Ahwatukee is a great place...are there any 'bad' parts... (Phoenix: cul-de-sac, foreclosures)

[annie7]

"Bad parts" meaning houses were made a little cheaper, not such great care taken, etc....I mean if you were really picky? Thanks for any responses as this is where we want to wind up. We'll be moving in the next few months.

[observer53]

There are older parts in what I would call Ahwatukee proper, with the issues older homes can have, but no really bad parts that I'm aware of. I think the construction in Ahwatukee, Mountain Park Ranch, and the Foothills is of good quality.

[Robert A]

Inside the HOA boundaries? My mother stills lives in the neighborhood NE of 51st St/Warner Rd - these homes were built in the 1970s, but I haven't seen any issues. All well taken care of. I actually like this neighborhood a bunch because the lots are huge compared to the rest of Tukee.

I grew up just NW of 48th St/Elliot in a home built in the early 1980s. Lots of Pulte homes - they settled a class-action suit due to faulty plastic plumbing. Not sure if there are any other issues to look for, but it wouldn't surprise me. I believe this is considered Ahwatukee but outside the HOA boundaries.

[Xica_da_Silva]

If you're house hunting, I'd definitely check in person before leaping, especially when it comes to foreclosures. When I was looking for a home last year, I went to a few of those older homes that Robert mentions (close to 48th and Elliot and non-HOA, built in the 70s or 80s) and wow...the people really had trashed many of them prior to foreclosure (this was in the $150,000-180,000 range). But of course that can happen anywhere in the valley, not just Ahwatukee. The thing is, too, the pictures on MLS can be very deceptive...what looks like a cute house on the outside can be a nightmare on the inside. Can't tell you how many times that happened when I was house-hunting in Phoenix in general. Really depressing. And I'm not even talking minor stuff like replacing carpets or obnoxious paint colors.

I did see one really sweet foreclosed house that was in good shape and perfectly priced, but by the time my realtor looked into it, it had already received so many bids...they put a moratorium on offers! It was gone in a flash...investors with their cash!

Still, Ahwatukee has always impressed me as a great area area to live...even if you have to pay a bit for HOA fees. Just a matter of finding the right house, and hopefully not so deep into the cul-de-sac that you have to drive forever to get out of it on your way to work. That drive into downtown Phoenix from I-10 south is always a pain as it is. Something to consider.

[Howard Roark]

I'm partial to anything west of 42nd street, north of Chandler Blvd, and south of Warner and it gets better the further west you go.

But I agree, there are no bad parts of Ahwatukee.

Crime does happen, but it happens everywhere.

[azdr0710]

Originally Posted by Xica_da_Silva

hopefully not so deep into the cul-de-sac that you have to drive forever to get out of it on your way to work.

Xica refers to 'tukee often being called the "world's biggest cul-de-sac" because there are only a couple major streets that access it and it extends several miles back from those access points (off I-10)......

[annie7]

I don't have online access to foreclosures, I really know nothing about them. Xica, I totally will check them out in person before doing anything. My daughter lives there too, so I can have her check it out. I won't buy a home without paying for an inspection so we know what we're getting into.

Howard, you mentioned an area, do you happen to know what zip that is. I know the zips for Ahwatukee are 85044, 45, and 48. I'm a little like Rain Man lately when it comes to moving. I quit my job, the house is under contract (won't know for sure until the check is in hand) and I'm living in limbo. It's not bad though. I just think when we finally get into a home it will be sweet!!! This is where we'll stay. No flipping or re-locating for us.

[observer53]

http://zipcodemapphoenix.com/zipimages/phxzipmaphi.jpg Looks like that area is 85042, but I would not limit myself to that. I agree that the area further west (which really is not Ahwatukee, technically) is really nice, and especially if you are not worried about a daily commute out of that area, which can be a crowded experience.

[rjrcm]

In reference to Ahwatukee as a cul-de-sac, there is a plan to extend the loop 202 freeway to intersect I10 West (South Mountain Freeway) which may alleviate some of the congestion. No definite time for construction, and the alignment of the freeway is still being debated. The present alignment will impact homes along the southern boundary unless it is moved into the Indian reservation.

http://www.azdot.gov/Highways/Valley...s/Loop_202.asp

Regarding access to Ahwatukee foreclosure listings, they can be found through certain Realtor web sites that provide MLS listing searches. DM me if you want a specific example .

[tre5]

A big thing to consider with that area is that there is a freeway planned to go through the area. ADOT has been buying houses and will continue to do so until they have their path for the freeway.