Scottsdale N. Scottsdale questions... (Paradise Valley: rental, custom home, neighborhoods)

[backtochitown]

We owned a couple homes in N. Scottsdale and there are areas truly overpriced for what you get...but demand is still OK...if you are going to live there for 5-10 years it is less of a concern.

Having said that I personally think most people in the Phoenix area are totally uneducated on the future of water availability in the Valley...there WILL be SERIOUS issues within the next 5-10 years if this Western drought continues.

I live in N. AZ now and cities up here are light years ahead of Phoenix in regards to water conservation...we have had 7 times the rain Phoenix has this year and still are on water conservation programs while Phoenix waters concrete and rocks.

[dnp]

I'm in my late 30's, and lived in Scottsdale my whole life. I've lived in just about every area you can think of, and all of my friends live throughout the Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Desert Ridge area. From what it sounds like, the downtown Scottsdale area is what you'd like to be closest to, but I wouldn't go further south than Indian School Rd. They are building some amazing new condos on Camelback & 78th St (they're called "Citro"), which is the best location ever, but they start around $500K. The lofts and condos that they're building downtown that one of the posters mentioned, are extremely expensive, but you can find more affordable townhomes in the Hayden/Chaparral area like one of the other posters mentioned. I have several friends who bought around there, some bought cheaper and revamped, and some bought already re-done townhomes. That is a great location, close to the greenbelt, sports fields, spring training baseball stadium, the freeway, and the downtown nightlife. If you like college sports, ASU is very close. There is also a nice dog park nearby. I was actually happiest in that area, but I moved this August.
All that being said, North Scottsdale is not exactly just a family-oriented area because I know a ton of singles in their 30's who live there. I also spent lots of time with my friends in that area when I didn't live there. There are a ton of restaurants, etc., and the nightlife is building up. Its just a different vibe and I think its much harder to meet people there. The Desert Ridge area, from my experience, is a completely family-oriented area. I don't know any single people without kids who live there right now, and its very congested with bad traffic because it grew so fast with families and the mall right there. Tatum Blvd is the one main road into the area and it makes for a nightmare. I meet my friends with kids at that mall, and us single people without kids feel very out-of-place when we go out there. There is no nightlife to speak of, as far as what fits the lifestyle you prefer.
I wouldn't worry too much about gated communities. Sure there is crime everywhere, and it is growing in Scottsdale just like any town. But it is a very safe, low crime area. You see police cars constantly patroling and I always felt very safe. I never noticed the heavy law enforcement presence until I had to move to Durham, NC for a year and then came back to Scottsdale. Its amazing what you don't notice until you go somewhere totally different.
Good luck! I hope you like it.

[firecrow]

Rcop -- if you're going to be spending a lot of time in Old Town, you might not like the traffic living all the way up/over in Desert Ridge, 15-20 miles away. Look anywhere between Indian School and Shea, 56th/90th st. you will be close enough and in reasonably nice areas with a mix of age groups. Too much driving can be wearing especially with the heat and the way people drive here. Hope this helps!

[GirlinAZ]

Originally Posted by RetiredCop

I recently had the chance to visit Arizona. My primary reason was to look at some condos. There are two locations I seemed to like...one was a complex called Bella Vista 14000 N 94th Street in the 85260 zip code and the other was called Bella Terra located at 5335 E Shea Blvd in the 85254 Zip Code. Unfortunately, I did not have time to visit/explore these zip codes. Both of these complex's seemed to be very clean and well maintained. Does anyone have any info to share on either of these complex's or the area?

The one on Shea was originally an apartment complex and was revamped. Do not buy it. (I wouldn't)
The other one was originally built as a condo complex and is a much newer building. I would look at that one if I had to choose between the 2.

[sheena]

Originally Posted by GirlinAZ

To be honest, I don't know 85255 as well as my own zip of 85254 as far as recommendations are concerned. I also think that area that has more single family homes than condos. (Although there are definately some for sure.) You also didn't mention your price range you were seeking. I would think that nothing under 300k would be available in that zip for anything with 2+ bedrooms (plus or minus). I would say that you should probably rent short term until you can find what you are seeking. I really would. You may end up not liking this area. Not sure if this matters to you or not, but it does to me: there are a lot of right wingers/conservatives/republicans whatever word you like to use that live in this area. To some people it makes no difference. To me, I find that it defines the way you look at life and the way you treat others (your political views, that is). You may be one of them, and it would be great for you. I am quite unhappy living amongst so many of them as I am not in agreement with their views in life. [DO NOT REPLY OTHERS WITH ANY HATE AS THIS IS A PERSONAL OPINION AND NOT MEANT TO CHANGE THIS THREAD TO POLITICS.] Anyway, I find that it bugs the crap out of me, and if it is something that would bug you-you may wish to think of other areas in town (or a different town altogether). I also have a feeling that home prices may drop. I have no scientific data or any other data, but just a gut feeling and am waiting myself to buy for another year. As this is an opinion posting, I thank you for allowing my opinion.

