Looking at house near Old Town (Phoenix, Glendale: renter, university, live)

[divaskychick]

What do you think of this address 8519 E Orange Blossom Ln, Scottsdale, AZ 85250. House is fine for our needs and I imagine its close to lots of fun places to bike including the greenbelt and the canal trail.

Moving from Uptown, Chicago, I'm used to gang bangers hanging out on street corners. I'm OVER it. I would very much like to never see a scary-ass-hoody-teen again. I know there are areas of N. Scottsdale where that is likely but at the same time I really love to be walking distance or at least biking distance to coffee and shops.

Could Old Town suit our little family?

Thanks for your opinions.

[cab591]

You're not really going to find the "gang bangers" that you're talking about in most of the Phoenix metro area. The area that house is in is perfectly fine, but I wouldn't consider it really "close" to Old Town. You're basically 2 miles from Old Town, which isn't "biking distance" in the hot parts of the summer. The rest of the year, though, would be great. As you said, it's actually quite close to one of the canals, and Chaparral Park. If you're into hiking and biking, you've picked a great spot. You're fairly close to Camelback Mountain, and the Phoenix Mountain Preserves, and not too far from Papago Park. All of these offer hiking and biking trails, from easy to moderate difficulty.

I think one of the biggest considerations you should think of, though, is commuting. Do you work from home, or would you be working in an office somewhere? Downtown Scottsdale is a vibrant, walkable area, filled with boutiques, shops, art galleries, and restaurants... But I wouldn't live there if I had to commute daily to, say, Glendale.

[ReadyFreddy]

You're basically 2 miles from Old Town, which isn't "biking distance" in the hot parts of the summer.

I agree with everything except this. It's like a 10 min. ride and you generate a breeze while biking so I think for most people (who are somewhat used to biking and to heat), a few miles in the summer heat is no big deal. But coming from Chicago, it might take a summer to build up to that.

[rjrcm]

Just FYI, the MLS status of 8519 E Orange Blossom Ln just changed on 5/21 to "Canceled", so it may no longer be available for rent.

[divaskychick]

We work from home so commuting isn't an issue. I doubted this one would still be available when I wanted it anyway but I did want to know about the area. It sound's pretty perfect for us. We do hike and bike, a lot.

[cab591]

Originally Posted by ReadyFreddy

...t's like a 10 min. ride and you generate a breeze while biking so I think for most people (who are somewhat used to biking and to heat), a few miles in the summer heat is no big deal...

Well, yeah, depends on the people. I know people here who would drive a half mile, just because it's inching into the triple digits. I moved here last August, and routinely biked 10 miles to campus, even in the 100's. But I couldn't imagine hauling a family, who's used to Chicago's weather, 2 miles in the middle of the summer.

Originally Posted by divaskychick

We work from home...but I did want to know about the area. It sound's pretty perfect for us. We do hike and bike, a lot.

Sounds about right, then. Other cities in the Metro area have "downtown" areas, but I don't think many of them compare to downtown Scottsdale. It's quaint, while a little touristy, very walkable, clean and safe. The only real rival might be Tempe, but downtown Tempe is more centered around ASU and university life. Other "downtowns", such as Chandler or Gilbert, are much smaller, offering only a handful of shops and restaurants. Scottsdale, on the other hand, is close to the mountains and parks, and has several trails (parks, canals) and bike lanes on major roads. A lot of people in this thread hate on Scottsdale, but it looks like it fits your situation pretty well.

[ReadyFreddy]

But I couldn't imagine hauling a family, who's used to Chicago's weather, 2 miles in the middle of the summer.

I don't know if she's 'hauling a family' but yeah, I don't think it'd be a good ride with kids. It's major streets and kids' bikes are slow and heavy so not much breeze generated. I was picturing an active adult couple.

[azdr0710]

if biking is your bag, definitely keep looking for something very near the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt in Scottsdale (which your original hoped-for house was very near) ....it's a fantastic place and has received international attention after many years in the making.....it's very long and narrow and you can bike, walk, blade for miles....check it out at Google Maps or similar....it was developed, by the way, because it's in a major drainage that could not have been anything else anyway.....

[divaskychick]

Excellent, thanks!

While I've got your attention, could any of you advise as to when I should visit to secure a place for August 1? We'll be there to check things out in the third week of June but I'm concerned that might be too soon. Would anyone hold an available place that long?

If I have to return later, when you suggest? FYI, our budget is about 2K per month, must be 3+ bedrooms and must have a private pool! Thanks again.

[ReadyFreddy]

You might find someone looking in mid-June to find a new renter when their current renters are moving out Aug. 1. But I don't know if someone would hold a place vacant all July for you, without rent for the month. Maybe. I know someone who just rented a house here from TX, for occ. in mid-June. I'm assuming it's vacant now. Summer's aren't exactly high season out here, too.