Relocating for job in 85015 (Phoenix: apartment, for rent, home)

[locolobo13]

Many years ago I checked out the Hawthorne for a new employee who was moving from TN. The place looked pretty nice. The new employee liked her apt. Pass by it every once in a while. On the outside it still looks the same. Good luck.

[azfrbe]

If you are working in the Christown Mall area then have you considered commuting by light rail? It literally runs right to it. Then you could just find any apt that looks good on the light rail line...Downtown or Midtown would take you 15-25 min. I really wouldn't want to live close to the Christown Mall area but I know everyone's comfort levels are different.

[Lexethan]

Thanks for all the advice! I've heard good things about the Arcadia area. Any thoughts? I'm looking into the following apartments: The Dakota at Camelback, Monterra, Indigo Palms, and Arcadia Cove (from closest to furthest). I'm leaning towards The Dakota as it's the closest and close the great shopping and eateries. Arcadia Cove looks nice and modern. They're all gated, which is nice. Any thoughts? Is the driving reasonable? Google estimates driving ranges from 14 to 17 minutes.

Thanks.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by Lexethan

Thanks for all the advice! I've heard good things about the Arcadia area. Any thoughts? I'm looking into the following apartments: The Dakota at Camelback, Monterra, Indigo Palms, and Arcadia Cove (from closest to furthest). I'm leaning towards The Dakota as it's the closest and close the great shopping and eateries. Arcadia Cove looks nice and modern. They're all gated, which is nice. Any thoughts? Is the driving reasonable?

Thanks.

It's at least partially a reverse commute from Arcadia, you have to go out of your way to get on a freeway, so you would be looking at surface streets. I wouldn't go that far just to live in an apt in Arcadia vs Central Phoenix, and I'd rather be near the light rail than setting myself up to drive everywhere, but that's up to you. I don't have any personal knowledge of the apartment complexes, but EDIT: looking up the Dakota, that's not Arcadia, that's Biltmore. That makes it a better drive. I would not go further east than that, it's an easy drive to any restaurant in Arcadia when you want to go there.

[Lexethan]

Originally Posted by observer53

It's at least partially a reverse commute from Arcadia, you have to go out of your way to get on a freeway, so you would be looking at surface streets. I wouldn't go that far just to live in an apt in Arcadia vs Central Phoenix, and I'd rather be near the light rail than setting myself up to drive everywhere, but that's up to you. I don't have any personal knowledge of the apartment complexes, but EDIT: looking up the Dakota, that's not Arcadia, that's Biltmore. That makes it a better drive. I would not go further east than that, it's an easy drive to any restaurant in Arcadia when you want to go there.

You're right, the Dakota is in Biltmore. Thanks for the advice, I'll check out The Hawthorne and The Dakota. I'm not familiar with public transit and unless it pull up in front of my place I don't think it's feasible and safe at the odd hours I work.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by Lexethan

You're right, the Dakota is in Biltmore. Thanks for the advice, I'll check out The Hawthorne and The Dakota. I'm not familiar with public transit and unless it pull up in front of my place I don't think it's feasible and safe at the odd hours I work.

The area around the Dakota is more appealing than the Central Phoenix area where the Hawthorne is. if you are working odd hours, driving can be a better option (and I'm a big public transit fan).

[EmikoNiwa]

As I am sure you know, staying near Indian School Road is your best bet. XD Even if the commute is not 15 minutes I would say you'll find plenty of decent areas and housing from about 44th to Central, and from Camelback to Thomas rd.

I grew up in Old Town Scottsdale and moved to Phoenix (Arcadia area) as an adult. Central/Old Town Scottsdale can be nice and in your price point depending on how upscale you're trying to be (around 85251). There is plenty of reasonable Scottsdale housing near Camelback and Hayden. South Scottsdale is more affordable but also has fewer amenities than Old Town. On the upside South Scottsdale is closer to Tempe. Where the cheaper drinks are. lol

But, bless my city's heart, Scottsdale has been gentrified to Upscale Basic *****. I would suggest looking in the Arcadia area if you want more spice. The area I lived in was 85015. Which was close to more independent shops like La Grande Orange (LGO), Poor Little Rich Girl, Post, Over Easy, and other independent and non-chain stores. Phoenix is also more liberal than reserved Scottsdale.

On the other hand Scottsdale Rd from about Osborn to Camelback is SUPER hard to beat with convenience. I've walked from Osborn Hospital, to CVS for my prescription, and then walked home. It' also eating row with almost every type of cuisine, art walks, and other things in window-shopping distance to each other. So it can be a toss-up of how much you love being able to go to a game, and then cross the street to the hospital, then do a leap to the Civic center library (Which is kitty-corner to the Cop-Shop and Justice buildings).

[Lexethan]

Originally Posted by EmikoNiwa

As I am sure you know, staying near Indian School Road is your best bet. XD Even if the commute is not 15 minutes I would say you'll find plenty of decent areas and housing from about 44th to Central, and from Camelback to Thomas rd.

I grew up in Old Town Scottsdale and moved to Phoenix (Arcadia area) as an adult. Central/Old Town Scottsdale can be nice and in your price point depending on how upscale you're trying to be (around 85251). There is plenty of reasonable Scottsdale housing near Camelback and Hayden. South Scottsdale is more affordable but also has fewer amenities than Old Town. On the upside South Scottsdale is closer to Tempe. Where the cheaper drinks are. lol

But, bless my city's heart, Scottsdale has been gentrified to Upscale Basic *****. I would suggest looking in the Arcadia area if you want more spice. The area I lived in was 85015. Which was close to more independent shops like La Grande Orange (LGO), Poor Little Rich Girl, Post, Over Easy, and other independent and non-chain stores. Phoenix is also more liberal than reserved Scottsdale.

On the other hand Scottsdale Rd from about Osborn to Camelback is SUPER hard to beat with convenience. I've walked from Osborn Hospital, to CVS for my prescription, and then walked home. It' also eating row with almost every type of cuisine, art walks, and other things in window-shopping distance to each other. So it can be a toss-up of how much you love being able to go to a game, and then cross the street to the hospital, then do a leap to the Civic center library (Which is kitty-corner to the Cop-Shop and Justice buildings).

Very helpful. Thanks! What do you think about the Dakota apartments? Is within walkable distance to any popular shops/hang out area?

[phx1205]

Originally Posted by Lexethan

Very helpful. Thanks! What do you think about the Dakota apartments? Is within walkable distance to any popular shops/hang out area?

I don't have any specific knowledge of the Dakota apartments, but that is a great location. From there you can actually walk to the Town and Country shops (LA Fitness, Whole Foods, Trader Joes, and some restaurants). And you are only 2 miles down Campbell from Postinos and the other restaurants on 40th St to ride your bike or drive to.

[The_Cadillac_Lawyer]

PHX traffic is a bear. Traveling 5 miles on surface streets can take up to 25 minutes during peak times. I would suggest living in the same zip as your job. The light rail would definitely be ideal