Possible job at pheonix intl airport (Phoenix, Scottsdale: apartment complex, condos, rental)

[tiger640]

Hi,

I might be getting a job as an A&P at phoenix intl. Been looking at maps on where to get an apartment that i wouldnt have to commute too far.
What is a good area to live where i dont have to commute too far but the crime rate is relatively safe. Since i live in Florida right now im used to completly flat areas (which i tired of), wondering what area might also have some terrain (basically a view if possible) I used to live in San Diego when i was younger and loved the way houses are built on sides of mountains or hills. Any apartment complexes that might have this type of terrain?

Thanks

[silverbear]

There are several new apartment complexes near the Tempe / Phoenix border -- along Washington and Van Buren in the vicinity of Center Parkway, Priest Drive, 52nd St., etc. Those would be a five or 10 minute drive from the airport and also situated along the light rail line currently under construction, allowing an easy way to get to either downtown Phoenix or downtown Tempe.

Apartment complexes built on hills are rare since most significant mountains are protected as part of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. Still, some of the areas mentioned above might give you a view of the Papago Buttes.

Other possibilities include Arcadia, which would be a short commute to the airport via 44th St. and might offer views of Camelback Mountain or Piestewa Peak, and the new apartment communities along Baseline Rd. from 24th St. to I-10, which would offer views of South Mountain.

If you want a view as if you were on top of a mountain, rather than a view of a mountain, then your best option is probably the various high-rise condos under construction in downtown Tempe. Those are pretty expensive, however, and probably not available as rentals.

[mhouse2001]

Great advice from Silverbear. The Van Buren/Priest area was the first area I thought of as well. I moved here from San Diego and I waited 2 months to get my apartment on a slight hillside with wraparound mountain views. It can be done! Remember: pick the top floor.

Most of the areas around the airport are NOT attractive. The airport sits on the banks of the perenially dry Salt River and there are many industrial areas around it. The area south of the river is a mixed bag as well. Further south in Phoenix towards South Mountain is a good choice too. Your commute would involve city streets and would avoid the very heavy traffic on I-10 going east and west. I think it would be easy to access the airport from there. Good luck.

[tiger640]

Hey thanks for the tips
I took your advise and looked around van buren/south mountain. South mountain area looked pretty nice and its not too far south of the airport.
I found some decent apartments S Pointe Pkwy, how is that area? Is it low on crime?
Thanks

[silverbear]

Originally Posted by tiger640

Hey thanks for the tips
I took your advise and looked around van buren/south mountain. South mountain area looked pretty nice and its not too far south of the airport.
I found some decent apartments S Pointe Pkwy, how is that area? Is it low on crime?
Thanks

That's near a resort called the Pointe South Mountain. It's a pretty upscale area with nice scenery and good hiking opportunities. I'm not 100% sure about crime there. It's not a blighted area with gangs and graffiti, but burglaries are not unheard of there (or anywhere else in the area). I think it would be okay, but you'll want to exercise normal urban precautions in terms of keeping doors locked and paying for an alarm service if available.

[silverbear]

Originally Posted by tiger640

Hi,

I might be getting a job as an A&P at phoenix intl.

By the way, I didn't think of this when I first replied, but the airport here is seldom known as "Phoenix International Airport." To locals, it's just "Sky Harbor." I point this out just in case it comes up in a job interview.

[tiger640]

By the way, I didn't think of this when I first replied, but the airport here is seldom known as "Phoenix International Airport." To locals, it's just "Sky Harbor." I point this out just in case it comes up in a job interview.

LOL, good looking out. Been looking more around the Vanburen, Mcdowell, area. Plenty of apartments with a wider range to choose from then south mountain. Thing is, its probably more congested than south mountain area, correct? Would crime be alright in these areas?

[sablebaby]

Crime would most likely be a lot more near there than SM.

[silverbear]

Originally Posted by tiger640

LOL, good looking out. Been looking more around the Vanburen, Mcdowell, area. Plenty of apartments with a wider range to choose from then south mountain. Thing is, its probably more congested than south mountain area, correct? Would crime be alright in these areas?

Congestion -- That's hard to say. Phoenix has such a low population density compared to other cities around the world that no area is truly congested, although the freeways certainly seem that way at rush hour. That being said, I do think that South Mountain would give you more of a sense of desert scenery than other areas.

Crime -- Van Buren, Washington, and McDowell are dodgy west of 44th St. Proceeding east of 44th toward Tempe and Scottsdale they improve substantially.

My quick assessment of the pros and cons of these sites:

Pointe South Mountain -- desert scenery, walk to hiking trails and golf

Van Buren / Washington -- closer to airport, walk to light rail stop (McDowell is also close to the airport, but too far north for light rail)