Good areas in Scottsdale (Phoenix: apartment, to rent, condo)

[cezar9]

I will be moving to the Phoenix area soon and i am looking for some recommendations on areas to live. I am leaning towards Scottsdale and i am curious to know if there are any parts that are considered better. I am relatively active - i like to play soccer, tennis, biking, running, walking. I like to live in area where i can walk around in a park- like setting. Initially i will be looking to rent but i may also consider buying a house. Are there some zip codes within Scottsdale that are considered more desirable? Any input is greatly appreciated.

[fluffythewondercat]

What's your budget, where will you be working, etc. etc. All the questions we ask everyone who wanders in here.

The one thing I will say is that we were urged by our agent to buy in North Scottsdale (north of the 101 Loop). He kept saying it was more desirable. That may well be.

I didn't like it. What I saw was a 15 minute or more drive to stores and restaurants. And there was nothing like what you're describing, no parkland in which to walk. Just lots of NAOS -- natural area open space, aka continuous natural desert. It's beautiful, but...

We bought in Central Scottsdale, near stores, restaurants, shopping centers and convenient freeway access. And yes, parks and community centers. Lots in our subdivision (no HOA!) are 1 acre, more or less.

Many people here enjoy the same activities as you. You won't have any trouble finding your place.

[cezar9]

Originally Posted by fluffythewondercat

What's your budget, where will you be working, etc. etc. All the questions we ask everyone who wanders in here.

The one thing I will say is that we were urged by our agent to buy in North Scottsdale (north of the 101 Loop). He kept saying it was more desirable. That may well be.

I didn't like it. What I saw was a 15 minute or more drive to stores and restaurants. And there was nothing like what you're describing, no parkland in which to walk. Just lots of NAOS -- natural area open space, aka continuous natural desert. It's beautiful, but...

We bought in Central Scottsdale, near stores, restaurants, shopping centers and convenient freeway access. And yes, parks and community centers. Lots in our subdivision (no HOA!) are 1 acre, more or less.

Many people here enjoy the same activities as you. You won't have any trouble finding your place.

I will be working in Phoenix not too far from the PHX airport area. My budget to buy is up to 700K but preferably less than 600K. My budget to rent is up to 1400 for 1 bed apartment. It's interesting you mentioned Central Scottsdale because i was looking online at some houses in that area (zip code 85258). How is that zip code compared to 85260 for example?

[DetroitN8V]

85258 for sure.

[locolife]

If you're open to a condo or older home I'd personally target 85251 near the green belt, although 85258 is a super nice area too but I like being a little bit closer to an urban setting, in 251 you'd be possibly walkable to old town Scottsdale, or maybe a bike/scooter/golf cart ride.



Depending on your living situation (single, married no kids, married with kids) your preferences may be different but even with a family I think you can't go wrong here.

[asufan]

I have a couple of older single family houses in central Scottsdale that would sell for under $700,000 but they aren't rented for $1400/mo. Think twice that.

[asufan]

Oh I see now the rent was for a 1-bedroom apartment. Not sure if that's doable or not.

[cezar9]

Originally Posted by DetroitN8V

85258 for sure.

Looks like 85258 extends on both sides of the 101 highway and the houses east of 101 (still within the same zip code) are a bit cheaper while west of 101 there isn't much inventory and the houses are more expensive. Is the part east of 101 not that desirable?

[fluffythewondercat]

Originally Posted by asufan

Oh I see now the rent was for a 1-bedroom apartment. Not sure if that's doable or not.

I saw a listing on Zillow this morning for a studio apt in Optima Sonoran Village, which is close to Old Town, the Waterfront and Fashion Square. It might be smaller than what the OP's looking for but the amenities are fantastic and it's a very walkable area. Close to PHX, too. They were asking $1300-something for 660 sq ft. They also accept pets, if that's an issue.

It would be smart to rent before buying.

[cezar9]

Originally Posted by locolife

If you're open to a condo or older home I'd personally target 85251 near the green belt, although 85258 is a super nice area too but I like being a little bit closer to an urban setting, in 251 you'd be possibly walkable to old town Scottsdale, or maybe a bike/scooter/golf cart ride.



Depending on your living situation (single, married no kids, married with kids) your preferences may be different but even with a family I think you can't go wrong here.

Thanks for the suggestion. I will check it out. I don't mind an older house. Actually i prefer a house with good bones that needs some remodeling.