Need advice on where to live (job in Tempe) (Phoenix: apartments, lease)

[jf2737]

Hello all. I was looking for advice on potential places to live. I start a new job Monday in Tempe at 24th St and Hardy. I think this is south of Broadway. A couple things to note are:

-I don't know how long I will be at this job. I just moved here in September and this is the first full time job I've been offered and the pay is not great but it is 40-45 hours per week and I need money coming in and don't want to go through all my savings. I have a couple of other potential jobs I'm working on that can be in either Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix or Gilbert. Maybe Chandler. So if there is a way to be centrally located near all those cities, I'd like that. But I know that's unlikely. Phoenix is gigantic.

-I'm currently staying near the PV Mall until mid November. I have a month to month lease but will need to leave since snowbird season is almost here (or is it here now?) and prices will skyrocket.

-The hours at my job will be 3pm to midnight M-F so I'm not sure how that affects commute times. I do like the area near the PV mall, it's about a 25-30 minute drive. I like the convenience of being near the 51 and 101. Seems like there are a few apartments to choose from near the PV Mall. I wouldn't mind staying in this general area but not too far north of it.

- Max commute time I would want is 30 minutes each way, would love to be 20 minutes each way.

- I don't want to be near the college crowd. I'm single and in my late 30's.

Not sure what else I can add. Thanks for reading and I appreciate any advice.

[SillyButtons]

Tempe south of Broadway should keep you far enough from the college crowd. (Southern if you would die from seeing someone wearing a backpack on the sidewalk.)

Rent isn't terrible considering what you'll save on gas living close to work. If Something pans out in the southeast valley you'll be close. Max commute time would be about 10 min. Also, close proximity to a few major freeways 101, 60, 10. That's just my take.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by SillyButtons

Tempe south of Broadway should keep you far enough from the college crowd. (Southern if you would die from seeing someone wearing a backpack on the sidewalk.)

Rent isn't terrible considering what you'll save on gas living close to work. If Something pans out in the southeast valley you'll be close. Max commute time would be about 10 min. Also, close proximity to a few major freeways 101, 60, 10. That's just my take.

Agree with this. Tempe offers good freeway access too, and you will save a lot of commuting expense being close to this job. If you should get a job somewhere else on the east side of the Valley later, you'll still be OK commuting wise, and be able to handle the additional commuting expense.