Seattle to Phoenix (Scottsdale, Tempe, Fountain Hills: real estate market, to rent, condominium)

[seattlepeanut]

Hi, all -

Would love some help here. My boyfriend and I will be moving from Seattle to the Phoenix area in May. We have both secured jobs in middle of Phoenix. We are so tired of the rain and clouds in Seattle, and like it hot, hot, hot so we are very excited about the move.

We have visted the greater Phoenix area several times (even in the dead of August!) and really liked a couple areas - Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, and Tempe. We are in our mid-upper 30's, no kids and no plans for kids, and looking for an area with moderate nightlife, safe, artsy community feel were we can walk to coffee in the morning and has great restaurants (wine bars are a serious plus)!

Ideas on area's to purchase/rent (we may wait to purchase for a bit given this crazy real estate market!)? Also, ideas on how to incorporate ourselves into the community quickly? We have always found the people in Arizona sooo more friendly than in Seattle ...

[sberdrow]

I moved here after living in Portland for most of my life (with a small stay in Texas and Colorado). This desert beauty is beyond my expectations. Cant stand anymore 9 month periods of clouds and drizzle. I agree that the people of Seattle are unfriendly, as well as the people of colorado. I like AZ folks much more. Maybe being warm, makes people more friendly. I am going to rent also for about a year. Let my house money sit in the bank and make 4 percent or something. Better than losing 20 percent of the equity in this crazy market. The way its going, Ill be able to find a 3 bedroom, 1800 sq ft home in a nicer community for under 150K. But for now, Im gonna let someone else mow the lawn. I am nervous about the heat. I did however spend 5 months of intense heat in Austin Texas with its miserable humidity, and Ive lived to tell about it. I also lived in the deserts of California. So Ill just slop on the sunscreen, park in the shade, keep the AC running 24/7 and P R E Y. Oregon: 9 months of cloudy drizzle: Colorado: 6 months or more of Dry cold and snow, the painfull cold that makes your ears hurt bad, and makes your nose bleed. Austin: 5-6 months of miserable heat/flash floods, and humidity, or Phoenix, 4 months of intense oven like death. NO matter where you go (except of San Deigo maybe), the weather is gonna suck for part of the year.

Im renting in the East Vally. You can find great deals under 800 for a 2 bedroom with washer and dryer. Such a deal.

[silverbear]

Walkability will be your biggest challenge. Despite its many assets, Phoenix offers fewer walkable neighborhoods than Seattle. I'd suggest you immediately take Fountain Hills off your list. It's a nice looking suburb, but I was there earlier today for a hike and can confirm that the entire town is designed for the car. As for Scottsdale, the Old Town area from around Osborn up to Chaparral is walkable and their are a lot of new condominium developments going up in the area. Tempe is a walkable area in its Downtown near Mill Avenue. Don't discount the City of Phoenix itself. You might enjoy the Kierland area, which is a portion of northeast Phoenix on the Scottsdale border. If you're really into urban living and don't mind a little pioneering adventure, you might also look into the various townhouse and high-rise developments in Downtown Phoenix. DT Phoenix is still a work in progress compared to Scottsdale and Tempe, but I think it ultimately holds the greatest potential for a walkable neighborhood.

[scottie]

I agree with silverbear about walkability. Not many people walk to certain places. There are not many places to walk around but I think with what youre describing, Scottsdale seems best.

[seattlepeanut]

Thank you all -- I think Scottsdale sounds like the best fit. Visiting this weekend so we will check out housing around there.

[RCR]

Don't forget to consider your commute time when you are looking at housing. If you check the drive time during your visit this weekend you can double that time to get your rush hour drive time.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by seattlepeanut

Thank you all -- I think Scottsdale sounds like the best fit. Visiting this weekend so we will check out housing around there.

Try and find an area near Old Town (Scottsdale Rd and Indian School Rd area). There are lots of art galleries there, some wine bars, nightclubs, etc. Best spot in the Valley, IMO.

[IMoveU]

I agree...and only a 20min or so drive to dtPhx! Old town Scottsdale is really cool. You might check out downtown Tempe also...lot's of neat condos avail, under const or coming soon, close to the airport, dtPhx AND old town Scottsdale!

[Beena]

You will love it here!! The outdoor life is phenomenal! I moved here after 22 years in Colorado and 4 years in Spokane, and have loved every day of my 14 years here.

[Phoenician55]

Hey there! I have lived in Scottsdale all my life. I love it, but I am actually trying to move to Portland. Funny-we want what we don't have. I like downtown Scottsdale, but wouldn't want to live there. It is always CRAZY busy and not as kept up as other areas. I live in North Scottsdale, by Desert Ridge and love it. Everything is booming and with the 101 it is really easy to get around. Just beware, you are going to see a lot of plastic, if you know what I mean.