CHEAP apartment in phoenix/area (Tucson, Mesa: rentals, high crime, motels)

[Ensign G-Vill]

I'm currently living in Tucson as a graphic designer and looking for a place in Phoenix. I mean really cheap I don't care if it's high crime, terrible conditions, smelly/noisy area I can suffer for a few months until I can hopefully find a job there. I don't drive and I plan on going to work and staying at the apartment and no parties/get togethers as I don't know anyone living there. My requirements are-
Studio or 1 bedroom*
No room mates/only myself*
CHEAP*
Near an oriental/asian grocery market*
Internet hookup available* (in plan or pay for it through someone else)

I'm open to suggestions though. I have 2,000 saved.

[khuntrevor]

Originally Posted by Ensign G-Vill

I'm currently living in Tucson as a graphic designer and looking for a place in Phoenix. I mean really cheap I don't care if it's high crime, terrible conditions, smelly/noisy area I can suffer for a few months until I can hopefully find a job there. I don't drive and I plan on going to work and staying at the apartment and no parties/get togethers as I don't know anyone living there. My requirements are-
Studio or 1 bedroom*
No room mates/only myself*
CHEAP*
Near an oriental/asian grocery market*
Internet hookup available* (in plan or pay for it through someone else)

I'm open to suggestions though. I have 2,000 saved.

Good Asian Markets at 1700 W. Camelback, 85015 and cheap rents...small asian community, larger AA community. Light Rail nearby. It's doable.
Specifically, I think it is mostly Vietnamese, but there are some thais in there, too.

[Jkgourmet]

Ensign, I would think you would find something much more easily if you rent a room i'n someone's house rather than an apt on your own. That also may allow you to get a month to month arrangement instead of a longer term lease. AND give you a shot at better accommodations.

The east valley is the fastest growing Asian population in the country. Large Asian grocery stores at Warner and Dobson rd i'n Chandler (lee lee) and another at Dobson and broadway in Mesa. Small Asian grocers are all over the place in Tempe and Mesa.

There's also a Lee Lee market on the west side - you can gooogle the address (and there's one in Tucson, too.).

Along the light rail line in Mesa (mostly near the final stop and on Apache blvd) you can find old motels that have been turned into cheap rentals - efficiencies with kitchenettes. I can't say I'd recommend inviting your next door neighbor over to watch the baseball game, but it's convenient and safer than some neighborhoods (like maryvale.) There are also some cheap apts in west Mesa, as well as trailer parks.

Good luck - I seriously hope you consider renting a room from someone. You'll be better off.

[shiphead]

i highly disagree that dumpy apartments as a single guy isn't worth living in. My friend pays $400 a month with utilities in a 400 sq ft studio. The kitchen isn't bad either. The location is walking distance from the light rail.

[Jkgourmet]

Fair enough, Shiphead. Admittedly, my thoughts are based on being a female, so issues of safety would be paramount to me.