Where to live $350,000

[sunsalu]

Has anyone recommended Verrado in Buckeye? I think it s a beautiful community, lots of friendly people, great schools, close (but not too close) to Interstate 10. If we were in a position to move right now I would buy in Verrado in a heartbeat.

[crystalys]

Originally Posted by my sharoana

No. It was in my hometown of St. Petersburg Florida in a very desirable neighborhood called Barcley Estates. We bought in in 2001 @ $149K & put in a ton of sweat equity. The St. Pete housing market has mirrored Phoenix in many ways - we sold it and made a good profit so that we can (hopefully) buy into Phoenix or Glendale. It was scary to pay $149K back then (anybody else remember that?) and it's even scarier to consider paying more than 1/4 mill dollars for house anywhere (I know CA folks some of us have been spoiled.)...We're trying to decide where our limit is re: purchase price. What is the comparitative value of a 149K home in 2001 to today in 2007? Is it
$400K ? 500K ? Ohmygosh! Now i'm into the 1/2 mill dollar range!

We're still looking that 's why my original post was:
What is the better zip code in Moon Valley 85022 or 85023? We like older homes than haver been updated w/ the character and loarger lots -like Moon Valley.

I think 85023 is more what you described. 85022 has comparatively newer homes (80's and up). Of course I am a little biased as I live in 85023 and I love this neighborhood!

[Jonasu25]

Check out southgilbert.com

[my sharoana]

RE: $149K home - this was in Fla in 2001. It was a home with 'good bones' and we redid the two baths & kitchen. It seemed an astronomical price at the time but with the RE market upturn (to say the least) it proved to be a steal. we sold it for $340K last March.

Now we're house hunting in Arrowhead area (best for work commute). It seems that houses are much much higher for a comperable home. Like $450K for a comparable. We're havinga hard time findong one.
While on th subject of homes searches. Can anyone tell me what the story is on all of these formal dining rooms & living rooms in the new houses? Who has time for formal anything today? The formal dining room and formal living rooms - it's wasted space. The great room is the best for today. That's what were struggling w/ the price fo a home w/o all of that wasted space.

[my sharoana]

Originally Posted by Jonasu25

Check out southgilbert.com

Thanks. I'd love gilbert but the commute would be tuogh for my husband who works 12 hr rotating shifts & must be on time. We need to stay in West Valley. But thanks anyway for the thought.

[RyanMelville]

I currently live in Ahwatukee and have lived in Tempe, Chandler, and Scottsdale. Be sure to read about the 202 / Pecos freeway that is still being considered. I am currently in the path of the freeway and "may" loose my house to Eminent Domain. If you look towards North Ahwatukee, you will not need to worry much about it, but if you go to the newer homes in the southern part, then make sure you don't get a house that may be in the path.

If you need the link to the map, send me a PM or email.

Thanks,
Ryan Melville

[Boatdrinks]

Originally Posted by my sharoana

While on th subject of homes searches. Can anyone tell me what the story is on all of these formal dining rooms & living rooms in the new houses? Who has time for formal anything today? The formal dining room and formal living rooms - it's wasted space. The great room is the best for today. That's what were struggling w/ the price fo a home w/o all of that wasted space.

I agree - I hate the formal living/dining room. One of the reasons we sold our last house was b/c I hated that room. It was a big waste of space for us. I prefer a great room with the kitchen, and an additional informal living space in an upstairs loft/bonus room or basement where you don't have to clean up for company

Many builders are now doing great room floor plans and moving away from the formal lr/dr plan. Check around on the different builders' websites and look at all the different floor plans for an idea of what they're doing now.

[Boatdrinks]

Originally Posted by sunsalu

Has anyone recommended Verrado in Buckeye? I think it s a beautiful community, lots of friendly people, great schools, close (but not too close) to Interstate 10. If we were in a position to move right now I would buy in Verrado in a heartbeat.

Verrado is fabulous! I love it - love the scenery, the parks, the design, and LOVE the main street area. For me though, it's WAY too isolated, too far from downtown Phx, and you have to drive way too far for decent shopping and restaurants. I couldn't handle that. But if you don't mind the location, I think it'd be a great place to live.