the same places that you were looking for. We will be going to Vegas in a couple weeks to look at apartments/condos and we got some good ideas from here. If you have any advice for us before we come out please let us know.

[PinkString]

Originally Posted by Sheryl_Jones

Does anyone have an opinion on either the neighborhoods around North Decatur between Ann and 215 in North Las Vegas and the northwest Las Vegas area along Farm, west of the 95, between Oso Blanca and Grand Canyon?

I am trying to get a picture in my mind if either of those areas are stable neighborhoods to live in or are experiencing visible decline, meaning deterioration of the buildings or increase in crime, things like that.

Also, but just to give me an idea, if a condo complex is more than 50% investor owned, is mostly rentals than owner-occupied and many of the rentals are going into the Section 8 government program, does that sometimes indicate it might be having a downturn in property value and safe livability in the near future or the property might not be well taken care of by the HOA later on?

Someone on one of the blogs opinioned they might as well tear down some of the housing and turn it back into BLM land or sell it to developers. That wouldn't really happen, would it? I mean once housing is in place, even if it's bad economic times, nobody would seriously suggest tearing down entire blocks, would they?

I know those must sound like dumb questions, but I'm blonde, so forgive me.

Both good area's. Have you been out here personally looking around? Each place is close to shopping and almost everything else and easy access to the beltway. I guess it depends more on what you want in a neighborhood. I think but not sure that the area on Decatur, between Ann and 215 may have more traffic. It can get really thick at certain times of day and evening.

I have not heard about them tearing down any of the new homes/condo's and selling it back to BLM. They may do this in worse off neighborhoods, like the old area's, but not the newer area's that you are looking into.

[Kris000]

I didn't have the best experience living in Camden del mar, so personally I wouldn't live in another Camden. In Green Valley, I like Horizon Ridge on Green Valley Pkwy. In the southwest, I like St. Clair on Ft. Apache. Summerlin area/ near Boca Park I like Broadstone Talavera, also on Ft. Apache. I have lived in all of these complexes and would recommend them (except Camden) as nice apts, Good floorplans, nice pools, well maintained, felt safe living there.

[Sheryl_Jones]

Originally Posted by PinkString

Both good area's. Have you been out here personally looking around? Each place is close to shopping and almost everything else and easy access to the beltway. I guess it depends more on what you want in a neighborhood. I think but not sure that the area on Decatur, between Ann and 215 may have more traffic. It can get really thick at certain times of day and evening.

I have not heard about them tearing down any of the new homes/condo's and selling it back to BLM. They may do this in worse off neighborhoods, like the old area's, but not the newer area's that you are looking into.

I have only been down there once and that was a one day quick look at a property I ended up not feeling comfortable with because I really didn't know the neighborhood, the terms weren't clear, neither agent wanted to explain, it was the first time I ever saw one of those legalistic bank addendums and it scared me off. Otherwise it might have been a good place for me I think.

I drove around a few areas in the north and arching over to the west and that was all I had time to see since it was only for part of a day and had to head back.

I might consider a few offers blind, based on internet research, descriptions and property photos and hope I don't mess up. But if something was accepted then I would take the time to do the long distance 12 hour one way drive during the 10 day inspection period and make sure in person I am okay with whatever property it turns out to be.

Some agents have been good at giving me honest property descriptions while others seem not to say anything at all. So when I find someone able to give me a good description and it sounds reasonable, then that is who I have used to write up an offer as I feel like I can trust them. They know I am going to see it eventually, if it's accepted and I'll know if they said move-in ready and the carpets need torn out and cabinets falling off the hinges, then I'll find out and it could kill the deal.

I'm not looking for Summerlin, Red Rock and Anthem Hills here. This is budget shopping based on what I can afford and for semi-retirement, the golden pre-death years.

I will reconsider searching those areas again based on your saying they seem newer and okay except maybe for some traffic problems along the one. Traffic I guess I can get used to as long as it's not all the time.

Thanks for giving me an opinion on those areas.