Job relocating me to North Scottsdale.. Any advice appreciated (Paradise Valley: for rent, house)

[hamhock]

Hi everyone! I have just accepted a position that will be relocating me to North Scottsdale. The company is located in the 85260 zip code. (I believe this is North Scottsdale

I have actually NEVER been to AZ before but currently live in Southern Cali, in Studio City. Which is located in the valley and VERY hot in the summertime. This position is an opportunity of a lifetime so I could not pass it up.

I have been reading different postings and see that there is quite a bit of both negative and positive feedback about Scottsdale, it being snobby etc... Coming from LA I am not too worried about that aspect. I am more interested in where to live.

My boyfriend and I will be moving in October. We want an area that isn't too secluded or old. We are 28 and 30, and just don't want to live around a retirement community. We are looking to rent first before buying. Ideally we would like to rent a 2-3 bedroom house, with pool and garage. Our budget is up to $1800-$2000/month. We also have a 65 pound pit bull. Who is 5 years old and VERY NON-aggressive?

Any and all advice will help. I know that it is going to be harder because we have a dog and he is a pit bull. But I am sure that someone will be willing to rent to us.

I also don't want a long commute to my job. Thanks in advance for any and all advice!!!

[Elmonellie]

Hi and congratulations on the job!

I lived in Encino (in the hills) and know Studio City well. It used to get VERY hot in Encino in the summer...but the hot in Phx is here for a LONG time each year. You do get used to it.

I think you won't have ANY trouble finding a cute house and the dog won't be a problem. I have two bull terriers and have had a pit years ago. They are such sweet characters.

Look in the any North Scottsdale neighborhoods in your price range. I would tell you to avoid the "Paradise Valley Area", I don't want to offend anyone here, but that area can get dicey. It's in Phx proper, but some times you see it when you are looking for N. Scottsdale properties.

Look around Frank Lloyd Wright to the east of Scottsdale Road. Or the Kierland area.

Actually, I think you should look around Old Town Scottsdale. You could probably find a mid century, cool block house with a pool for that kind of rent. There are lots of people your age there and the drive wouldn't be bad at all.

Pretty much anything in North Scottsdale is okay. Most of it is not really "retirement", but if you renta a house with a pool, there will be kids around.

If you see some areas you need info on just ask and we will fill you in.

[hamhock]

Thanks so much for the info! And I commpletely agree with you, pit bulls can be beautiful dogs. As long as their owners don't make them mean. I kinda feel bad for him sometimes because he looks scary and all he wants is love

But I will definetly check out those places. I have been hearing about Old Town so it is defintely worth looking into. We don't mind kids around at all. We just didn't want to be surrounded by retires's. No offense to anyone

[sablebaby]

You have a great budget for renting in Scottsdale. I'd first look in your work zip code so you don't have much of a drive and then you can look further out as well.

Renting with a Pit Bull may very well be a problem. I completely understand how loving they can be and have nothing against them, but I have heard of landlords having a breed list of dogs they will not rent to. It's just something to be aware of and not surprised about.

You will find quite a few retirees in Scottsdale (and many other areas as well), so just be aware. Scottsdale costs more and the people who tend to have the money to live there are well off retirees. However, there are lots of families and "younger" people who live there as well. A pretty decent mix I guess. The nicest thing about Scottsdale is that it's kept really nice and clean ($$). There are a ton of other great things about it though. I love Scottsdale!

[Finger Laker]

i have coworkers of around that age who live near the desert ridge area - would be an easy commute to N. Scottsdale and very close to a lot of activities