$800-1000/month for housing. Where should I look? (Phoenix, Glendale: apartments, to rent)

[defdrago]

I'm sure this question gets asked a million times, and while I have taken a lot of time to read the forum, the answer usually sparks another debate that takes off for a few pages, and to be honest, I don't have very long before I have to make my move to Phoenix.

I'm in Detroit currently and moving to Phoenix by mid-October to start a new job. The job is on the border between Glendale and Phoenix. I don't mind a bit of a drive (20-30 minutes perhaps?) and I want to live somewhere safe and nice. I am bringing my fiance, afterall, and I don't want to be worried about her if she gets home from work before me or something of that nature. From reading the forum I've gathered that the following places are considered to be nice, correct me if I'm wrong:

Scottsdale
Moon Valley
Peoria
Sun City (maybe?)
Paradise Valley

I found what I thought to be a great condo in Maryvale, but was pleased to discover that it is referred to as "Scaryvale" due to its high crime? Wow, no thanks. So, please, if you could, offer me some places so I can narrow down my search. We are looking to rent a condo or a nice apartment, if that helps.

Thank you so much for any and all advice.

Edit: I wanted to add that you don't need to come in and defend your neighborhood, I'm really not trying to insult anyone. Please no "It's not THAT bad." I don't want anything that needs to be defended in that manner. Thank you.

[Rick Lee]

Peoria might be ok for you. Never heard of Moon Valley. The others you mentioned are gonna be a tough commute. And Paradise Valley is the Beverly Hills of Phoenix - big bucks.

[sablebaby]

Are you looking for an apt, condo, or house? You can find condos in that range and some homes, but they get pricier the nicer the area.

PV would HAVE to be the PV Mall area, and yes you can find condos and apts there, but not many homes (at least in the nicer areas).

Moon Valley is nice and the homes are bigger, so I'm sure the prices would be much higher.

Scottsdale is higher but mostly your range would be deeper in the southern areas. You can find some apts in your range if you're ok with a one bedroom.

Sun City- ONLY if you're 55+ years old.

[murphy2823]

I think you could find plenty at that price... it's easier for me to suggest zip codes so here goes... check out 85382, 85310, 85308 this is arrowhead mall area and is pretty safe.

I would also suggest 85050 in North Phoenix: it's the Desert Ridge Area.

The safest zip codes I can suggest is 85255, 85260, 85258, 85250 these are all Scottsdale areas, but all are close to the freeway (101).

[defdrago]

Thank you very much for the input. Between this and reading the Stickied thread I have decided on Arrowhead. I have called several apartments and set up tours in the area. I suppose I will be getting a hotel while I try to find an apartment.

Thank you for the help!

[chandler-ana]

paradise valley is good but the rest all have some good areas and some bad areas.

peoria has a nice section and it has a gang section.

sun city is mostly retirement people and dodging gof carts during rush hour might not be too fun.

theres a fairly nice area around 43rd ave & olive i believe.
probably very convenient for your work and reasonable costs

is that alhambra ? i'm not sure what district that is ... but you want to check it out in person cuz a lil to the left or right, maybe not so nice.

but thats how most of the valley is.

how far north is your job ? do you know the crossstreeets ?

[chandler-ana]

Originally Posted by defdrago

Thank you very much for the input. Between this and reading the Stickied thread I have decided on Arrowhead. I have called several apartments and set up tours in the area. I suppose I will be getting a hotel while I try to find an apartment.

Thank you for the help!

very good choice.

[sablebaby]

Originally Posted by defdrago

Thank you very much for the input. Between this and reading the Stickied thread I have decided on Arrowhead. I have called several apartments and set up tours in the area. I suppose I will be getting a hotel while I try to find an apartment.

Thank you for the help!

Arrowhead = Excellent choice!

[wbproperties]

Peoria is a nice area price effective and easy commute!
Craiglist.com has a ton of homes and pictures of homes to rent in that price range. I post there and shop there as well.

[griebelh]

I moved from Michigan to N. Scottsdale (85260) a few months ago. I go jogging at night, anywhere from 8-10 pm.. never have had a problem. ..rent is $800 for a remodeled 1 bd/1 bath... 2 pools, 2 hot tubs.. close to freeway.

If you want more info, message me.