I knew I liked Scottsdale, now that I can afford to live there I may look into that. Good info.

[sheena]

Originally Posted by RetiredCop

SirWinston, thank you for youre insight. As far as the NYPD recriut goes, wish him luck. Being a NYC cop is a thankless job. NYC has become a very liberal city and it is difficult for conservatives, like myself to stomach it. That is one reason I would love to get out. Seems like real estate is dropping everywhere, except w/in the 5 boroughs of this city...another reason I want out.

I also think I wil revisit buying in Scottsdale in about 6 months. I also think the prices should be comming down a bit more.

I wish you luck and I hope AZ is what you are looking for. I'm sure you had enough of NYC, but seeing it again after many years, I think I will be returning for frequent trips as you may be too after moving to AZ

[GirlinAZ]

Originally Posted by sheena

I knew I liked Scottsdale, now that I can afford to live there I may look into that. Good info.

Glad I could help.

[Suzanne Helman]

Hello there, I have the same questions of many other families. Our family is relocating to Arizona due to a job transfer at the end of this month. We are from Orange County California, and have heard that Scottsdale is a place that I would be happy in since I hear it is a bit like Orange County with a desert flair. We would like to be in a gated community Since we will know no one. We have 2 young boys that will be starting school K & 1st grade. (I also need to know about the better schools). Any help would be greatly appreciated. We will be renting for awhile until our home sells here is California. I have read a few blogs saying that DC Ranch area is nice but it has a bad reputation. Im confused...HELP

[az4good]

Originally Posted by Suzanne Helman

Hello there, I have the same questions of many other families. Our family is relocating to Arizona due to a job transfer at the end of this month. We are from Orange County California, and have heard that Scottsdale is a place that I would be happy in since I hear it is a bit like Orange County with a desert flair. We would like to be in a gated community Since we will know no one. We have 2 young boys that will be starting school K & 1st grade. (I also need to know about the better schools). Any help would be greatly appreciated. We will be renting for awhile until our home sells here is California. I have read a few blogs saying that DC Ranch area is nice but it has a bad reputation. Im confused...HELP

I don't know what you mean by DC Ranch having a bad rep. Do you mean the school Copper Ridge? I know some people either love it or hate. It pulls from a very wealthy section so I've heard it is a little severe with the over-indulged children (& parents) crowd. Kind of clique - y. I guess that could go for the whole area of DC ranch not just the school. We looked at some rentals in DC ranch and I just didn't think it was as family friendly as McDowell Mtn. Just my feeling, no facts to base it on.

We just rented in McDowell Mtn. Ranch and I've heard good things about the school right here, Desert Canyon (from a teacher at another school & multiple parents). Before we moved here (from the boonies of Rio Verde east of Troon) I had already open enrolled my son in a great school in the Paradise Valley district so we're going to keep him there. He'll be going into 1st grade and I have a daughter who is going into pre-k @ Eldorado over in Greyhawk. McDowell has gated sections randomly spread around the community.

Let me know if I can try and answer any other questions.

[backtochitown]

Originally Posted by Suzanne Helman

Hello there, I have the same questions of many other families. Our family is relocating to Arizona due to a job transfer at the end of this month. We are from Orange County California, and have heard that Scottsdale is a place that I would be happy in since I hear it is a bit like Orange County with a desert flair. We would like to be in a gated community Since we will know no one. We have 2 young boys that will be starting school K & 1st grade. (I also need to know about the better schools). Any help would be greatly appreciated. We will be renting for awhile until our home sells here is California. I have read a few blogs saying that DC Ranch area is nice but it has a bad reputation. Im confused...HELP

We lived in DC Ranch for a year or so (no kids)...VERY nice 'hood architectural wise...VERY small lots in general but you should be used to that coming from SoCal...also...still...VERY overpriced...even now that the market has chilled.

You will also be in for a shock if you are coming from coastal OC because it is frickin hot in Scottsdale for a very large portion of the year...proximity of DC Ranch to mountains and heat retaining/reflecting rock tend to make it feel hotter.

All in all though a very nicely done upscale community with a nice Market Street area 'downtown'.