Movin on Down (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe: apartment complex, leases, lofts)

[Compass28]

I am a 24 year old college graduate moving to Phoenix this January with my bf, I would like to rent either a condo or apartment in Phoenix where I can walk to resturaunts, shopping, museums, parks etc. I was hoping someone could help with some names of apartment / condo complexs that are right in the middle of the excitment, so that I can begin my search. Thanks

[exit2lef]

For the most part, Phoenix is a driving city rather than a walking city, so you won't find any one place that offers everything you mention within walking distance. Museums tend to cluster in Central Phoenix; shopping is most abundant in Scottsdale; recreation options are located near Downtown Tempe, etc. Different neighborhoods have their specialities, but no one location has it all.

The most important information, however, was not in your original post: Where will you be working? None of the attractions mentioned above will be attractive if you have an unbearable commute.

[Compass28]

I am not sure yet where I will be working, I am in the Tourism Industry, however my boyfriend will be working on North 3rd Street in Phoenix. I am mainly looking to rent in a location where I can walk to the market, cafes and some resturaunts, I was looking at the location of Biltmore District but I am open to any suggestions also, the names of complex's would help as well.
Thanks

[irwin]

Originally Posted by Compass28

I am not sure yet where I will be working, I am in the Tourism Industry, however my boyfriend will be working on North 3rd Street in Phoenix. I am mainly looking to rent in a location where I can walk to the market, cafes and some resturaunts, I was looking at the location of Biltmore District but I am open to any suggestions also, the names of complex's would help as well.
Thanks

The number of places in the Phoenix metro that are walkable to any of the above, let alone all of them, is few in far between. The Biltmore area may be one of the few, although your pickings are slim and far between. Unfortunately, Phoenix is not a walkable city.

[Joshhhhh]

Originally Posted by irwin

The number of places in the Phoenix metro that are walkable to any of the above, let alone all of them, is few in far between. The Biltmore area may be one of the few, although your pickings are slim and far between. Unfortunately, Phoenix is not a walkable city.

You guys would be good living in tempe, there is alot to do around there, espically around the college, but it is a little pricey.

I live in north phoenix/scottsdale near Tatum and Bell, and I feel this is the perfect loaction, cheap rent, lots of shopping near by, everything I need is within walking distance.

[exit2lef]

Originally Posted by Compass28

I am not sure yet where I will be working, I am in the Tourism Industry, however my boyfriend will be working on North 3rd Street in Phoenix. I am mainly looking to rent in a location where I can walk to the market, cafes and some resturaunts, I was looking at the location of Biltmore District but I am open to any suggestions also, the names of complex's would help as well.
Thanks

Biltmore is very nice if want to be near upscale shopping and the mountains. It's a good area, but you might also want to consider the Roosevelt and Evans-Churchill areas at the north end of Downtown Phoenix. North 3rd St. runs about four miles from Washington Street up to Indian School Road and passes through this neighborhood on the way. If your boyfriend's office is not within walking distance, it will be a short drive or reachable via a direct bus line or light rail when service starts in 14 months.

This part of Downtown varies from block to block. There are some vacant lots, but there are also some renovated buildings that house some of the city's most appealing independent restaurants and bars (Fate, the Roosevelt, etc.). There's no supermarket there, but there is a weekly farmer's market in the area.

The central location will help your commute since if you end up working in an outlying suburb, you'll be headed in the opposite direction relative to the heavy traffic. If you choose this area, you might want to look into the Roosevelt Square Apartments on Portland Street. Still, I'd suggest not signing any leases until you know where you are working.

[azsundevil]

What is your price range? There are some condos for rent downtown but most are $2000 and up. You could get a nice house in a historic district for cheaper than that. Many of the apartment complexs were converted to condos when the market was out of control. If your bf is working on 3rd st though, I think downtown would be a good choice. There is a Safeway at 3rd st/McDowell and a little market at 7th Ave/McDowell. All of the museums are near here and there are a lot of good restaurants and bars. Also, check Craigslist and put downtown in your search as there are many smaller, older complexs that have been renovated and are quite nice.

[Compass28]

Are price range would be about $1,000 give or take a month.

[kubee]

I have a place on N 32nd Street for $675.00 a month you pay for utilities and it has 2 bedrooms 1 bath, great for single person. If you haven't found a place yet contact me.

[fcorrales80]

You will be here in January, after the lightrail begins operation. In that case you would probably like Tempe, downtown/midtown/uptown Phoenix or Old Town Scottsdale (not connected to lightrail). I think you'd probably like the central corridor of Phoenix more, however. Especially after Dec. 27th when lightrail begins to operate. These are some apartments, that are very nice, which have light rail stations right next to them or within walking distance; Roosevelt Square, The Pavilions, Lexington on Central, Emporium Central, The Met, Camden, Alta (opening in a few months). You also should look at apartment buildings downtown that do not have names but are old historic buildings that are renting. Many are beautifully remodeled. There are condo buildings and towers that also rent. The Orpheum Lofts, The Fillmore, Fontonelle, Centerpoint (new tower), etc. There are many options and you will find a lot of prices within $1100 to $2200 range. Light rail will connect you to SuperTarget (if you choose to head there to shop) to all the Museums on Central Ave. and in downtown. It will also connect you to the museums and performing arts centers in Tempe as well. There are numerous coffee shops, deli's, restaurants along the line; too many to list.