Living near a Light Rail stop in Tempe?

[observer53]

The neighborhoods along the easternmost Tempe stops are older ones. You need to do a little exploring, as some areas are better than others in terms of the quality of the housing and the neighborhood in general. Once you get closer to Mill, there are a mix of newer condos (some VERY pricey) and apartments, and older homes.

[ArizonaBear]

Originally Posted by observer53

The neighborhoods along the easternmost Tempe stops are older ones. You need to do a little exploring, as some areas are better than others in terms of the quality of the housing and the neighborhood in general. Once you get closer to Mill, there are a mix of newer condos (some VERY pricey) and apartments, and older homes.

There is an enclave built ca. 1950 (University Heights) between Dorsey/McClintock just N of Apache Blvd. Not fancy looking but 'feels' solid

[chandlerguy]

Apache blvd has lots of cheap hotels that rent hourly or by the month. Also check out the frat houses near the ASU stadium. They are all right next to the metro.

[chandlerguy]

Originally Posted by hootie

I would be alot more concerned about getting robbed than the summer heat. Other than Mill Ave, just drive by those stops and ask yourself if you'd feel comfortable walking alone in those areas? Plus its alot faster NOT to use the light rail. If it was underground and fast then it might be worth the risk, but in its current design, i wouldn't say so.

That goes double for walking there at night.

[chandlerguy]

Originally Posted by zenkonami

Reports of criminal danger around the light rail are blown well out of proportion. I've walked around many of those areas late at night numerous times, and though the neighborhoods can *feel* sketchy, I've never been bothered, nor have I ever witnessed anything that had me worried. Some people just think "poorer" areas are automatically crime infested ghettos without any point of reference.

I'm not saying it's 100% safe...I'm just saying that in over a decade in Phoenix, the only time I was ever a victim of crime was when someone broke into my car in a "safe" middle class neighborhood...

...check that...I did have a car stolen from Metro Center once. Otherwise, it is the exception, not the rule.

Some people run red lights and never get into a wreck.

[chandlerguy]

Originally Posted by silverbear

Ignore the light rail hatorade and don't discount the stops along Apache. There are new developments going in along that street near the Apache / Dorsey and Apache / McClintock stations. That part of Tempe has been run-down in the past but is rebounding nicely.

Those aren't new developments, they are foreclosed properties.