Want to live in Phoenix "proper". (Guadalupe: apartments, HOA)

[Dover there]

Hi everyone. I'm moving to Arizona beginning of June. I want to live in Phoenix but not sure North Mountain or South Mountain. I'm not even sure of map boundaries. I work from home so location is not big deal. I'm a single 51 yr old woman with two dogs.

I will be buying a condo townhomes. They seem to be plentiful in north mountain area and prices seem reasonable. I can only afford around $100k.

I would love to hear your experiences and thoughts around living IN PHOENIX. seems many posts on board are about phoenix burbs.

Thx!!!

[azdr0710]

living "in" Phoenix is fine!.....1.5 million people do it!.....

when buying, check on HOA rules and fees, weird/noisy neighbors, parking, store and shopping access, noise from airports, freeways, and/or nearby bars, access to freeways you may use, general daily living concerns.....

100K will get you an average small-ish place, probably built more than 20 years ago, maybe a condo conversion (former apartment), probably no private garage, average location.....

[AZJoeD]

Well, it appears you are not too familiar with Phoenix neighborhoods because N. Mountain and S. Mountain are not only quite a distance apart (about 15 miles), they are very different in look and feel. While it is certainly possible to find condos under $100K it depends on size, number of rooms, age, amenities, etc. Also you must consider the HOA costs per month and what you get for the money.

You also might consider some homes on the east side near the Biltmore or Arcadia areas as there will be a few options there and they are convenient and desirable.

[Dover there]

Thank you both very much!

No, I am not very familiar with phoenix. I have been there 3 times but stayed in tucson visiting phoenix only twice.

I would love it if you would expand on the differences from north mountain and south mountain.

I am familiar with buying condos; just not in AZ!! HOAs are much more reasonable than my current condo. I'm paying $430 now!! I have only seen a couple condos on phoenix with similar HOA costs.

I've not considered East phoenix. Ill look into it. Thanks!!

[BuckeyeBoyDJ]

The city of Phoenix is divided up into different "villages". North Mountain and South Mountain are only two of Phoenix's many "villages" and both are large geographic areas with many different neighborhoods.

North Mountain Village: Quite a large area in North Central Phoenix that consists of Sunnyslope, Metro Center Area, and the Moon Valley area. It's a busier area of the city. This area has a lot of condos and it's a pretty convenient central location. The area has a little bit of everything and everybody and you shouldn't have a problem at all finding something in your budget in this area.

South Mountain Village: This area isn't nearly as built up or as populated as North Mountain Village. I feel like South Phoenix is underdeveloped and It's still pretty industrial until you get far south near Baseline Rd . A lot of the housing and residential areas is older and rundown and there arent a plethora of condos/townhomes really. There are a couple of new townhomes on Baseline but it's mainly just apartments. Now there's an area behind South Mountain called "Ahwatukee Foothills" which is a separate village and area from South Mountain Village. Ahwatukee is a nice area at the base of South Mountain and you might find something in the older area near 48th St&Elliott, Guadalupe area. Great area if you like hiking and being outdoorsy and what not.

Camelback East: This is another area with a lot of condos/townhomes. It's pricier but you might be able to score on something in this area. The location couldn't be better you'll be close to Biltmore, Old Town, and not far from Downtown Phoenix.

[Dover there]

Hi buckeyeboy! That's exactly what I wanted to know! It does seem like there is more condo availability in the north area. Thank you so much. This info is very helpful.