5 Up-and-Coming PHX Areas

[Jukesgrrl]

Originally Posted by Zippyman

Not in the suburbs - my homes are *in* Phoenix, and I'm firmly in the camp that supports living in the city if you work here. But I'm also of a mind to fire up the bulldozers when necessary to clear up poorly-planned, poorly built, obsolete & blighted neighborhoods before the rot sets in.

There arent enough people with good incomes who want two-bedroom, one bath homes as a long-term lifestyle choice. That's the house you buy because it's cheaper than rent until you can afford your "real" house. Bankrupting yourself and/or wasting your free time overimproving a tiny house in a bad neighborhood isn't an "investment", it's foolish. If people wanted them, builders would be building new ones - how many builders offer a two-bed, one bath option currently?

Builders don't invest in small urban houses because they are not what "the masses" want. That doesn't mean no one wants them. Of course it's stupid to over-improve a house ... in any neighborhood and at any income level. But it's certainly possible to improve a small home sensibly and cost-effectively that would be attractive to many people: first-time buyers, empty-nesters, single people, couples. And many of those people are also attracted to urban areas. Not everyone wants to be stuck in outer suburbia where you might have to drive a mile to even get out of the subdivision.

I've purchased several homes in "up and coming areas" and fixed them up. I made a profit of $98,000 on my first sale. I used that money to buy the second one with cash and still had enough left over to do the work. I haven't flipped a house lately because it hasn't seemed profitable and I'm rather distracted with other responsibilities at present. But it certainly still can be cost effective. And don't ever assume there are no buyers for two-bedroom homes. Who do you think buys all those two-bedroom condos in the city?

[cacto]

Originally Posted by Valley Native

Sunnyslope has potential, but I think it's a long way off from being another Roosevelt. It would be kind of cool to see a revitalized neighborhood with row houses and more walkable. Sunnyslope is fairly walkable as is, but revamping the area would give it more walkability. I wonder what it would be called if & when revitalization happens ... the "Slope", or possibly "Slo Ro"? I remember a long time ago, Van Buren was nicknamed "Ho Ro", but that had a meaning all its own.
()

Slopetopia

[bingitslola]

Slopetopia is fantastic, and I agree it's definitely got a lot of potential. Especially with the bikepath and that nice part of Central with all the big trees right nearby. I think however metro ends up will make a big difference to the area though, hopefully they're able to do something to help revitalize it. Anyone know of any efforts?

[grmi66]

Originally Posted by bingitslola

Slopetopia is fantastic, and I agree it's definitely got a lot of potential. Especially with the bikepath and that nice part of Central with all the big trees right nearby. I think however metro ends up will make a big difference to the area though, hopefully they're able to do something to help revitalize it. Anyone know of any efforts?

I talked to one of the store managers at one of the stores inside of Metro. According to them, the new owner's plan is to entice new stores and restaurants around the perimeter of the mall to increase traffic. So if you drive around Metro you will notice a bunch of new restaurants going in or existing restaurants doing extensive remodels. The old Toys 'R Us building has a new Conn's going in. Will have to see if it works. Guess there are other plans to make the actual mall some sort of multi-use. Maybe combination of offices and stores.

Need to do something, that mall is actually in a very centrally located area. When I came out to Phoenix a few years ago I stayed at a hotel next to Metro to base my operations for the week. I was pretty much in the epicenter of the entire valley, took me the same amount of time to reach all areas of town.

Other thing that I noticed a few weeks ago is that there are now some big call centers around Peoria and 23rd Avenue. Was surprised to see how many cars trying to exit off their campus and head towards the freeway. If the 'Slope was in better shape I would expect to see some cars heading east from 23rd Avenue.

[Juram]

Watch out for DoWiSeTrePla, it's definitely an underrated, up-and-coming neighborhood.

[md085]

Well, the city has already begun construction on extending the light rail to 19th/Dunlap, which will be complete by 2016. Between being given a light rail stop, a revitalized Metro, and what the area already offers, there is basically no way The Slope can't be an up and coming area.

[Java Jolt]

Originally Posted by Juram

Watch out for DoWiSeTrePla, it's definitely an underrated, up-and-coming neighborhood.

Where in the DoWiSeTrePla is this supposed to be?

[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by Java Jolt

Where in the DoWiSeTrePla is this supposed to be?

It's a great spot. Just don't inhale.

[grmi66]

Originally Posted by DetroitN8V

It's a great spot. Just don't inhale.

Guess that makes my neighborhood DoWiDaFa, smells just as bad.