Summer Home, Maricopa or Queen Creek, AZ (Phoenix, Mesa: foreclosures, gated)

[DAWNMOONE]

I am yet another Canadian wanting to spend my winters in Arizona. I can't afford Mesa. I have been to Maricopa (dessert passage) and Queen Creek (johnston ranch), they are reasonable and offer a community option (pool, walking paths ect..) which I love. But I am worried about these fissures which I have read and heard so much about. I think Maricopa is safer (or is there such a thing)?
I would love some advise. I am not concerned with commutes, I like being "out of town" I worry about being safe and not buying something that is going to fall into the earth Anyone that lives in the area, I would love to hear back from you! Thanks in advance for the advise Jennifer

[altus2006]

There are a lot of nice condos and apartments that rent to snowbirds in the winter, so you don't have to be worried about break-ins when you are not here.

I wouldn't buy in either place you have mentioned and let the house sit for long periods of time unwatched.

altus2006

[DAWNMOONE]

Good point. I should maybe look into gated community or have the property managed while I am away. THanks for the reply!

[altus2006]

My post isn't very clear so decided to redo it. My thoughts are that if you are going to just be here a short time each year, why don't you just rent something and not buy until things settle down here? The two areas that you have suggested are full of foreclosures and empty houses, which is not conducive to great appreciation anytime soon.

By renting when you want to come out, you don't have to worry about your house sitting empty or the Phoenix economy causing you to lose money on the investment.

Since you have indicated that you cannot afford Mesa, I assume that you are not loaded with cash, so renting in a nice area may be the safest way for you to go financially.

There is a recent thread in this forum about houses in the area which would be a good read for anyone thinking about buying in Maricopa.

altus2006

[DAWNMOONE]

Thanks. I have read alot on Maricopa and feel better educated, even Queen Creek.
I am young. I have rented in Mesa, been down a few times now and decided that there is no better place to be (great golfing) I will be there for 6mos/yr. I think its a good investment considering that the market is likely not going (i doubt it CAN go) any lower. $100-150k ??? I can't even buy a den (bachelor) apartment for that here, so I don't see the risk.
Further thoughts?
Thx for the email.

[gooch1962]

We are also from the Vancouver area and are looking to buy in the Arizona area, we have been thinking Maricopa but are now leaning towards Suprise, a little more money but a little more established area. We are also looking to leave the house empty for 6 months and are a little concerned.

[mattyk]

i would take queen creek because than your not too far away from civilization and QC dont have to much of a crime rate.

[JDish2000]

Originally Posted by gooch1962

We are also from the Vancouver area and are looking to buy in the Arizona area, we have been thinking Maricopa but are now leaning towards Suprise, a little more money but a little more established area. We are also looking to leave the house empty for 6 months and are a little concerned.

In these retirement communities:

Sun City Grand (Surprise)

Arizona Traditions (Surprise)

Sun Village (Surprise)

Sun City Festival (Buckeye)

Westbrook Village (Peoria)

Vantana Lakes (Peoria)

Corde Bella

Sun City

Sun City West

You will find a ton of seniors that will watch your house for you as they are year round residents versus snow birds (a lot are former snow birds).

Hope this helps...

[61scout80]

Originally Posted by mattyk

i would take queen creek because than your not too far away from civilization and QC dont have to much of a crime rate.

has the road into queen creek been improved yet? i was down there a few months ago and it was still a 2 lane bumper to bumper nightmare. I went down to take one last look before finalizing my home purchase here in maricopa, and i didn't even make it past the walgreens before i had enough of the traffic. I can't imagine the nightmare its going to cause for the people of johnson ranch when construction starts on the hunt highways.

Originally Posted by DAWNMOONE

Thanks. I have read alot on Maricopa and feel better educated, even Queen Creek.
I am young. I have rented in Mesa, been down a few times now and decided that there is no better place to be (great golfing) I will be there for 6mos/yr. I think its a good investment considering that the market is likely not going (i doubt it CAN go) any lower. $100-150k ??? I can't even buy a den (bachelor) apartment for that here, so I don't see the risk.
Further thoughts?
Thx for the email.

the houses won't go lower than what it costs to build them. I think the best time to buy a home is when you feel the price is the lowest it can get, or when you know the house is the one you want for a long time. personally i feel we are close to the bottom, and we really won't know we hit bottom until the prices rise.

[MVD]

Just make sure you work with a Realtor who knows both areas really well. A lot of our clients are misinformed when they begin looking for properties, which is normal, but make sure you see out professional advice. Also, there are a lot of property management companies in the valley, and in my experience representing both tenants and investors, there are a lot of good companies and a lot of bad ones. Make sure you're getting all the info you need before making this investment.

Also, what part of Canada are you from? I'm a Montana girl myself.