Still Looking For A House To Buy! South Scottsdale (Phoenix: fit in, for sale)

[Dawagonbus]

Hello Everybody!

I haven't posted her in a few months but for those that remember me, my wife and I are STILL looking for a house to buy after moving from SLC last Labor Day. We started looking in Ahwatukee, then to Tempe but it seems We have concentrated our efforts in the South Scottsdale area for the past 3 months and have made a couple offers but nothing accepted yet. The offers have been on very similar 3+2; 1840 sf, diving pool, block fence, living and family rooms, 2 car garage.

The biggest difference has been the locations....one was just south of the canal and a few streets west of Pima. It was a very nice, quiet area. The other house was located just south of Indian School, North of Osborne and east of 86th. I think we like the northern part of this area better but there isn't much for sale right now in any price range.

Question: can anybody share their thoughts on these areas of South Scottsdale??

I think my wife an I could be happy in most of the areas east of the Greenbelt, south of the canal, and north of Osborne but if someone who lives there or has lived there in the past would like to share their experiences that would be great!

Our son is enrolled at pueblo elem for the Fall so being close to there is a priority but we're ok with driving him a few miles if needed.

We like the neighborly feel of all the Park Scottsdale subdivisions but being new to the area we'd like to hear some thoughts: crime, other kids to play with(we have a 4 yr old).

Any thoughts are appreciated!!!!!!!

[Valley Native]

South Scottsdale is generally an older, more working class area. It's not a ghetto or infested with crime or drug houses like some people make it out to be. But for Scottsdale standards, it's not considered "high society". Most of the neighborhoods are of the older variety (roughly 1950s through 1970s eras).

The area you like that is north of Osborn around 86th Street isn't classified as south Scottsdale ... it's actually closer to downtown or Old Town. I would be more willing to stick with something around that area. Another part of Scottsdale to look into is the area along Camelback or Chaparral east of Hayden. Generally older homes through there too that might be more reasonably priced.

[Dawagonbus]

Thanks Valley Native. I agree with your comment. And it's a good thing that area isn't considered "high society" b/c we would not fit in! We're just looking for a safe, quiet neighborhood to raise our child in for the next 15 years.

the problem is that right now in the area we're looking in: east of the Greenbelt, west of Pima, north of Osborn, south of the canal...there are only about 7 homes right now for sale that are in our price range but for varying reasons they don't fit what we're looking for. So we just wait and watch and cross our fingers.

[bluegrey]

I just sold between IS and Osborn, near 7th St.. I noticed that the east side of 44th st is the boundary for Scottsdale USD, but you're in Phoenix. Some real nice pockets. I would say under 200K for something nice.

[caryberry]

We have lived in SoSo (i.e. South Scottsdale near the Papago Buttes) for almost 7 years - and love it. The snowbirds and tourists are annoying but the revenue to local businesses and the city tax base help ease the pain. You can't beat the location to downtown PHX, Tempe, the airport, I-10, etc.

In our experience, property listings seem to gain traction in Oct/Nov and peak during the summer. Our subdivision of 135 homes has seen a huge turnover in the past six months with owner turnover near 20% and counting. Almost all of the houses sold within a week or two of being listed. Several properties benefited from seasonal buyers that prompted bidding wars.

The market "recovery" impacted activity (including short sales and foreclosures) but mostly the homeowners died. They were the original owners from the 70's. I know that sounds morbid - but as the "youngest" owners in the 'hood - it is what it is.