Scottsdale N. Scottsdale questions... (Tempe, Hayden: transplants, real estate, lofts)

[RetiredCop]

Good morning all. I just found this forum and hope I can get some honest answers to a few questions.

I recently retired and have been looking to move out of New York. After many visits to both Florida and Scottsdale I have decided on Scottsdale. I am hoping to move out there by the end of the year or early next year.

Although, I am retired I am still young (36) and single. I retired after I suffered an injury as a NYC cop. I am looking to buy into a gated community (condo) in Scottsdale. First off, can anyone here give me some information on some nice gated communities in Scottsdale/N. Scottsdale areas. Like I said I am 36 and single so I want to live somewhere near where there is a younger crowd and great night life.

During my visit I primarily stayed in Old Town. Although, I have been told there are some great areas in N. Scottsdale. Can someone recommend some communities with a younger/active crowd. Sometimes I think these RE just show you properties in hopes they can unload them and disregard your wishes. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

BTW, I would love to hear what area you prefer Scottsdale or N. Scottsdale??

[joninaz]

[SIZE=3]Generally speaking, central/south Scottsdale is more conducive to singles/nightlife. It’s also a shorter hop to PHX, Tempe, etc. I’m not in tune with the gated/condo scene but there are developments all over, some of which are very cool. The prices are all over the map as well – though you might have less sticker shock coming from NY. Google “Scottsdale Lofts” for some sites that list current projects. [/SIZE]

[waterboy1]

From experience a gate for a condo community doesn't really keep anyone out as their are so many car coming in and out all the time and its easy to tail someone in.

[Elmonellie]

Originally Posted by RetiredCop

Good morning all. I just found this forum and hope I can get some honest answers to a few questions.

I recently retired and have been looking to move out of New York. After many visits to both Florida and Scottsdale I have decided on Scottsdale. I am hoping to move out there by the end of the year or early next year.

Although, I am retired I am still young (36) and single. I retired after I suffered an injury as a NYC cop. I am looking to buy into a gated community (condo) in Scottsdale. First off, can anyone here give me some information on some nice gated communities in Scottsdale/N. Scottsdale areas. Like I said I am 36 and single so I want to live somewhere near where there is a younger crowd and great night life.

During my visit I primarily stayed in Old Town. Although, I have been told there are some great areas in N. Scottsdale. Can someone recommend some communities with a younger/active crowd. Sometimes I think these RE just show you properties in hopes they can unload them and disregard your wishes. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

BTW, I would love to hear what area you prefer Scottsdale or N. Scottsdale??

If you are single I probably would not suggest moving to N Scottsdale. There are a lot of nice condos, but mainly for couples.

Have you checked out the Camelback corridor area? Sometimes it's referred to as the Biltmore area. It's in the heart of central Phx and there is plently to do there. Plus downtown Phx is 5-10 minutes away...Downtown Scottsldale 20-30...Tempe not much farther.

Have you been here in the summer? Do you know how REALLY hot it is? I love the area, but have read a lot of hostile posts of transplants that either don't like the heat or think Phx is a cultural waste land.

It is, in my opinion, a good time to buy now. Bargains galore.

Good luck!

[sablebaby]

Originally Posted by waterboy1

From experience a gate for a condo community doesn't really keep anyone out as their are so many car coming in and out all the time and its easy to tail someone in.

Gated condo communities will most always be a lot nicer than one that's not gated. I agree that the gate does nothing more than keep a thief waiting longer to get in. I only looked at gated apts as they are ten times nicer than the others. (now they have gated many more older, not as nice apts, so I'm not talking about those)

[Mnslickinaz]

There are two gated communities near Chaparral/Hayden. Both on the south side of Chaparral. One on east side of Hayden the other on the west side of Hayden.

[Chelsielea]

Originally Posted by RetiredCop

During my visit I primarily stayed in Old Town. Although, I have been told there are some great areas in N. Scottsdale. Can someone recommend some communities with a younger/active crowd. Sometimes I think these RE just show you properties in hopes they can unload them and disregard your wishes. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

BTW, I would love to hear what area you prefer Scottsdale or N. Scottsdale??

Hmmm I would have to say that I would prefer N.Scottsdale! It already has started and will continue to grow and become the place to be, in my opinion.

[MotleyCrew]

You might also look around Desert Ridge while you are looking. You are a short drive over to Scottsdale and it might be a little more affordable. My daughter and her friends all love going to Jillians and the other spots there. They are 26 to 30 ish, so you might find it fun.

[Chelsielea]

Desert Ridge area is great as well...much like N SD...new and booming.

[SpeedyAZ]

I live in the gated community Grayhawk in N. Scottsdale. It has a pretty mixed crowd overall; there are two sections: The Park and The Retreat. The Park is the more family-friendly one with parks, playgrounds, etc and the Retreat is more the single and retiree type crowd. The Retreat contains a golf course and as always, real estate on the course with always command a premium. I live in the Retreat on the course and love it, it's absolutely beautiful in the evening. There's quite a few singles that I know of who live fairly close.

Commute to old town is pretty short as long as it isn't rush hour. Other gated communities to consider would be Troon North, McDowell Mountain Ranch, and DC Ranch. There's literally TONS of private communities in the Valley so you have a wide array of choices. Good luck, hopefully this gave you some insight.