Moving to Phoenix next summer. Homes not in a HOA? (Chandler: rent, house)

[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by LBTRS

Huh? You're a bit out of touch with the rest of the valley. There are a TON of single family homes to be had in newer/nicer HOA neighborhoods in that range. You need to get out of Scottsdale more and see what the real world looks like.

No thanks. But seriously, it's not just Scottsdale. $225k doesn't buy much in Tempe, Chandler or Gilbert either. Maybe out on the outskirts it does.

[LBTRS]

Originally Posted by DetroitN8V

No thanks. But seriously, it's not just Scottsdale. $225k doesn't buy much in Tempe, Chandler or Gilbert either. Maybe out on the outskirts it does.

Considering that is the median home price in the valley there is plenty out there in that range.

[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by LBTRS

Considering that is the median home price in the valley there is plenty out there in that range.

Have a look for yourself. They are either gut jobs, too small for a family or out on the outskirts.

[LBTRS]

Originally Posted by DetroitN8V

Have a look for yourself. They are either gut jobs, too small for a family or out on the outskirts.

The "outskirts" are heaven to me and my family. You can keep those congested busy areas too yourself.

I went to a seminar in Scottsdale at the Fiesta Bowl Museum a couple weeks ago and couldn't get out of that place fast enough. I'll save some money and take living in the outskirts.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by DetroitN8V

No thanks. But seriously, it's not just Scottsdale. $225k doesn't buy much in Tempe, Chandler or Gilbert either. Maybe out on the outskirts it does.

Your definition of "much" may well not fit that of a lot of other people. I've done searches in those places, and they aren't all "gut jobs", etc. It's a simple fact that what wouldn't work for you as far as where you want to live and what you want in a house works fine for lots of other people.

[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by LBTRS

The "outskirts" are heaven to me and my family. You can keep those congested busy areas too yourself.

I went to a seminar in Scottsdale at the Fiesta Bowl Museum a couple weeks ago and couldn't get out of that place fast enough. I'll save some money and take living in the outskirts.

Great story. Thanks.

[Finger Laker]

You can get a nice hinge in that range and be closer than Gilbert or Chandler

[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by observer53

Your definition of "much" may well not fit that of a lot of other people. I've done searches in those places, and they aren't all "gut jobs", etc. It's a simple fact that what wouldn't work for you as far as where you want to live and what you want in a house works fine for lots of other people.

I guess it depends on what the OP wants and is willing to deal with. Most single families in that price range were in terrible condition or tiny. No one wants to move here for subpar housing but people tend to over estimate the affordability of the valley. Housing in the more desirable areas is pricier than people seem to think.

[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by Finger Laker

You can get a nice hinge in that range and be closer than Gilbert or Chandler

Probably a bit more than just a hinge but still.

[Disabledveteran1]

I was stationed at Fort Bliss before I got out. Wife wanted to try out AZ because it was close by and her brother lives here. Well after spending several thousands to move here, all her brother wanted her for was to babysit... Also we rented in Maricopa which to be honest is the same as any other neighborhood in Phoenix with a catch. Cheaper rent but astronomical prices on utilities. And to top it off, it's a 16 mile trip to get to i-10. Every morning I see literally the whole city leaving to work somewhere else because the only jobs here are retail.

I'll be moving once my lease is up but not sure if I'm going back to my beloved 5 acre property in Missouri where I could go in the back patio and shoot my guns. I could park my 20" enclosed trailer anywhere I wanted and be in "my" house. Only difference between AZ and where my house is, located, pretty much jobs and shopping. I'm still thinking if I'll be purchasing a house here. Most definitely it'd be in Queen Creek, Gilbert or Tempe. Price range for what I want, around $350k. Anything less than $300k, you won't be able to find a decent Non-hoa house. Most HOA houses range up to $300k unless it's a mansion.

Don't listen to what most people will tell you... It's hot here for around 6-7 months, 3-4 months of those in the 100's every day. In the winter it does get cold, in the 30's. Traffic is terrible, especially when idiots drive on the left lane only. Taxes are higher than El Paso, each city has their own tax rate which most are close to 10% on purchases. If you want to rent, you will need at least $1500-$2000 a month not to include utilities. Realtors are *******s and entitled, most won't reply back to you. Most houses have several pending applications the first day they hit the market.
All this info is firsthand experience. Not sugar coating anything. Ignore all those HOA maps people post all the time, they're worthless. The best way to look for non-hoa houses is to zoom in a city you're interested, if the neighborhood looks like dominos, it's HOA. If the houses don't look the same and the neighborhood properties look bigger Non-hoa.

People will always flame...they usually come from Cali where everything is so overpriced, AZ looks like a safe heaven. If you are from anywhere else with some common sense, you will quickly realize it's not like everyone pictures it.