Best area for a home under 1mil? (Phoenix, Mesa: how much, construction)

[Captain Bill]

Originally Posted by pstratt

I'm not in RE or construction or anything related to the industry. I found this forum recently and was just trying to give an unbiased opinion. In an effort at full disclosure... I do however live in "Old" Litchfield Park, which was one of the places I mentioned, so I guess I wasn't totally unbiased.

When one lives in a community they know it better than anyone else, and that's one of the great things about people living in an area and giving their opinion of that area and others that they know.

[Captain Bill]

Originally Posted by jessemh431

Thanks Bill. I really like that Val Vista Lake, but is there anywhere to go swimming in it? Can you jump off your party boat and go swimming?

We can't swim in the lake, but you can take your boat to the clubhouse and go swimming there in the junior olympic pool or the sand beach pool.

Most people go out and fish in the boats or cruise around enjoying the waterfront yards of the neighbors, having some refreshments, etc. The majority of the homes on the lake also have a swimming pool.

If one could say that there is a drawback to living on the lake, it would be that you have two front yards. Your waterfront yard is your front yard to your neighbors and everyone maintains them as such. But one of the nice things about being on the lake is that you can sit on your patio by the water, have breakfast outside, or bar b q, and enjoy beautiful views. Once you see it, you'll understand what I'm saying.

Many of the homes have "great rooms" and they leave their drapes open, if they have drapes, so they can enjoy the view from inside the kitchen and living area of the home.

When we first moved here, my wife said where are we going this year? I said why not stay home. This is better than most resorts and we don't have to pay extra. I got away with that for one year. The second year she wouldn't buy it.

[sheena]

Originally Posted by Captain Bill

We can't swim in the lake, but you can take your boat to the clubhouse and go swimming there in the junior olympic pool or the sand beach pool.

Most people go out and fish in the boats or cruise around enjoying the waterfront yards of the neighbors, having some refreshments, etc. The majority of the homes on the lake also have a swimming pool.

If one could say that there is a drawback to living on the lake, it would be that you have two front yards. Your waterfront yard is your front yard to your neighbors and everyone maintains them as such. But one of the nice things about being on the lake is that you can sit on your patio by the water, have breakfast outside, or bar b q, and enjoy beautiful views. Once you see it, you'll understand what I'm saying.

Many of the homes have "great rooms" and they leave their drapes open, if they have drapes, so they can enjoy the view from inside the kitchen and living area of the home.

When we first moved here, my wife said where are we going this year? I said why not stay home. This is better than most resorts and we don't have to pay extra. I got away with that for one year. The second year she wouldn't buy it.

It's resort living for sure. Especially you Lakefront folks. I'm enjoying just living in here.

[Captain Bill]

Originally Posted by sheena

It's resort living for sure. Especially you Lakefront folks. I'm enjoying just living in here.

One day when it gets warmer we'll have you and your family over to go cruise the lake with us.

[sablebaby]

Originally Posted by jessemh431

Thanks Bill. I really like that Val Vista Lake, but is there anywhere to go swimming in it? Can you jump off your party boat and go swimming?

I found this one on realtor.com that I like.
Single Family Home - Gilbert, AZ, 85234 - Realtor.com
Single Family Home - 1842 E WILLOW TREE CT, Gilbert, AZ, 85234 - Realtor.com
Single Family Home - Gilbert, AZ, 85234 - Realtor.com
Single Family Home - 1501 E CATAMARAN DR, Gilbert, AZ, 85234 - Realtor.com

Those aren't bad, but I've found the same or nicer lakefront properties in Arrowhead Lakes for the same price.

[Great Joy]

Another great place to consider is Blackstone in northern Peoria. It is a private country club and golf course resort community with custom homes. Here are some website links to info about it:

Blackstone's Website: Blackstone Country Club
General Info: Vistancia - The difference is real
Pictures: Vistancia - The difference is real

[Captain Bill]

Originally Posted by sablebaby

Those aren't bad, but I've found the same or nicer lakefront properties in Arrowhead Lakes for the same price.

I'm familiar with Arrowhead Lakes. I bought my boat from someone there and spent time on the section of the lake where the seller lived. If someone needs to live in that general area, I would recommend that area. If someone wants the east valley, I would recommend Val Vista Lakes.

I have to see each home before I can say that one lakefront property home is better than another one. Even within a given community, I have to see them.

[sheena]

Originally Posted by Captain Bill

One day when it gets warmer we'll have you and your family over to go cruise the lake with us.

Thank you Bill, I'm in The kids are old I'll bring the hubby only

[sheena]

Originally Posted by sablebaby

Those aren't bad, but I've found the same or nicer lakefront properties in Arrowhead Lakes for the same price.

I agree with Bill, for those folks in the NW it's Arrowhead Lakes for those in the SE it's Val Vista Lakes. I do lean more towards Val Vista Lakes though, mainly because of the Clubhouse with the Sandy beach and Dana Park Also I love the stretch of palm trees down Val Vista, very tropical looking.

[jessemh431]

So I was checking out homes in Arrowhead Lakes. I find it odd that lakefront properties are less than expensive than some non-lakefront properties (on the golf course, at the base of a mountain, in suburbia). Any theories as to why?