Where should I look for rental apt ? (Phoenix: 2014, apartments)

[abhisheks77]

Hi,
We are couple, currently in Torrance (CA) from past more than 2 years. Now I will have to move to Phoenix in next 45 days. My office will be in 85004. I have car, so can drive to near distances. We are thinking to go on a weekend in next days, to check out few apartments, before we actually move in.
We are not particularly looking for apartment with other Indians, but any apartment is ok as far as area is safe. Here, in Torrance, we are in 90503 which is really safe. In past 2 years, we never saw any police arrests in our area and we always take a walk after dinner. I am looking at same kind of safe places in Phoenix. I heard downtowns are not safe (as an example of LA), so I am ok to drive few miles.
Would somebody like to suggest places, where should I search apartments on internet ? Once I will narrow down, I will visit Phoenix to finalize.
Another minor question, should I prefer to choose ground floor, instead of 2nd floor, due to hot summers ?
Any suggestion about, how should I start search, would be helpful.
Regards

[infocyde]

Not to be a snob, but the safest areas are usually where the money is. This might help, grabbed it off the "richest cities in AZ" thread. If you can find something in these areas, you should probably be ok. I'd balance trying to be closer to work rather than farther. Good luck

Top 10 wealthiest neighborhoods in Phoenix

also do a google search on crime and your area code. There are some maps that come up which might be useful.

[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by infocyde

Not to be a snob, but the safest areas are usually where the money is. This might help, grabbed it off the "richest cities in AZ" thread. If you can find something in these areas, you should probably be ok. I'd balance trying to be closer to work rather than farther. Good luck

Top 10 wealthiest neighborhoods in Phoenix

also do a google search on crime and your area code. There are some maps that come up which might be useful.

That article only includes neighborhoods within the City of Phoenix though.

[elcajones]

Even than, in a lot of the city of phoenix I've noticed some really nice areas have really crap areas bordering them. I would find some places you like and Google for crime maps. Trulia.com has great crime maps that I have utilized.

[abhisheks77]

Sure, I will check out trulia.com. Afterwards, I will have two days to go and see those places.