Arcadia/Camelback (85018)

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by Java Jolt

I heard on the news this area was hit pretty hard by a severe thunderstorm the other night.

People boast about how nice this area is but it's old, has a rat problem, and now microbursts.

Yes, this area was hit pretty hard by a microburst which came from a thunderstorm cell that seemed to develop out of nowhere, and that same storm dumped quite a bit of rain at my house. Keep in mind that it's the summer monsoon ... these storms can hit anywhere while other areas can receive nothing at all. Granted, the SE Valley seems to be the most vulnerable to the monsoon storms, and the west Valley seems to be the least vulnerable, but they can develop pretty much anywhere & cause damage.

As far as Arcadia being old, that's part of its charm. I'd rather live in an older home with quality construction and lots of greenery than some newer stucco house with a small rock yard that looks like every other house on the block. The roof rats seemed to breed in the Arcadia area a few years ago, but rodents multiply and spread ... so I'm sure it's not the only area with a rat problem.

[azriverfan.]

Originally Posted by doradora

Thanks for the replies so far! One more question - we have also been considering South Scottsdale locations - the rental homes seem to be more plentiful and cheaper, but of course, it makes me wonder if the area is not as nice/convenient? Any thoughts on South Scottsdale in comparison to the above locations?

You are mistaken. The location of South Scottsdale is arguably the best in the city. You are proximal to everything. No one can argue that area is not convenient.

The reason it doesn't get a lot of rave reviews is that it is older so the homes are not as nice. And parts of it can be a little sketchy. But it mostly has to do with aesthetics. If you are content living in a home that was built before the 1990's, then you will love the area. Personally, I love that location. It's close to the airport, Old Town, downtown Phoenix and downtown Tempe and North Scottsdale.

[azdr0710]

I agree that south Scotts (I define it as anything south of Osborn) is incredibly convenient to all parts of the valley....as azriverfan says, many of the houses are dated and decidedly non-flashy, so neighborhoods appear to be in trouble somehow....

I assume there are many rentals in the area with, possibly, some less-than-upstanding tenants....a check of a neighborhood for resident pride, maintenance, demographics, weird neighbors, general "feel" might be easy to do....

[azriverfan.]

Originally Posted by azdr0710

I agree that south Scotts (I define it as anything south of Osborn) is incredibly convenient to all parts of the valley....as azriverfan says, many of the houses are dated and decidedly non-flashy, so neighborhoods appear to be in trouble somehow....

I assume there are many rentals in the area with, possibly, some less-than-upstanding tenants....a check of a neighborhood for resident pride, maintenance, demographics, weird neighbors, general "feel" might be easy to do....

Yes, and you definitely want to drive in these neighborhoods on Friday and Saturday night before choosing to rent there. A lot of 20 and 30 somethings live in these neighborhoods due to close proximity to Old Town and ASU. You never want to judge a neighborhood by how it appears in the day. They all seem quiet and harmless in the day. Go at night.

But there are also many quiet neighborhoods with elderly residents in that area who mind their own business. The neighborhoods are fine, just not flashy.

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by azdr0710

I agree that south Scotts (I define it as anything south of Osborn) is incredibly convenient to all parts of the valley....as azriverfan says, many of the houses are dated and decidedly non-flashy, so neighborhoods appear to be in trouble somehow....

South Scottsdale neighborhoods are definitely older (most of the homes/structures were built in the 1950s, '60s, or '70s), but this doesn't necessarily mean they are slums. In fact, many of these homes are well constructed ... not the cheap stucco & small rock yards that are common today. The trouble has been along some of the major streets, specifically McDowell. What used to be known as "Motor Mile" has turned into vacant buildings & blight. Thankfully, there is some hope for the McDowell Road corridor as revitalization is in the works according to this article:

Scottsdale betting McDowell corridor will regain former glory