What is central Phoenix like? (Chandler, Gilbert: apartment complexes, condos, crime)

[martina26]

I am moving to Phoenix at the end of the year. I have never been there, so I am moving blindly and trying to get opinions of current residents.

What is central Phoenix like? What is the average cost of rent, what is traffic like, crime etc?

Anything you can tell me!

If you live in Central Phoenix or have knowledge of it, tell me what you like and don't like!

Thank you!

[vegaspilgrim]

You're like the 3rd person to start a thread about Central Phoenix within the last few days. Here's my take: what we call "Central" Phoenix is what most cities would call an "inner-ring suburb." Vast areas of 1950s era neighborhoods, with some small pockets of 1920's-30's era mini-neighborhoods. If you like 1950's suburban architecture, you'd like central Phoenix. Some of these are quite pleasant and have held up well over the years, others are a dump. It's kind of a hit and miss thing. Some parts of Central Phoenix are a total abandoned wasteland. Overall, though, I do not consider anywhere in Central Phoenix to be an "urban" place-- as it is currently understood in cities that have a built up dense core. It's all auto-dependent, spread out, and low density-- just like Chandler, Gilbert, or Suprise-- except older. 7th st and McDowell is just as suburban-- in terms of function and form-- as Chandler Blvd and 48th st. This **may** change once the light rail is finished and some more high rise condos are built-- but no guarrantees. Central Ave has some tall buildings and looks kind of urban-- but it really isn't-- go one block away and it's suburbia (albeit old suburbia) again.

[sablebaby]

It seems to be pretty nice. I lived just a few miles from central phx, I think it's more like "mid-town", over at 3rd ave and Indian School. That was back in 00-01. I didn't like living down there due to the traffic and construction, now it's MUCH worse due to the light rail moving in. Central Phx is more expensive for housing, but I doubt apartments would be more as they are older and not as updated. It's a great location if you work in the area or in downtown though. I work in Central Phx, so I drive in and out daily. Even though there's a lot of traffic, at least you'd be home quicker than if you commuted to a suburb, and suburbs have a lot of traffic too!!

[Magnum Mike]

Originally Posted by martina26

What is central Phoenix like?

Right now it's very messy, lots and lots of construction.

[steve22]

Originally Posted by martina26

What is central Phoenix like?
Thank you!

Boring, gang-infested dump. Don't be fooled by the new buildings going up- basically, they're just upscale high-rise condos which will largely remain vacant due to the lack of jobs in central Phoenix. I lived there for 4 years, and believe me when I tell you that for a city of 5 million, it's the sorriest excuse for a downtown I've ever seen. And I used to live in Detroit, so you know that's saying something.

As the saying goes, there ain't no "there" there.

[sablebaby]

Originally Posted by steve22

Boring, gang-infested dump. Don't be fooled by the new buildings going up- basically, they're just upscale high-rise condos which will largely remain vacant due to the lack of jobs in central Phoenix. I lived there for 4 years, and believe me when I tell you that for a city of 5 million, it's the sorriest excuse for a downtown I've ever seen. And I used to live in Detroit, so you know that's saying something.

As the saying goes, there ain't no "there" there.

She asked about Central Phx, not Downtown Phx. They are very different.

[loose cannon]

apartment complexes. bars, strip clubs, strip malls, walgreens, and walmarts for miles and miles. It all looks the same.

[Bill-]

Originally Posted by loose cannon

apartment complexes. bars, strip clubs, strip malls, walgreens, and walmarts for miles and miles. It all looks the same.

Obviously you have never been to central Phoenix.