moving from the Bronx NY to Tempe AZ- Questions about Apartments (Mesa: apartment complexes, schools)

[MS. SAM]

My daughter is moving to Tempe to attend Naturopathic School there. She is looking for apartments. We have seen (on line) Gregio Metro, Pine Shadows and Sienna Riverviews. Does anyone live in any of these apartment complexes that could give us some information. We are trying to avoid flying there (??!!).

[sagewithaflaw]

Haven't actually been in a Grigio apartment yet, but they are a brand-new complex, nicer than a lot of the older complexes in the area, and right next to the Light Rail line so you can go downtown quite easily if needed. I could be wrong, but my impression is that Grigio caters to a lot of ASU students (who have fairly well-to-do parents) and there will probably be a younger crowd there. You didn't mention your daughter's age, so not sure if that is important for social reasons or not. That stretch of Apache Road in west Tempe / East Mesa used to be a tad sketchy when I moved here a decade ago, but the new apartment complexes and the Light Rail seemed to have revitalized that stretch and there are plenty of nearby restaurants and pubs and the like.

I had a friend who lived at Sienna at Riverview a few years ago and she really liked it. They are tucked away next to a really big outdoor mall (Tempe Marketplace) and has a quieter, older crowd than a lot of Tempe complexes. The pool area there is really nice for entertaining guests from out of town - tables, gas grills, etc. though you'll find that at most of the nicer complexes here. I am sure your daughter won't have much free time on her hands in naturopathic school - not exactly sure if it's the same pace as allopathic or osteopathic medical schools, but I am assuming it is. If you're just looking for a safe, clean place for her, either would be a good choice. Grigio will have that "brand-new car" feel, and is in a bit of a busier location, and Sienna is a bit more secluded, although still in a pretty convenient location. I'm not familiar with the third complex you mentioned.