W. Palm Beach to Scottsdale in May (Mesa, Fountain Hills: house, condos)

[Lauriec620]

Reading through all these threads could make anyone question the decision to move to PHX, but I don't think anything could shock me after 20 years in S. Florida. Looking for change of scene, nice people, (they don't have those here), and some new friends. I'm an empty nester, by myself, am hoping for a transfer to the PHX office of my company, but if I don't get one I'm coming anyway and will job hunt when I get there (corporate communications). I'm a little worried about buying in Scottsdale. Everybody is saying not to buy in S. Scottsdale but N. is astronomical. People are also warning about condo conversions and shoddy construction. What about Fountain Hills? Planning to come in March to scope out the place a little more. Anyplace I should focus on? Also, will it be hard for a single lady in mid-life to make friends and meet people? It's one of the hardest things to do in S. FL.

[sablebaby]

Fountain Hills could be a great choice. It will put you close to Scottsdale and most will say it's a good community. I can say that it is a nice looking place and a bit different than most places around here.

The question is how much can you afford? That will decide where you can look and not to look.

I think you will be able to find some friends. It just depends on how outgoing you are. If you have a personable personality you will do fine. You will find a lot of people out here will keep to themselves and not interact with others. So, if you don't act like that you will find friends. I think we are used to others being the same as us, so it gets difficult to make friends. Not that we are all like that! Phx is known for people pulling their cars into their garage, closing the door, and never seeing them again. I admit I do that as well. I guess after dealing with traffic I just don't feel like being around others (not that there is anyone outside anyway to talk to). But some communities are better than others. If you see a lot of neighbors outside doing things then that's a good sign. But I believe if someone puts out the effort then someone will respond (eventually)

[Steve-o]

Fountain Hills probably offers the best views in the area, IMO. But I found it dreadfully boring, the fountain was about the only exciting thing in town (other than the drug-head that was bothering us while we were sitting along the lake watching the fountain). Saguaro Lake is nearby which is pretty nice to cruise on and Scottsdale isnt too terribly far away and has LOTS more to do.

Be prepared for super hot summers w/ little cloud cover and almost no rain and chilly winter nights with some possible snow. Itll be quite different than your S. Florida lifestyle.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

Fountain Hills probably offers the best views in the area, IMO. But I found it dreadfully boring, the fountain was about the only exciting thing in town (other than the drug-head that was bothering us while we were sitting along the lake watching the fountain). Saguaro Lake is nearby which is pretty nice to cruise on and Scottsdale isnt too terribly far away and has LOTS more to do.

Be prepared for super hot summers w/ little cloud cover and almost no rain and chilly winter nights with some possible snow. Itll be quite different than your S. Florida lifestyle.

Estrella Mountain Ranch is prettier than Fountain Hills, but I would never recommend it for a single person. Too out there. I would consider Ahwahtukee apartments/condos. A reasonable cental location. You can get to Scottsdale and Shea (night life area) pretty easily and the prices are probably better.

[Lauriec620]

Great info, thank you! Blindingly hot summers I'm used to; factor in high humidity and I think it's worse here. Chilly winter nights means sweaters and not having to run the AC! It was 49 degrees here last night and everyone threw open their windows in sheer delight.

So I will definitely look in Fountain Hills and I'm hearing parts of Mesa are pretty nice too. I don't want to spend more than 300K, so maybe I'll be OK in those areas?

[sablebaby]

Mesa may be too far for you to commute to Scottsdale. It's always best to as close to work as possible. There are some great places to live in the north Phx area that would be a great commute to scottsdale.

[SpeedyAZ]

Fountain Hills is my favorite city in Arizona. It has stunning views, low crime, and a short commute to Scottsdale. $300,000 will get you a nice condo there, maybe even one with a view of the fountain. This is probably your best bet, just stay away from S. Scottsdale.

Central Scottsdale is a great place and more affordable than North. It has a bunch homes built in the 80's and early 90's. But I'd still take Fountain Hills...

[Lauriec620]

I will definitely spend some time in Fountain Hills when I come in March!

I got an email from a realtor today who said that there are great deals for new construction in Mesa. But new construction sorta scares me. It never ends up to be what it's cracked up to be.

I'm definitely leaning toward the townhouse/villa/patio home direction. The idea of maintaining a single family detached by myself makes me nauseous.

I realize that I have a lot to learn before I make the actual move!

[sablebaby]

A condo in Fountain Hills in your price range will put you in a nice place! That would be a very nice set-up. Definitely sounds good to me!

[irwin]

Originally Posted by azsummer2003

Hey Sable,

I have a home in Scottsdale and a condo in West Palm. (I own properties in many different places). If you woul dlike to email me privately, I would be happy to tell you where I suggest for you to visit/live. If there is any possible way for you to keep a place in FL you may prefer to do that because it can get quite cold here in the winter. In fact, I am off to the SuperBowl this weekend and I am hoping for some decent weather as it's cold in AZ. My email address is AzSummer2003@aol.com

Cold? It's like 50 degrees outside?!?